Billiard University (BU) playing-ability-exam scores and ratings

i took the second test today. i did the masters. ended up with a 136 total. stop laughing at me.
Good job. Thank you for posting.

Please edit your post or create another post listing the scores on each exam for future reference.

Also, when you get a chance, please also post a 10-ball-ghost score and your table measurements.

And if and when you improve your scores in the future (on either exam), please post your new total (with the best exam scores to date listed separately). Also try to posts videos in the future if that is possible for you.

Thanks again,
Dave

Here are the latest updated results:

AZB'ers who have taken the BU playing-ability exams:

BU score - User - BU Rating, 10-ball ghost rating - table size, corner pocket mouth, throat, shelf - Video/post links:

168 - Gerry Williams - semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
164 - theUBC - semi pro (A++/AAA), ??? - 9', 4 1/2", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" - Exam I, Exam II
161 - Gerry Williams - semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
160 - dr_dave - semi pro (A++/AAA), 68 (A++) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
160 - scottjen26 - semi pro (A++/AAA), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
159 - Gerry Williams - adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
157 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
157 - scottjen26 - adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (AZB post)
156 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
156 - Gerry Williams - adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
152 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
149 - scottjen26 - adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
148 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
146 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) - 7', 4 1/2", 4 1/2", 3/4" - AZB post
142 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I, Exam II
141 - 12squared - adv-3 (A+/A); 78 (Pro) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - AZB post
141 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 3 1/2", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
136 - bowiebill - adv-2 (A-/B+), ??? - ??? - AZB post
135 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
135 - dr_dave - adv-2 (A-/B+), 54 (B+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I, Exam II
133 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, Exam II
132 - Gerry Williams - adv-2 (A-/B+), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II (part 1, part 2)
132 - BRussell - adv-2 (A-/B+), 51 (B+) - 8', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/2" - Exam I, Exam II
129 - Spimp13 - adv-2 (A-/B+), ??? - ??? - AZB post
127 - Okie - adv-2 (A-/B+), 61 (A+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
127 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, AZB post
124 - StraightPoolIU - adv-1 (B/B-), 50 (B) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" - AZB post
124 - JC - adv-1 (B/B-), 57 (A) - 9', 4 7/16", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam 1, Exam 2
121 - TheOneGnat - adv-1 (B/B-), 51 (B+) - 8', 4 1/2", 4", 1 5/8" - AZB post and update
119 - Mooneye - adv-1 (B/B-), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, Exam II
117 - RobMan - adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) - 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" - AZB post
113 - Eagleshot - adv-1 (B/B-), 48 (B) - 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" - PM
112 - gregcantrall adv-1 (B/B-), ??? - 8', 4 3/8", 4 1/8", 1" - AZB post
112 - Okie - adv-1 (B/B-), 61 (A+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
112 - RobMan - adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) - 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" - AZB post
108 - row21097 - int-3 (B-/C+), 57 (A) - 9', 4 1/2”, 4”, 1 1/2” - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2, part 3), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
106 - StraightPoolIU - int-3 (B-/C+), 50 (B) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" - AZB post
102 - Okie - int-3 (B-/C+), 52 (B+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
101 - 67tbird - int-3 (B-/C+), 46 (B) - 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" - AZB post
98 - Eagleshot - int-3 (B-/C+), 48 (B) - 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" - PM
92 - 67tbird - int-2 (C+/C), 34 (D+) - 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" - AZB post
90 - EagleEye - int-2 (C+/C), ??? - 9', 5", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" - 2013 BU Summer School Boot Camp
89 - mamics - int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
88 - DrGonzo - int-2 (C+/C), 47 (B) - 9', 4.5", 4", 1.5" - AZB post
87 - iusedtoberich - int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) - 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
82 - krupa - int-2 (C+/C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
79 - krupa - int-2 (C+/C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
78 - iusedtoberich - int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) - 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
77 - mamics - int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
77 - SeanChamp - int-2 (C+/C), 29 (D) - 8', 4 1/2", ???, 1" - AZB post
72 - justadub - int-2 (C+/C), ??? - 9', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" - AZB post
68 - krupa - int-1 (C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
68 - pleforowicz - int-1 (C), 24 (D) - 9', 11.7cm, 9.2cm, 3.8cm - AZB Post
62 - mamics - int-1 (C), 20 (D) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
55 - mamics - int-1 (C), 20 (D) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
 
i haven't tried the ten ball ghost. ill try to do video if i can figure it out. for my combined score i used my second try at test 1 which was a 73 and my first try at test 2 which was a 63.

