Comments on Poolology

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I don't have your book nor do I have any intention of getting it. I, like Cookie, am already using what I consider to be the best aiming system available and I'm very experienced with it. Additionally, I'm very experienced and skilled with Shiskebob, 90/90, Joe Tucker's System, and a number of others.

I'm not knocking your system. If you take it that way, I can't help you. But I would like you to consider something and think about it. If you really think your system is getting knocked as well as you personally after a few weeks of making it available,
picture yourself going through living hell 10 times what has happened here based on what Hal Houle and Stan have gone through with CTE.

It's been 20 FRIGGIN' YEARS combined for both of them!! 20 FRIGGIN' YEARS of
FECES slung at them. Nobody is blasting you including me. And for the most part it's been the SAME individual or individuals who have been behind it for that length of time or they've picked up some new recruits here and there.

How would you like to go through THAT?!

Keep working on toughening up your skin with brine baths. Otherwise, focus harder on your day job.


Once again you are assuming too much. I never said I wasn't familiar with Joe Tucker. I have his Racking Secrets, and I have his Guaranteed Improvement booklet and DVD. Great material. What I said was that I don't know his aiming system. I'm not a system player, never have been. But that doesn't mean I don't believe a good system could do wonders for struggling pool players. The fact is, several aiming systems have been around for decades, yet for some reason the bulk of average league players remain stagnant in regards to consistent shot making. I don't know why, but I suspect it's because of the complexity surrounding various aiming techniques. Some systems are very simple to understand, like parallel shifts and pivots based on contact points and such. Unfortunately, like the ghostball method, understanding the system is the easy part, while consistently executing the method becomes a challenge. Most players aren't​ willing to invest the time it takes to become proficient with such methods. So I developed a system that simplifies the execution portion of shot making, and at the same time it helps players develop a feel for cut shots. Pocketing balls with a high degree of consistency doesn't have to involve a never-ending mechanical process void of feel. Playing pool is the ultimate expression of artistry. And art is based on feel, not mechanics.

I am not bothered by your comments. You gave the impression that you know exactly how my system works, comparing it's accuracy to other mathematically proven systems. I found this a bit confusing because anyone that has actually used my system knows better. So that told me that you either haven't purchased the book, and therefore are assuming things you know nothing about, or you have purchased the book and found it too complicated to grasp. That's why I asked if you'd bought the book. Now we know. And I get it....you don't need it because you've found a system that works for you, or a combination of systems like many other players find beneficial.

For the record, when I don't know something, I admit it, and any comments I make are along that line. I don't assume to know how other systems work, unless it's a manual shift or pivot system, because those are easy enough to understand without needing any special knowledge or visual phenomena.

Anyway, thanks for your input. And to keep on topic, I believe you have a good point about a wonky aiming alignment possibly misleading a player to think something's wrong with his stroke. I mean, with my system for instance, if it's a dead 1/2 ball shot and the player consistent misses the pocket, there are two things it could be: a flawed stroke is not putting the CB where it needs to be, or the player's vision is not in tune with his stroke. The only certainty is the system.
 

I'm not knocking your system. If you take it that way, I can't help you. But I would like you to consider something and think about it. If you really think your system is getting knocked as well as you personally after a few weeks of making it available,
picture yourself going through living hell 10 times what has happened here based on what Hal Houle and Stan have gone through with CTE.

It's been 20 FRIGGIN' YEARS combined for both of them!! 20 FRIGGIN' YEARS of
FECES slung at them. Nobody is blasting you including me.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

So... now we understand your beef with "Poolology". NOT because you've read the book, tried it out and found it to be faulty, but because some people dissed a system you DO believe in. In your mind; all new ideas deserve bad reviews because CTE got them. I haven't written a word, positive or negative about CTE and won't because (like you and "Poolology"), I know nothing about it.
 
joe tucker has you try to hit one contact point number to another contact point number
YOU ARE NOT AIMING YOUR STICK AT THAT NUMBER

No kidding. I've been with Joe Tucker personally on the table for hours. Have you?

this thread is about poololgy
l beleive (icbw) you say to the people who never tried cte or bought stans book if you havent tried it or understand it dont interfere
well if you beleive that for a cte thread
WHY DONT YOU FOLLOW YOUR OWN ADVICE HERE

Sometimes threads take their own paths If you've been on forums long enough you'd know that.
just sayin....:D
edit i dont want to derail the thread spiderwebcom
so if you would like you can pm me or start a new thread to discuss it

That's OK about a pm. Don't bother me and I won't bother you.
 
