What's better: Familiar or Random?

[Ghosst]

In billiards, we always want the same conditions, consistent tables, heated slate for speed control, always the same size, same rules. The cushions always react the same way within a tiny amount. Granted, billiards doesn't have as big an audience here as it does overseas, but I think that's more the speed of the game. It's not something anyone can just pick-up easily and there's no "instant" reward like nailing a ball into a pocket.

Of course in pool, we have 6', 8', or 9' tables, Valley, APA, and BCA rules, and some places have bar-rules which can mean many different things. We have good tables and bad ones, and given the number of APA-hate threads there's quite a bit of variance from the home rooms to Las Vegas.

So since most people here are pool players and few play billiards, what's your preference for table selection? Do you play on the same table each night, in the same room, with the same people? Do you play on whatever is available? With whomever wants to unfold a few bucks? At any hall that's open with enough space to fit you?

For me, I "tend" to play on the same table, although I vary whom I play. I do try to play on other tables from time to time, so I'm not always used to the same equipment (other than my cues). I do tend to stick to the 9' tables but I've been itching to play on the barboxes lately for some change. I stick to the same place as this city has but two places more than a couple of barboxes in a corner.

I ask because I wonder which is better: a standardized approach (billiards/snooker), or the mish-mash of stuff we have now (in pocket-billiards)?

 

[TATE]

Personally I wish there was some consistency and specs for the industry to follow no matter what size the table you choose to play on. I think the Diamond people got it right with the pro cut pockets. I like worsted wool cloth like Simoinis and gum rubber cushions like Artemis.

There are some pool rooms where no two tables are alike and I view those as the low-end.

Chris

 

[CreeDo]

The game would for sure be better if the equipment got standardized. Generally I figure out which table(s) are best in any given place and always try to get those, occasionally passing up an open table to get them. But if I pass up an open table it's because it's got known bad rolls, not because I want perfect consistency.

A player should try to get familiar with what it's like on a shimmed table, or a bar box, or a table with dead rails, just so he's not completely caught off guard if he's traveling and forced to play on something different.

 

[Ghosst]

The only tables that aren't shimmed where I play are the snooker and Valley tables. I love the way the 9's rattle out balls that don't hit the heart of the pocket but it's tough for new players.

 

[JoeyA]

Ghosst,
I am pretty much like yourself. Although, I play on 9 foot Diamond tables almost exclusively, I actually have fun playing on the 7 foot tables as well. I just don't play as well on 7 foot tables, relatively speaking. It seems I can't get a sniff at the money in a bar table tournament and just keep donating. You would think it would be just the opposite but the proof is in my play. I just can't play consistently well on bar tables for some reason. Maybe I should occasionally play on the 7 footers.

We have two, new Pro Am 9 foot Diamond tables at Buffalo Billiards in Metairie and everyone wants to play on them. When they're open I get in my time on them. Primarily, they are used for action matches.

Anyway, while I like familiar better, I would bet that Random is more valuable to your overall pool game. We don't play away tournaments on the preferred home table so we should be training ourselves to play on all types of equipment. That's just my $.02.