For the gamblers out there

jay helfert

Shoot Pool, not people
Gold Member
Silver Member
First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!

Now I want to discuss a little problem I have and see what kind of support I can get from the gang on here.

I have just started playing again in the last week or so. I'm trying to get ready to play in the Banks at DCC. I haven't played in several years there. And in truth I haven't played much pool for about two years. Maybe once or twice a month just hitting a few balls. Really, almost zero play except for an occasional foray in the Philippines.

So now I started hitting balls again last week, an hour or so here and there. After a few days my buddy Adrian (a decent player) came by and we got into a pretty good Bank Pool session, maybe 10 or 12 games. Now I feel ready to go challenge someone, and sweeten the game with a small bet. So off I go to Hard Times, looking for a Bank Pool game. I know Hawaiian Jimmy will play me, he has before. He's a very good player, better than me at all games except Banks.

I run into him right away, but he already has a game, with Lou Sardo the guy who invented the Sardo rack. Someone steers me to Long Beach Rich, a guy I don't know. They tell me he plays Jimmy even at One Pocket, so I know he's good. He used to own a poolroom in St. Louis, that's all I know. He's standing outside smoking, so I walk up to him and say hello. "Would you like to play some Banks," I ask him. Sure he says! Just like that. No questions, nothing, just a quick yes. This guy is a player!

I go grab a bite to eat and come back and he's on a table waiting for me. Here we go, ACTION! He lets me warm up a bit and now we discuss the game. We decide on Short Rack Banks for 40 a game. Not a big game but definitely action.

I start out strong, winning the first two games with some solid banking. The scores are like 5-3 and 5-4. The third game also goes 4-4 and he wins. In the fourth game, I start hitting the points and get a little discouraged. My game begins to slip and I lose some confidence. I end up losing two games after three hours of play. Now I'm left to wonder why my game slipped after the initial three or four games.

No question that the Gold Crown takes some adjusting to after only playing on my Diamond for so long. But that's not it. I also know I need some "conditioning" to playing in money games again, especially against a good player, who I'm told is in there every day. What I don't know is why I let down and my game slipped a notch or two, allowing him to win.

I had no problem early on with the table or the game. But as soon as I felt a little doubt creep in, my game began to get sluggish. I couldn't maintain my edge. What I want to know is if any of you have experienced this and what (if anything) can you do to overcome it? I know that I need to play more, and games like this are good for me. I got some real tough action and didn't lose a lot of money ($80). Of course I would rather win, even for a small bet.

Maybe Brumback can help me out here. I want to play my best all the time. Is that unrealistic. I don't feel my age when I'm playing Banks. I truly feel like I can still play this game at a high level. I made some shots last night that had the small crowd watching oohing and aahing. I liked that!

Anyway if anyone has any suggestions for me they would be much appreciated. By the way, my buddy Adrian watched the game and afterward he said that my banks lost a little zip after the first few games. That was a reflection of my loss in confidence I think. I'm just wondering what I need to do to get over this hump. Thanks
 
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Quit attempting to 'fight or flight' when confronted with something which goes against you. Just focus and enjoy the moment.
 
Jay, I think it is your lack of playing that allowed the doubt to slip in your game. I think it is a little unrealistic to think you can barely play for 2 years and be at the top of your game in such a short time.

If you were a construction worker and just got back to work after 2 years, your hands are going to get sore. You may feel good the first day, but you're not going to swing that hammer with the confidence you did 2 years previous. You need to get a few calluses built up from playing money games.

My suggestion is play, play and play some more. A friend and good player once said when asked "How do you become a good tournament player?" and he responded, "Play in more tournaments." The point is you must play more money games to get that level of confidence back to where you want it to be. JMO. Good Luck at Derby!
 
Jay I am no expert but you named a lot of little things.

1. You have not been playing much.
2. Gold crown instead of a Diamond.
3. Just ate.
4. Playing someone you do not know.

When I switch from my Diamond to a Gold Crown it throws my game off particularly the banks. I adjust but not until I have had an hour or two on the table.

When doubt creeps into my mind it is usually because my game is weak and I have been inconsistent as a result of not enough table time.

If I have just eaten food things change and not always for the worst but the do change.

I never seem to play as well as I can when playing a stranger. I have been known to terrorize the people I play a lot:p.

