Everyone can look. But only a few can see.

BTW, since we're talking about obscure tomes and all this stuff here's a favorite from my collection: Richard Kranicki's "Answers to a Pool Player's Prayers."

It goes from aiming methods; to light reflections; to eye, head, and toe alignment; lots of stuff on eye calibration; dominant eye; CB aiming points; and cue tip compensation.

Lou Figueroa
 

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although there is no clock reference where on the ball the contacts are
they are clearly diagrammed both at the top and bottom arcs of the ball
this diagram is from dr dave's website and was from a diagram by @Patrick Johnson
here are a few more diagrams from dr dave's site which show clocks in the diagrams of cut angles
here is another one of @Patrick Johnson
View attachment 774371
and here is one from @oldschool1478 also mentioned on dr dave's site
View attachment 774372
you can go to dr dave's site to learn more about it

as you can see above your idea is not novel
but all of these presuppose you know the correct angle first

although using fractional aim points has been around for a long time and if you know the angle you can use them quite accurately

i think i all my posts have been intelligent if you understood them
First, it should be obvious that perhaps the biggest problem is communication. Simple clear concise. An idea well conceived is an idea well expressed, as the saying goes. Most of what I see in this thread leaves much to be desired. So much so as to be unintelligible some times.

The last diagram you show is by far the best of any previously published diagram that addresses the point. The point being that my idea is not as novel as I had hoped. I was always aware that this possibility existed and even stated so. Especially with such a simple observation on my part.

This "know-it-all" has proved his bona fides. You deserve some congratulation.

This diagram does require some interpretation, bringing some prior knowledge, and is designed, apparently, to be used as a physical pool tabletop mat. But it could certainly be used as merely a simple and convenient mental image to approximate the relationship between clock position and angle. But it does not tell you how to locate the object ball contact point.

The top diagram indicates how much of a, I forget the exact term(s), cue ball/object ball hit to make the angle. For instance, a 3 quarter ball hit to make an approximate 14.5 degree cut or a half ball hit to make a 30 degree cut, etc. Again, it does not tell you how to locate the object ball contact point.

My description begins with the circumstances and does not actually describe how to determine the object ball contact point.
"Visualize the object ball. Ideally a perfect sphere 2.25" in diameter. Now visualize the thinnest horizontal plane that slices precisely through the center of the object ball. Let's call the line that this plane makes with the outer edge of the object ball the equator. Now, the cue ball has the same dimensions as the object ball. Both balls rest on the horizontal table top. So whenever the cue ball makes contact with the object ball, the contact point always lies somewhere along the equator. At contact, the center of the cue ball is always 2.25" from the center of the object ball. And the center of the cue ball is always 1.125" from the contact point. This is the set up. What follows never gets any more complicated than this."

Here is the actual explanation/description with an example that is simple, clear and concise.
"Visualize the object ball as the face of a clock. 12 noon, 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock, 3 o'clock, etc. Let's say you want to cut the object ball to the left by 30 degrees. Find the 1 o'clock position on the edge of the object ball. Now visualize dropping a vertical line straight down from the 1 o'clock position. Where this line intersects the object ball equator is the contact point." (71 words)

Then...
"From 12 noon to 3 PM covers 90 degrees." (9 words)

No diagrams. Only about 71 - 80 words in total. Precise and exact. No prior knowledge or interpretation required.

Although a second example is given, the first alone completely explains how to locate the object ball contact point.

Being able to determine the object ball contact point you can then determine the ghost ball, etc. inexorably leading to effectively telling you how to make the shot. I am telling you essentially the how. I am not merely providing you with data, information and relationships between these. In other words, I am telling you how to make a shot once you know the contact point. These diagrams above don't even come close, they only just scratch the surface.

As you must surely know by now, here is where I, using US&E, am coming from:
"So, you know or should know that once you have decided your object ball and pocket, and the cue ball path and spot position, these parameters automatically allow you to determine precisely everything else you will need to know to make the shot. It begins by telling you the cue ball strike point and the shot cut angle. Once you know the cue ball strike point and the cut angle you can determine the object ball contact point. Once you know the object ball contact point you can determine the ghost ball... At the end of this process you make all your final adjustments for precision: perfection."

Again, good job. And thanks for taking the time and making the effort for all of us to benefit.
 
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Let me share a couple of points of view.

First, let me repeat once again:

"So, you know or should know that once you have decided your object ball and pocket, and the cue ball path and spot position, these parameters automatically allow you to determine precisely everything else you will need to know to make the shot. It begins by telling you the cue ball strike point and the shot cut angle. Once you know the cue ball strike point and the cut angle you can determine the object ball contact point. Once you know the object ball contact point you can determine the ghost ball... At the end of this process you make all your final adjustments for precision: perfection."

