The Birmingham APA changed the local playoff landscape this year with the addition of a new level/step called the "City Cups" (C.C.'s). The C.C.'s from what I can gather are really the first few matches that would have been played at the Local Team Championship (LTC) in June but spread out over the year. This was done to cut down on the length of the LTC since the Birmingham APA has grown and the LTC has become quite large.
My Thursday night team, Pac 7, played in the 9-Ball City Cups yesterday. I played as a SL4 since that was my skill level when we qualified although I have recently moved up a skill level. In the first set, we played a really nice team named No Excuses from Poppa G's Billiards in Pelham, AL. By the time I got the the table in the third match, we were down two matches (28-12) if I recall correctly). I played their team captain who is a SL6. After a rocky start, I found my groove and beat him 15-5. This helped get the team back in it and our next player put up an excellent win of 19-1 to give us a substantial boost. The final match was between our SL7 and their SL8. Our SL7 only needed 27 balls to win it for us and he came through in the clutch. Awesome win!
Our second set of the day we played Crackin Racks from Bumpers Billiards in Hoover, AL. The set started pretty much the same with an 8-12 loss followed by a 5-15 loss. Again I came to the table and the other team put a SL6 up against me. The outcome was the same with a 15-5 win for me. This was shaping up to be a mirror image of our first set. Unfortunately the player who had done so well and got us the 19-1 win in the earlier set lost. Now the tables were turned and their final SL6 was playing our SL7 who needed to get 55 points before their SL6 could get 23. Our SL7 put up a valiant effort and for a time it looked like he might be able to pull it off. In the end it was just too big a deficit to recover from.
While we may have lost the second match and been thwarted this attempt, we still have the chance to get back to C.C.'s this session and qualify for the June LTC. We have a great team so time to look ahead and get back to the practice table.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Monday, August 15, 2011
Ten Things I've Learned Since Beginning Pool League
This is my inaugural post for PoolSynergy. I hope it is up to the standards you have come to expect from these blog posts. Samm Vidal Claramunt (aka Samm Diep) contacted me awhile back and asked if I'd like to submit an entry for PoolSynergy this month. How could I refuse? :-) So without any further ado, here is my list:1. Be a student.
Just because someone is a low ranked player doesn't mean there aren't things you can learn from them. Sometimes you find nuggets of inspiration from unusual sources. If you see an awesome shot make a note and try to duplicate it later. I read an interview of Efren Reyes where he said he did something similar when he was starting out. If someone chooses to shoot a shot very differently than you would have, ask them why they did it that way (after the match of course). You'll find that most people are very willing to talk to you and help you along. Don't be afraid to ask!
2. Chalk! Chalk! Chalk!
I lost a match just recently where I didn't chalk, miscued and gave my opponent ball in hand. I honestly believe I could have run out if I had just chalked my cue properly prior to attempting the shot. I've seen low ranked players AND higher ranked players skip this simple task to their detriment. It only takes a few seconds to chalk your cue and it could mean the difference between winning and losing.
3. Stay down on your shot
When I was learning to play golf, a bystander watched me get in my stance and then completely miss the ball. He told me there are three rules in golf which I think equally apply to pool. The first was "keep your head down". The second was "keep your head down" and the third was "KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN"! I see so many people jump up immediately after stroking/poking the cue ball. They are so intent on the next shot they end up missing the current one. When possible, stay down until all the balls come to a complete stop. Obviously if you will be in the way of a moving ball, you need to move but most of the time it is not necessary. Stay down!
4. Have a pre-shot routine
This is something I have a lot of trouble with myself but it is important. Consistency comes from doing the same thing over and over. It can be good OR bad. If you practice doing the good things over and over and imprint these habits into your brain, your consistency will improve dramatically. Try to do the same things every time before you take a shot. You'll be surprised at the effect it will have on your game.
5. Don't be afraid to start your routine again
When I was first starting out, I was in a match and had already gone through my pre-shot routine. I was down in my stance and was ready to pull the trigger when someone passing behind me bumped my cue. Instead of getting up and going through my routine again, I just readjusted and because I was irritated I missed by a wide margin. If something distracts you or even if you just don't feel comfortable, GET UP! It only takes a few moments to take a breath, establish yourself and try again. It could be the difference in making or missing that important shot.