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Once again you are assuming too much. I never said I wasn't familiar with Joe Tucker. I have his Racking Secrets, and I have his Guaranteed Improvement booklet and DVD. Great material.
What I said was that I don't know his aiming system

Then as soon as I mentioned his name and aiming system you should have looked it up.


I'm not a system player, never have been.

You are now. Can't make that statement any longer.

But that doesn't mean I don't believe a good system could do wonders for struggling pool players.

You better believe in your system. If you don't thinks so and tout it, who will? Paid shills?

The fact is, several aiming systems have been around for decades, yet for some reason the bulk of average league players remain stagnant in regards to consistent shot making.

They don't care to learn or put in the time. How many of them have paid for a live lesson from a pro instructor or even considered it?

I don't know why, but I suspect it's because of the complexity surrounding various aiming techniques.

No, I think it's because pool for most people is a hobby or social activity for fun. The same could be said for bowling, darts, and golf.
Just something to go out and have a good time. Playing bad might even provide more laughs within the group. Not to mention the real pleasure of drinking.


Some systems are very simple to understand, like parallel shifts and pivots based on contact points and such. Unfortunately, like the ghostball method, understanding the system is the easy part, while consistently executing the method becomes a challenge. Most players aren't​ willing to invest the time it takes to become proficient with such methods. So I developed a system that simplifies the execution portion of shot making, and at the same time it helps players develop a feel for cut shots.

Right! After a lot of study and memorization.

Pocketing balls with a high degree of consistency doesn't have to involve a never-ending mechanical process void of feel. Playing pool is the ultimate expression of artistry. And art is based on feel, not mechanics.

Feel comes after the mechanics are mastered and all mechanics can be, not necessarily mastered except for the best pros, but internalized for a strong functional level.

I am not bothered by your comments. You gave the impression that you know exactly how my system works,

I certainly know how fractional aiming systems work as far as the visuals and that is what yours is.

comparing it's accuracy to other mathematically proven systems.

I guess we'll find out how accurate it is when a number of pro players start using, succeeding, promoting, and endorsing it.

I found this a bit confusing because anyone that has actually used my system knows better. So that told me that you either haven't purchased the book, and therefore are assuming things you know nothing about, or you have purchased the book and found it too complicated to grasp. That's why I asked if you'd bought the book. Now we know. And I get it....you don't need it because you've found a system that works for you, or a combination of systems like many other players find beneficial.

BINGO!

Anyway, thanks for your input. And to keep on topic, I believe you have a good point about a wonky aiming alignment possibly misleading a player to think something's wrong with his stroke. I mean, with my system for instance, if it's a dead 1/2 ball shot and the player consistent misses the pocket,

Do you still believe there's such a thing as a 1/2 ball hit after being schooled by a certain "bird" or is it "fowl" who provided empirical proof there's no such thing?

there are two things it could be: a flawed stroke is not putting the CB where it needs to be, or the player's vision is not in tune with his stroke. The only certainty is the system.

Alas, agreement. Have a good day and good luck selling your system, seriously.
 
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The Billiards Digest review on Poolology is in the May issue. I am somewhat disappointed with a comment made by the reviewer. He says:

"With pool, where no two shots are exactly the same, boiling down disparate shots to full-ball, half-ball or quarter ball hits is too good to be true. Crist isn't claiming this ability."

WHAT? Actually I am claiming this ability! That's the nuts of the system. It specifically gives you the fractional hit required for any open shot 1/8 hit or thicker, covering 8 aim points, not just the basic quarters. That's what distinguishes it from traditional fractional aiming. It's like the reviewer didn't read the book. But I am greatful to at least have a full page in the magazine. My wife and daughters are proud of it, and that alone makes it worthwhile. Dealing in books and dabbling with writing for years, I've grown accustomed to every sort of review, and I appreciate all opportunities. Many thanks to Billiards Digest and their wonderful staff.

Brian Crist
 

I'm not knocking your system. If you take it that way, I can't help you. But I would like you to consider something and think about it. If you really think your system is getting knocked as well as you personally after a few weeks of making it available,
picture yourself going through living hell 10 times what has happened here based on what Hal Houle and Stan have gone through with CTE.

