Hey Shawn.

[dereklovejoy]

Its nice of you to offer up your help on here. Heck we must have the same hours since that late or early is when i like to get on here and chat it up.

I just got done watching the i think it was the 05 sudden death 7 ball, where you played Thorsten (i think i spelled that right). I also watched the mosconi cup as well. You are a really good player.

I wanted to know what open tournament you would suggest a lower player such as myself, maybe a b- player should enter. I was thinking about coming to a major tourney, one where I'm sure to see some great pool and also play in. Is the us open the tourney? That is the one i was thinking of coming to. I'm going to be playing in the us am championship, but really want to experience being around the best players in the world. i know that 2 and out is more than likely but oh well playing against the best would defiantly be a learning experience.

 

[dereklovejoy]

I also wanted to know what helped you the most when making the jump to the professional scene. What got you from say a local tournament or cash game player to the level you now play at. Any books, techniques, maybe something as simple as playing against better and better players?

 

[Shawn Putnam]

Practice as much as you can.
Befriend and hang out with the best players in your area.
Even if it meens playing them cheap sets whenever you can aford to.
Play every tourney you can cause it teaches you how to win.
Reserch who you want to help you with you game. Just because someone plays good does'nt mean he know how or why it works.
Your friend,
Shawn Putnam

 

[dereklovejoy]

thanks for the response. i defiantly have been playing more and more tourneys lately. 1 or 2 a week now. i usually get about 10 hours in a week at least. We are making a pool room in our basement and hopefully i can get that done sometime this spring. I'm sure being able to practice everyday would be very helpful in getting over the hump.