I don't think it is much to worry about unless it keeps happening.

Good Luck with your game.
 
I would suggest that when you play a gambling match that you bring up a couple of those young ladies that seem to be always fawning over you. That ought to keep you revved up. :cool:
 
First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!

Now I want to discuss a little problem I have and see what kind of support I can get from the gang on here.

I have just started playing again in the last week or so. I'm trying to get ready to play in the Banks at DCC. I haven't played in several years there. And in truth I haven't played much pool for about two years. Maybe once or twice a month just hitting a few balls. Really, almost zero play except for an occasional foray in the Philippines.

So now I started hitting balls again last week, an hour or so here and there. After a few days my buddy Adrian (a decent player) came by and we got into a pretty good Bank Pool session, maybe 10 or 12 games. Now I feel ready to go challenge someone, and sweeten the game with a small bet. So off I go to Hard Times, looking for a Bank Pool game. I know Hawaiian Jimmy will play me, he has before. He's a very good player, better than me at all games except Banks.

I run into him right away, but he already has a game, with Lou Sardo the guy who invented the Sardo rack. Someone steers me to Long Beach Rich, a guy I don't know. They tell me he plays Jimmy even at One Pocket, so I know he's good. He used to own a poolroom in St. Louis, that's all I know. He's standing outside smoking, so I walk up to him and say hello. "Would you like to play some Banks," I ask him. Sure he says! Just like that. No questions, nothing, just a quick yes. This guy is a player!

I go grab a bite to eat and come back and he's on a table waiting for me. Here we go, ACTION! He lets me warm up a bit and now we discuss the game. We decide on Short Rack Banks for 40 a game. Not a big game but definitely action.

I start out strong, winning the first two games with some solid banking. The scores are like 5-3 and 5-4. The third game also goes 4-4 and he wins. In the fourth game, I start hitting the points and get a little discouraged. My game begins to slip and I lose some confidence. I end up losing two games after three hours of play. Now I'm left to wonder why my game slipped after the initial three or four games.

No question that the Gold Crown takes some adjusting to after only playing on my Diamond for so long. But that's not it. I also know I need some "conditioning" to playing in money games again, especially against a good player, who I'm told is in there every day. What I don't know is why I let down and my game slipped a notch or two, allowing him to win.

I had no problem early on with the table or the game. But as soon as I felt a little doubt creep in, my game began to get sluggish. I couldn't maintain my edge. What I want to know is if any of you have experienced this and what (if anything) can you do to overcome it? I know that I need to play more, and games like this are good for me. I got some real tough action and didn't lose a lot of money ($80). Of course I would rather win, even for a small bet.

Maybe Brumback can help me out here. I want to play my best all the time. Is that unrealistic. I don't feel my age when I'm playing Banks. I truly feel like I can still play this game at a high level. I made some shots last night that had the small crowd watching oohing and aahing. I liked that!

Anyway if anyone has any suggestions for me they would be much appreciated. By the way, my buddy Adrian watched the game and afterward he said that my banks lost a little zip after the first few games. That was a reflection of my loss in confidence I think. I'm just wondering what I need to do to get over this hump. Thanks

Yes. I think you can play your best bank pool most all of the time.Futher more I think you can keep Improving at bank pool till your to old to get around a pool table.Maybe when you just hit some balls around you should use that time more wisely.Like try to make every shot count, that's what I try to do.A lttle "good" practice Is alot better than just bangin balls around.IMO bank pool takes so much skill and knowledge that once you learn the game,you should be able to play It at a high level all the time.Again imo,you don't even have to be able to see real good to play It at a high level.It's a great game for us old people haha.I don't know If this helps ya or not but at least I tried.Thanks for asking me,Jay.John B.
 
Maybe complacency? I know that the same thing happened to me recently, and I believe it's because of the following:
1. Immediate upon walking in the door, I got asked for action from a stranger (always makes me feel like it's a trap, regardless of the "I play so-and-so even, etc"
2. Going into the game, I felt like I was probably getting the worst of the deal. Subsequently, I played very smart pool. I was scared to let him get to the table because I knew he'd run out and take my money. Focus was there, and I played my top game.
3. The inevitable happened... he got to the table. He underperformed. I let up a little, but still playing well as it may have been a fluke. Little by little I realize I'm supposed to beat this guy. Little by little, the urgency goes away and I start playing casual pool. The rest of the story doesn't change.