It's been 20 FRIGGIN' YEARS combined for both of them!! 20 FRIGGIN' YEARS of
FECES slung at them. Nobody is blasting you including me.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

So... now we understand your beef with "Poolology".

What you don't seem to understand is I have NO beef with Poolology. I appreciate all aiming systems and how they're creatively developed.

The ones who have beefs with aiming systems are those who say, "I don't need a stinking aiming system; I only use feel; aiming systems are like a crutch; only beginners use aiming and then will grow out of it; I no longer even have to aim, just see the pocket and the ball; etc., etc., etc.


NOT because you've read the book, tried it out and found it to be faulty, but because some people dissed a system you DO believe in.

Nope, the system isn't the issue. The issue for me is the 20 years of harassment, belittling, demeaning, debasing, humiliation for two of the finest men I've ever met, spent time with, and known in my life. Hal Houle and Stan Shuffett. It's sickening and disgusting and hasn't stopped.

In your mind; all new ideas deserve bad reviews because CTE got them. I haven't written a word, positive or negative about CTE and won't because (like you and "Poolology"), I know nothing about it.


You also know nothing about me so how about you follow the same guidelines.
 
The Billiards Digest review on Poolology is in the May issue. I am somewhat disappointed with a comment made by the reviewer. He says:

"With pool, where no two shots are exactly the same, boiling down disparate shots to full-ball, half-ball or quarter ball hits is too good to be true. Crist isn't claiming this ability."

WHAT? Actually I am claiming this ability! That's the nuts of the system. It specifically gives you the fractional hit required for any open shot 1/8 hit or thicker, covering 8 aim points, not just the basic quarters. That's what distinguishes it from traditional fractional aiming. It's like the reviewer didn't read the book. But I am greatful to at least have a full page in the magazine. My wife and daughters are proud of it, and that alone makes it worthwhile. Dealing in books and dabbling with writing for years, I've grown accustomed to every sort of review, and I appreciate all opportunities. Many thanks to Billiards Digest and their wonderful staff.

Brian Crist

Are you saying 8 aim points for a right cut and 8 aim points for a left cut or 4 and 4 with a total of 8 for both?

How does anyone get Billiards Digest any more without a subscription? I never see it in a store.
 
Are you saying 8 aim points for a right cut and 8 aim points for a left cut or 4 and 4 with a total of 8 for both?

How does anyone get Billiards Digest any more without a subscription? I never see it in a store.

7 aim points for left cuts, 7 for right. I accidentally counted straight in as the 8th, which I'll retract because it's not a cut shot.

And you are so right about the magazine​ being hard to find anymore. Years ago I could pick it locally, but it's been a while. I guess they target large cities nowadays, and Charleston WV, with only about 60,000 residents, no longer makes the cut. Probably better off for me anyway, because I've been paying around $28 for a yearly subscription, versus $5.95 a pop at Books a Million like I used to do.
 
7 aim points for left cuts, 7 for right. I accidentally counted straight in as the 8th, which I'll retract because it's not a cut shot.

And you are so right about the magazine​ being hard to find anymore. Years ago I could pick it locally, but it's been a while. I guess they target large cities nowadays, and Charleston WV, with only about 60,000 residents, no longer makes the cut. Probably better off for me anyway, because I've been paying around $28 for a yearly subscription, versus $5.95 a pop at Books a Million like I used to do.


That's a pretty high # of aim points. It should cover the gamut. Are you using center ball with the CB or edges to those points?

Don't sweat it, I'm not trying to milk you for info. If you'd rather send it in a PM or not at all, that's OK. Just curious.
 
That's a pretty high # of aim points. It should cover the gamut. Are you using center ball with the CB or edges to those points?

Don't sweat it, I'm not trying to milk you for info. If you'd rather send it in a PM or not at all, that's OK. Just curious.

No sweat. Fractional aim points are pretty common so there's nothing to give away there. Using center CB.
 
Poolology is a nifty little aiming system that is easy to deploy and will provide an accurate aiming resource for those wanting a formulaic approach to aiming pool shots.