6. Nobody likes slow play
You should always take your time when making a shot but there is a fine line between that and being excruciatingly slow. I am definitely not saying you should not take your time but try to keep the flow moving. One individual in our league that I have played is VERY slow. Most people don't want to play him because even on an obvious shot he will walk around the table, look at the angle, walk around again, look at it again, etc. Maybe it's a tactic to annoy the other players and if so, it works. Try to be considerate of your opponent, the league time constraints (if any) and teammates. Slow play can make for some really late nights at pool league. This may be alright for Friday or Saturday night leagues but when you have to get up to work the next day ... well, I'm sure you get the idea.
7. Be a gracious winner
Too many times I see a player win and then start bragging about it. Yes, you should be proud of your win but have consideration for your opponent's feelings as well. If they played a great game and shot well, let them know it. Even if they didn't play well you can usually think of at least one great shot they made so congratulate them on it. You never know when you might want to get on a different team, play on another night or maybe the team you are currently on gets dissolved. People remember things like that and it could determine whether or not you get an invite to play on their team.
8. Don't be a bad loser
This goes a bit with #7 but if you lose, don't curse and smack your stick on the table, slam chairs or generally make an ass of yourself. Thank your opponent for a good match and take your lumps. NOBODY wins ALL the time. You don't have to like losing (and you shouldn't like it) but don't be a jerk about it.
9. Be considerate of others
If your opponent or someone nearby is about to shoot, try to avoid distracting them with loud talk, lots of movement, etc. I know this is not always possible in a crowded pool hall but make an effort. Everyone around you will appreciate it.
10. Alcohol DOES NOT make you shoot better
I couldn't count the number of people who make this claim. Let's get the facts straight. Alcohol impairs motor skills. Good motor skills are vital to good pool play. I don't care what anyone is telling you it just doesn't work that way. People who think this are living on that river in Egypt. You know the one ... "De Nile" (or denial if you prefer). If alcohol made you a better pool player, it would make you a better driver as well and we ALL know how that turns out. I'm not saying you can't have a few drinks with your friends at league. By all means, have fun! That's what we get into league for in the first place. Just don't think the more you drink the better you get because I can assure you the reverse is true.
Be sure to check out the other great articles about "Ten Things". I am sure you can find something in these to take your game to the next level!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Stepping up to the Challenge
Monday (June 27th, 2011) my wife and I arrived at Bumper's Billiards for our regular league night to find out we had a bye week. We decided to practice with some teammates and were having a good time when they announced that a 9-Ball tournament would be starting shortly. This tournament wasn't going to take into account handicaps so at first I wasn't going to join. I've never played 9-Ball in league and my 8-Ball skill level is only a SL3 so I didn't figure I'd have much of a chance.
I hadn't played 9-Ball in weeks and I have never played it competitively. In fact, I had never played in a pool tournament (other than on a team). After some coaxing from my wife and team captain, I decided to give it a shot. I figured the worst that could happen would be a three-and-out in both my matches since it was double elimination. I paid my entry fee and waited. About thirty minutes later, they were ready to get started and I was paired with an opponent who said he had been playing 9-Ball for quite awhile.
I surprised myself by winning the first game which helped to boost my confidence. I lost the following two games but was able to win the fourth game with a billiard which made it double hill. Now was the time for my lack of experience to shine brightly.The one ball was on the end rail opposite the cue ball with most of the balls crowded on the left side of the table. The right side was clear and I decided in my infinite wisdom to go for the long bank shot. To be honest with myself, my first thought was to play safe by banking the one ball softly to the right rail and hiding the cue ball behind the cluster of balls on the left. I shouldn't have second guessed myself. The bank attempt was AWFUL and left my opponent an easy billiard which he promptly sank to win the match.
The second match was similar in that I got it to double hill. I missed a backwards cut on the nine in the fifth game and left the nine sitting and quacking on the edge of the pocket. My opponent sank the easy shot to eliminate me from the tournament.
