Mark Twain, 100+ ball runner?

Scaramouche said:
There is a picture of him at the table - only three balls showing

http://pool.bz/billiard-online-book...hapter-49-billiards-albert-bigelow-paine.html

Other stuff I found indicates that he might play 7 hours a day at times, but had problems finding opponents because his friends weren't leading the dissolute life of a writer.

Love these sorts of threads that send me off trying to find the answer, even if I never find the definitive answer. :grin:
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Based on the photo, it looks like he would be playing four-ball billiards. The other ball isn't visible but it could easily be at the other end of the table. This was one of the major games at the time, I'm trying to find some rules for it, would be great to try the game.
 
On my trip to Maine a long time back I was able to see his house in Hartford, but it was closed for internal viewing at the time. Too bad, as it looks like I missed out on some good pool history.
 
Scott Lee said:
Brian...Clemens had a pool table in his house in Hannibal MO. He also had a writing desk (just like he has in the picture you posted) near the pool/billiard table, and was known to hit some balls when 'writer's block' would occur.

Along with Mr. Bond's excerpt from one of MT's biographies (the new one is much more detailed at 700+ pages), Clemens also required that his invited guests participate in playing billiards. Should they choose to decline, they were generally not invited back again.

As can be seen in the pictures, contrary to what was posted earlier, Clemens did not have substandard equipment. Both tables were near top of the line standard Brunswicks. The only higher standard tables were the novelty pariel tables that had a LOT more intricate inlay work.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
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This is true except for the fact that he lived in more than 1 house in Hannibal. (not all of them had pool tables) When he stayed at Rockcliffe Mansion on Bird street he had one, and it was very nice. In fact all of his furnishing were top of the line, so much so that he overspent and put himself into debt quite a bit.
As far as him making a 100 balls or more without a miss, that sounds like one of his exaggerations! I hear he did play a decent game....but I would have given him the 7!
In case you were wondering, I live in Hannibal...;)
 
hunger strike said:
I believe MT had multiple homes with tables. My memory is fuzzy on this, but I think there is a billiard table in his Missouri childhood home. I think this thread will eventually get to the bottom of the questions. I also think the restorers took liberties w the ceiling painting, I had noticed the discrepancy in older photos. BTW, if you visit the childhood home, eat a pork tenderloin sandwich next door....they're famous.
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You're talking about his "boyhood home", and yes that was the actual building. I can even dig up a pic of him standing outside of it as an adult. But the town often fudges some of the historical facts associated with Mark Twain/Sam Clemens. I can ask a local historian about his pool skills, if anyone in the world knows its that guy.
 
Somewhere I read that the table in Maine? was built with convertible rails. This would explain some of this if its true.

Cdryden I've been to Hannibal a thousand times but never went to the Rockcliffe. Unless thats the same joint that had a restaurant on the first floor. Located on one of the main drags up the street from the downtown pool hall.

Looks like I have another reason to make a stop in Hannibal.
 
Chris...I'm betting that the 100 "run", was a 100 point run in 4 ball billards, or straight rail. That's much more likely, and in fact, not difficult at all. Jake Schafer ran 1000 or more points.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Cdryden said:
This is true except for the fact that he lived in more than 1 house in Hannibal. (not all of them had pool tables) When he stayed at Rockcliffe Mansion on Bird street he had one, and it was very nice. In fact all of his furnishing were top of the line, so much so that he overspent and put himself into debt quite a bit.
As far as him making a 100 balls or more without a miss, that sounds like one of his exaggerations! I hear he did play a decent game....but I would have given him the 7!
In case you were wondering, I live in Hannibal...;)
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Scott Lee said:
Chris...I'm betting that the 100 "run", was a 100 point run in 4 ball billards, or straight rail. That's much more likely, and in fact, not difficult at all. Jake Schafer ran 1000 or more points.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
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I'd say you're probably right. That sounds allot more realistic. .....wouldn't it have been amazing to play him though?!
 
Scott Lee said:
Chris...I'm betting that the 100 "run", was a 100 point run in 4 ball billards, or straight rail. That's much more likely, and in fact, not difficult at all. Jake Schafer ran 1000 or more points.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
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It wouldn't surprise me at all if Schaefer's high run in straight rail was many thousands. Like 10. Once they get them close and on the rail its time for the spectators to take a nap or a 5 course meal. Maybe just come back tomorrow.
I believe he still holds the record for 18:2 balkline @ 400 points.
 
Alfredo De Oro held the record when they spotted all the balls after they had been run.
85
Even knowing this I repeated the 100 ball run by Mark Twain to someone today, because I had seen it repeated several places but never considered the time frame .
My mistake
My guess would be at straight rail billiards. 4 ball or 3 ball is a possibility but I think they would have said 100 point runner instead of 100 ball runner because each shot was ascribed differing amounts of points for pocketing , caroming etc.
 
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