i took the test on my 9ft gold crown 3.
 
i did the 10 ball ghost. i only got out 1 time. my total points ended up at 4,4,5,8,3,5,10,5,5, and 9. so total is 58.

fwiw, i dont think that is a good measure of a player at all. i dont ever play 10 ball and rarely play nine ball so im at a pretty bad disadvantage. also, most of those racks i would have played defense by the second or third ball because of clusters that i didnt have a high enough percentage chance of breaking out while still having a shot.
 
i did the 10 ball ghost. i only got out 1 time. my total points ended up at 4,4,5,8,3,5,10,5,5, and 9. so total is 58.

fwiw, i dont think that is a good measure of a player at all. i dont ever play 10 ball and rarely play nine ball so im at a pretty bad disadvantage. also, most of those racks i would have played defense by the second or third ball because of clusters that i didnt have a high enough percentage chance of breaking out while still having a shot.

I shouldn't call it 10ball, maybe "Spread 10 balls and make a rotation runout". It's basically a test for positional (cue ball control) play, shotmaking and patterns, so I think it's accurate because pool is 90% that, at least in terms of offensive playing... offensive rotation is a very simple game that doesn't need a lot of knowledge or experience about this specific kind of game, just pocket the ball and play position for the next.
if not, how a very little 9ball experienced player (but great billiards player) like Torbjörn Blomdahl could win a 9ball match with Efren Reyes?
 
I shouldn't call it 10ball, maybe "Spread 10 balls and make a rotation runout". It's basically a test for positional (cue ball control) play, shotmaking and patterns, so I think it's accurate because pool is 90% that, at least in terms of offensive playing... offensive rotation is a very simple game that doesn't need a lot of knowledge or experience about this specific kind of game, just pocket the ball and play position for the next.
if not, how a very little 9ball experienced player (but great billiards player) like Torbjörn Blomdahl could win a 9ball match with Efren Reyes?

i understand what you are saying and i dont think my score is horrible but i think taking safety play out of the equation it is less realistic. what percent of the time do pros even run out in 10 ball?
 
"10 ball ghost drill" is perhaps technically better described as 'offensive rotation rating drill" ?

Agreed its not the same as playing '10-ball" - the drill synopsis does emphasise that its only rating offensive skills...

In any case I'd just be happy to be able to run out 1 rack against the ghost ! :-D

Cheers.

mamics <----- still searching for that elusive rack runout v's the ghost...
 
"10 ball ghost drill" is perhaps technically better described as 'offensive rotation rating drill" ?

Agreed its not the same as playing '10-ball" - the drill synopsis does emphasise that its only rating offensive skills...

In any case I'd just be happy to be able to run out 1 rack against the ghost ! :-D

Cheers.

mamics <----- still searching for that elusive rack runout v's the ghost...

a week ago, I did the first 4 games in a row (40 points)... and my final score was 56! frustrating
Playing at my top level, 2 or 3 runouts in 10 games is what I am able to do. I find it a really hard drill, and I think that if you improve with this, your overall pool skills raise a lot.
 
i did the 10 ball ghost. i only got out 1 time. my total points ended up at 4,4,5,8,3,5,10,5,5, and 9. so total is 58.
Thank you for posting this. I've added it to the list. When you get a chance, please also post your pocket measurements.

fwiw, i dont think that is a good measure of a player at all. i dont ever play 10 ball and rarely play nine ball so im at a pretty bad disadvantage. also, most of those racks i would have played defense by the second or third ball because of clusters that i didnt have a high enough percentage chance of breaking out while still having a shot.
I agree that 10 racks of 10-ball is not enough to get a representative score. There is too much variability from one rack to the next, and there is a luck factor involved.

A better approach is to do 30 racks and drop the 10 highest and 10 lowest scores. I think that would give a fairly representative score and rating.

I still think the BU Exams provide a better measure of overall playing ability because they test all important pool skills, and in a more methodical, thorough, and consistent way.

Regards,
Dave
 
The latest updated list is below.

For those of you who still have ???'s on your line, please post the missing info.

