One of the best straight pool players of that era, that played out of the Golden Cue was Gene Nagy. Some would say he was a bit of a head case, but man, could he play straight pool.
Eric
Pool capital of US - NYC or LA?
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One of the best straight pool players of that era, that played out of the Golden Cue was Gene Nagy. Some would say he was a bit of a head case, but man, could he play straight pool.
Eric
That was before my time but SJM has often told me stories about the Golden Cue's better years. The room was ALWAYS strong but 20 to 30 years ago, it was a joke. All the best players were going there. West End Billiards in Elizabeth, NJ was another great room that had a constant stream of world class talent.
No offense here, but ranking a city by the APA level of their players is a bit funny. There are tons of good players that play HIGHER than an APA 7 that don't go near leagues. NY is a big place, I'm sure it has more APA bellow 7 than most other places as well.
As far as a place to visit, if you have not been to either one before, I'd pick NY. More history and things to see packed in per square mile than just about any place on earth.
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I've heard so many great stories about Nagy, ran over 400 balls twice, ran a whole set of 9 ball several times, etc. Ervolino told me that if Nagy had his head on right he would have been a multiple world champion.
City!!!!!!!!
Thanks for answering Cleary.
I don't know how to phrase this any other way, but when I said capital I was referring to a city. Last time I checked a state is usually not a capital. When I go on vacation, I will not be visiting the whole state of Florida or Texas or Ohio.
I've seen multiple threads about where hotbeds of pool are (South, Midwest, East, Etc.) I thought I would mix it up just talking about a local scene.
Also, I understand 7 in the APA is a WIDE range of skill, but to get to that level, one should be somewhat decent at the game.
Corey - you should try to make a challenge match happen. I think it would be very exciting. On your comment regarding Chicago, I've been there many times and frankly the pool there is somewhat dead. The reason they have such success at the national amateurs is they have perfected the art of fielding teams.
Thanks for answering Cleary.
I don't know how to phrase this any other way, but when I said capital I was referring to a city. Last time I checked a state is usually not a capital. When I go on vacation, I will not be visiting the whole state of Florida or Texas or Ohio.
I've seen multiple threads about where hotbeds of pool are (South, Midwest, East, Etc.) I thought I would mix it up just talking about a local scene.
Also, I understand 7 in the APA is a WIDE range of skill, but to get to that level, one should be somewhat decent at the game.
Corey - you should try to make a challenge match happen. I think it would be very exciting. On your comment regarding Chicago, I've been there many times and frankly the pool there is somewhat dead. The reason they have such success at the national amateurs is they have perfected the art of fielding teams.
It's sad there aren't that many top players in NYC anymore...it used to be a hotbed of championship calibre players...when I was a kid growing up there were the players you listed above plus: Tom Jennings, Larry Liscotti, New York Blackie, Jersey Red, Joe Balsis, and old-timers who were still pretty good but past their primes like Onofrio Lauri, James Evans, Johnny Irish...I don't think their will ever be anything like it anywhere again...all that talent and knowledge in one place. Not to mention a whole slew of shortstop level players who could run 100 balls at any given time.
Just to add, if you are using the above term for "good amateur players", but not open/semi pro/shortstop/top regional players, then I think NYC metro would win. I know this might get me flamed by the west coast crowd, but in my opinion, this area has teh deepest pool of A,B,C,D players. If anything, it prolly has something to do with having a metropolitan population of close to 19mm.
Eric
Larry Fine
Banned
The center of pool is in China, and all over the far east. Our dominance in that game has been over now for several years. We simply collapsed and they simply took over. This is the 3rd shift in about a century, from 1830 to 1908 it was Paris, 1908 to 2005 is was the USA, or NYC, 2005 is now the Far East where it will remain for some time.
I've been to LA several times and once for the Jay Swanson Memorial tournament (not to play), somewhat similar to what he just had for Ginky. When I was there, it was at Hollywood Billiards and was an Open Tournament. I was overwhelmed by the turnout. The field size was 192 with a waiting list and another million or so people just there sweating it. I remember thinking.. wow, pool is nothing like this in NY. The field was mostly A/B/C players with some strong players and super strong players peppered in. Not everyone there lived in LA, but I would guess most of them did. I think Mitch Ellerman and Oscar played in the finals.
But really, its hard to tell I guess. That tournament draws big numbers and some bigger names. I don't know what type of local tours they have or what kind of numbers those draw. From what I saw, it seemed like a lot of stronger amateurs.
Granted, rating level of play is somewhat subjective. It might be easier to guess the overall size of the talent pool. Honestly, the NYC/LA comparison isn't going to be black or white. More like shades of gray, if anything.
I've lived in LA (years ago). I do wind up there every couple of years and have been to the Swanee too. The Swanee is an unusual tourney and might not be the best indicator of the "good amateur" talent pool just like how this weekend's Ginky tourney could have easily drawn a full 128 amateurs and prolly more Open/Pros than the 32 man field.
I guess the best guess is....just that. A best guess.
Eric
The only thing NYC has over every other place (including the great state of Texas) is, if you're looking for a game, you'll definitely save on gas money. That's about it. Plenty of places to play within the five boroughs and I'm certain there's a place that will suit you.
Good point.
For the tourist that doesn't mind traveling by subway/bus, you can buy a Metrocard Fun Pass and have unlimited travel within 1 day, for, like $9. Subway/bus routes between Manhattan/Queens/Brooklyn are real convenient.
Eric
Why? To see where the Derby used to be held?
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=3082684&postcount=8082
Society and Soho are within walking distance of Amsterdam. If you're planning to just stay in Manhattan, you may not need a metrocard for those three poolhalls.
For the tourist that doesn't mind traveling by subway/bus, you can buy a Metrocard Fun Pass and have unlimited travel within 1 day, for, like $9. Subway/bus routes between Manhattan/Queens/Brooklyn are real convenient.
Eric[/QUOTE]
For the tourist that doesn't mind traveling by subway/bus, you can buy a Metrocard Fun Pass and have unlimited travel within 1 day, for, like $9. Subway/bus routes between Manhattan/Queens/Brooklyn are real convenient.
Eric[/QUOTE]
[/QUOTE]
For the record, Society Billiards is within walking distance, too.
EDIT: and I'm an idiot for not reading this word for word.
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If you walk down to the dock and stick your foot in the water, you are in Louisville.