Earl Strickland Vs Johnny Ervolino - 1995 14.1 Main Event

Thanks for the video links, Blackjack!

For some reason, I really enjoyed watching this match. I think most of us 9-ball players can relate to the various obstacles that Earl had to deal with during his match. Problems like: frequently getting out of line, poor shot selection, playing too quickly, not thinking through his patterns and being unfamiliar with the nuances of 14.1. Not to mention the intimidation factor in being down 80-0 against a veteran 14.1 player like Ervolino.

All things considered, it was a gutsy performance by Earl to overcome all these obstacles.
 
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Not Earl so much as Ervolino

PoolSharkAllen said:
Thanks for the video links, Blackjack!

For some reason, I really enjoyed watching this match. I think most of us 9-ball players can relate to the various obstacles that Earl had to deal with during his match. Problems like: frequently getting out of line, poor shot selection, playing too quickly, not thinking through his patterns and being unfamiliar with the nuances of 14.1. Not to mention the intimidation factor in being down 80-0 against a veteran 14.1 player like Ervolino.

All things considered, it was a gutsy performance by Earl to overcome all these obstacles.
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I'd say it was less Earl and more Ervolino falling apart at the end. He started playing very badly, after playing brilliantly, and you will lose to anybody who can shoot great (as Earl can) regardless of 14.1 knowledge. As Mosconi always said, the key to winning 14.1 is not missing.
 
Good lesson here

I'd say this video is an excellent source for learning 14.1 knowledge. During the match the various commentators give some excellent strategy advice, especially towards the end. Experienced 14.1 players watching a 9ball player and pointing out what's wrong is an excellent way to learn this stuff.

That said, I would recommend that any student of 14.1 trying to improve on their game should spend a great deal of time understanding right side/wrong side cue ball position. It's cannot be overstated IMHO, it is the single most important consideration when playing position in 14.1, especially towards the end of the rack. I would think that a drill where you have 3 or 4 balls on the table, with one break ball in position, where you shoot the last few balls and play position, focusing entirely on right side vs wrong side on every shot could prove very beneficial. Even re-shooting shots when you get on the wrong side until you get it right. Perfection of position isn't as important as just being on the right side of the object ball.

Most other pool games don't focus as much (or punish as much) on right side vs wrong side (especially 9 ball) and it shows when you see Earl struggle with this on many shots.
 
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