Hours, weeks, months, years, and I’m still lousy

[Guy Manges]

That answers your questions right there. At home not getting out and playing anyone is no way to improve. I’ve been down that road 40 years ago. 3.5 years isn’t that long either-but playing in a vacuum is the real issue. You have to go out and learn, total immersion. Then you’ll improve. The amount of sacrifice to become a player is HUGE. Pay your dues, put down the computer-pick up a cue and work on it.

That’s the real truth,

Good luck
Fatboy

Eric many years ago in So Cal I played Mexican players in their 80's that could play this game 8 Ball as good as I've seen since... They didn't have the equipment and they didn't appear to have the smarts but they played everyday competition and they made themselves a game... I think it's like running hydraulic equipment, The equipment has to become you, extension there of, Then subconsciously it all works... ( Pool , To to my thinking will be a sad day when all pool players know how to play pool... Sad Day... Guy

 

[boogieman]

If I can’t clear the table 9 time out of 10 with throwing 9 balls and spreading them out, I’m not ready.

This isn't a realistic goal, unless you're talking long term, 5+ years minimum. I'm not an instructor but running 9/10 racks is something very difficult. Guys that can run racks act like running racks is the easiest thing. I guess it only becomes that way after enough play. Don't beat yourself up, celebrate the small victories/goals and they will add up in time.

Alternately if you can hire a top notch professional instructor. They can shave time off of the learning cycle, but there is no magic bullet afaik.

 

[Guy Manges]

Do you do drills, do you practice Cue ball control?

Do you do anything good, or great?

Just have zero strengths?

He his talking he is a good player, But 65 years old, watching a possibly older man play and how good competitively he his, and his he wasting his time... Guy

 

[Guy Manges]

Isn't this man saying that he is already an A player 65 years old and wants to know if he is wasting his time ?

 

[garczar]

What is it with this game? I put the time in, i watch videos, i buy training aids, i give my heart and soul to this game. And get nothing in return? Sure, i can get lucky and run a 9 ball rack once in a while. Sure i can throw 9 balls out on the table and shoot them in rotation MOST of the time. All of the time usually with one or two small position errors. Big deal

was going to go to my local pool hall tonight for there weekly 9 ball tournament, and i happened to look on you tube, and they had some past matches, (from last week), so i watched some matches. (They live stream the weekly tournament)

and this older Asian guy, just didn’t miss. At all. He shot very easy, got position on every shot, looked like his eyes were closed. He shot very unbelievable low key, just boom, boom boom, game over. his opponent only got a shot when he played safe. he took the most easy route on every shot, perfect position each time. Little 6- 8 inch movements. I started crying a little watching him. I cant do that.

has he been playing for 30 years? Is he semi pro? What do i have to do to shoot like him? Play and practice for 20 years? I’m 65, I have to wait till I’m 85 to shoot like that?

It’s not fair. (Sorry for crying like a baby, but I was shocked at how easy a non pro made it look)

you never will play like that so relax and just play.

 

[MitchAlsup]

What is it with this game? I put the time in, i watch videos, i buy training aids, i give my heart and soul to this game. And get nothing in return? Sure, i can get lucky and run a 9 ball rack once in a while. Sure i can throw 9 balls out on the table and shoot them in rotation MOST of the time. All of the time usually with one or two small position errors. Big deal

<snip>

It’s not fair. (Sorry for crying like a baby, but I was shocked at how easy a non pro made it look)

a) it is/was not meant to be fair

b) if you played the ghost, and every time you win, you add a ball, and every time you lose you subtract a ball:: after 20 games how many balls you you be racking ?

 

[Fatboy]

Eric many years ago in So Cal I played Mexican players in their 80's that could play this game 8 Ball as good as I've seen since... They didn't have the equipment and they didn't appear to have the smarts but they played everyday competition and they made themselves a game... I think it's like running hydraulic equipment, The equipment has to become you, extension there of, Then subconsciously it all works... ( Pool , To to my thinking will be a sad day when all pool players know how to play pool... Sad Day... Guy

I too have seen on several occasions in the 80’s and very early 90’s Mexicans on the road from Mexico that could PLAY 8 ball. They came through NorCal a few times and Vegas and robbed who ever they played. Always super nice guys, they would play anyone and never complained. Over the years I’ve seen this 4-5 times.