I liken the above quoted statement here to 9-ball. Like an analogy. How do you know what ball to shoot at next in 9-ball? Well, 9-ball is a game of rotation. You shoot the lowest numbered ball on the table first. After that, your next shot is the next lowest ball on the table, and so on. You don't have to think about it.

The quoted process above is simple, certain and automatic . In 9-ball, once you know basically what you want to do for your next shot, following the US&E shot process is no more complicated than determining the next ball to shoot. The techniques/tools inherent with US&E allow you to simply and effectively determine the initial shot parameter then to use this parameter to determine the next shot parameter, and so on, required to, ultimately, run the remaining rack. The only need to actually think analytically in 9-ball is in deciding your runout strategy. Angle to angle to angle...

8-Ball. I've seen Efren throw all 15 balls out on the pool table and run them out in rotation order 3 times in a row. To me, running out in 8-ball is nothing more than running out in 9-ball. Considerations: more balls on the table for more congestion, more possibilities for tied up balls, limited avenues for cue ball path for shape, and determining stripes or solids for easiest runout. But these are manageable. Once you decide on your run, the actual execution is exactly the same. In fact, any of the aforementioned that may seem like difficulties can be mitigated by the fact that you do have the option of changing your run out if the need arises. You can't do this in 9-ball. And you only need to run 8 balls. How about that. I feel 8-ball and 9-ball are essentially the same game and should be approached in the same way.
 
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Point the center of the cue ball at the edge of the object ball and you have a 30 degree cut
21 words
……,,,,,,,
Point the center of the cue ball at the halfway point between center and edge of the object ball
And you have a 15 degree cut

26 words
 
Sorry to disappoint
I’ve played for 65 years. Shot over 2.5 million 2.250” balls straight into the center of
the selected pockets
I’ve already explained the contact points on the cue balls and the object balls.
Never, ever, not even once, did I need to find any cut angle relationship between the cue balls and the object balls.
You’re welcome to count the words, if you don’t value your time.
I do still play A++, at 80 years of age, not old, yet.
radar
@xradarx
I would like to meet you
buy you a drink /play some/ask some questions
PM me if interested
seems i cant PM you
 
Point the center of the cue ball at the edge of the object ball and you have a 30 degree cut
21 words
……,,,,,,,
Point the center of the cue ball at the halfway point between center and edge of the object ball
And you have a 15 degree cut

26 words
I am not going to ask why almost everyone changes the subject. They do, so I'll just roll with it.

Doesn't the system you are referring to have a name? Can you tell us what its name is, please. Thanks.

I believe your 21 word description above is accurate.
I don't think your 26 word description is accurate. It is not 15 degrees according to the top diagram on bbb post. It indicates 14.5 degrees.
I don't think the system you are using is 1 to 1, or continuously uniformly accurate or proportionally divisible along the horizontal axis.
It is because the balls are spheres. As you travel out along the equator from the ball center, the resolution along the horizontal axis becomes less and less for a given distance. For an equal length along the equator, because there is an increasing depth component in the direction of travel, its resolution along the horizontal axis becomes less and less the further the travel is away from the ball center. This really becomes apparent the closer you get to the ball's edge or 90 degrees.

Where would you point the cue ball center on a long shot for a 71 degree cut angle?

Other than a few obvious standard alignments, that you must memorize, the system you suggest is a guesstimate system.
You are talking about an aiming system to cut an object ball.

I'm talking about precisely determining the object ball contact point. That's it. That's all. Full stop.

Then I go on to say that this object ball contact point can be used to determine any cut angle: 3, 7, 11, 18, 37 degrees, etc.
 
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Everyone looks at any given pool shot in exactly the same way. Players to rail birds. But not everyone SEES that shot the same way. I'm only talking about the balls and the lay on the table, not how to approach how to shoot the shot (different matter.) Seeing ranges from total darkness to crystal clarity. This is one thing that distinguishes mediocre players from great players. Even if you have perfect physical sight, you may still not be SEEING the balls. SEEING the balls perfectly intuitively instinctively is a god given gift. Only the best players have this ability. But did you know that you can be taught how to consciously SEE the balls? "Knowledge is power." It is money, as well. There are some online instructions that "spill the beans" so to speak. The knowledge they reveal definitely can take your game to the next level. But even they will not tell you everything they know. You just need to read many of the posts here to get a glimpse of the attitudes of some people toward other posters. Do you think they would share anything that would enhance your competitiveness to the detriment of their own? And even the personable posters may be reluctant to share the "truths" that they have garnered over the years. Life's lessons usually don't come cheap.
No one EVER is born seeing the balls. Everyone, to a man, learns it. Some pick it up easier than others, some will never learn how, but everyone learns it over time. Usually only with a coach or coaches that already know it.

