Results from Danny K's Rotation Continuous Tourney

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Danny Kuykendal

Danny K
Silver Member
Although we had only 32 players, the Rotation Continuous tournament this weekend at Danny K's sported some of the top pros from Southern California.

First of all, a few quotes from some of the players regarding this new game.


Jose Parica,

"Thanks to Danny K's for holding a Rotation type tournament. This game has a lot of strategy, to run a whole rack of balls, and each counting one point. I believe this is better than nine ball or 10 ball.
The better player should win in the long run because of his consistency. Luck is not as much a factor in this game as in other games. Also, because of the ball in hand rule, both players have an opportunity to show their skill. The change in rotation rule of counting one point per ball makes the game more tougher and consistent."


Max Eberle,

"Rotation Continuous is may just be my new favorite game. I've always loved rotation and this is a great way to bring it into an exciting and highly playable format. It's an awesome test of skill and focus and this may well be the game of the future!"


Ernesto Dominguez,

"This is a great game where you need to be very creative. With no safeties, yo need to come with tough shots. Very fun."


Tang Hoa,

"First of all, Danny K is trying to promote a new game in Los Angeles (area) and at least show some support Y'all, and it is a pure game, total offense."


Oscar Dominguez,

"Danny's new game is a mixture of 14.1 and rotation. It's definitely an accurate measure of one's skill level where luck is minimized. Looking forward to the next event!"


Jay Helfert and I sat and watched Jose Parica dismantle (sorry Tang) Tang Hoa with a 49 point run in the middle of the game. This is currently the new high run in rotation continuous.

Max Eberle ran 30 against Lorry DeLeon, only to come up dry on his next break. In his next match Max ran a 29, and then made nothing on his next break.

I personally played Oscar in the opening round, and frankly it wasn't a contest. Oscar is showing a lot of new position skills and I could tell that his game is getting better. He won 100-40.

So far we have Max, Jose, Oscar Dominguez (his dad allowed him to go forward) and Marshal Jung in the winner's bracket.

Marshal played Corey Harper in a winner's bracket nailbiter. The score tied at 95, Corey ran 4 and then hooked himself on the four ball. He brought out his jump cue, made good contact but with no avail. Marshal ran the last five for the win.

Dave Hemmah lost two very close matches, to Marshal Jung and then to Lorry Deleon.

Tang Hoa followed his loss to Parica with three wins on the loser's side and will play today at 11AM.

The winner's bracket matches begin today at 12 noon.

More complete coverage will follow later today.

Danny K
 
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This is a terrific new game that Danny has created here. Very challenging and perfect for tournament play. And you get to use all the balls! It's not a tricky new game either that has all kinds of funny rules and gimmicks.

Basically you just play Rotation, except every ball counts one point. What I like is that making the one ball counts just as much as making the fifteen ball. When a player misses his opponent starts his turn with Ball In Hand. This cuts out all the safety play and kicking to hit balls. It speeds up the game and makes it more of an offensive battle.

It reminds me of when we went to Texas Express in 9-Ball to speed up the game for TV. This is a high powered improved version of Rotation, more suited to todays players. Similar to what Bob Jewett has done with his Straight Pool Challenge at DCC. In Bob Jewett's version of Straight Pool, you take Ball In Hand for a break shot and try to run as many balls as you can. It's all about who makes the highest run.

Also like what we've done at DCC with the One Pocket Challenge. Just break and run balls, and see who can get the most. Fans like watching great players shoot, and shoot, and shoot. In Danny's version of Continuous Rotation, you do have an opponent to deal with, but you are shooting at an open table when you start your turn. This version of Rotation would be perfect for Challenge events as well. Let's say you have three turns to see how many balls you can run. You must make a ball on the break to continue your run, then you get BIH again.