My take away was:
(This is only a joke in good humor) it’s my who not to play list if you want a chance to win list.

Don’t play a Mexican 8B

Never play a guy with gray hair 1P

Never play a young guy 9B or 10B

Never play a Philippine rotation (or anything)

Never play a Englishman snooker

Never play a black guy or a guy with a Kentucky accent banks

These days I have one more on the list

Never play a European under 30 years old anything

That’s my list of who to duck and who to bet on while sitting on the rail. Of course those are just generalizations and a bit of humor. But it’s true Mexicans can play 8B, wow can they play. Bet on them!

Best
Fatboy<———and don’t get mad at my list, I’ve posted it here before. And will again. I embrace all people and ain’t knocking anyone. It’s all love and respect of pool players who specialize in their best game.

 

[Cue Alchemist]

3.5 years is not long at all. Ideally you would start when your younger. And gain your experience. And over a lot of years build up towards a top level. If your playing better players regularly. It still can be a very long time, doing the rounds, getting frustrated. And putting in the hours.in 10 to 15 years if your still doing the hours and enjoying the game. That's about the time you might, see some reward for all the hard work. This is why, it's best to start young.

To speed this up, Taking the advice of an instructor is probably the best way to improve with out wasting time. Thay can tell you, if your going in the right direction or not. The main thing is you enjoy playing. The game will drive you nuts. it's all part of it.

 

[kling&allen]

What is it with this game? I put the time in, i watch videos, i buy training aids, i give my heart and soul to this game. And get nothing in return? Sure, i can get lucky and run a 9 ball rack once in a while. Sure i can throw 9 balls out on the table and shoot them in rotation MOST of the time. All of the time usually with one or two small position errors. Big deal

was going to go to my local pool hall tonight for there weekly 9 ball tournament, and i happened to look on you tube, and they had some past matches, (from last week), so i watched some matches. (They live stream the weekly tournament)

and this older Asian guy, just didn’t miss. At all. He shot very easy, got position on every shot, looked like his eyes were closed. He shot very unbelievable low key, just boom, boom boom, game over. his opponent only got a shot when he played safe. he took the most easy route on every shot, perfect position each time. Little 6- 8 inch movements. I started crying a little watching him. I cant do that.

has he been playing for 30 years? Is he semi pro? What do i have to do to shoot like him? Play and practice for 20 years? I’m 65, I have to wait till I’m 85 to shoot like that?

It’s not fair. (Sorry for crying like a baby, but I was shocked at how easy a non pro made it look)

I think if you played a local tournament you would find you are better than 1/3 or 1/2 (or maybe more) of the players . Winning matches will give you confidence. And eventually you will establish a Fargo rating, which is number you can use as a goalpost for improvement.

 

[7stud]

and i move a lot before final stroke

Then, you don't have the fundamentals to be even an average player. So, the question is: Why haven't you done something about that? Why haven't you practiced approaching the table, getting into your stance, and NOT moving while you take three practice strokes, then pausing and taking the final stroke? In my opinion, you shouldn't even be hitting any balls until you can do that without moving.

You're fat? Watch some videos of Buddy Hall. He could play a little.

and i happened to look on you tube, and they had some past matches, (from last week), so i watched some matches. (They live stream the weekly tournament)

and this older Asian guy, just didn’t miss.

Link? We all like to watch players who make the game seem effortless.

 

[Guy Manges]

I too have seen on several occasions in the 80’s and very early 90’s Mexicans on the road from Mexico that could PLAY 8 ball. They came through NorCal a few times and Vegas and robbed who ever they played. Always super nice guys, they would play anyone and never complained. Over the years I’ve seen this 4-5 times.

