Rackem Magazine December 2009 by Rackem Magazine

2 Rackem Magazine - December 2009

What’s Inside www.RackemMag.com

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About Rackem

Rackem is a monthly publication, dedicated to the advancement of the sport of pool and to promoting enthusiasm and encouragement among the players at all levels, regardless of their league affiliation, in addition to recognizing those businesses who support them all. Covering the midwest. Look for Rackem by the 10th of each month. The opinions expressed are those of the author or advertiser and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rackem or its staff. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher. © 2009 Rackem

POOL ON TV

Places People Play 19

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Crown Cues Broken Arrow, OK

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Two Stooges Fridley, MN

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Varsity Club Oshkosh, WI

Information Bill Smith Billiard Coach Bob Jewett Melissa Little OTBnTV Live

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Pool On TV Samm Diep Tournament Trail Weekly Tournaments

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12-06-2009 9:00 am 1993 Pro Tour Championship Finals 12-13-2009 9:00 am National Women’s 9-Ball Championships 12-27-2009 9:00 am ‘97 $50,000 Challenge of Champions Finals 12-27-2009 10:00 am Generationpool.com Men’s 9-Ball Championship Finals

12-13-2009 3:00 pm 2009 WPBA Championships Semi #1 12-13-2009 4:00 pm 2009 WPBA Championships Semi #2 12-13-2009 5:00 pm 2009 WPBA Championships Finals

These schedules have been provided by ESPN. These are tentative dates and are subject to change

Live Streaming Schedule Northern Lights Shootout Rugby, ND Dec 10th: International Cup Canada vs. U.S.A. Dec 11th-13th: 8-Ball Four Bears Classic New Town, ND April 16-18: 8 Ball stay tuned for more info

Watch on www.OTBnTV.com ustream.tv/channel/otbntv-live

December 2009 - Rackem Magazine 3

This article is the first of a series of posts written in coordination with other pool bloggers on the topic of strategy. For related articles visit http:// www.billiardcoach.com and use the search term PoolSynergy. Most pool players have heard the phrase “Play the table not the player.” I believe this phrase originated to encourage players to stay calm if they are playing a champion and to never to let up if they’re playing a beginner. The cliché seems to have morphed into an idea that a player should forget about his opponent and execute the one truly correct shot at the table. This is generally good advice and helps many players focus on the task at hand—play the best shot available for the given table layout. There are exceptions to this rule when you may want to adapt your strategy depending on your opponent. Knowledge of your opponent’s abilities, style, or strategy could alter your shot selection. The game of one-pocket is the most obvious scenario in which to prove that you must consider your opponent. Familiarity with your foe’s skill set greatly aids shot selection. Is your one-pocket opponent a ball runner, one who can’t run more than three or four balls, a banking expert, a wonderful mover weak on long straight shots, prone to take crazy low percentage shots, or one who never takes a gamble on a shot? The answers to these questions should factor into your choice of shots. And sometimes faced with a do or die shot vs. a safety situation, you may need to ask yourself, “Will I get a better opportunity in the game against this opponent?” This type of shot analysis could also apply to the more popular game of 8-Ball. Some of these strategies are outlined based on your ability and skills compared to your opponents. Familiarize yourself with your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses by watching matches of upcoming opponents. Take mental or written notes on their styles, weapons, and weaknesses. Do they own a jump cue and use it extremely well? How accurately do they kick? Do they play aggressively with no safes or are they patient and cautious? This scouting information can be useful in deciding whether to attempt a run out or play some sort of safety. In fact, it can narrow down the type of safety that will give you the best chance to win. While playing better players, remember that their breaks are a big advantage for them. They will break and run more often and control the table better. You must take advantage of every single chance that you get at the table. Run out if you are able and play a lock-up safety (jail) versus the toughest opponents. They will make you pay for a missed shot and they will kick/jump out of so-so safeties. Weaker opponents may not open up the rack as well on the break and you might have to be more patient for a chance to run out. The penalty for a missed shot might not lead to a loss of game; you could get another chance. It could be that a mediocre safe is good enough versus a poor to average player. Count on more ball-in-hands after safeties. When playing weaker opponents, you may want to count on getting another chance at the table or leave trouble areas untouched. You may find that they can’t pick through congested racks but run through wide open racks at will. Consider a second-ball break or a more difficult layout rather than blasting them wide open. A tougher opponent will open up the clusters correctly while you may be doing a lesser opponent a favor if you break open the cluster and allow them back to the table. Lay down a safety and then break up the trouble with ball in hand. Table safes (distance with no good shot) are more effective versus beginner players. Advanced or expert players will fire back if they can see it with a better safe or might bank it in. If your opponent is vastly superior at safety play, go for the tough game breaker shot if you can win versus engaging in a tactical safety battle. You might get out-moved otherwise. Sometimes your strategy may evolve within the flow of the match. If your opponent has been sitting and is cold, you may want to choose a safety rather than trying a tough shot. Make them earn the game and prevent them from getting warmed up with a wide open shot to get them started. Knowing your opponent can also shape your mental strategy. Always try to amass a lead in a match and know that players of all abilities might fall apart or may claw back. (continued on page 16)