I was hesitant to embrace this new game, as I usually am when I hear about new games. But now that I've seen it in action, I like it. It's a good test of skill, with less luck that 9-Ball for instance. Good for you Danny! Very creative. By the way, Parica's run of 49 is a terrific run. Maybe the equivalent of running 100 in 14.1 (or better). Any run over 25 is strong.
 
This was my second time playing this game at Danny Ks. I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time and will certainly play it again.

It sort of has the ring game strategy. In a ring game you don't figure to get another turn so you must be creative and find a shot from what is in front of you.

Every time you you step up to your turn you have ball in hand. It doesn't get any better that. Thanks Dan for introducing this game to us.
 
Thanks, Jay.

I created the game because of (my own personal) boredom with all the others. I didn't like the luck and leaves in nine ball, or the continuous bumping of balls and lack of creativity in straight pool.

This game is always interesting and exciting.

Changing players' habits is another matter. Nine ball has become the staple for players for 30 years now, and changing their minds on what to play is going to be almost impossible.


Still a great game to watch. Parica's 49 ball run was equivalent of 100 or 150 in straight pool, but demanding more pin-point position. Much more exciting.

Thanks for your support, Jay. Always an honor and a pleasure to have you in my corner.
 
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Frank, thanks for your compliments on the game. Always a pleasure to have you be a part of it.

What I remember about your match with Parica was your miscue break, and Parica taking ball in hand and running out from a small cluster of 15 balls near the spot. What a run!

Danny
 
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The tournament continued on Sunday at 12noon with Ramin Biakhtiari playing Max Eberle on the winners side.

Max opened a huge lead, but Ramin ran 44 to close the gap to 95 to 84. Max finished it out from there 100 to 84.

Max then played Jose Parica. Tied at 75 points, Max scratched on the break. The one ball was spotted and had no pocket, Jose passed the shot back to Max, who banked the ball in the side, broke up any clusters and ran the table. Max won the match.

During this match Max hooked himself directly behind the 8 ball shooting the six, which was near the side pocket. Max jacked-up on the cue and bounced it off the side rail, over the 8 and made the six! He ran the table from there.

On the loser's side, Tang Hoa was behind Jose 74 to 56 (race to 75 on the loser's side), and running the table masterfully, got a little out of line on the 8 ball and hooked himself on 11. Jose won 75-67.

Nick Spano showed a lot of heart and won several matches before losing to Jose, 75-50.

The hill match was Eberle Vs. Oscar and the audience witnessed some great pool. At one point Oscar had to jump over a ball and masse' the cue ball as well. He made the shot and ran the rack. Oscar was having a difficult time making a ball on the break and Max won 100-40.

Oscar played Jose for the winner of the one loss round. Oscar displayed great cue ball control in winning 75-54.

In the final, a single race to 100, Max Eberle played near perfect position, running 28 and one point and then 22, and won 100-54. Oscar seemed to have a problem making a ball on the break.

Here is the money breakdown.

No green fees, all money went back into the prize fund.

Max Eberle $1,000
Oscar Dominguez $650
Jose Parica $450
Nick Spano $300
Marshal Jung $250
Tang Hoa $250
Lorry DeLeon $150
Ramin Biakhtiari $150
Ernesto Domingues $100
Corey Harper $100
Frank Almanza $100
Jim Burt $100

Thanks to everyone for participating. I was very happy to have such a strong field.
 
Danny Kuykendal said:
The tournament continued on Sunday at 12noon with Ramin Biakhtiari playing Max Eberle on the winners side.

Max opened a huge lead, but Ramin ran 44 to close the gap to 95 to 84. Max finished it out from there 100 to 84.

Max then played Jose Parica. Tied at 75 points, Max scratched on the break. The one ball was spotted and had no pocket, Jose passed the shot back to Max, who banked the ball in the side, broke up any clusters and ran the table. Max won the match.

During this match Max hooked himself directly behind the 8 ball shooting the six, which was near the side pocket. Max jacked-up on the cue and bounced it off the side rail, over the 8 and made the six! He ran the table from there.