Even though I made some stupid mental errors, I shot well and was very happy with my performance. I did MUCH better than I expected to do, I gained some tournament experience and I had a lot of fun. If nothing else, it was a confidence builder. While there were players in the tournament who could have blanked me easily, I fortunately did not have to face them. The two players I did face were very good and only through some fairly good defense was I able to get as close as I did.
I might not have won the tournament but it was definitely a winning night.
I hadn't played 9-Ball in weeks and I have never played it competitively. In fact, I had never played in a pool tournament (other than on a team). After some coaxing from my wife and team captain, I decided to give it a shot. I figured the worst that could happen would be a three-and-out in both my matches since it was double elimination. I paid my entry fee and waited. About thirty minutes later, they were ready to get started and I was paired with an opponent who said he had been playing 9-Ball for quite awhile.
I surprised myself by winning the first game which helped to boost my confidence. I lost the following two games but was able to win the fourth game with a billiard which made it double hill. Now was the time for my lack of experience to shine brightly.The one ball was on the end rail opposite the cue ball with most of the balls crowded on the left side of the table. The right side was clear and I decided in my infinite wisdom to go for the long bank shot. To be honest with myself, my first thought was to play safe by banking the one ball softly to the right rail and hiding the cue ball behind the cluster of balls on the left. I shouldn't have second guessed myself. The bank attempt was AWFUL and left my opponent an easy billiard which he promptly sank to win the match.
The second match was similar in that I got it to double hill. I missed a backwards cut on the nine in the fifth game and left the nine sitting and quacking on the edge of the pocket. My opponent sank the easy shot to eliminate me from the tournament.
Even though I made some stupid mental errors, I shot well and was very happy with my performance. I did MUCH better than I expected to do, I gained some tournament experience and I had a lot of fun. If nothing else, it was a confidence builder. While there were players in the tournament who could have blanked me easily, I fortunately did not have to face them. The two players I did face were very good and only through some fairly good defense was I able to get as close as I did.
I might not have won the tournament but it was definitely a winning night.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Playing a Two (SL2)
During pool league this past Monday night, I was paired against a player who was a skill level 2. In the past this has been certain doom for me. I don't know why but I have played very well against and sometimes beaten SL3's thru SL6's but twos have always given me a problem. I got off to a good start, winning the first two games and getting on the hill.
The third game was where things started to go awry. It seemed like every time I came to the table I was hooked. This was not due to any deliberate defensive shots on her part. I would make contact with one of my balls but generally left them in even worse position. It felt I would be better served just picking up the ball and handing it to her than to try and make contact and make matters worse. NINETEEN innings later I bobbled the eight ball in the corner pocket and left her an easy "gimme" to win the game. Double hill!
The last game I was shooting fairly well and had run out to the eight ball with my opponent still having four balls left. I left myself hooked behind one of her remaining balls with a difficult kick shot at the eight ball. Rather than take a chance scratching or pocketing the eight in the wrong pocket, I chose to give my opponent ball-in-hand. She missed her shot and left me hooked yet again. Again, I gave her ball-in-hand. She made one (I think) and then missed leaving me a shot on the eight ball which I promptly pocketed for the win. I FINALLY BEAT A TWO!
I know many people will read this and wonder what is so special about beating such a low ranked player. To me, it was the end of a long struggle against lower ranked players. Don't get me wrong. I love to beat a SL5,6 or 7!!! To be completely honest, I love beating ANYONE. I'm sure nobody enjoys losing.
In summary, I'm not sure exactly what the psychology is that caused me to play poorly against SL2's but I am hopeful that is now in my past. Now, bring on the SL7! I'm fairly certain that is the only skill level player that still eludes me. LOL
The third game was where things started to go awry. It seemed like every time I came to the table I was hooked. This was not due to any deliberate defensive shots on her part. I would make contact with one of my balls but generally left them in even worse position. It felt I would be better served just picking up the ball and handing it to her than to try and make contact and make matters worse. NINETEEN innings later I bobbled the eight ball in the corner pocket and left her an easy "gimme" to win the game. Double hill!