And if you still haven't posted a score, or if you have an improved score (on either exam) to report, please do so. Please also include video links if possible.

Good luck,
Dave

AZB'ers who have taken the BU playing-ability exams:

BU score - User - BU Rating, 10-ball ghost rating - table size, corner pocket mouth, throat, shelf - Video/post links:

168 - Gerry Williams - semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
164 - theUBC - semi pro (A++/AAA), ??? - 9', 4 1/2", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" - Exam I, Exam II
161 - Gerry Williams - semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
160 - dr_dave - semi pro (A++/AAA), 68 (A++) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
160 - scottjen26 - semi pro (A++/AAA), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
159 - Gerry Williams - adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
157 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
157 - scottjen26 - adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (AZB post)
156 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
156 - Gerry Williams - adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
152 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
149 - scottjen26 - adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
148 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
146 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) - 7', 4 1/2", 4 1/2", 3/4" - AZB post
142 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I, Exam II
141 - 12squared - adv-3 (A+/A); 78 (Pro) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - AZB post
141 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 3 1/2", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
136 - bowiebill - adv-2 (A-/B+), 58 (A) - 9', ??? - AZB post
135 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
135 - dr_dave - adv-2 (A-/B+), 54 (B+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I, Exam II
133 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, Exam II
132 - Gerry Williams - adv-2 (A-/B+), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II (part 1, part 2)
132 - BRussell - adv-2 (A-/B+), 51 (B+) - 8', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/2" - Exam I, Exam II
129 - Spimp13 - adv-2 (A-/B+), ??? - ??? - AZB post
127 - Okie - adv-2 (A-/B+), 61 (A+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
127 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, AZB post
124 - StraightPoolIU - adv-1 (B/B-), 50 (B) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" - AZB post
124 - JC - adv-1 (B/B-), 57 (A) - 9', 4 7/16", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam 1, Exam 2
121 - TheOneGnat - adv-1 (B/B-), 51 (B+) - 8', 4 1/2", 4", 1 5/8" - AZB post and update
119 - Mooneye - adv-1 (B/B-), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, Exam II
117 - RobMan - adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) - 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" - AZB post
113 - Eagleshot - adv-1 (B/B-), 48 (B) - 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" - PM
112 - gregcantrall adv-1 (B/B-), ??? - 8', 4 3/8", 4 1/8", 1" - AZB post
112 - Okie - adv-1 (B/B-), 61 (A+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
112 - RobMan - adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) - 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" - AZB post
108 - row21097 - int-3 (B-/C+), 57 (A) - 9', 4 1/2”, 4”, 1 1/2” - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2, part 3), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
106 - StraightPoolIU - int-3 (B-/C+), 50 (B) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" - AZB post
102 - Okie - int-3 (B-/C+), 52 (B+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
101 - 67tbird - int-3 (B-/C+), 46 (B) - 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" - AZB post
98 - Eagleshot - int-3 (B-/C+), 48 (B) - 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" - PM
92 - 67tbird - int-2 (C+/C), 34 (D+) - 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" - AZB post
90 - EagleEye - int-2 (C+/C), ??? - 9', 5", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" - 2013 BU Summer School Boot Camp
89 - mamics - int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
88 - DrGonzo - int-2 (C+/C), 47 (B) - 9', 4.5", 4", 1.5" - AZB post
87 - iusedtoberich - int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) - 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
82 - krupa - int-2 (C+/C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
79 - krupa - int-2 (C+/C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
78 - iusedtoberich - int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) - 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
77 - mamics - int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
77 - SeanChamp - int-2 (C+/C), 29 (D) - 8', 4 1/2", ???, 1" - AZB post
72 - justadub - int-2 (C+/C), ??? - 9', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" - AZB post
68 - krupa - int-1 (C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
68 - pleforowicz - int-1 (C), 24 (D) - 9', 11.7cm, 9.2cm, 3.8cm - AZB Post
62 - mamics - int-1 (C), 20 (D) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
55 - mamics - int-1 (C), 20 (D) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
 
A little better score on the masters with a 69 for a total of 154.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0I4P7azhyE&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYSdA7v7t4M&feature=youtu.be

edit: Finally realized I have been doing the first drill wrong. I had been using one ball space instead of two. But, that actually makes it harder to do because you have to stay on the right side of the ball to make it and not run into another ball, or you have to bank the ball if you are on the wrong side of it. Two ball spacing is a fair amount easier to do.
 