4 Rackem Magazine - December 2009

“You Get What You Give” By Samm Diep, PoolTipJar.com © November 2009

How do you prepare for a big event? Are you the “Cram-Practicer”? You know the player that rarely practices and thinks that if they play 10 hours a day for the week leading up to the tournament that it will actually make a difference. Are you the “League Player”? That’s the player that only plays three nights a week, their three league matches, and believes somehow that will count towards a balanced practice. Or, are you the “Steady Practicer”? This is the student that spends hours a day in Samm Diep the poolroom shooting drills and learning new things. They work hard and are realistic about their expectations. Ever heard the song lyric, “We only get what we give?” (“You Get What You Give” by the New Radicals, circa 1999) How true, and what a novel concept. What we get from pool and from our performance depends on how much effort we give to it. If we don’t practice, we can’t expect to play consistently. If we keep working hard and competing regularly, we will ultimately win more matches. We eventually get what we give. World Champions Ralf Souquet, Mika Immonen and Thorsten Hohmann are perpetual students of the game. At their level, it would be so easy to relax and lighten their practice load. Besides, they’ve earned it, right? They have won numerous titles and prizes. They can shoot any shot and they fear no one. They should be allowed to take a break from their practice, right? On the contrary, they are three prefect examples of getting from the game what they give. Regardless of the countless notches on their belts, they continue to practice between tournaments and in between matches. They understand the importance of tournament preparation, even at their level. To them, “giving” not only includes their time on the table but it also includes maintaining good active health. They are athletes and their training encompasses mental, strategic, as well as physical conditioning. At tournaments of all sizes, whenever there is an open practice table, one of the first players to jump on it is former US Open Champion, Shane Van Boening. He is always hitting balls. Whenever he’s not in competing and he has a free moment before his next match, he’s at the table. A lesser player may wonder, “Why would someone like Shane need to practice so much? He’s already a champion.” Obviously, this is not a new concept for him. That is how he became the great player that we see today. He understands the value of practice and what he gets out of it. In the words of the great Malcom Gladwell (author of Outliers), “Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.” The greatest players didn’t get where they are by chance. They gave and gave to the game and in turn, they reap the benefits.

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FA R G O S H O O T O U T

Mario Parayno

Josh Shones

A few short weeks after being named the Best New Pool Room by Billiards Digest magazine, Fargo Billiards & Gastropub played host to pool players from five states and two Canadian provinces for a $500 added 9-ball tournament and a $2500 8-ball tournament .

9-BALL

Minneapolis-based Mario Parayno cruised undefeated through the 64-player field in the 9-ball race-to-9 tournament played on 7’ Diamond tables, beating Jason Stevenson(ND), Jon Brown(IA), Jamie Pluta (MN), Randy Byrne(MN), Ricky Olson(ND), and Marc Oelslager(MN) to meet Rochester, MN player Josh Shones in the finals. Shones, a graduate of North Dakota State University in Fargo, had a tough path to the finals. After losing in the second round to Wisconsin’s Gene Albrecht, Shones caught a gear and plowed through nine matches, beating the likes of 8-ball champion Craig Stainbrook as well as Midwest bar table legends Gene Albrecht, Rory Hendrickson, and Marc Oelslager. Fargo’s Tanya DeGroat was the top woman finisher in the tough field. RESULTS 1 $750 Mario Parayno(MN) 2 $500 Josh Shones(MN) 3 $300 Marc Oelslager(MN) 4 $200 Rory Hendrickson(ND) 5/6 $150 Ricky Olson(ND), Dusty Geller(ND) 7/8 $100 Gene Albrecht(WI), Blair Lawson(MB) 9-12 $75 Derek McMaster(MN), Cass Burns(SK), Layne Opstedal(ND), Randy Byrne(MN) 13-16 $50 Matt Peterson(MN), Clive Hjorliefson(MB), Greg Marsh(SD), Felix Beardy(MB) Top Woman $125 Tanya DeGroat(ND)

Craig Stainbrook

Danny Olson

top dogs Rory Hendrickson, Marc Oelslager for a second time, and Lee Heuwagen for the chance to try Stainbrook again. RESULTS 1 $2000 Craig Stainbrook(ND) 2 $1000 Danny Olson(SD) 3 $650 Lee Heuwagen(MN) 4 $450 Marc Oelslager(MN) 5/6 $300 Gene Albrecht(WI), Rory Hendrickson(ND) 7/8 $200 Mike Page(ND), Jerrod Bernath(ND) 9-12 $125 Cass Burns(SK), Derek McMaster(MN), Tom Lauritson(MN), Mike Osatiuk(ND) 13-16 $75 Richard Urbanik(MB), Darrell Phillips(SD), Mo Bashir(ND), Randy Byrne(MN) Top Woman $125 Rachel Wentz(ND)

8-BALL

The 73-player 8-ball field whittled throughout the day Saturday to a 16-player final field redraw. At the end of the day Sunday, the four top calcutta picks filled out positions 3-6 leaving Fargo’s Craig Stainbrook in the driver’s seat playing 16-year-old Danny Olson (Brookings, SD/Olathe, KS). Stainbrook beat Mo Bashir, Mike Page, Olson and then top Minneapolis player Lee Heuwagen to get to the finals. After losing to Stainbrook, the slender, quiet teenager beat