The last game I was shooting fairly well and had run out to the eight ball with my opponent still having four balls left. I left myself hooked behind one of her remaining balls with a difficult kick shot at the eight ball. Rather than take a chance scratching or pocketing the eight in the wrong pocket, I chose to give my opponent ball-in-hand. She missed her shot and left me hooked yet again. Again, I gave her ball-in-hand. She made one (I think) and then missed leaving me a shot on the eight ball which I promptly pocketed for the win. I FINALLY BEAT A TWO!
I know many people will read this and wonder what is so special about beating such a low ranked player. To me, it was the end of a long struggle against lower ranked players. Don't get me wrong. I love to beat a SL5,6 or 7!!! To be completely honest, I love beating ANYONE. I'm sure nobody enjoys losing.
In summary, I'm not sure exactly what the psychology is that caused me to play poorly against SL2's but I am hopeful that is now in my past. Now, bring on the SL7! I'm fairly certain that is the only skill level player that still eludes me. LOL
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Team name change for Vegas, playing tired and other stuff....
Team Name
Well, as expected, the APA made us change our team name for the APA Nationals in August. Seems it doesn't matter that our team captain's name is Damien Davis and we had been calling him "Double D" for a long time. I guess the APA decided our name MUST be an innuendo. Anyway, because we were a wildcard team at "Cities" here in Birmingham, AL and we won, we decided on "Twist of Fate". "Double D's" will still be our team name locally.
I read the APA's previously banned name list and some of the names had me rolling on the floor laughing. I didn't understand why some were banned but maybe I'm just getting old and there was something implied in the name that I didn't understand.
"Milk Fed Veal": no clue
"Control Your Rock": nope still no clue
"Come Get Some": Seems like a stretch to ban it
"Poke And Pray": I guess you could infer a sexual innuendo in the word Poke but in the context it seems silly to ban it
Oh well, the name is changed and we're set for Vegas. Got the hotel and air reservations made and paid for. We're ready to rock this party!
Playing Tired
Anyone can tell you that playing tired will affect your game. It's definitely true. Last Monday night was a regular league night for my 8-Ball team. We had just come off a full weekend of high stress and little sleep. I actually got to sleep at 2:00am after everything was done Sunday night. We were all drained. When we arrived at the pool hall Monday night, we were happy but we were all dragging.
When I got to the table, we were down 2-1 and my performance didn't help. I couldn't string together a three ball run to save my life. I ended up losing 0-3 and to say I wasn't happy with my performance would be an understatement. I know I have to practice a lot more before Vegas!
Missing a Team Member
I failed to mention in the last post that my wife wasn't able to play with us in cities. Although she was part of the team, she only had eight lifetime matches in the APA so she was two short of the requisite ten. She was there with us of course cheering us on and once it was over, she was even given a trophy by the league operator. I thought that was a very nice gesture on his part since she was part of the team roster that made it to cities. My understanding is that even though she will have more than ten matches by the time we go to Vegas, she will still not be eligible since she wasn't officially on the roster that won cities. It's kind of a disappointment but understandable. She is looking forward to playing in some of the other singles matches while we are there.
Well, as expected, the APA made us change our team name for the APA Nationals in August. Seems it doesn't matter that our team captain's name is Damien Davis and we had been calling him "Double D" for a long time. I guess the APA decided our name MUST be an innuendo. Anyway, because we were a wildcard team at "Cities" here in Birmingham, AL and we won, we decided on "Twist of Fate". "Double D's" will still be our team name locally.
I read the APA's previously banned name list and some of the names had me rolling on the floor laughing. I didn't understand why some were banned but maybe I'm just getting old and there was something implied in the name that I didn't understand.
"Milk Fed Veal": no clue
"Control Your Rock": nope still no clue
"Come Get Some": Seems like a stretch to ban it
"Poke And Pray": I guess you could infer a sexual innuendo in the word Poke but in the context it seems silly to ban it
Oh well, the name is changed and we're set for Vegas. Got the hotel and air reservations made and paid for. We're ready to rock this party!
Playing Tired
Anyone can tell you that playing tired will affect your game. It's definitely true. Last Monday night was a regular league night for my 8-Ball team. We had just come off a full weekend of high stress and little sleep. I actually got to sleep at 2:00am after everything was done Sunday night. We were all drained. When we arrived at the pool hall Monday night, we were happy but we were all dragging.