To be honest, starting in with the alignment illustrations — with their accompanying zones and values — was a bit daunting. But then, I am not a math guy and was lucky to escape Father Jacob’s basic high school algebra class by the thinest of margins. However, after I got over my trepidation, even I, as number impaired as they come, was able to take this system to the pool table and make it work. It doesn’t hurt that a majority of shots on a pool table fall within just one of Poolology’s zones, making the necessary calculations pretty easy.

In addition to laying out a very nice aiming system, I’d also like to commend Brian on an enviable writing style. Communicating well about pool may appear easy but is actually anything but easy. In Poolology Mr. Crist smoothly navigates through the presentation of his thoughts on pool and provides the reader with a coherent, readily understandable explanation of his system.

Will I use it? No. After 40 plus years of shooting pool I see the shots and angles as well as I’m ever going to see them. It’s too late in my game for Poolology. But for younger guys looking for a sound foundation for aiming — this would be the way to go.

Lou Figueroa
 
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Poolology is a nifty little aiming system that is easy to deploy and will provide an accurate aiming resource for those wanting a formulaic approach to aiming pool shots.

To be honest, starting in with the alignment illustrations — with their accompanying zones and values — was a bit daunting. But then, I am not a math guy and was lucky to escape Father Jacob’s basic high school algebra class by the thinest of margins. However, after I got over my trepidation, even I, as number impaired as they come, was able to take this system to the pool table and make it work. It doesn’t hurt that a majority of shots on a pool table fall within just one of Poolology’s zones, making the necessary calculations pretty easy.

In addition to laying out a very nice aiming system, I’d also like to commend Brian on an enviable writing style. Communicating well about pool may appear easy but is actually anything but easy. In Poolology Mr. Crist smoothly navigates through the presentation of his thoughts on pool and provides the reader with a coherent, readily understandable explanation of his system.

Will I use it? No. After 40 plus years of shooting pool I see the shots and angles as well as I’m ever going to see them. It’s to late in my game for Poolology. But for younger guys looking for a sound foundation for aiming — this would be the way to go.

Lou Figueroa

Like I said, Poolology is the tits. :wink:

I still believe that even for you, Lou, a quick check on a longish back cut isn't such a bad thing to do. You can literally have your half ball rail position figured out before the cue ball stops rolling. I just started playing around with the side pocket for straight pool break shots. Using the system, 1/4 side breaks into the rack are nearly a breeze, whereas before when I shot these I had a little trepidation. I mean, these are break shots where you have to decide whether it is better to go for it or take the safety. Any little thing that can swing the odds in your favor on such shots is gold.

I guess the point I'm making to readers is that you don't have to be a beginner to get something out of this system, surely for a whopping $10 it is worth buying just to know what it is.

With instructions that could fit on a post card, and with a method that actually works, I predict Poolology will become the most used "system" out there in the near future. (Rumor has it there might be a name change in the second printing... but nothing for sure).
 
The Billiards Digest review on Poolology is in the May issue. I am somewhat disappointed with a comment made by the reviewer. He says:

"With pool, where no two shots are exactly the same, boiling down disparate shots to full-ball, half-ball or quarter ball hits is too good to be true. Crist isn't claiming this ability."

WHAT? Actually I am claiming this ability! That's the nuts of the system. It specifically gives you the fractional hit required for any open shot 1/8 hit or thicker, covering 8 aim points, not just the basic quarters. That's what distinguishes it from traditional fractional aiming. It's like the reviewer didn't read the book. But I am greatful to at least have a full page in the magazine. My wife and daughters are proud of it, and that alone makes it worthwhile. Dealing in books and dabbling with writing for years, I've grown accustomed to every sort of review, and I appreciate all opportunities. Many thanks to Billiards Digest and their wonderful staff.

Brian Crist

Nice ad on the "center page" of the magazine... Poolology also has a 10 ball to match dr daves "Why's the 2 blue?" 🔵

.
 
Congratulations on the full page review, Brian. I'm glad you're getting some press on this. It's a system that can help a lot of players for very little money. :thumbup2:
 
Nice ad on the "center page" of the magazine... Poolology also has a 10 ball to match dr daves "Why's the 2 blue?" 🔵

.

That is a great piece - the ball colors. I think just knowing that info will raise my game another 1/2 a ball. I mean, I feel closer to those beautiful Brunswick Centennials downstairs, and I have a feeling the Arimith Pro Balls at the local pool hall will treat me kinder when I head over there later. Knowledge builds confidence.
 