On the loser's side, Tang Hoa was behind Jose 74 to 56 (race to 75 on the loser's side), and running the table masterfully, got a little out of line on the 8 ball and hooked himself on 11. Jose won 75-67.

Nick Spano showed a lot of heart and won several matches before losing to Jose, 75-50.

The hill match was Eberle Vs. Oscar and the audience witnessed some great pool. At one point Oscar had to jump over a ball and masse' the cue ball as well. He made the shot and ran the rack. Oscar was having a difficult time making a ball on the break and Max won 100-40.

Oscar played Jose for the winner of the one loss round. Oscar displayed great cue ball control in winning 75-54.

In the final, a single race to 100, Max Eberle played near perfect position, running 28 and one point and then 22, and won 100-54. Oscar seemed to have a problem making a ball on the break.

Here is the money breakdown.

No green fees, all money went back into the prize fund.

Max Eberle $1,000
Oscar Dominguez $650
Jose Parica $450
Nick Spano $300
Marshal Jung $250
Tang Hoa $250
Lorry DeLeon $150
Ramin Biakhtiari $150
Ernesto Domingues $100
Corey Harper $100
Frank Almanza $100
Jim Burt $100

Thanks to everyone for participating. I was very happy to have such a strong field.
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It was a fun event and an interesting game. Lotsa new strategies to learn in this format.

Thanks for having it Danny!

Interesting note: Marshall won two of his matches (against Hemmah and myself) with a score of 100-99!!! Crazy!
 
Thanks for your comments on the tournament and the game Corey. It was a pleasure to have you participate.
I might try it at a different venue next time, in effort to attract a few more players. Maybe Hard Times or Hollywood Billiards.

Danny
 
Danny Kuykendal said:
The tournament continued on Sunday at 12noon with Ramin Biakhtiari playing Max Eberle on the winners side.

Max opened a huge lead, but Ramin ran 44 to close the gap to 95 to 84. Max finished it out from there 100 to 84.

Max then played Jose Parica. Tied at 75 points, Max scratched on the break. The one ball was spotted and had no pocket, Jose passed the shot back to Max, who banked the ball in the side, broke up any clusters and ran the table. Max won the match.

During this match Max hooked himself directly behind the 8 ball shooting the six, which was near the side pocket. Max jacked-up on the cue and bounced it off the side rail, over the 8 and made the six! He ran the table from there.

On the loser's side, Tang Hoa was behind Jose 74 to 56 (race to 75 on the loser's side), and running the table masterfully, got a little out of line on the 8 ball and hooked himself on 11. Jose won 75-67.

Nick Spano showed a lot of heart and won several matches before losing to Jose, 75-50.

The hill match was Eberle Vs. Oscar and the audience witnessed some great pool. At one point Oscar had to jump over a ball and masse' the cue ball as well. He made the shot and ran the rack. Oscar was having a difficult time making a ball on the break and Max won 100-40.

Oscar played Jose for the winner of the one loss round. Oscar displayed great cue ball control in winning 75-54.

In the final, a single race to 100, Max Eberle played near perfect position, running 28 and one point and then 22, and won 100-54. Oscar seemed to have a problem making a ball on the break.

Here is the money breakdown.

No green fees, all money went back into the prize fund.

Max Eberle $1,000
Oscar Dominguez $650
Jose Parica $450
Nick Spano $300
Marshal Jung $250
Tang Hoa $250
Lorry DeLeon $150
Ramin Biakhtiari $150
Ernesto Domingues $100
Corey Harper $100
Frank Almanza $100
Jim Burt $100

Thanks to everyone for participating. I was very happy to have such a strong field.
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Congratulations to Max! Not a bad little payday for a $50 bill. Hopefully Danny can continue putting on events like this at Danny K's. We are fortunate in SoCal to have a few room owners like Danny who willing to put some decent added money into a tournament. Keeps the boys (and gals) in action. :smile:
 
This sounds like a cool new game and the players seem to like the challenge of it. I'm sorry you didn't get a better turnout though. I have a hunch when the players that were there talk it up on the tourny trail, you'll do much better next time you hold one. Your good for pool Danny. Johnnyt
 
Jay and Johnny, thanks for the encouragement. I really believe in this game and I intend to go farther with it.

