Just an update for the straight pool fanatics, true lovers of fine pool, and pool cognoscenti (ie. SJM, Woody, and Rackin_Zack) - a shameless and unsolicited Grady Mathews testimonial.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend a day with Grady Mathews (and of course his better half Randi). I can tell you that it was incredibly informative and entertaining. We played about 6 hours of straight pool, and about 2 hours of bank pool (with time in between for lunch and dinner).
I was once again struck by the incredible pool intellect of men like Grady (and of course Danny D.) who have played the game for so long, at such a high level. I cannot express how much I admire the strength of character that allows someone to make a living almost exclusively from pool for such a length of time - this CAN'T be an easy lifestyle. To give up the security of employment and home for the freedom of a life on the road is certainly "the road less travelled", and the people that successfully accomplish this are absolutely worthy of respect (I think there are damn few of them).
I also was again struck by the extreme elegance of pool as played by a master. I have been fortunate enough to play extended periods with 5 different players who have been at one time the best in the world at what they do (and I definitely include Grady in this number) - and fortunate enough to have them try to explain what they are doing and why they are doing it. These players excel not only because of their incredible physical skills, but also because of the keen, analytical thinking they bring to the table. I believe that these players bring an incredible pool intellect to the table - and they use every bit of cunning and knowledge to try to separate themselves from the rest of the good players. All were tremendous students of the game.
For anyone silly enough to prefer 9-ball to straight pool, I can only encourage you to take a lesson from The Professor or Danny D. - have them explain some of the intricacies of the game (it is NOT all covered in Capelle's book, much to my disappointment). You could not help but come away with a new found appreciation of the game.
Some of the high points we covered were advanced safeties. Grady showed me 7 different safeties I have NEVER seen before - devilish, devious, and truly inspired. This may not sound impressive, but I think I have almost every book ever written about pool and have almost all of the straight pool Accu-Stats video's. These safeties are all applicable to one-pocket, and some also to 9-ball.
Grady's game is a little different from Danny D.'s (I'll post a link at the end to the previous lesson descriptions with Danny) and it is a treat to be able to share the thoughts of such a player as he is playing. He seems to rely a little more on draw drag than slow-rolling (another technique I must master), but really seems to have a command of all the shots.
We covered break shot principles and variations, risk minimization, common patterns, tons of specialty shots, twisting banks, some kicks. Just an incredibly enjoyable day of pool. All of you that can't run a hundred need to dig down, and spring for a lesson or two with Grady or Danny - support the people that have devoted their life to the game.
Grady has a wealth of road experiences, and has lead a fascinating life. I heard some stories about such characters as Cole Dixon, Freddie the Beard, Danny D., Buddy Hall.
End of screed.
P.S. - Here are the Danny D. threads for anyone interested.
http://www.azbilliards.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=7430&highlight=Danny+DiLiberto
http://www.azbilliards.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=9910&highlight=Danny+DiLiberto
