Suck at Pool
Posted January 2nd, 2006 @ 08:56pm by Erik J. Barzeski
I suck at pool. I played a game of "golf" today and didn't break 100. Billiards Golf, that is. I'm taking a class by Tom Simpson, a Master BCA (Billiards Congress of America) instructor. Unlike with golf, I don't plan to teach myself pool - I'd like to get good quickly, not via trial and error. I've enjoyed the journey in golf, and I can always tell people that my swing is my own, but I'd like to skip ahead a few steps (ahem, years) in my pool game, so I'm looking forward to the class.
Incidentally, I think one of the tricks to doing well at billiards golf is to simply "tee off" with a very soft break shot. Just leave all the balls at the far end of the table - don't scatter them willy nilly, possibly scratch, etc. I'll have to try that next time.
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Posted 02 Jan 2006 at 10:12pm #
See, you have taught yourself something. Another thing is to consider it like bowling and not go for the 1 pin, if you know what I am saying.
I was thinking the other day how much Bowling is like Golf. Well, maybe not, but it is you against the course, and scoring is based on performance every step of the way.
That being said, do have some opportunity to relax as you play, and just play more often. The subconscious is a great teacher, especially when you are enjoying your self, and you might be surprised how much you can learn when you are not TRYING to learn. Keep simple games, like eightball, around for your most common play, so that you are not overthinking matters.
Posted 02 Jan 2006 at 10:24pm #
Wanna get GREAT at pool? Play snooker in Wales for 18 months.
I played snooker in Wales, and when I came back to the US and played 8-ball, I was untouchable.
Seriously, remember this:
Good Pool players make great shots, great pool players don't have to.
Have fun!
Posted 04 Jan 2006 at 11:51pm #
Okay, so I don't completely suck at pool. I played reasonably well today and nearly broke and ran a rack of nine balls, which is quite an accomplishment considering I sometimes have trouble making a single ball. I changed my...