Finding a way to stay "in the game" and keep it serious is the answer for me, and may be for you. Whether that's mental conditioning alone, or getting the money-game experience more often... I still don't know. It's hard to keep the hunger when, in the back of your mind, you're telling yourself "it's just (this much) dollars"
When I was between the Navy and my current job, with my savings going away, I won more knowing that I wasn't getting another paycheck for a while.
 
I know how easy it is to lose focus. Playing Straight Pool with AZer Ted Kaufman last Thursday, I missed very, very, easy shots two or three times and it cost me the game. I'd be embarrassed to tell you the shots I missed. I was down 39 to 13 at one point and lost 100-85.
I agree that most of the things you listed, Jay, would affect your game. I know it did mine. I've been incorporating some new stuff into my physical game, playing someone I'd never played before, in an environmental that I wasn't totally comfortable with. And, once that doubt creeps into yer noggin, it's hard to get it out. Stay with it, it'll pass!!
Oh, and Happy New Year Jay and everyone!
 
my 2 cents
confidence comes from watching the balls go in over and over for hours at a time
and shots are shot without thinking
you know what i mean
unless you have that much time under your belt at the table
once you miss a few you start trying to figure out whats wrong and try to correct it doubt sets in

all the figuring out needs to done during practice time

with enought time under you when you miss one you just shrug it off and KNOW you will make the next one
 
its common!

Hey Jay,

Ive been paying on a Olhouson for a year now, its in a place close to the house so I can get to the kids in 5mins if I need to..., I went to play a guy some banks last night, the place had all Gold Crowns..., well it didnt go good for me, took to lomg to find the comfort level I used to have on Gold Crowns.

It might help to get a little time in on the type of equipmnet you'll be playing on, I'm sure there noghting wrong with your game, just got to get the table/rails down in banks....,

Go back and light him up as soon as you can..., I'm back at it tonight!
 
confidence

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!

Now I want to discuss a little problem I have and see what kind of support I can get from the gang on here.

I have just started playing again in the last week or so. I'm trying to get ready to play in the Banks at DCC. I haven't played in several years there. And in truth I haven't played much pool for about two years. Maybe once or twice a month just hitting a few balls. Really, almost zero play except for an occasional foray in the Philippines.

So now I started hitting balls again last week, an hour or so here and there. After a few days my buddy Adrian (a decent player) came by and we got into a pretty good Bank Pool session, maybe 10 or 12 games. Now I feel ready to go challenge someone, and sweeten the game with a small bet. So off I go to Hard Times, looking for a Bank Pool game. I know Hawaiian Jimmy will play me, he has before. He's a very good player, better than me at all games except Banks.

I run into him right away, but he already has a game, with Lou Sardo the guy who invented the Sardo rack. Someone steers me to Long Beach Rich, a guy I don't know. They tell me he plays Jimmy even at One Pocket, so I know he's good. He used to own a poolroom in St. Louis, that's all I know. He's standing outside smoking, so I walk up to him and say hello. "Would you like to play some Banks," I ask him. Sure he says! Just like that. No questions, nothing, just a quick yes. This guy is a player!

I go grab a bite to eat and come back and he's on a table waiting for me. Here we go, ACTION! He lets me warm up a bit and now we discuss the game. We decide on Short Rack Banks for 40 a game. Not a big game but definitely action.

I start out strong, winning the first two games with some solid banking. The scores are like 5-3 and 5-4. The third game also goes 4-4 and he wins. In the fourth game, I start hitting the points and get a little discouraged. My game begins to slip and I lose some confidence. I end up losing two games after three hours of play. Now I'm left to wonder why my game slipped after the initial three or four games.

No question that the Gold Crown takes some adjusting to after only playing on my Diamond for so long. But that's not it. I also know I need some "conditioning" to playing in money games again, especially against a good player, who I'm told is in there every day. What I don't know is why I let down and my game slipped a notch or two, allowing him to win.