December 2009 - Rackem Magazine 5

Two New World Champions! -Jerry Forsyth, WPA Press Officer-

Keng-Chun Lin, Anja Wagner

Rusian Chinakhov, Phil Burford

Ruslan Chinakhov of Russia and KengChun Lin of Taipei are the new WPA World Junior Champions. The final day of play began with Anja Wagner (GER) defeating Konishi Samia (JPN) 9-7. Then Keng-Chun Lin ended the winning streak of Liz Lovely (USA) by that same 9-7 margin. This set up the semi-final match between Liz Lovely and Anja Wagner as KengChun Lin waited for the victor to play the championship round. That would be Anja Wagner as she found momentum first and carried her margin to ever-larger numbers that resulted in her winning out 9-5. However, the power that Wagner displayed would not

be enough to overcome the skills of Lin. Keng-Chun Lin defeated Ms. Wagner 9-6 to stand atop the podium and receive the gold. Watch out, Ga-Young, Jasmin and Allison. Those footsteps you hear are sure and confident. This brought the young men out for their final contests. First up were the two undefeated players, Nolle Stefan (GER) and Ruslan Chunakhov (RUS). Chinakhov found his true form and demolished the young German 11-1. The two players who had already suffered one loss were up next and had a much closer battle as Phil Burford (GBR) narrowly bested Kuei-Min Lin (TPE)

Wilder Wins

The 2009-2010 Lucasi Hybri All American Tour (produced by the American CueSports Alliance – ACS) moved to Davenport, Iowa, on Saturday, November 21, at Miller Time Billiards. The $500 added event featured twenty-seven non-master players in a double-elimination 8-ball format on 7-foot bar boxes. Chris Wilder (Chenoa, IL) took down the A-side, completing his undefeated trek via wins over Craig McLaren (E. Galesburg, IL) in the semifinals 5-2 and Mason Parks (Moline, IL) in the finals 5-2. Mason Parks had earlier vanquished Christ Aiardo (Moline, IL) 5-1 in the semifinals just prior to his loss to Wilder. On the B-side Don Boll (Dubuque, IA) and Jason Totten (Clinton, IA) eliminated Terry Anderson Jr. (Davenport, IA) 5-1 and Roger Garnsey (Monmouth, IL) 5-2 respectively at 7th place, In turn in the next round both Boll and Totten were resigned to 5th place at the hands Christ Aiardo and Craig McLaren respectively 3-5 and 1-5. Aiardo then knocked out McLaren at 4th place by a 5-4 margin, but Aiardo’s run was ended at 3rd place by Mason Parks 4-5. Mason Parks made the tourney finals interesting by eclipsing Chris Wilder 5-4 in the first set, requiring a second set to settle the results. But Chris Wilder was not to be denied the title, and he dominated Parks in the deciding set 5-1 to win the day! By virtue of Chris Wilder being the highest-finishing ACS member in the event, he qualified for a free 9-Ball singles entry into the 2010 ACS Nationals in Las Vegas – courtesy of the ACS. The ACS wishes to thank sponsors 6 Rackem Magazine - December 2009

11-9. As Chinakhov rested, Burford and Nolle hit the tables again to see who would face him. This one was a real nail-biter as the two men traded blows and neither faltered until the very end when Burford managed to squeak by with an 11-10 win to win the privilege of facing Chinakhov for the title. While Burford certainly gave a fine accounting of himself, there would be no doubt as to who the champion would be. Ruslan Chinakhov has announced himself with his 11-8 win as a player to be reckoned with on the world stage. Remember the name, you will be hearing it again.

Miller Time

Lucasi Hybrid Cues, Championship Billiard Fabric, Nick Varner Signature Cases, Ozone Billiards, Pool Cue Guru and Billiard Gods Productions for their support in donating “Value-In-Kind” product for this and all stops on the Lucasi Hybrid All American Tour. All entries in the Tour are also entered into a drawing in January for a $1,000 Lucasi Hybrid Cue, courtesy of Ozone Billiards. Sponsorship opportunities and tour stop openings are still available for the 2009/2010 All American Tour by contacting the ACS. The Tour moves to Colorado over the Thanksgiving weekend (November 28-29) with the annual $1,000 added “Match-Ups Turkey Shoot 8-Ball” at Match-Ups in Fort Collins (contact Mike Hellmer at 970-482-2337). Further information, entry details and schedules for the 2009/2010 Lucasi Hybrid All American Tour are available at www.americancuesports.org.

FINAL RESULTS: 1st $300 2nd $200 3rd $120 4th $90 5-6th $60 7-8th $45 9-12th $30

Chris Wilder (Chenoa, IL) Mason Parks (Moline, IL) $200 Christ Aiardo (Moline, IL) $120 Craig McLaren (E. Galesburg, IL) $90 Don Boll (Dubuque, IA), Jason Totten (Clinton, IA) Terry Anderson Jr. (Davenport, IA), Roger Garnsey (Monmouth, IL) Robert Huskey (Silvis, IL), Adan Faupl (Ottawa, IL) John Gorsch Sr. (Cedar Rapids, IA), Ken Haynie (Silvis, IL)

Billiards on Main

TWO IN A ROW It was a small but strong field who turned out at Parker’s Billiards this past weekend to battle it out for a whopping $2,080 Tournament purse with the auction bringing in an extra $1700. Lone Star Tour regulars Blaine Barcus, Bobby Pacheco, Sylver Ochoa, Andy Jethwa, Javier Franco, and Louisiana’s own Derek Fontenot found themselves in the final 16 on Saturday night. Even though the field was a mere 36 players, the tight competition made for an exciting event! Match play started on Sunday at 12pm with tour veterans and a few surprises on the winner’s side. Blaine Barcus from Sugarland, Texas, Brian Rosenbaum, and Marc “Mighty Mouse” Garza traveling fast through the one-loss side, earned top finishes for their excellent match play. However, after the smoke cleared, it was only Derek Fontenot and Andy Jethwa on the winner’s side and Sylver Ochoa and Javier Franco dueling on the one-loss side. One the east side Fontenot was busy knocking down his last road block, Andy Jethwa 9-7, while on the west side Ochoa was taking out Franco 7-6. Ochoa continued his streak defeating Jethwa 7-4, leaving him in third. The final match brought back Derek Fontenot to defend his territory against Sylver Ochoa who was fighting for his second consecutive tour victory. Ochoa took charge winning the first set 9-8 sending the match into overtime. In the second race to seven Sylver pulled ahead and closed it out 7-5. It was another heated tournament finale! Congratulations gentlemen! Many thanks to Bobby Parker and Parker’s Billiards for their generosity and we look forward to hosting our first 10-Ball event there in 2010. Thank you to our tour sponsors, Poison Cues and the Delta-13 Rack and congratulations to John Newsom who won the Poison AR2 Cue Raffle. The Tour Finale will be at Bogies Billiards & Games December 12th-13th. See you on the Lone Star Trail!