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Good job Neil!

It helped doing a little better on the safety drill, didn't it?

edit: Finally realized I have been doing the first drill wrong. I had been using one ball space instead of two. But, that actually makes it harder to do because you have to stay on the right side of the ball to make it and not run into another ball, or you have to bank the ball if you are on the wrong side of it. Two ball spacing is a fair amount easier to do.
I hadn't noticed that before either, but I'm glad you did.

Catch you later,
Dave
 
Here's the latest update list:

AZB'ers who have taken the BU playing-ability exams:

BU score - User - BU Rating, 10-ball ghost rating - table size, corner pocket mouth, throat, shelf - Video/post links:

168 - Gerry Williams - semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
164 - theUBC - semi pro (A++/AAA), ??? - 9', 4 1/2", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" - Exam I, Exam II
161 - Gerry Williams - semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
160 - dr_dave - semi pro (A++/AAA), 68 (A++) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
160 - scottjen26 - semi pro (A++/AAA), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
159 - Gerry Williams - adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
157 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
157 - scottjen26 - adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (AZB post)
156 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
156 - Gerry Williams - adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
154 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
152 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
149 - scottjen26 - adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
148 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
146 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) - 7', 4 1/2", 4 1/2", 3/4" - AZB post
142 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I, Exam II
141 - 12squared - adv-3 (A+/A); 78 (Pro) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - AZB post
141 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 3 1/2", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
136 - bowiebill - adv-2 (A-/B+), 58 (A) - 9', ??? - AZB post
135 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
135 - dr_dave - adv-2 (A-/B+), 54 (B+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I, Exam II
133 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, Exam II
132 - Gerry Williams - adv-2 (A-/B+), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II (part 1, part 2)
132 - BRussell - adv-2 (A-/B+), 51 (B+) - 8', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/2" - Exam I, Exam II
129 - Spimp13 - adv-2 (A-/B+), ??? - ??? - AZB post
127 - Okie - adv-2 (A-/B+), 61 (A+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
127 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, AZB post
124 - StraightPoolIU - adv-1 (B/B-), 50 (B) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" - AZB post
124 - JC - adv-1 (B/B-), 57 (A) - 9', 4 7/16", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam 1, Exam 2
121 - TheOneGnat - adv-1 (B/B-), 51 (B+) - 8', 4 1/2", 4", 1 5/8" - AZB post and update
119 - Mooneye - adv-1 (B/B-), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, Exam II
117 - RobMan - adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) - 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" - AZB post
113 - Eagleshot - adv-1 (B/B-), 48 (B) - 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" - PM
112 - gregcantrall adv-1 (B/B-), ??? - 8', 4 3/8", 4 1/8", 1" - AZB post
112 - Okie - adv-1 (B/B-), 61 (A+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
112 - RobMan - adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) - 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" - AZB post
108 - row21097 - int-3 (B-/C+), 57 (A) - 9', 4 1/2”, 4”, 1 1/2” - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2, part 3), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
106 - StraightPoolIU - int-3 (B-/C+), 50 (B) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" - AZB post
102 - Okie - int-3 (B-/C+), 52 (B+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
101 - 67tbird - int-3 (B-/C+), 46 (B) - 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" - AZB post
98 - Eagleshot - int-3 (B-/C+), 48 (B) - 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" - PM
92 - 67tbird - int-2 (C+/C), 34 (D+) - 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" - AZB post
90 - EagleEye - int-2 (C+/C), ??? - 9', 5", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" - 2013 BU Summer School Boot Camp
89 - mamics - int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
88 - DrGonzo - int-2 (C+/C), 47 (B) - 9', 4.5", 4", 1.5" - AZB post
87 - iusedtoberich - int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) - 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
82 - krupa - int-2 (C+/C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
79 - krupa - int-2 (C+/C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
78 - iusedtoberich - int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) - 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
77 - mamics - int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
77 - SeanChamp - int-2 (C+/C), 29 (D) - 8', 4 1/2", ???, 1" - AZB post
72 - justadub - int-2 (C+/C), ??? - 9', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" - AZB post
68 - krupa - int-1 (C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
68 - pleforowicz - int-1 (C), 24 (D) - 9', 11.7cm, 9.2cm, 3.8cm - AZB Post
62 - mamics - int-1 (C), 20 (D) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
55 - mamics - int-1 (C), 20 (D) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
 
Good job Neil!