Jaden
 
Never, ever, not even once, did I need to find any cut angle relationship between the cue balls and the object balls.

Could it be that you recognize it and do not need to determine if it's 14.5 or 14.5629 degrees 😆

Still learning this game, but I believe having and idea of the cut angle allows your brain to process what is going to happen to the CB after striking the OB so you can adjust your speed and spin to get the CB where you want to for the next shot. I won't be hurt if someone tells me I am completely wrong on this 😆
 
I am not going to ask why almost everyone changes the subject. They do, so I'll just roll with it.

Doesn't the system you are referring to have a name? Can you tell us what its name is, please. Thanks.

I believe your 21 word description above is accurate.
I don't think your 26 word description is accurate. It is not 15 degrees according to the top diagram on bbb post. It indicates 14.5 degrees.
I don't think the system you are using is 1 to 1, or continuously uniformly accurate or proportionally divisible along the horizontal axis.
It is because the balls are spheres. As you travel out along the equator from the ball center, the resolution along the horizontal axis becomes less and less for a given distance. For an equal length along the equator, because there is an increasing depth component in the direction of travel, its resolution along the horizontal axis becomes less and less the further the travel is away from the ball center. This really becomes apparent the closer you get to the ball's edge or 90 degrees.

Where would you point the cue ball center on a long shot for a 71 degree cut angle?

Other than a few obvious standard alignments, that you must memorize, the system you suggest is a guesstimate system.
You are talking about an aiming system to cut an object ball.

I'm talking about precisely determining the object ball contact point. That's it. That's all. Full stop.

Then I go on to say that this object ball contact point can be used to determine any cut angle: 3, 7, 11, 18, 37 degrees, etc.
how would you point the cue ball on a 71 degree cut angle?
or 11 or 18 cut angle?
 
Point the center of the cue ball at the edge of the object ball and you have a 30 degree cut
21 words
……,,,,,,,
Point the center of the cue ball at the halfway point between center and edge of the object ball
And you have a 15 degree cut

26 words
DAMN! That center and edge visual trick of the CB for those two shots is right on the money! If it works perfectly for that,
wouldn't it work for every possible makeable cut angle that comes up? Hmmmm, I wonder why somebody hasn't created or
invented it? I think I'll put it to the test.

Three hours later...BY DAMN, SON OF A BEACH, IT DOES!!! What should we call it?
 
Shooting decisions are completed and set(finalized) prior to my assuming the shooting position.
Precision and accuracy are required, nothing to do with cut angles, in my judgement.

Everything to do with cut angles, nothing to do with knowing if it is 65 or 75 degrees. Our unconscious doesn't think in conversational english. Our unconscious has already had the thought and acted on it before we can think it in words.

Touch the hot burner on the stove. Does our mind think, "Golly gee that is freaking hot, I need to pull the hand away from the burner!" No, we would be halfway to medium rare by the time we thought this out in words, the unconscious just gets the hand out of harm's way!

That is why it is a mistake to try to make pool too mechanical. If we turn our unconscious loose it will calculate angles down to a gnat's ass, but it won't do it in words. It is working at a lower, far more powerful level. Trying to calculate something in words ties up the unconscious, a mistake.

Hu
 
Shooting decisions are completed and set(finalized) prior to my assuming the shooting position.
My personal self to self sticky note is to remind, if I am adjusting once down that's fine but once the the calculation is revised....raise up and start the dance over.
 
how would you point the cue ball on a 71 degree cut angle?
or 11 or 18 cut angle?
I would begin by using the "clock" idea I previously described. Either in degrees or minutes or seconds to find the angle along the outer edge of the object ball. Each to their own choosing which. There is a span of 90 degrees from Noon to 3PM, a span of 15 minutes, or a span of 900 seconds. Once you have located the object ball edge location, visualize dropping a vertical line straight down from this point. Where it intersects the object ball equator is the contact point.

Then you aim the cue ball and shoot such that when it arrives at the object ball it hits at precisely this object ball contact point. So, depending on your motivation and visual acuity, this is at the 71 degree, the approximate 11.8 minute, or the 710 second point along the outer edge of the object ball.

Now, don't get huffy. This is only how you learn until you can make the angle intuitively. Overall, US&E are your fundamentals. Once you master them the entire process becomes intuitive.

What is a pool slump? What do you do when you get in a slump? A pool slump is when your game is no longer intuitive. "I can't make a shot." The best advice I've heard is to go back to your fundamentals. Okay. What does this mean? What are you going to do? If you have mastered US&E, which you will have done because it includes verifiable techniques/tools to do so, and it therefore allows you to master them fairly easily and quickly requiring only desire and discipline, you only need take a few shots consciously following the process before you are back on track. That is, if you don't have to wait for your blood/alcohol level to come down.