The eighth stop of the 2009-2010 Lucasi Hybri All American Tour (produced by the American CueSports Alliance – ACS) was hosted in Galesburg, Illinois, on Saturday, October 24, at Billiards on Main. The $500 added event featured twenty-five players in a double-elimination 8-ball format on 7-foot bar boxes. Rich Pena (Davenport, IA), rated a 6 on a regional handicap system, marched undefeated to the hot seat – defeating Lee Pena [5] (Davenport, IA) in the A-side semifinals 6-3 and local Craig McLaren [5] (Galesburg, IL) 6-4 in the A-side finals. On the B-side Josh Johnson [7] (Bettendorf, IA] and Leo Pena [5] eliminated Ron O’Meara Jr. [6] (E. Moline, IL) 7-4 and Mason Parks [4] (Galesburg, IL) 5-3 respectively at 5th place. Johnson then ousted Leo Pena 7-4 to make the B-side finals. Craig McLaren sunk Johnson at 3rd place by a 5-3 margin to claim a shot at the tourney finals. However, Rich Pena was not to be denied, as he turned back McLaren 6-3 for the title.! By virtue of Josh Johnson being the highest-finishing ACS member in the event, he qualified for a free 9-Ball singles entry into the 2010 ACS Nationals in Las Vegas – courtesy of the ACS. The ACS wishes to thank sponsors Lucasi Hybrid Cues, Championship Billiard Fabric, Nick Varner Signature Cases, Ozone Billiards and Pool Cue Guru for their support in donating “Value-In-Kind” product for this and all stops on the Lucasi Hybrid All American Tour. All entries in the Tour are also entered into a drawing in January for a $1,000 Lucasi Hybrid Cue, courtesy of Ozone Billiards. Sponsorship opportunities and tour stop openings are still available for the 2009/2010 All American Tour by contacting the ACS. 1st $400 Rich Pena (Davenport, IA) 2nd $300 Craig McLaren (Galesburg, IL) 3rd $165 Josh Johnson (Bettendorf, IA) 4th $110 Leo Pena (Davenport, IA) 5-6th $75 Ron O’Meara (E. Moline, IL), Mason Parks (Galesburg, IL)

Photo: (l to r) Blaine Barcus, Sylver Ochoa, Bobby Parker, Andy Jethwa

1st $550 2nd $350 3rd $250 4th $150 5/6 $100 7/8 $80 9/12 $60 13/16 $45

Sylver Ochoa Derek Fontenot Andy Jethwa Javier Franco Blaine Barcus, Bobby Pacheco Ernesto Bayaua, Marc Garza Rodney Stewart, Lanny Herrin, Brian Rosenbaum, Eugene Evans Will Felder, Don Bullard, Tom Welch, David Coates

For More Information Visit: www.lonestarbilliardstour.com 713.825.1411

December 2009 - Rackem Magazine 7

BULLDOG BILLIARDS The 2009-2010 Lucasi Hybrid All American Tour (produced by the American CueSports Alliance – ACS) traveled to Dubuque, Iowa, on Saturday, November 14, at Bulldog Billiards. The $500 added event featured twenty-two players in a double-elimination 8-ball format on 7-foot bar boxes. Scott Kitto (Cedar Rapids, IA), rated an 8 on a regional handicap system, displayed some old flashes of brilliance in taking the undefeated march to the hot seat. His wins included edging both Shane Kelly (Dubuque, IA) [7] 8-6 in the A-side semifinals and Tony Garcia (Cedar Rapids, IA) [5] 8-4 in the A-side finals. In his A-side semifinals match, Garcia upset Josh Johnson (Bettendorf, IA) [8] 5-2! On the B-side Tony Sundstrom [5] (Cedar Rapids, IA) and Brian Hearl (Newton, IA) [4] eliminated Shane Kelly [7] and Josh Johnson [8] at 5th place by 5-4 and 4-3 margins respectively. Hearl then ousted Sundstrom at 4th place 4-4. Hearl continued his momentum by winning the B-side finals 4-3. The tourney final was all Scott Kitto, as he fully controlled the action to claim an 8-1 victory over Brian Hearl for the title! By virtue of Mike Rohner being the highest-finishing ACS member in the event, he qualified for a free 9-Ball singles entry into the 2010 ACS Nationals in Las Vegas – courtesy of the ACS. The ACS wishes to thank sponsors Lucasi Hybrid Cues, Championship Billiard Fabric, Nick

