If you are an A B or C player

BeiberLvr said:
Yep. If the opposite were true, then everyone that watches pros play (live or on the net) would be much better than they are.
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If people STUDIED the better players, either playing against them OR watching videos and then practiced what they observed they would be much better.

I lost 5:0 against Bustamante a coupe months ago. However in that little session I picked up two shots, one where he bumped balls for position and the other where he threaded a narrow path that I didn't really consider when I played.

But watching HOW he did it I learned how to do it. Consequently later I practiced those two shots and the other day the ball bumping shot come up and I hit it dead perfect and won the rack and $20.

Thanks Busty.
 
If you get it going a little further west than Indy, like Chicago-ish I'd be in.
I know John of Red Shoes Billiards posts here (Red Shoes) maybe he'd be interested in becoming one of your locations.
 
Joe T said:
Would you pay not bet, pay $20 total to play an open or pro level player for 2-3hrs once per week, table time is covered.
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I've played some known players who are not necessarily open or pro level. Back in the 70s, living in L.A., they had the annual Straight Pool Open, or whatever they called it, held in downtown L.A., but lots of the players were practicing in Hollywood rooms.

The players wore tuxes, or something close to it. I walked into the Olde Billiard Den and saw a guy dressed that way playing on the front table. I knew he was in the tournament. I asked his name. It was Gene Nagy. I had never heard of him.

At the time I was usually broke nearly every day but on this occasion has some cash to burn. I asked Nagy if he'd mind playing a game of straight pool for $10. He didn't hesitate. We played two games, I lost both. The guy's safety play was way beyond what I knew. We had a safety match where I was able to nick the pack and bring the ball back almost into the corner pocket, and no dead shots in the rack. Nagy went two rails, really hard - long rail first, into the short rail, and the cue ball slammed into the back of the pack releasing a ton of balls, but none of them where I could make them. Game over. I loved it. I was expecting him to say no to my offer - not enough money or whatever - but he didn't hesitate and even though I had my chances to win and didn't, it was well worth it to me. And no hustling bullshit either. I like to think I gave the guy some decent practice whether I did or not. Yeah, I'd pay to play a top player to play the amount of time you suggested - that's a lot of time. I'm not sure it's a good idea for someone who can't hang in though. Probably better to sit and watch if you're not going to get to shoot.

TJ
 
I would definitely be up for that.
Just my opinion though, instead of always playing against each other, maybe put aside some time to run some racks together scotch doubles style, while discussing shot options and strategy. If they would be willing to do that, I would happily pay double just to get into their mind in real time and actually learn something instead of just getting whipped over and over again.
 
JB Cases said:
If people STUDIED the better players, either playing against them OR watching videos and then practiced what they observed they would be much better.

I lost 5:0 against Bustamante a coupe months ago. However in that little session I picked up two shots, one where he bumped balls for position and the other where he threaded a narrow path that I didn't really consider when I played.

But watching HOW he did it I learned how to do it. Consequently later I practiced those two shots and the other day the ball bumping shot come up and I hit it dead perfect and won the rack and $20.

Thanks Busty.
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There's golden wisdom in this eccentric, experienced man's post. Wisdom which players that aspire for improvement given these opportunites miss. Well said John.


PS: Melissa Little went hill-hill with Busty yesterday at The Southern Classic, I'd bet both her and him picked up a nugget of experience as a result. Pick a nugget and put it in your pocket.
 
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Tommy Joe said:
I've played some known players who are not necessarily open or pro level. Back in the 70s, living in L.A., they had the annual Straight Pool Open, or whatever they called it, held in downtown L.A., but lots of the players were practicing in Hollywood rooms.

The players wore tuxes, or something close to it. I walked into the Olde Billiard Den and saw a guy dressed that way playing on the front table. I knew he was in the tournament. I asked his name. It was Gene Nagy. I had never heard of him.

At the time I was usually broke nearly every day but on this occasion has some cash to burn. I asked Nagy if he'd mind playing a game of straight pool for $10. He didn't hesitate. We played two games, I lost both. The guy's safety play was way beyond what I knew. We had a safety match where I was able to nick the pack and bring the ball back almost into the corner pocket, and no dead shots in the rack. Nagy went two rails, really hard - long rail first, into the short rail, and the cue ball slammed into the back of the pack releasing a ton of balls, but none of them where I could make them. Game over. I loved it. I was expecting him to say no to my offer - not enough money or whatever - but he didn't hesitate and even though I had my chances to win and didn't, it was well worth it to me. And no hustling bullshit either. I like to think I gave the guy some decent practice whether I did or not. Yeah, I'd pay to play a top player to play the amount of time you suggested - that's a lot of time. I'm not sure it's a good idea for someone who can't hang in though. Probably better to sit and watch if you're not going to get to shoot.

TJ
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I like everything about that story :)
 
Maniac said:
Me being a C player on a good day, would take this offer and my opponent/sparring partner would only have to be an A player (or better). My only stipulation is that it would have to be done at my house or a place very close to it.

Maniac (just wants someone to shoot pool with (playing for funsies) on a regular basis)
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This was my answer 5 months ago. I'd like to rephrase it so I may add another stipulation. The second stipulation would be that the A (or better) player is not an a**hole or has some type of Grady Seasons-like attitude.

I've had my fill of total a**holes in the pool world :frown:!!!

Maniac
 
I do this every chance I get with my friend shorty!!! I play him 20 dollar races to 7! I usually get in 2-3 sets! I always walk away happy, he's so cool, and everytime I play I walk away with a new shot to learn!!!! He's helped my game considerably!!!
 
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