DC One Pocket Tournament. Sunday, 5/7 at 4:00

[Cory in DC]

This Sunday I'll run my second One-Pocket Tournament at The Cue Bar in DC (1115 U St. NW; 202-332-7665. It's easy to park in the area, and unlike in times past, it's also safe.)

The tournament is blind-draw, scotch doubles, and handicapped (singles with 10 or fewer players). The bar opens at 4:00 and the tables will be open for free practice. The tournament starts at 4:30 sharp. The entry fee is $15.00 if you arrive by 4:30, and $20.00 thereafter.

The field is limited to 20 players because Cue Bar only has five tables. The payout is 100% (no greens fees), so if there's a full field then first will get $200 + any late fees and second will get $100.

The format is single-elimination, with carryover scoring, which you can read about in the document I attached to this post.


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The first tournament had a small, but very competitive, field (finals were Brandon Shuff vs. Bus Driver Ronnie) -- you can read about it in this thread and this thread.

I'm hopeful that most of the players from the first time around will show up, and I think Buck and Jersey Jon, and perhaps some other strong locals, will be in the mix this time, too. I'd also be happy to see any or all of the following AZB people there: Matt_24, Black-Balled, Purdman, Egg & The Russian, Schwinn, Fliedout, JAM/Keith, Andrew Manning, Icon of Sin, and all the rest of the DC-AZB people I've forgotten. Strawberry won't be playing, but if we're lucky he might stop by again and give out some more pointers.

Cory

 

[Black-Balled]

Thank you for the call out! I haven't hit a ball in weeks, but am fully confident that I can still beat myself anytime I step up to the table .

The Brandon/ Ronnie event wasn't Scotch, right? For me, Scotch is a big turn-off. I don't like to be let down by others, one thing that appeals to me about pool is that it is me Me ME.

 

[Cory in DC]

Thank you for the call out! I haven't hit a ball in weeks, but am fully confident that I can still beat myself anytime I step up to the table .

The Brandon/ Ronnie event wasn't Scotch, right? For me, Scotch is a big turn-off. I don't like to be let down by others, one thing that appeals to me about pool is that it is me Me ME.

You're right, it was singles -- as I said, the field was small (but high quality) so I ran it singles. In general, I'd be happy to run a singles tournament but I can't do it in a reasonable amount of time with just 5 tables. So, turnout permitting, this Sunday will be Scotch doubles.

Personally, I've always enjoyed Scotch. I think I like playing with -- and being -- someone who "[doesn't] like to be let down by others." I find it to be more pressure than playing for your own beans. That can make it bring out the best in your game. On the other hand, it's probably tough to get into stroke playing Scotch if you're a rhythm player. But if you ever see my stroke you'll know that's not a concern for me.

Cory

 

[subprime]

Coaching???

Just curious...what is the rule about coaching. My personal opinion is that coaching really really slows the process down and makes the game (depending on the players) unbearable. Whatever the rule, me and Jenn will try hard to make the tourney. Thanks for the energy in making this happen.

parks

 

[Cory in DC]

Just curious...what is the rule about coaching. My personal opinion is that coaching really really slows the process down and makes the game (depending on the players) unbearable. Whatever the rule, me and Jenn will try hard to make the tourney. Thanks for the energy in making this happen.

parks

Great, hope to see you there.

For most players, there's one 1-minute coach per rack, but you're free to talk to your partner during the other team's turn. For the lowest handicapped players, meaning around an APA 5 speed and below, there's one 1-minute coach plus unlimited "10 second" coaching (e.g., "soft roll the 5" or "bank the 12 soft with top-left"). For players in that skill range, I think this way will actually work out quicker. That said, I don't expect many players who qualify for unlimited coaching to be there (though it's probably a good way for them to learn the game).

Cory

 

[Schwinn]

I'll get to one of these eventually... APA league playoffs are continuing this Sunday so I have to be at Side Pockets in Laurel.

Ed

 

[JDB]

For me, Scotch is a big turn-off.

I have only played one game of one pocket in my life, but am thinking about trying to play some more (because I suck at 9 ball). Generally, I don't like watching one-pocket because I find it boring, but I think playing it would be much better (I am hoping/guessing). However, I don't think I could ever play one-pocket "Scotch." Just my opinion.

I actually live in the area and thought I may try one of your tournaments sometime just for fun, but I don't think I could do Scotch.

I do understand your limitations though and appreciate what you are doing to put together a tournament. This is just my personal opinion without having much experience with the game.

Goodl Luck.

 

[Cory in DC]

I'll get to one of these eventually... APA league playoffs are continuing this Sunday so I have to be at Side Pockets in Laurel.

Ed

Last time I conflicted with a Planet Pool event. I guess too many pool events at one time is a good problem to have, though.

 

[Cory in DC]

I have only played one game of one pocket in my life, but am thinking about trying to play some more (because I suck at 9 ball). Generally, I don't like watching one-pocket because I find it boring, but I think playing it would be much better (I am hoping/guessing). However, I don't think I could ever play one-pocket "Scotch." Just my opinion.

I actually live in the area and thought I may try one of your tournaments sometime just for fun, but I don't think I could do Scotch.

I do understand your limitations though and appreciate what you are doing to put together a tournament. This is just my personal opinion without having much experience with the game.

Goodl Luck.

You will find playing 1P much more fun than watching, and playing the game will make it more fun to watch. You'll start to see how some shots that just look ok are actually great, and how some shots that initially look pretty good are weak. And nothing beats moving two balls from your opponent's side to your side, protecting those balls, and leaving your opponent stuck, all in one shot.

As far as Scotch goes, it's probably a good way to learn the moves. If you draw a good partner, just play 'follow the leader' and try as much as possible to mimic where he's putting the CB, unless some other shot is clearly better.

Also, there should be plenty of singles games to be had as the field shrinks.

In fact, if this counts as incentive, I'll go as low as 5 beans per rack vs. anyone who plays in the tournament and wants to learn the game. I'm no champion, not even close, but I know enough to get someone started. E.g. mapman might agree that he shoots a lot stronger than me overall, but learned a fair bit from playing 1P with me (I know he'd agree with the "a lot stronger" part.)

Cory