Varner Signature Cases, Ozone Billiards and Pool Cue Guru for their support in donating “Value-In-Kind” product for this and all stops on the Lucasi Hybrid All American Tour. All entries in the Tour are also entered into a drawing in January for a $1,000 Lucasi Hybrid Cue, courtesy of Ozone Billiards. Sponsorship opportunities and tour stop openings are still available for the 2009/2010 All American Tour by contacting the ACS. The Tour splits off into two events in two states this Saturday, November 21, as a $500 added Twin Cities 8-Ball stop is hosted at CR’s Sports Bar in Coon Rapids, MN (contact Rick Gelle at 763-370-7220), while Miller Time Billiards produces a $500-added 8-Ball Tour Stop (No Masters) in Davenport, IA (contact Terry Anderson at 563-359-7225). Further information, entry details and schedules for the 2009/2010 Lucasi Hybrid All American Tour are available at www.americancuesports.org. 1st Scott Kitto (Cedar Rapids, IA) $500 2nd Brian Hearl (Newton, IA) $300 3rd Tony Garcia (Cedar Rapids, IA) $150 4th Tony Sundstrom (Cedar Rapids, IA) $90 5-6th Josh Johnson (Bettendorf, IA) $60 Shane Kelly (Dubuque, IA)

Orietta Strickland In The House OB Cues Ladies 9-Ball Tour held their last 2009 tour stop, the Also in the neighborhood was Ming Ng who recently moved to the Houston Championship Stop, November 21st-22nd at Legend’s Billiards in area from the Northeast. And speaking of the Northeast, Leslie Anne League City, TX. Mindy Cohen runs a great place and it is always a “She just won’t go away” Rogers graced us with her presence. Leslie popular and exciting stop for our Anne, former 4-time tour champion, players, fans and pool supporters was a fun surprise for many of the galore. Many, many thanks to players and it seemed like old times Mindy, Rachel, and Crystal for since she left the states for Japan taking care of us all weekend and several years ago. you can be guaranteed that we will As the Main Event commenced, be back. Your awesome hospitality there were many strong matches and smiles are a welcome for right out of the shoot and there were everyone and if you’ve never been some early favorites who found to Legend’s, you’ve got to stop by… themselves on the left side of the you won’t regret it. bracket sooner than they wanted. Before we started the tournament, But at the end of the day, 8 players we had several tour awards to give would return on Sunday to continue out. One is the 2009 OB Cues Ladies the battle. From the winner’s side Tour Champion and the other our it would be Most Improved Player Most Improved Player award. It was Lisa Henderson-Major vs. Orietta the Year of the Lisa’s. Both winners, Strickland and Dallas favorites who regularly attend our events, are Amanda Lampert vs. Tara Williams. Left to Right: Lisa Marr – 2009 Tour Champion from Little Rock, Arkansas and we On the B-side, Julie Comitini vs. Lisa Henderson-Major – Most Improved Player extend our sincerest congratulations Terry Petrosino and Jennifer Kraber to Lisa Marr, 2009 OB Cues Ladies vs. Leslie Anne Rogers. Tour Champion, and Lisa Henderson-Major as our 2009 Most Improved On Sunday, Orietta Strickland, sponsored by The Billiard Den and Bert Player. Lisa Marr was our 2008 Tour Champion and she easily repeated Kinister’s, Tight Pockets Video Productions, was on a winning mission her winning style this year as well. Both ladies are very tough and well and was taking no prisoners. For the hot seat match, it was Amanda deserving of these accomplishments. Major Kudos to you both!!!! “The Natural” Lampert vs. Orietta and at first it was looking like Amanda As the tournament began on Saturday, 49 players were anxious to get who was ahead 5-3 was going take the hot seat. But then, as we all know their game on and take on any challengers. We had many surprises this how the cue balls roll, Orietta made it a tied ballgame 5-5 and finished it event as we welcomed back Samm “Cherry Bomb” Diep from Colorado. out 7-5 to wait for her finals contender. Amanda was not done yet and (continued on page 16)

8 Rackem Magazine - December 2009

December 2009 - Rackem Magazine 9

2009 Wisconsin ACS S By Staff.

Women’s Master/ AA/ A Singles Runnerup Jennifer Pedek (L) and Champion Kelly Birmingham (R)

The first annual ACS Wisconsin State 8-ball Tournament was held on November 5-8, 2009 at Flannagan’s and Sporties Bar inside Sunset Bowl, Waukesha, WI. There was a promising turnout for the inaugural event with 38 teams, 63 singles players, and a total of $7,100.00 in prize money. Flannagan’s and Sporties Bar were gracious hosts, providing $750 in added money, 14 Diamond tables, great food and an excellent staff. The event featured a new handicapping format. Players are assigned points based on their current rank (B=10 pts, A=20 pts, AA=30 pts, Master=40 pts), and the three-person team is placed in either the upper or lower division based on the team’s total points. This allows any combination of ranked players to play on the same team. For instance, two B players at 10 pts each, and one AA player at 30 pts, are assigned to the lower division with a total of 50 pts. This system allows players more flexibility when forming teams. The tournament organizers and players found this format worked very well, since a majority of the team matches went hill-hill, which made for exciting and competitive play. Players with at least two weeks of play in any ACS sanctioned league throughout Wisconsin were eligible to compete. The next major event is the ACS Midwest 8-ball Tournament held on January 21-24 at Riverside Casino, Iowa, featuring $10,000 in added prize money. Players will need at least four weeks of play to participate. ACS sanction fees are $10 per player per year, and it’s not too late to sanction your league for the ACS Midwest event. Contact American Cuesports Alliance at 920-662-1705 info@americancuesports.org or visit www.americancuesports.org for information about sanctioning your league and upcoming ACS events.