I could explain further in more detail but that would be describing the entire US&E technique/tools step by step process that will provide you with the means to make every shot, only limited by your desire and ability to carry them out. But know this: this process includes checks or "lock-ins" to make sure you will carry out each step precisely. You only need the discipline to refuse to shoot until you have verified each step and you are ready to shoot.

Methodical determination is the Buddy Hall hallmark over a very long and successful pool carrier.
 
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Here is something to think about: let's say you are an engineer. For example, you are engineering the proximity fuse just before WWII. This fuse has about ten components. If any one of them fails, the munition fails. So, let's say each component has an 80 percent success rate. What are your chances of producing a usable fuse? You multiply 0.8^10 = 0.10. Or, 10% success rate. There is no use mass producing such a fuse.
Try 0.9^10 = 0.35. Much better but still a bust. Try 0.95^10 = 0.6. We're getting somewhere. But no. Even 0.99^10 = 0.90 is problematic but good enough to mass produce.

Keeping in mind how many steps, variables, or degrees of freedom are involved in executing a pool shot, any imperfections in your technique can and probably will be disastrous.
 
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how would you point the cue ball on a 71 degree cut angle?
or 11 or 18 cut angle?
I don't think my method of determining the object ball contact point is all that earthshattering. But it can be very helpful when aiming the shot. I just wanted to show that there are insights into pool that may not have been readily apparent or known to most players. As well as suggesting that there can be plenty more of these insights where this one came from.

The fundamental problem or difficulty is determining what the object ball cut angle to the pocket center is, especially when the object ball is far from the pocket and the cue ball is far from the object ball. US&E has a simple, effective, and easy solution.

Unbelievably for a few players, eye-balling the cut angle to the pocket center is uncannily almost automatic.
 
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I don't think my method of determining the object ball contact point is all that earthshattering. But it can be very helpful when aiming the shot. I just wanted to show that there are insights into pool that may not have been readily apparent or known to most players. As well as suggesting that there can be plenty more of these insights where this one came from.

The fundamental problem or difficulty is determining what the object ball cut angle to the pocket center is, especially when the object ball is far from the pocket and the cue ball is far from the object ball. US&E has a simple, effective, and easy solution.

Unbelievably for a few players, eye-balling the cut angle to the pocket center is uncannily almost automatic.
Yes. You can walk around the table. Eye the pocket center from behind the object ball. Walk back around behind the cue ball. And Voila! Boy, this game is easy.

Oh, damn. Where did my object ball contact point go? What was that angle again, exactly? This shot is starting to look a little funny. The path from the object ball to the pocket center seems sort of flat. Maybe it isn't as easy as I thought it was. Whew. I still managed to make it. Why all the clapping?

You are getting a round of applause because even the audience knows that some shots, that shot in particular, was very difficult. You do as well.

You realize that you could use an edge because you want to be able to make similar shots consistently. You got lucky and you know it. Relying on luck is a fool's bet.

US&E is more than a mere edge.
 
Ever occur to you that the pro model is how things average out and might be wrong?
Flow, flow, flow, ooh doubt, side step, flow, flow, oops WTF I did it right???

Sound method is the only way. Ask NASA.
 
Yes, that's me -- I believe that photo was taken at the US Open One Pocket in Vegas several years back during my match with Alex Pagulayan.

And no, though I've played many folks at Hard Times I was never there for a tournament, always just passin' through.

Lou Figueroa
still a nice guy
Did you know, to my eye, you look very much like Omar Vachhani. Or at least that is what POV Pool has him booked as. Maybe that contributed to my confusion. Trippy.

Seek to 39:58

 
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Ever occur to you that the pro model is how things average out and might be wrong?
Flow, flow, flow, ooh doubt, side step, flow, flow, oops WTF I did it right???

Sound method is the only way. Ask NASA.


Ask that same NASA that has killed at least 23 people? NASA has a high enough failure rate that if a person fails just as often on a pool table they will never reach even low level pro. NASA's failure rate won't cut it in advanced competition of any type!

Ever look at the piece of crap we landed on the moon with? If you took a rat rod and multiplied it times a hundred that is what that thing looked like! NASA was in a race with the russians and devil take the hindmost, often the foremost too!

Reminds me, two astronauts are sitting on the launching pad: One looks at the other one. "You realize we are sitting on over fifty thousand individual components?"

"Sure, we all know that."

"Each one supplied by the lowest bidder."

"Mommmiieeeeee"

Hu
 
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