I went to play today for the third time in almost a year due to having very limited time, and realized I still love the way you can NEVER stop learning in this game. I was a decent player when I played and could hang in there with the best players around here on a good day, but anymore after not playing my game has gone south. Well today, I went with the intention of getting back in stroke as I intend to get back into tournament play soon so I was trying different things. To my enjoyment, I found another way, that is different than my normal way of playing, to get the cueball where I needed it to be. Sometimes it was easier, sometimes more difficult, but I know when to use it and when not to. Yes I still made my object ball! lol Now, this was done using my Mcdermott DUKE college cue I picked up here which has a Med. Talisman tip on it. I have since grown away from them tips as they DO make it a little more difficult for me since I got into Moori Med. tips, but it worked for me nonetheless. The Talismans are a hair harder than the Moori tips and I'm sure that is the difference...Maybe I like a 'softer' tip anymore? Anyways, I'm on the comeback trail...And someday may be in your area for a tournament if I can make it. I think my gambling days are over but I'm willing to play anybody so don't be afraid to ask me to play. Jeff Duke