The matches had me captivated for hours. When Max played Oscar in the finals everyone in the audience was enrapt in watching all the terrific position play and shot-making.

Max really put on a show. Oscar was not making a ball on the break, and this seemed to effect his overall game.

Thanks again,

Danny
 
Johnnyt said:
This sounds like a cool new game and the players seem to like the challenge of it. I'm sorry you didn't get a better turnout though. I have a hunch when the players that were there talk it up on the tourny trail, you'll do much better next time you hold one. Your good for pool Danny. Johnnyt
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You're right Mr. JohnnyT. Most new things take a little time to catch on. It really was an enjoyable tournament to play in.
 
I'll be asking you guys for some advice next time, Frank. I need to get more players, older guys like us involved and maybe we can get more players next time.

And thanks again for the encouragement.

Maybe lower the entry fee, but keep the added money the same, so to get more of the average players to play, who won't mind paying 30 bucks or so for the experience.
 
Congratulations on a successful event with your new game format!! It sounds like this could give pool a badly needed shot in the arm!!
 
So, that is 2 quality wins for Max in 2008. Can you CA people tell him VA says, "get back in the game!"?
 
Danny Kuykendal said:
I'll be asking you guys for some advice next time, Frank. I need to get more players, older guys like us involved and maybe we can get more players next time.

And thanks again for the encouragement.

Maybe lower the entry fee, but keep the added money the same, so to get more of the average players to play, who won't mind paying 30 bucks or so for the experience.
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Congratulations Dan. It sounds like even though the turnout was low, the interest was high. Jim
 
I tell you what, he is back in the game.

Like one of my tournament directors says "with this game, you have to bring your whole arsenal", and Max did for two days.

He played some phemomenal pool and put on a show for everyone.
 
Jim, thanks for the encouragement.

I wish some of the audience members would post here about how exciting it was to watch two pros using everything in their arsenal to play their own pool to its finest.

I had a great time. The only time I enjoyed watching pool more was when Grady played Efren in a one-pocket challenge match at Hard Times in about 1992. Efren didn't miss a ball, not that I can recall anyway.
 
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jay helfert said:
Basically you just play Rotation, except every ball counts one point. What I like is that making the one ball counts just as much as making the fifteen ball. When a player misses his opponent starts his turn with Ball In Hand. This cuts out all the safety play and kicking to hit balls. It speeds up the game and makes it more of an offensive battle.
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Jay or Danny-- The game sounds great, and simple enough. I gather each player shoots in rotation until he misses a ball. Then the opponent starts with BIH.

What are the special circumstances after the break? Do balls made count, or are they spotted? Do all balls pocketed on any legal shot count, or do the other balls spot? Can the non-breaking opponent pass the shot back to the breaker if he wants?

One minor problem in scoring: most rooms no longer have overhead beads, nor rail counters. I suppose contestants must keep score on paper and pencil.

Thanks~ Doc
 
Yeh, Doc the score would have to be done by paper and pencil, if the room has no other way.

We had a 14.1 tournament several years ago so I had some counters inset in a wood frame.

The best thing we use though, is Roger Tafoya's scorekeeper's with large numbers on them. These are really the best and I plan to purchase some.

After the break, if the player makes a ball on the break he shoots again with ball in hand.

If he doesn't make a ball on the break his opponent has cbih.

The non-breaking opponent cannot pass the shot back unless a foul on the break has been committed.

I'm still working out a few kinks with the game. Several pros indicated that they would prefer to play call pocket. It's a thought, but I'm not quite ready to do it.

Thanks for your interest.

Danny
 
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