It helped doing a little better on the safety drill, didn't it?

I hadn't noticed that before either, but I'm glad you did.

Catch you later,
Dave

Yeah, I did a lot better on the safties, and the break, but really blew it this time on the elevated! The only two areas that I don't feel I should get perfectly are the the banks and the break. That last bank I have down to over 50% make, but that doesn't equate to "on demand" It is a severe back cut on a bar table.

The breaks feel good when you get them, but it is so easy to hit a hair off center or more common, to have another ball knock the cb up table or into a pocket after a good "squat". The break takes skill and some luck to get two on demand at the highest score.

I haven't given up yet, I have a goal in mind. Might not ever achieve it, but I do have a goal........;)

I looked at the video you have up of my past high score, and I did the drill correctly in it. Somehow, when practicing it, I started going to just one ball width. ??? In watching my own clips, I finally noticed that the line didn't seem to be long enough, and fixed it. Guess everyone gets those "duh'" moments now and then.
 
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Yeah, I did a lot better on the safties, and the break, but really blew it this time on the elevated!
I blow those sometimes also. The keys for me on elevated shots are to get my head in the "vision center" position (it tends to be off to the left a little when I elevate), make sure the tip is exactly on the vertical centerline of the CB (sometimes I'm a little careless with this), and keep my elbow still during the stroke (it tends to drop on elevated shots).

The only two areas that I don't feel I should get perfectly are the the banks and the break. That last bank I have down to over 50% make, but that doesn't equate to "on demand" It is a severe back cut on a bar table.

The breaks feel good when you get them, but it is so easy to hit a hair off center or more common, to have another ball knock the cb up table or into a pocket after a good "squat". The break takes skill and some luck to get two on demand at the highest score.
Agreed. You can break well and get unlucky; although, if you hit 3 good breaks, chances are that 2 of them will have decent scores.

I haven't given up yet, I have a goal in mind. Might not ever achieve it, but I do have a goal........;)
I look forward to seeing how high you can go. I also hope to improve my scores some day, but I think it might take a while.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year,
Dave
 
Thank you for posting this. I've added it to the list. When you get a chance, please also post your pocket measurements.

I agree that 10 racks of 10-ball is not enough to get a representative score. There is too much variability from one rack to the next, and there is a luck factor involved.

A better approach is to do 30 racks and drop the 10 highest and 10 lowest scores. I think that would give a fairly representative score and rating.

I still think the BU Exams provide a better measure of overall playing ability because they test all important pool skills, and in a more methodical, thorough, and consistent way.

Regards,
Dave

4.75/4.0 and shelf is 1.25. All in inches obviously.
 
4.75/4.0 and shelf is 1.25. All in inches obviously.
Thanks. I've added your info to the list. Here's the latest:

AZB'ers who have taken the BU playing-ability exams:

BU score - User - BU Rating, 10-ball ghost rating - table size, corner pocket mouth, throat, shelf - Video/post links:

