SJM 2014 Derby City Trip Report

sjm said:
Yes, that's the one thing I didn't care for, although I can understand "option to give the table back" as a possibly necessary evil early in the rack if the game is played without the push outs that are customarily allowed in 15-ball rotaiton. I discussed this a bit with Joe Tucker and suggested that, perhaps, two way shots should be allowed once only the two point balls (11 through 15) remain. Joe sought the feedback of many of us, and that's part of what makes him so special -- he continually re-evaluates his product and is always looking to improve it.

I found his American Rotation game entertaining and, best of all, alternate break with ball in hand after the break means everyone not only gets to the table, but they get there in some very favorable situations. I also like the premium this game places on kicking and billiard knowledge.

Wishing Joe the best of luck.
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Thanks for the explanation. Yes, Joe is a gem. Another thing he may be changing is that, originally, there was no ball in hand after the break in the first game, and the winner of the first game broke in Game 2, with alternating of breaks thereafter. I heard Joe say he may change that so that Game 1 is like the other games, with the alternating of breaks used throughout.
 
Cornerman said:
Best banking display I've ever seen.
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Was great sweating some of the 10-ball with you, Freddie. I was trying to figure out just how many events there were at the Derby. I was told there were four midnight minis, but I have no idea whether this is true. If so,

Derby City Banks
Derby City One Pocket
Derby City 9-ball
Bigfoot 10-ball
Banks Ring Game
American Rotation Finals
George Fels Memorial 14.1 Challenge
Midnight Mini #1
Midnight Mini #2
Midnight Mini #3
Midnight Mini #4

That's eleven events in one plus all the action. The Derby is simply amazing.
 
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sjm said:
Was great sweating some of the 10-ball with you, Freddie. I was trying to figure out just how many events there were at the Derby. I was told there were four midnight minis, but I have no idea whether this is true. If so,

Derby City Banks
Derby City One Pocket
Derby City 9-ball
Bigfoot 10-ball
Banks Ring Game
Derby City 14.1 Challenge
Midnight Mini #1
Midnight Mini #2
Midnight Mini #3
Midnight Mini #4

That's ten events in one plus all he action. Is this accurate? If so, it's simply amazing.
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Aforementioned American Rotation makes 11! As Greg Sullivan says, if you think you saw everything pool related at the Derby Cit Classic, then he hasn't done enough!

Just to keep with future discussion consistency, it's now called the George Fels Memorial Straight Pool Challenge for those that might not have realized it.

Freddie <~~~ always a pleasure seeing SJM
 
Cornerman said:
Aforementioned American Rotation makes 11! As Greg Sullivan says, if you think you saw everything pool related at the Derby Cit Classic, then he hasn't done enough!

Just to keep with future discussion consistency, it's now called the George Fels Memorial Straight Pool Challenge for those that might not have realized it.

Freddie <~~~ always a pleasure seeing SJM
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Thanks, Freddie, I'll correct my post.
 
AtLarge said:
Thanks for the explanation. Yes, Joe is a gem. Another thing he may be changing is that, originally, there was no ball in hand after the break in the first game, and the winner of the first game broke in Game 2, with alternating of breaks thereafter. I heard Joe say he may change that so that Game 1 is like the other games, with the alternating of breaks used throughout.
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Here's a little discussion on this at the 12m mark, start of rack 2:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TTLLyUoIh4#t=12m

Freddie <~~~ still thinking about it
 
JAM said:
Thanks for the great write-up, sjm. Well done! :)

I hope you catch up on your sleep and get rested. It usually takes me a week to recover from the Derby. :cool:
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Yeah, I'm spent. Slept 9 1/2 hours Sunday night and might need the same for a few more days to get things back in order. This used to be easier. Perhaps it is part of the aging process.

I share my Derby experiences with the forum for these reasons:

1) for the benefit of those that had hoped to go but couldn't make it.
2) for the benefit of those who were there or watched on stream but missed some of it.
3) to give those who haven't yet been to the Derby a sense of what to expect.
4) to positively sway those who are considering going to the Derby in the future.

Guess I should have added how tiring the Derby if one attends all nine days.
 
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Stu doesn't miss too much at DCC. It always seems like he's right there in the Accu-Stats pit sweating all the action. If I don't see him there, I find myself looking at his spot over and over, wondering when he will arrive. And sure enough, here comes Stu, pool's greatest sweater!

He and Freddie together know all about pool and who is playing good and who isn't. Pretty tough twosome to try and handicap against them. I wouldn't dare! :wink:
 
jay helfert said:
Stu doesn't miss too much at DCC. It always seems like he's right there in the Accu-Stats pit sweating all the action. If I don't see him there, I find myself looking at his spot over and over, wondering when he will arrive. And sure enough, here comes Stu, pool's greatest sweater!

He and Freddie together know all about pool and who is playing good and who isn't. Pretty tough twosome to try and handicap against them. I wouldn't dare! :wink:
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You seem to know a little about the game too, helfert.

You 3 can be the 3 stooges. Fred can't be curly.
 
Nobody appreciates Derby more than Stu and Fred. I say we put them on 14hr overlapping shifts next year and we'll get the report of a lifetime, thanks guys. I was there and still needed reports from them, lol
 
Stu it was wonderful to talk to you and get the inside scoop on some of the happenings in the pool world. You are like the CIA with knowledge of everything! And your match descriptions made me feel like I was watching. Thanks for a great report on a great event.
 
Stu's not just on the ball, he's seeing it from all angles.

Have been juggling through results and threads in what spare time I have, and this was a great summary to be able to get a feeling of what went on there.

Perhaps Morra could have been added to the conclusions as a rotation player to watch. I'd guess any Canadian's success can give encouragement to US players, among an event where Filipinos and Europeans did very well again.

Would love to attend the DCC.... seems like Pool heaven!
 
sjm said:
Sorry, I don't watch the action matches. There are numerous threads on them if you look closely.
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How about other aspects, like the accommodations,food,etc. That's what makes a "trip report." No offense meant, but this is a tournament report.
 
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