I had no problem early on with the table or the game. But as soon as I felt a little doubt creep in, my game began to get sluggish. I couldn't maintain my edge. What I want to know is if any of you have experienced this and what (if anything) can you do to overcome it? I know that I need to play more, and games like this are good for me. I got some real tough action and didn't lose a lot of money ($80). Of course I would rather win, even for a small bet.

Maybe Brumback can help me out here. I want to play my best all the time. Is that unrealistic. I don't feel my age when I'm playing Banks. I truly feel like I can still play this game at a high level. I made some shots last night that had the small crowd watching oohing and aahing. I liked that!

Anyway if anyone has any suggestions for me they would be much appreciated. By the way, my buddy Adrian watched the game and afterward he said that my banks lost a little zip after the first few games. That was a reflection of my loss in confidence I think. I'm just wondering what I need to do to get over this hump. Thanks

Sounds like your conscious mind is getting in the way of your subconscious mind, conflict. Two little things to help you. First, Close yours eyes, take a couple deep breaths. Now go back in your mind and find that time where you were very successful, a time when everything goes in the pocket. Really relive the shots. Feel the Feelings. Smell the smells. The whole experience. Get the same feeling, now take your thumb and ring finger and touch them together and say a "key word". Do this 5 times and feel that feeling getting stronger each time. Do this daily for a few days, and everytime you play a great shot or great game immediately close your eyes,touch your two fingers together again and say the "key word" This will re-inforce the trigger. Now use your trigger before every game.

Second when those thoughts of self doubt get in your head over the ball just say the phrase to your self "cancel, "cancel". That will help to get your conscious mind out of the way, and let your subconscious mind do the shot, a shot it has performed correctly thousands of times.

Use it. It will help you.
 
First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!

Now I want to discuss a little problem I have and see what kind of support I can get from the gang on here.

I have just started playing again in the last week or so. I'm trying to get ready to play in the Banks at DCC. I haven't played in several years there. And in truth I haven't played much pool for about two years. Maybe once or twice a month just hitting a few balls. Really, almost zero play except for an occasional foray in the Philippines.

So now I started hitting balls again last week, an hour or so here and there. After a few days my buddy Adrian (a decent player) came by and we got into a pretty good Bank Pool session, maybe 10 or 12 games. Now I feel ready to go challenge someone, and sweeten the game with a small bet. So off I go to Hard Times, looking for a Bank Pool game. I know Hawaiian Jimmy will play me, he has before. He's a very good player, better than me at all games except Banks.

I run into him right away, but he already has a game, with Lou Sardo the guy who invented the Sardo rack. Someone steers me to Long Beach Rich, a guy I don't know. They tell me he plays Jimmy even at One Pocket, so I know he's good. He used to own a poolroom in St. Louis, that's all I know. He's standing outside smoking, so I walk up to him and say hello. "Would you like to play some Banks," I ask him. Sure he says! Just like that. No questions, nothing, just a quick yes. This guy is a player!

I go grab a bite to eat and come back and he's on a table waiting for me. Here we go, ACTION! He lets me warm up a bit and now we discuss the game. We decide on Short Rack Banks for 40 a game. Not a big game but definitely action.

I start out strong, winning the first two games with some solid banking. The scores are like 5-3 and 5-4. The third game also goes 4-4 and he wins. In the fourth game, I start hitting the points and get a little discouraged. My game begins to slip and I lose some confidence. I end up losing two games after three hours of play. Now I'm left to wonder why my game slipped after the initial three or four games.

No question that the Gold Crown takes some adjusting to after only playing on my Diamond for so long. But that's not it. I also know I need some "conditioning" to playing in money games again, especially against a good player, who I'm told is in there every day. What I don't know is why I let down and my game slipped a notch or two, allowing him to win.

I had no problem early on with the table or the game. But as soon as I felt a little doubt creep in, my game began to get sluggish. I couldn't maintain my edge. What I want to know is if any of you have experienced this and what (if anything) can you do to overcome it? I know that I need to play more, and games like this are good for me. I got some real tough action and didn't lose a lot of money ($80). Of course I would rather win, even for a small bet.

Maybe Brumback can help me out here. I want to play my best all the time. Is that unrealistic. I don't feel my age when I'm playing Banks. I truly feel like I can still play this game at a high level. I made some shots last night that had the small crowd watching oohing and aahing. I liked that!

