I just returned from Spring Break in NY, where I spent most of my Mar 17-18 weekend at Amsterdam Billiards club.
The place is absolutely stunning --- I have been to many different pool halls in many different countries, and I must say that this just takes the cake. Decor was classy, tables rolled TRUE to the "T", music was just right, space was generous, the bar and RnR area was very inviting, and most all, there were serious pool players galore. I especially like the 2 cordoned-off tables in the front that allow you to express exhibitionist tendencies. If I end up working in NY, this will be THE place for me to shoot pool. What was most interesting about the place was the friendly atmosphere and the culture of the pool players. I'm used to playing in Chicago where pool must be played with some kind of wager, and where sometimes the pool crowds seem like sharks after your money. Maybe I'm exaggerating, but I just somehow feel more at home where I know I can make the likes of Steve Lipsky play his best game yet play only for pride.
Sunday had to be one of the highlights of my trip as I spent the afternoon gettting my @$$ handed to me in 9-ball racks by our venerable SJM. SJM plays easily in the A+ stratosphere and he really incited me to play my best every game. We also had dinner together with my girlfriend, hung out some, and then settled back in at Amsterdam to enjoy a "Korea vs. USA" exhibition match.
Tony Robles, Jennifer Baretta and Caroline Pao represented the USA while Charlie Williams (?!), Bo Rum Cha (Korea #3) and Yu Ram Cha (Korea #1) represented Korea. The exhibition began with Singles matches --- Jen vs. YRC (Jen won), Caroline vs. BRC (BRC won) and Charlie vs. Tony (Charlie won). They then did a scotch doubles with Charlie & YRC vs. Tony & Jen where USA won. I know they did a tie-breaker triple scotch doubles match that involved all 6 players but by then, SJM, my girlfriend and I were just too exhausted after spending nearly 12 hours in Amsterdam so we decided to hit the road.
For anyone who hasn't watched Yu Ram Cha in action, don't let the small-framed, pretty young 19 year old fool you...the girl has an amazing stoke, a monster break and a dead accurate eye. I know we haven't heard much of her on the international scene, but I can guarantee we will very soon! She seemed as if she was going to steamroll Jen in the singles match but I guess it was the nerves, inexperience, and perhaps the long drive from VF to NYC that caused her to start making mistake after mistake, eventually allowing the cool-headed Jen to lock it down 7-4. I think Jen has really improved since the last time I saw her on TV, which had to be in 2004 or so....her stroke is much smoother and she is really running the racks well. Most importantly, Jen is a rock-solid, steady and tenacious player who capitalizes on her every turn at the table.
SJM, thanks for the great time, the wonderful hospitality, and for introducing everyone to me. Remember the next time you visit chicago, food, pool and drinks are on me
The place is absolutely stunning --- I have been to many different pool halls in many different countries, and I must say that this just takes the cake. Decor was classy, tables rolled TRUE to the "T", music was just right, space was generous, the bar and RnR area was very inviting, and most all, there were serious pool players galore. I especially like the 2 cordoned-off tables in the front that allow you to express exhibitionist tendencies. If I end up working in NY, this will be THE place for me to shoot pool. What was most interesting about the place was the friendly atmosphere and the culture of the pool players. I'm used to playing in Chicago where pool must be played with some kind of wager, and where sometimes the pool crowds seem like sharks after your money. Maybe I'm exaggerating, but I just somehow feel more at home where I know I can make the likes of Steve Lipsky play his best game yet play only for pride.
Sunday had to be one of the highlights of my trip as I spent the afternoon gettting my @$$ handed to me in 9-ball racks by our venerable SJM. SJM plays easily in the A+ stratosphere and he really incited me to play my best every game. We also had dinner together with my girlfriend, hung out some, and then settled back in at Amsterdam to enjoy a "Korea vs. USA" exhibition match.
Tony Robles, Jennifer Baretta and Caroline Pao represented the USA while Charlie Williams (?!), Bo Rum Cha (Korea #3) and Yu Ram Cha (Korea #1) represented Korea. The exhibition began with Singles matches --- Jen vs. YRC (Jen won), Caroline vs. BRC (BRC won) and Charlie vs. Tony (Charlie won). They then did a scotch doubles with Charlie & YRC vs. Tony & Jen where USA won. I know they did a tie-breaker triple scotch doubles match that involved all 6 players but by then, SJM, my girlfriend and I were just too exhausted after spending nearly 12 hours in Amsterdam so we decided to hit the road.
For anyone who hasn't watched Yu Ram Cha in action, don't let the small-framed, pretty young 19 year old fool you...the girl has an amazing stoke, a monster break and a dead accurate eye. I know we haven't heard much of her on the international scene, but I can guarantee we will very soon! She seemed as if she was going to steamroll Jen in the singles match but I guess it was the nerves, inexperience, and perhaps the long drive from VF to NYC that caused her to start making mistake after mistake, eventually allowing the cool-headed Jen to lock it down 7-4. I think Jen has really improved since the last time I saw her on TV, which had to be in 2004 or so....her stroke is much smoother and she is really running the racks well. Most importantly, Jen is a rock-solid, steady and tenacious player who capitalizes on her every turn at the table.
SJM, thanks for the great time, the wonderful hospitality, and for introducing everyone to me. Remember the next time you visit chicago, food, pool and drinks are on me