MEN’S MASTER/AA 8-BALL SINGLES

12 x $40 = $480 + $250 added = $730 total prize fund 1st $360 Rico Torres [AA] (Dousman, WI) 2nd $200 Ray Skenandore [AA] (Oneida, WI) 3rd $120 Victor Martinez [Master] (Waukesha, WI) 4th $50 Mike Frisch [AA] (New Berlin, WI)

WOMEN’S MASTER/ A SINGLES

7 x $30 + $200 added = $410 total prize fund 1st $250 Kelly Birmingham [AA] (West Allis, WI) 2nd $125 Jennifer Pedek [A] (Waukesha, WI) 3rd $35 Bonnie Hunkins [Master] (Eagle, WI) Men’s Master/AA 8-Ball Singles Runnerup Ray Skenandore (L) and Champion Rico Torres (R)

Women’s Upper Division Team Champions “Travelers”: (L-R) Debra Kuring, Captain Kelly Birmingham and Carmen Broncatti 10 Rackem Magazine - December 2009

Women’s Lower Division Team Champions “Flanagan’s #1”: (L-R) Captain Patti Hellman, Lori Hale and Carrie Valentine

State Championships MEN’S A/B 8-BALL SINGLES

36 x $30 = $1,080 + $200 added = $1,280 total prize fund 1st $500 Lee Cornelius [A] (Oneida, WI) 2nd $280 Adam Jutz [B] (Waukesha, WI) 3rd $150 John Gonzales [A] (Wauwatosa, WI) 4th $100 Bud Radtke [B] (Muskego, WI) 5-6th $75 Keith Hunkins [B] (Waukesha, WI) Tim Quigley [B] (Waukesha, WI) 7-8th $50 Greg Rintelman [A] (Ashippun, WI) John Feuerstein [A] (Milwaukee, WI)

WOMEN’S B 8-BALL SINGLES

8 x $120 = $160 + $200 added = $360 total prize fund 1st $200 Debbie Lancour (West Allis) 2nd $120 Jackie McLeod (Muskego, WI) 3rd $40 Tina Zieher (Waukesha, WI)

MEN’S UPPER DIVISION TEAMS

5 x $120 = $600 + $250 added = $850 total prize fund 1st $550 O Town [80] (Oneida, WI) 2nd $300 JAB [110] (Waukesha, WI)

Men’s A/B 8-Ball Singles Adam Jutz (L) and Champion Lee Cornelius (R)

WOMEN’S UPPER DIVISION TEAMS

3 x $90 = $270 + $350 added = $620 total prize fund 1st $520 Travelers [70] (Southeast, WI) 2nd $100 Cue Club Cra-Zs [60] (Southeast, WI)

MEN’S LOWER DIVISION TEAMS

21 x $90 = $1,890 + $200 added = $2,090 total prize fund 1st $850 Flanagan’s Pyse [55] (Waukesha, WI) 2nd $540 Donkey Punchers [50] (Muskego, WI) 3rd $300 Notorius Motosports Young Guns [50] (Waukesha, WI) 4th $200 Stun Shots [50] (West Allis, WI) 5-6th $100 Master Z’s Woodley [60] (Southeast, WI) Harbor Hills [50] (Port Washington, WI)

WOMEN’S LOWER DIVISION TEAMS

9 x $60 = $540 + $200 added = $760 total prize fund 1st $400 Flanagan’s #1 [50] (Waukesha, WI) 2nd $240 Chalk Dirty To Me [30] (Southeast, WI) 3rd $100 Cue Club #1 [40] (Waukesha, WI)

Men’s Lower Division Team Champions “Flanagan’s Pyse”: (L-R) Captain Kacey Pyse, Jamie Frisch and Jamie Kasten

Women’s B 8-Ball Singles Runnerup Jackie McLeod (L) and Champion Debbie Lancour (R)

Men’s Upper Division Team Champions “O Town”: (L-R) Lee Cornelius, Captain Berry Skenandore, Roy Skenandore and Ray Skenandore December 2009 - Rackem Magazine 11

CR’S SPORTS BAR

The fifteenth stop of the 2009-2010 Lucasi Hybri All American Tour (produced by the American CueSports Alliance – ACS) was hosted in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, on Saturday, November 21, at CR’s Sports Bar. The $500 added event featured thirty-one players in a double-elimination 8-ball format on 7-foot bar boxes. The event was handicapped with Master players giving AA players a one-game spot, AA players spotting one game to A players, etc. ACS National Masters Champion Gene Albrecht (Eau Claire, WI) and A player Randy Matthiesen (Otsego, MN) made it to the A-side finals, but Albrecht was not phased by giving a two-game spot to vanquish Matthiesen 5-1 to gain the hot seat. On the B-side AA-player Allen Reich (Champlin, MN) took a one-game spot from Master-player Max Krause (Belle Plain, MN) to eliminate Krause at 7th place 4-1. Joining Krause at 7th place was Master-player Kim Stigall (Forest Lake, MN) who fell to fellow Master-player Dan Voeller (Apple Valley, MN) 1-5. The next round was not as kind to Voeller and Reich, as both were whitewashed at 5th place by respective opponents AA-player Ryan Wenger (St. Michael, MN) and AAplayer Brad Vollmers (Isanti, MN). In the B-side semifinals, Brad Vollmers continued his hot hand to dispatch fellow AA-player Ryan Wenger to 4th place by another 5-0 margin. In the B-side finals A-player Randy Matthiesen took a one-game spot from Vollmers and ended Vollmers day at 3rd place by a 4-2 score. In the tourney finals, Matthiesen had to race to 3 while undefeated Gene Albrecht raced to 5, and at 2-4 Matthiesen had the opportunity to force a second set, but he hooked himself on his set 8-ball and Albrecht finished off the layout to score a 5-2 win for the title!