Anyway if anyone has any suggestions for me they would be much appreciated. By the way, my buddy Adrian watched the game and afterward he said that my banks lost a little zip after the first few games. That was a reflection of my loss in confidence I think. I'm just wondering what I need to do to get over this hump. Thanks

Jay, the ups and downs as we get older will drive you crazy sometimes. Some days I play like it was 20/30 years ago and the very next time I play my speed is bad, I miss easy shots and it all starts getting into my head and then I am really done.

Then it will all come back for a while. I have tried changing cues, shafts, stance and even bought an aiming system to become more mechanical in my approach to the shot.

What I have finally figured out is there is no set answer for me to keep my game up at my best speed. I am my own worst enemy when I start playing bad because I get agitated with myself and don't relax and start pressing and shooting too fast. I know what I am doing wrong but cannot correct it.

Enjoy the times you play well and pay off when you don't. See you at DCC.
 
I haven't played much pool for about two years. Maybe once or twice a month just hitting a few balls. Really, almost zero play except for an occasional foray in the Philippines......


....I also know I need some "conditioning" to playing in money games again, especially against a good player....

....I know that I need to play more, and games like this are good for me....


I want to play my best all the time. Is that unrealistic.


I think you answered your own question. Comes down to stamina. Both mental, physical and confidence. Just need to harden yourself again, and get used to shooting your highest level for longer periods of time before you run out of gas.


The doubts definitely hurt you, caused a confidence issue which doesn't help when you are rusty to begin with. When a player is rusty, and they come out shooting well - it's like they're on a tightrope. Relying on what they know, not so much the the other stuff. One little slip, and they fall. Whereas, when you're well conditioned to playing high level for long periods of time, a little slip is easy to overcome. Everything else about your game is there solidly founded and isn't going anywhere.


I experienced similar things. There was a time I did a lot of travel and would not play for months at a time. I'd grab a cue and shoot great just as if no time had elapsed, but then sure enough - the signs of time without practice would creep into the game.


This is overcome by just playing more often and for more hours. Nothing else to it. Simple as that.



I don't shoot bank pool, but when I've been in situations like that - the only thing I know how to do, in an effort to try and close out my opponent and keep it competitive, keep me alive in other words, is to simplify my game. I get really conservative. I'll play safes at times I'd otherwise shoot for the out. I'll play a simpler pattern. Or compromise a bit and hedge my bets on shots a little. I just recognize that I shouldn't be thinking with the mindset of when I'm well practiced and shooting lights out. My arm, mind and overall self isn't at that level. Thus, if I place that expectation, it only sets me up for disappointment. So in a sense, I "downshift" ...to a gear where I can perform without failure at that level. If that's not enough to win, so be it. It was a lack of higher level skills that didn't allow me to overcome my opponent, as opposed to me attempting things that I am not practiced for and botching them. One kills confidence, the other is simply playing within one's means at a given time.


Some people would disagree, and say that if that's going to lose, at least take chances with "higher gear" type shots or play. True, but over the long haul in a match, that breaks confidence, adds frustration ...


Remember, you're playing to WIN. That doesn't necessarily mean you're playing to WIN & win by playing the way you want to play. Meaning, you don't have to play your best to win, or play like you used to "back in the day"...


Win can be independent from all else. It's independent from expectations in a person's game. Because you can win, and not play well or as well as you might have liked. That's fine. Practice and time brings about achieving ones goals and expectations as to level of play. In the meantime, winning is separate. Call it winning ugly, grinding, or squeaking it out or whatever.


That's a confidence builder. Finding a way to win when the stamina, concentration or skills are not 100%.
 
just do it

Maybe the thinker kill the player.Pool has to do with feeling when it comes to money game.Just do it....(train for concistency but play for the cheese)
 
Lack of confidence due to lack of play.

I really think it is that simple, I battle with this all the time. I get to play once every few weeks and when I get started I can definitely feel the doubt creep in and it takes me a while to push that aside and play decent. Then I have to fight mental fatigue and lack of focus that comes with not playing.

If I am playing a 2 day tournament I have to get a little lucky and claw through the first couple of rounds before I feel any confidence in my game then try to stay focused. I don't begin to play near where I think I should until the weekend is over and then I am on the shelf again for a while....rinse and repeat. Not the best formula for playing our best or improving.