My take away was:
(This is only a joke in good humor) it’s my who not to play list if you want a chance to win list.

Don’t play a Mexican 8B

Never play a guy with gray hair 1P

Never play a young guy 9B or 10B

Never play a Philippine rotation (or anything)

Never play a Englishman snooker

Never play a black guy or a guy with a Kentucky accent banks

These days I have one more on the list

Never play a European under 30 years old anything

That’s my list of who to duck and who to bet on while sitting on the rail. Of course those are just generalizations and a bit of humor. But it’s true Mexicans can play 8B, wow can they play. Bet on them!

Best
Fatboy<———and don’t get mad at my list, I’ve posted it here before. And will again. I embrace all people and ain’t knocking anyone. It’s all love and respect of pool players who specialize in their best game.

Mexico is the Mother of 8 Ball... If you know Earnie or Earnestro D either one I'll bet they have some stories... Guy

 

[Fatboy]

Mexico is the Mother of 8 Ball... If you know Earnie or Earnestro D either one I'll bet they have some stories... Guy

I do and yes they have shared them with me.

I’ve been to Mexico many times and played pool, in lots of rooms. Some big, some small. However I never ended up in a room where there was any top players.

I had some great times playing in Mexico. When ever I win the $, it was never much $20-$50 I’d buy the rail beers and always gave the $ back to who I was playing. I did this when I was in my early 20’s. It was always the same story, I’d come in playing the part of a lost tourist and would out play them. After winning I’d hang for a hour or 2 and always had a good time.

I lived in Mexico with my mom & dad in the early 70’s so Mexico has always been very comfortable for me: I love the people there and embrace the culture.

I was surprised I never ran into anyone who could really play. If I did I’d have paid off and played my hardest. I did run into a good snooker player in Thailand once. I lost $30 usd in about 4 hours. That was a fun time too.

 

[Guy Manges]

Fast players don't need play slow snooker players anyway... Eric maybe you should add that to your list... Guy , One of my favorite young Chinese players is called FB his name is Hongyu Shan I hope we could all have his touch... you must know what I mean by all...

 

[Guy Manges]

Eric the stories I was referring to would be So Cal...

 

[Bob Jewett]

... That old Asian guy you watched running balls effortlessly has probably been playing for decades ...

For all we know, he was referring to Dan Louie. I think they live in roughly the same area.

 

[BlueRaider]

For all we know, he was referring to Dan Louie. I think they live in roughly the same area.

When I first moved to Charlotte, I went to a local pool room and got a table next to two guys who were playing pool at a level beyond what I had ever seen in person. Just slugging the cue ball with monster strokes going 3-4 rails for position and rarely missing. I thought that must be the standard of play at this room, especially in a city like Charlotte. I was blown away and a little intimidated.

Later I found out that one of the guys was Ron Park.

 

[Guy Manges]

Thanks for all of the good advice guys. Maybe jack nicholson said it best for me:
MAYBE THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS. I do have things going against me: big fat hands, big fat fingers,
can’t bend down as much as the little guys, and i move a lot before final stroke. Oh well.

A fat person, an old can play pool as good as anyone just start with the mind set of handling a new born baby and learn from someone that knows... Guy

 

[Guy Manges]

I'm a big guy, too (400+). Same fat hands and short fat fingers. Although my weight and size do limit several aspects of my game I have found that I can compensate for this to a degree that is at least satisfactory for me: Shooting with an open bridge almost 100% of the time, using a bridge to avoid having to lean way over the table, modifying my stance so as to provide belly clearance for a perpendicular forearm when stroking, shooting from a more upright stance at times to avoid "belly fouls," etc... As to your movement when delivering the final stroke, if you make sure you have a solid 3-point stance (2 feet on the floor and one hand on the table) your weight can be an asset in that it provides a less moveable base for your shooting arm to pivot on. The point is, be creative in finding ways to work around physical obstacles, while understanding that your physical condition will limit your game even with the work-arounds.