Like I said, Poolology is the tits. :wink:

I still believe that even for you, Lou, a quick check on a longish back cut isn't such a bad thing to do. You can literally have your half ball rail position figured out before the cue ball stops rolling. I just started playing around with the side pocket for straight pool break shots. Using the system, 1/4 side breaks into the rack are nearly a breeze, whereas before when I shot these I had a little trepidation. I mean, these are break shots where you have to decide whether it is better to go for it or take the safety. Any little thing that can swing the odds in your favor on such shots is gold.

I guess the point I'm making to readers is that you don't have to be a beginner to get something out of this system, surely for a whopping $10 it is worth buying just to know what it is.

With instructions that could fit on a post card, and with a method that actually works, I predict Poolology will become the most used "system" out there in the near future. (Rumor has it there might be a name change in the second printing... but nothing for sure).


(When did "the nuts" become "the tits"?)
But no, really, I don't need it. When I'm setting up right I have no problem with back cuts, even the extreme ones.

I think that depending on your approach to the game, Brian's system could be a huge help or maybe just a small one. But for some of us dinosaurs... no.

Lou Figueroa
 
The Billiards Digest review on Poolology is in the May issue. I am somewhat disappointed with a comment made by the reviewer. He says:

"With pool, where no two shots are exactly the same, boiling down disparate shots to full-ball, half-ball or quarter ball hits is too good to be true. Crist isn't claiming this ability."

WHAT? Actually I am claiming this ability! That's the nuts of the system. It specifically gives you the fractional hit required for any open shot 1/8 hit or thicker, covering 8 aim points, not just the basic quarters. That's what distinguishes it from traditional fractional aiming. It's like the reviewer didn't read the book. But I am greatful to at least have a full page in the magazine. My wife and daughters are proud of it, and that alone makes it worthwhile. Dealing in books and dabbling with writing for years, I've grown accustomed to every sort of review, and I appreciate all opportunities. Many thanks to Billiards Digest and their wonderful staff.

Brian Crist


I think what you see in the BD review, while a very positive review, is the same thing you sometimes hear from the booth: a guy that loves pool but is not that great a player. And so they miss the accurate calls, that's all. I wouldn't sweat it.

Lou Figueroa
 
.......In addition to laying out a very nice aiming system, I’d also like to commend Brian on an enviable writing style. Communicating well about pool may appear easy but is actually anything but easy. In Poolology Mr. Crist smoothly navigates through the presentation of his thoughts on pool and provides the reader with a coherent, readily understandable explanation of his system.

Will I use it? No. After 40 plus years of shooting pool I see the shots and angles as well as I’m ever going to see them. It’s too late in my game for Poolology. But for younger guys looking for a sound foundation for aiming — this would be the way to go.

Lou Figueroa

Thanks Lou. And I know where you're coming from when you say it's too late to introduce Poolology into your game. I use it the way Dan describes, on select key shots here and there. Or if my instinct seems a bubble off, I'll use the system on every shot. After a couple of racks I'm back to feeling the shots again. Maybe you'll find room for it in that manner sometime.

Brian
 
I use it the way Dan describes, on select key shots here and there. Or if my instinct seems a bubble off, I'll use the system on every shot. After a couple of racks I'm back to feeling the shots again. Maybe you'll find room for it in that manner sometime.

Brian

Maybe a sequel to this system should be the "Instinct Aiming System". I'd love to see how the description is put into words to be in line with every other pool players instincts. Where do you even start?

How is instinct shooting more accurate and reliable than visual alignment shooting
IF the alignment or aiming is a highly accurate method?

If instinct shooting produces better results than the aiming method or even the same results, to me it doesn't say very much for the aiming system.

Here's a question. You're playing $300 sets of 9-ball with someone and you're down two sets with the other player stipulating before starting that he has to leave at a certain time right on the nose for a very important (fill in the important part) and the time is rapidly approaching.

Your nerves are jangling and have been throughout so you feel a bit shaky to begin with and your down $600 with a wife and child sitting at home needing the money.
Saying you would never play for that kind of money to begin with is not an option.
You're in, you're playing, and you're down.

What do you do? Play by instinct the remainder of the time or use your system for every shot in an attempt to at least break even if time runs out?

And if it's to use the system, why in the hell wouldn't you use it from the very start or ALL the time when playing? What's the big deal or is the instinct method better than the system itself?
 
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