When I got to the table, we were down 2-1 and my performance didn't help. I couldn't string together a three ball run to save my life. I ended up losing 0-3 and to say I wasn't happy with my performance would be an understatement. I know I have to practice a lot more before Vegas!
Missing a Team Member
I failed to mention in the last post that my wife wasn't able to play with us in cities. Although she was part of the team, she only had eight lifetime matches in the APA so she was two short of the requisite ten. She was there with us of course cheering us on and once it was over, she was even given a trophy by the league operator. I thought that was a very nice gesture on his part since she was part of the team roster that made it to cities. My understanding is that even though she will have more than ten matches by the time we go to Vegas, she will still not be eligible since she wasn't officially on the roster that won cities. It's kind of a disappointment but understandable. She is looking forward to playing in some of the other singles matches while we are there.
Monday, June 13, 2011
We're going to VEGAS!
What a weekend! Friday night found us playing our first match of the 2011 Birmingham APA 8-Ball Cities Championship. We were down 2-0 and feeling very vulnerable. My teammates pulled us back to a 2-2 situation but time ran out before the last match started and now it was time for "Sudden Death". One game for all the marbles and the opposing team put up a SL4(*). The team captain looks at me and asks, "Are you ready?". I was nervous but definitely ready!
My opponent broke and followed up by only running two more balls. I was prepared. I ran six balls straight and had a cut shot on the one in the corner. All I had to do was make the one with the right speed leaving the cue ball in the middle of the table to give me a shot on the eight ball. I leaned down over the shot, took a deep breath .... and stood up. I wasn't feeling it so I walked around and got the chalk, chalked my cue and settled my nerves. I lined up on the shot again and made my stroke. The one ball bobbled in the corner and the cue ball traveled down table and scratched. My heart sank. Not only had I missed the shot but I had given my opponent ball-in-hand.
I stepped away thinking my opponent had a fairly easy run-out and that I was finished. Suddenly they called timeout and the team captain was discussing it with him. I think they were rattled that a SL3 had almost ran the table on them but whatever the reason, I was surprised they called a timeout at that point. My opponent ran two more and then missed but the cue ball ran up behind the eight ball and hooked me. A kick shot was my only option to get to the one at this point so my team captain called a timeout to discuss it. Once I was ready, I got down on my shot and made my stroke only to have the cue ball come off the rail and make contact with the eight ball sending it almost into the side pocket and giving my opponent ball-in-hand AGAIN!
I looked at my opponent's layout and again felt that sinking feeling creeping up on me. He shot his first ball in and got out of shape a bit for his second but it was still make-able. He missed! I had a shot on the one now and only needed to draw it back about 12-18 inches for excellent position on the eight ball. I succeeded in only drawing it back about six inches but I knew it was enough. I knew I could cut it in the side from there. I chalked my cue, took a deep breath and lined up the shot. As I stroked the shot, I knew I had it. The eight ball dropped, the cue ball stopped and we had one our first match! The team went wild.
What an awesome feeling! It's hard to describe but I do believe I am hooked on it now.
I didn't have to play again the entire tournament but I was ready if needed. In the finals, we were up 2-1 and the fourth match was hill-hill(#). I was set to play "closer" but Jennifer Berryhill (SL5) pulled out the win so I was able to leave my cues in their case.
We had our ups and downs but what an awesome finish to a long and stressful day. Our team captain, Damien Davis, had led us to victory! THE "DOUBLE-D's" ARE GOING TO VEGAS!!!!!!! 2011 APA National 8-Ball Championships here we come! If you're in Vegas August 21-27, come by the Riviera Casino and say hello.
* - For those who don't know, the APA (American Poolplayers Association) has 6 skill levels (SL) in the 8-Ball Division ranging from 2-7 with 7 being the best.