Most of all, just play and enjoy yourself. Don't compare your ability to others in a way that you feel driven to be better than them. Doing that will only steal the joy you should be getting during the times when you excel compared to your own normal play. Yeah, winning is great, but without sometimes losing the winning won't have the same satisfaction. Keep in mind that given your age, condition and length of your experience realistically you will always be somewhere in the middle of whatever pool hierarchy you play in. Sure, always work to improve, but accept your general position in your pool world and be okay with it. At our level, pool is meant to be enjoyed more than conquered. Leave the struggle for perfection to the pros.

Get into the tournaments even though you think (or know) you have no chance. Enjoy the competition, learn by watching every opponent. If you see something you don't understand but which seems to work, ask the shooter about it after the match. You'll find that most will be happy to answer your questions and give you pointers. In general, the pool community is full of people that enjoy the sport and being around others that feel the same. Give yourself a break and don't feel like you have to prove anything to anyone or make excuses. You will be surprised how non-judgemental most other players will be regarding your skill level.

Words of Wisdom... Guy

 

[measureman]

What is it with this game? I put the time in, i watch videos, i buy training aids, i give my heart and soul to this game. And get nothing in return? Sure, i can get lucky and run a 9 ball rack once in a while. Sure i can throw 9 balls out on the table and shoot them in rotation MOST of the time. All of the time usually with one or two small position errors. Big deal

was going to go to my local pool hall tonight for there weekly 9 ball tournament, and i happened to look on you tube, and they had some past matches, (from last week), so i watched some matches. (They live stream the weekly tournament)

and this older Asian guy, just didn’t miss. At all. He shot very easy, got position on every shot, looked like his eyes were closed. He shot very unbelievable low key, just boom, boom boom, game over. his opponent only got a shot when he played safe. he took the most easy route on every shot, perfect position each time. Little 6- 8 inch movements. I started crying a little watching him. I cant do that.

has he been playing for 30 years? Is he semi pro? What do i have to do to shoot like him? Play and practice for 20 years? I’m 65, I have to wait till I’m 85 to shoot like that?

It’s not fair. (Sorry for crying like a baby, but I was shocked at how easy a non pro made it look)

Eat more Asian food.

 

[measureman]

I'm a big guy, too (400+). Same fat hands and short fat fingers. Although my weight and size do limit several aspects of my game I have found that I can compensate for this to a degree that is at least satisfactory for me: Shooting with an open bridge almost 100% of the time, using a bridge to avoid having to lean way over the table, modifying my stance so as to provide belly clearance for a perpendicular forearm when stroking, shooting from a more upright stance at times to avoid "belly fouls," etc... As to your movement when delivering the final stroke, if you make sure you have a solid 3-point stance (2 feet on the floor and one hand on the table) your weight can be an asset in that it provides a less moveable base for your shooting arm to pivot on. The point is, be creative in finding ways to work around physical obstacles, while understanding that your physical condition will limit your game even with the work-arounds.

Most of all, just play and enjoy yourself. Don't compare your ability to others in a way that you feel driven to be better than them. Doing that will only steal the joy you should be getting during the times when you excel compared to your own normal play. Yeah, winning is great, but without sometimes losing the winning won't have the same satisfaction. Keep in mind that given your age, condition and length of your experience realistically you will always be somewhere in the middle of whatever pool hierarchy you play in. Sure, always work to improve, but accept your general position in your pool world and be okay with it. At our level, pool is meant to be enjoyed more than conquered. Leave the struggle for perfection to the pros.

Get into the tournaments even though you think (or know) you have no chance. Enjoy the competition, learn by watching every opponent. If you see something you don't understand but which seems to work, ask the shooter about it after the match. You'll find that most will be happy to answer your questions and give you pointers. In general, the pool community is full of people that enjoy the sport and being around others that feel the same. Give yourself a break and don't feel like you have to prove anything to anyone or make excuses. You will be surprised how non-judgemental most other players will be regarding your skill level.

400+?
tough love here, lose some weight., but you know that.