The key to confidence and consistency is repetition IMO, that means practice and competition. Unfortunately, most of us do not have the time, the desire or both to be able to overcome this.

GL getting back in stroke, stay on the table for a few days and it will come.
 
The older we get, the more difficult it is to maintain sharp focus for extended periods of time. Sad but ... I do believe this will afflict all of us over 50. I'm 60, I think you have a few years on me, so I just think this is the way it is.

Along with all the other stuff I'm sure you are aware of. Like talking to yourself and saying, "Hey, I'm playing pretty good here!" "Am I really this good?"

Then the inevitable happens. You question yourself on that question, and everything starts to turn to shit. :grin:
 
Hi Jay - Just a reminder that when something changes it doesn't necessarily mean that it is you that is changing.

Environmental conditions change: humidity and temperature can seriously change the way a table is banking. Also how clean the balls and the cloth are can be factors.

That said, it is usually me that is off a bit. I simply try to see if there are common errors that I am making (like all my cross sides are short) and make any adjustments as needed.

I am not a big gambler but if you're coming through CO, I'd love to play you some.

What are you running consistently...3's and 4's ? If I am playing well at all I should be able to run at least one 3 or 4 for every 3 games played.

Hope this helps.
 
First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!

Now I want to discuss a little problem I have and see what kind of support I can get from the gang on here.

I have just started playing again in the last week or so. I'm trying to get ready to play in the Banks at DCC. I haven't played in several years there. And in truth I haven't played much pool for about two years. Maybe once or twice a month just hitting a few balls. Really, almost zero play except for an occasional foray in the Philippines.

So now I started hitting balls again last week, an hour or so here and there. After a few days my buddy Adrian (a decent player) came by and we got into a pretty good Bank Pool session, maybe 10 or 12 games. Now I feel ready to go challenge someone, and sweeten the game with a small bet. So off I go to Hard Times, looking for a Bank Pool game. I know Hawaiian Jimmy will play me, he has before. He's a very good player, better than me at all games except Banks.

I run into him right away, but he already has a game, with Lou Sardo the guy who invented the Sardo rack. Someone steers me to Long Beach Rich, a guy I don't know. They tell me he plays Jimmy even at One Pocket, so I know he's good. He used to own a poolroom in St. Louis, that's all I know. He's standing outside smoking, so I walk up to him and say hello. "Would you like to play some Banks," I ask him. Sure he says! Just like that. No questions, nothing, just a quick yes. This guy is a player!

I go grab a bite to eat and come back and he's on a table waiting for me. Here we go, ACTION! He lets me warm up a bit and now we discuss the game. We decide on Short Rack Banks for 40 a game. Not a big game but definitely action.

I start out strong, winning the first two games with some solid banking. The scores are like 5-3 and 5-4. The third game also goes 4-4 and he wins. In the fourth game, I start hitting the points and get a little discouraged. My game begins to slip and I lose some confidence. I end up losing two games after three hours of play. Now I'm left to wonder why my game slipped after the initial three or four games.

No question that the Gold Crown takes some adjusting to after only playing on my Diamond for so long. But that's not it. I also know I need some "conditioning" to playing in money games again, especially against a good player, who I'm told is in there every day. What I don't know is why I let down and my game slipped a notch or two, allowing him to win.

I had no problem early on with the table or the game. But as soon as I felt a little doubt creep in, my game began to get sluggish. I couldn't maintain my edge. What I want to know is if any of you have experienced this and what (if anything) can you do to overcome it? I know that I need to play more, and games like this are good for me. I got some real tough action and didn't lose a lot of money ($80). Of course I would rather win, even for a small bet.

Maybe Brumback can help me out here. I want to play my best all the time. Is that unrealistic. I don't feel my age when I'm playing Banks. I truly feel like I can still play this game at a high level. I made some shots last night that had the small crowd watching oohing and aahing. I liked that!

Anyway if anyone has any suggestions for me they would be much appreciated. By the way, my buddy Adrian watched the game and afterward he said that my banks lost a little zip after the first few games. That was a reflection of my loss in confidence I think. I'm just wondering what I need to do to get over this hump. Thanks

Jay the food probably just settled you got tired and the speed on your banks changed.Was they falling short or going long.
 
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