# - Being "On the hill" in pool parlance means you only need to win one game to win the match.
My opponent broke and followed up by only running two more balls. I was prepared. I ran six balls straight and had a cut shot on the one in the corner. All I had to do was make the one with the right speed leaving the cue ball in the middle of the table to give me a shot on the eight ball. I leaned down over the shot, took a deep breath .... and stood up. I wasn't feeling it so I walked around and got the chalk, chalked my cue and settled my nerves. I lined up on the shot again and made my stroke. The one ball bobbled in the corner and the cue ball traveled down table and scratched. My heart sank. Not only had I missed the shot but I had given my opponent ball-in-hand.
I stepped away thinking my opponent had a fairly easy run-out and that I was finished. Suddenly they called timeout and the team captain was discussing it with him. I think they were rattled that a SL3 had almost ran the table on them but whatever the reason, I was surprised they called a timeout at that point. My opponent ran two more and then missed but the cue ball ran up behind the eight ball and hooked me. A kick shot was my only option to get to the one at this point so my team captain called a timeout to discuss it. Once I was ready, I got down on my shot and made my stroke only to have the cue ball come off the rail and make contact with the eight ball sending it almost into the side pocket and giving my opponent ball-in-hand AGAIN!
I looked at my opponent's layout and again felt that sinking feeling creeping up on me. He shot his first ball in and got out of shape a bit for his second but it was still make-able. He missed! I had a shot on the one now and only needed to draw it back about 12-18 inches for excellent position on the eight ball. I succeeded in only drawing it back about six inches but I knew it was enough. I knew I could cut it in the side from there. I chalked my cue, took a deep breath and lined up the shot. As I stroked the shot, I knew I had it. The eight ball dropped, the cue ball stopped and we had one our first match! The team went wild.
What an awesome feeling! It's hard to describe but I do believe I am hooked on it now.
I didn't have to play again the entire tournament but I was ready if needed. In the finals, we were up 2-1 and the fourth match was hill-hill(#). I was set to play "closer" but Jennifer Berryhill (SL5) pulled out the win so I was able to leave my cues in their case.
We had our ups and downs but what an awesome finish to a long and stressful day. Our team captain, Damien Davis, had led us to victory! THE "DOUBLE-D's" ARE GOING TO VEGAS!!!!!!! 2011 APA National 8-Ball Championships here we come! If you're in Vegas August 21-27, come by the Riviera Casino and say hello.
* - For those who don't know, the APA (American Poolplayers Association) has 6 skill levels (SL) in the 8-Ball Division ranging from 2-7 with 7 being the best.
# - Being "On the hill" in pool parlance means you only need to win one game to win the match.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Pool Table Update
So Helen and I have had our new pool table for almost three weeks now. I don't think a day has gone by where we haven't played AT LEAST one game and usually several. Not long after we started playing on it we noticed a significant line deviation on one end. Sure enough, I put the level on it and noticed that end was not level. I though that was the only issue until I noticed a bump under the felt while making a bridge one night. It turned out to be the seam between two of the slate pieces.
I contacted Bob at R.G. Billiards yesterday (May 16th, 2011) and he assured me he would send the installer back out to take care of any issues as soon as he was available. In his defense, the installer was getting married two days after the install and I'm sure he had other things on his mind [GRIN].
Don't get me wrong, we absolutely LOVE our new table. Once the issues are resolved we will have some friends and family over to play on it. We look forward to many years of fun and recreation playing on it. Kudos to R.G. Billiards for making this a great buying experience!
[UPDATE] I should have posted this earlier but I forgot. The installer came back out, fixed the issues and all is well with the new table. We are really getting some good practice time now. Here is to hoping the extra practice starts showing results in my APA League matches. LOL
I contacted Bob at R.G. Billiards yesterday (May 16th, 2011) and he assured me he would send the installer back out to take care of any issues as soon as he was available. In his defense, the installer was getting married two days after the install and I'm sure he had other things on his mind [GRIN].
Don't get me wrong, we absolutely LOVE our new table. Once the issues are resolved we will have some friends and family over to play on it. We look forward to many years of fun and recreation playing on it. Kudos to R.G. Billiards for making this a great buying experience!
[UPDATE] I should have posted this earlier but I forgot. The installer came back out, fixed the issues and all is well with the new table. We are really getting some good practice time now. Here is to hoping the extra practice starts showing results in my APA League matches. LOL
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