12 Rackem Magazine - December 2009

By virtue of Gene Albrecht being the highest-finishing ACS member in the event, he qualified for a free 9-Ball singles entry into the 2010 ACS Nationals in Las Vegas – courtesy of the ACS. The ACS wishes to thank sponsors Lucasi Hybrid Cues, Championship Billiard Fabric, Nick Varner Signature Cases, Ozone Billiards, Pool Cue Guru and Billiard Gods Productions for their support in donating “Value-In-Kind” product for this and all stops on the Lucasi Hybrid All American Tour. All entries in the Tour are also entered into a drawing in January for a $1,000 Lucasi Hybrid Cue, courtesy of Ozone Billiards. Sponsorship opportunities and tour stop openings are still available for the 2009/2010 All American Tour by contacting the ACS. The Tour moves to Colorado over the Thanksgiving weekend (November 28-29) with the annual $1,000 added “Match-Ups Turkey Shoot 8-Ball” at Match-Ups in Fort Collins (contact Mike Hellmer at 970-482-2337). Further information, entry details and schedules for the 2009/2010 Lucasi Hybrid All American Tour are available at www.americancuesports.org.

FINAL RESULTS: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5-6th 7-8th

$340 $200 $135 $100 $60 $40

Gene Albrecht (Eau Claire, WI) Randy Matthiesen (Otsego, MN) Brad Vollmers (Isanti, MN) Ryan Wenger (St. Michael, MN) Dan Voeller (Apple Valley, MN), Allen Reich (Champlin, MN) Max Krause (Belle Plain, MN), Kim Stigall (Forest Lake, MN)

Going for Gold

“In order to perform at your best, what kind of preparations to you do immediately prior to a match?”

By: Bob Jewett

Bob Jewett

San Francisco Billiard Academy www.sfbilliards.com

Here is a drill that is both useful to perfect your use of side spin and is a good test of how the cushions work. Try a few shots like this if you have to play on a table that is strange to you. Put the one ball a diamond from each 9 cushion and the cue ball 1 and nine ball ? roughly as shown. 3 2 The goal is to both make the How far over can you move one ball and the cue ball and still get to the carom the cue nine ball? ball off the side cushion into the nine ball. If you set up the one ball as a nearly straight shot, you can get to the nine with simple follow and no side spin. Find that angle first. Next, start moving the cue ball to thinner and thinner cut shots. You will need increasing amounts of left spin to get the correct angle off the cushion. (Hint for beginners: if you find that you over cut the ball -- hit it too thinly -- when using side spin, you will need to aim fuller, even though it doesn’t look right.) While you will need a good amount of side spin, you will also need some follow to help bend the cue ball forward. Finding the best mixture of side and follow is an important part of this drill. Also, if you hit the shot harder than necessary, you will find that the cue ball doesn’t have time to arc forward and the spin is less effective. If the cloth of the table is brand new and slippery, the spin won’t take well on the cushion and you won’t be able to get to the nine from much of an angle. On the other hand, if the rail cloth is old and sticky or if the cue ball is sticky, the spin will take well on the cushion and it will be easy to get to the nine even from fairly large angles. Once you have the maximum angle figured out for the one ball, try the same drill for the two ball. (The three ball is not there while working with the two.) I think you will find that the two ball allows a wider range of incoming angles for the cue ball. Finally, try the drill with the three. You should be able to set the cue ball up for almost a 90- degree cut and make the shot with enough spin to get to the nine. REJ

(For example: eating habits, visualization, warm up activities, etc.)?

Melissa Little

By Mellissa Little, Ask the Viper

Since 2000, I have been playing full time on the WPBA tour and at each and every event I learn something new to put into my imaginary wisdom basket. You have to create a routine and stick by it before each event. You develop this routine over the years of playing and with the help of other veteran players. I was lucky to have Jeanette Lee put me under her wing when I first starting playing on tour. One of the best scenarios that Jeanette offered me was when you first walk into a new venue, sit for a moment and absorb the fine details of room, which includes the carpet, the lights, the seating, the layout, and what ever else your mind can absorb. If you do this before your match you will not be later surprised with distractions. It’s kind of funny to see the younger generation coming into events practicing too much in the practice room and it’s almost like they forgot to practice at home and are getting the last bit of practice in at the event. I see it all the time. But the truth is practice is supposed to be done at home and rest is the most important element of preparations. Hitting balls to judge speed is essential but long practice sessions are a sign of lack of practice. So, when you get to a new event, rest as much as possible you will need it in the long run. I don’t try and eat anything right before a match, because you need the blood supply in your brain and not in your stomach. I eat two hours before my match and not real heavy foods. Either way its important to learn for yourself and figure out what works best for you and use what works into future events. Learn from others who have already experienced these mental preparations. If you have a question for “The Viper” please e-mail them to cuetimes@ gmail.com

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December 2009 - Rackem Magazine 13

Liu Shasha is World 9-Ball Champion! -Jerry Forsyth, WPA Press Officer-

Shasha with trophy. Photo by Michael Newman

The pool world has a new World Champion and she is only 16 years old. Liu Shasha of China has defeated Karen Corr of Great Britain 9-5 to claim the title and set her career in motion in grand style. When the last day of the Kappa 2009 Women’s World 9-Ball Championship in Shengyang, China began there were four undefeated players all seeking the same prize. The two semi-final matches could not have been closer. First, Karen Corr defeated Fu Xiofang of China 9-8 to earn her berth n the final set. Then Liu Shasha edged