168 - Gerry Williams - semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
164 - theUBC - semi pro (A++/AAA), ??? - 9', 4 1/2", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" - Exam I, Exam II
161 - Gerry Williams - semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
160 - dr_dave - semi pro (A++/AAA), 68 (A++) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
160 - scottjen26 - semi pro (A++/AAA), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
159 - Gerry Williams - adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
157 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
157 - scottjen26 - adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (AZB post)
156 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
156 - Gerry Williams - adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
154 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
152 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
149 - scottjen26 - adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
148 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
146 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) - 7', 4 1/2", 4 1/2", 3/4" - AZB post
142 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I, Exam II
141 - 12squared - adv-3 (A+/A); 78 (Pro) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - AZB post
141 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 3 1/2", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
136 - bowiebill - adv-2 (A-/B+), 58 (A) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/4" - AZB post
135 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
135 - dr_dave - adv-2 (A-/B+), 54 (B+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I, Exam II
133 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, Exam II
132 - Gerry Williams - adv-2 (A-/B+), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II (part 1, part 2)
132 - BRussell - adv-2 (A-/B+), 51 (B+) - 8', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/2" - Exam I, Exam II
129 - Spimp13 - adv-2 (A-/B+), ??? - ??? - AZB post
127 - Okie - adv-2 (A-/B+), 61 (A+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
127 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, AZB post
124 - StraightPoolIU - adv-1 (B/B-), 50 (B) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" - AZB post
124 - JC - adv-1 (B/B-), 57 (A) - 9', 4 7/16", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam 1, Exam 2
121 - TheOneGnat - adv-1 (B/B-), 51 (B+) - 8', 4 1/2", 4", 1 5/8" - AZB post and update
119 - Mooneye - adv-1 (B/B-), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, Exam II
117 - RobMan - adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) - 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" - AZB post
113 - Eagleshot - adv-1 (B/B-), 48 (B) - 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" - PM
112 - gregcantrall adv-1 (B/B-), ??? - 8', 4 3/8", 4 1/8", 1" - AZB post
112 - Okie - adv-1 (B/B-), 61 (A+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
112 - RobMan - adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) - 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" - AZB post
108 - row21097 - int-3 (B-/C+), 57 (A) - 9', 4 1/2”, 4”, 1 1/2” - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2, part 3), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
106 - StraightPoolIU - int-3 (B-/C+), 50 (B) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" - AZB post
102 - Okie - int-3 (B-/C+), 52 (B+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
101 - 67tbird - int-3 (B-/C+), 46 (B) - 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" - AZB post
98 - Eagleshot - int-3 (B-/C+), 48 (B) - 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" - PM
92 - 67tbird - int-2 (C+/C), 34 (D+) - 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" - AZB post
90 - EagleEye - int-2 (C+/C), ??? - 9', 5", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" - 2013 BU Summer School Boot Camp
89 - mamics - int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
88 - DrGonzo - int-2 (C+/C), 47 (B) - 9', 4.5", 4", 1.5" - AZB post
87 - iusedtoberich - int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) - 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
82 - krupa - int-2 (C+/C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
79 - krupa - int-2 (C+/C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
78 - iusedtoberich - int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) - 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
77 - mamics - int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
77 - SeanChamp - int-2 (C+/C), 29 (D) - 8', 4 1/2", ???, 1" - AZB post
72 - justadub - int-2 (C+/C), ??? - 9', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" - AZB post
68 - krupa - int-1 (C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
68 - pleforowicz - int-1 (C), 24 (D) - 9', 11.7cm, 9.2cm, 3.8cm - AZB Post
62 - mamics - int-1 (C), 20 (D) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
55 - mamics - int-1 (C), 20 (D) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
 
160 - dr_dave - semi pro (A++/AAA), 68 (A++) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8"

My good friend and Doctor Dave, congrats on your rising scores, great improvement. I know how hard you've been working on this. So my question is...

...What are you giving up? (I have no idea what a Semi Pro gives an Adv-3)

Congratulations again.

The other Dr. Dave
 
This was posted in a related thread, but I thought I would include it here also (see below). Apparently, some people (e.g., "Pathetic Shark") don't trust some of the 10-ball-ghost scores being posted. I trust you guys, but if some of you want to post video links (other than Gerry, who has done so already), go for it.

Have you - or anyone - done the 10 ball ghost yet?
Pretty much everybody on the AZB BU list has done the 10-ball ghost drill already. All of the scores are posted along with the BU scores and ratings on the BU thread.

I don't see your name on the list yet. Do you plan to do the BU Exams and 10-ball ghost rating drill?
I've told you several times, I can't be bothered.

I meant on video, obviously. NOBODY has done it yet - wonder why? :rolleyes: It's a little difficult to count how many have actually videoed the drills - 20, perhaps - yet not one has videoed the 10 ball ghost under your rating system, which would make much more interesting viewing than watching someone put the ball on a piece of paper.

Have YOU set the example, Dave?
I finally found some time to shoot and film some 10-ball-ghost sessions. I did two sessions each of the last two days. Here's my best set of the four:
Dr. Dave's 10-ball-ghost drill video (12/20/2013) - 63 (A+)

I'll post more in the future, especially when I do better. I was a little disappointed in the 63 (A+) score from this set because every layout was fairly easy to run. With these layouts, and on this table, I would expect an A+ player to run most of these racks.

Catch you later,
Dave
 
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