Pockets Billiards hosts Lucasi Tour The 20092010 Lucasi Hybri All American Tour (produced by the American C u e S p o r t s Alliance – ACS) showcased stop #9 on Saturday, November 7, atPockets Billiards in Crestwood, IL. The $500 added event featured eighteen players in a double-elimination 8-ball format on 7-foot bar boxes. Ike Runnels (Kankakee, IL) topped off his undefeated run to the tourney finals by taking down Gene Albrecht (Eau Claire, WI) in the A-side semifinals 7-3 and outpointing Jack Wu (Chicago, IL) 7-4 in the A-side finals. On the B-side Jack Wu eliminated Kevin Potter (Palos Heights) at 4th place and continued his run back to the A-side by eliminating Gene Albrecht 5-4. That set up the tourney finals which needed only one set, as Ike Runnels again vanquished Jack Wu 7-4 for the title! By virtue of Ike Runnels also being the highest-finishing ACS member in the event, he qualified for a free 9-Ball singles entry into the 2010 ACS Nationals in Las Vegas – courtesy of the ACS. The ACS wishes to thank sponsors Lucasi Hybrid Cues, Championship Billiard Fabric, Nick Varner Signature Cases, oZone Billiards and Pool Cue Guru for their support. 1st $450 Ike Runnels (Kankakee, IL) 2nd $270 Jack Wu (Chicago, IL) 3rd $150 Gene Albrecht (Eau Claire, WI) 4th $80 Kevin Potter (Palos Heights, IL)

14 Rackem Magazine - December 2009

her fellow Chinese citizen Pan Xiaotang by the same 9-8 margin to get her ticket punched for the honor of playing Corr in the finals. Before the final match a playoff was held between Pan Xiaotang and Xiaofang to determine our third place finisher. Pan controlled this match throughout and took that spot with a very convincing 9-1 victory. Then a crowd of over 1,000 very excited fans took their seats to watch the final battle. It appeared that Corr would walk away with the title. She was the master of the table early on and rarely gave Shasha a glimpse of daylight. At one point she led our race to nine games by the score of 5-1. Shasha was obviously nervous and off her game. But

then, assuming that she had to be aggressive to have a chance at victory, she put her nerves down and began her march. She won the next game to make the score 5-2, then broke and ran five racks in a row to lead 7-5. The penultimate rack had a bit of back and forth but Shasha won that as well and then on the final break she made four balls on the snap and easily made the clearance to take her 6th break and run of the match and earn the gold! Congratulations to our youthful champion and to all of the organizers who worked so hard to make this event a grand success. Every detail was handled with care and the event ran as smoothly as any ever witnessed.

Cooper Needs You

CHARITY EVENT FOR 3 YR OLD BOY WITH CANCER Cooper is a 3 yr. old little boy who has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma…..cancer. He has been given a 30% chance to live, even after extensive chemotherapy treatments. His parents need help paying for his medical care. I was asked a couple of weeks ago by OB1 Tour Player, Kim Pierce, if I would make the 4 hour trek to the Green Room in Temple, Texas to help with a benefit for Cooper. Of course, I could not say no. There will be a benefit pool tournament, silent auction, raffles, and a challenge the pro table. The Women’s Professional Billiard Association (www.wpba.com) players have kindly offered to donate billiards memorabilia as well as the PREDATOR GROUP (www.predatorgroup. com) and Pool & Billiards Magazine (www.poolmag.com) . The charity event will be December 5th starting at 12pm until close. Please join us if you can, if not, please send any donations to the following address: The Green Room c/o Sheryl Sofge, Owner 2313 South 57th Street, Temple, TX 76504. Thank you for taking the time to read this. God Bless. Kim White

From Frozen Balls To Very Hot Shots By Bill Smith “Mr3Cushion”, Old School Pool.net

GRIT YOUR TEETH and bear it: From time to time, your cue ball is going to come to rest frozen against the cushion. And after you're done cursing the gods, you'll usually have to deal with limited shot options; after all, you can't address that cue ball with very many variations in English any more. Still, opportunities exist — on some fairly common shots — to score and achieve a highpercentage shot for your next attempt.

How do you assess which is the correct execution of those available to you? Start by looking at the common denominator in these diagrammed examples — specifically, that you can only address the cue ball with 11, 12, or 1 o'clock English, because only the uppermost portion of the ball can be cued. So this is a good place to look for center-ball bank shots, especially those which have a simple solution as to their final positions. In the examples that follow, Diagrams 1 and 2 should yield excellent position to continue the run; Diagrams 3 and 4 show fairly difficult shots in which a simple solution as to final-resting-place might not be so obvious. In Diagram 1, the cue ball is

frozen to the long cushion (as it is in all examples); the white object ball is maybe a half-inch off that same cushion, and the red ball sits between them, about a ball and a half from the long rail. You can't turn around and shoot the double-the-rail bank shot out of the corner, because your cue ball is frozen (in three-cushion play, you cannot shoot into a rail to which your cue ball is frozen and have that rail count in your total). Next, there's no shot off either side of the white; there's not enough room to get behind it going off the inside, and the outside is far too difficult. And there's no shot off the red to the far top rail, because the white cannot be passed. Where then? To Solution 1, whose beauty is in its simplicity. The positions of the balls are such that you only have to aim to contact the short cushion first at the corner, with just enough speed to score the point. With this in mind, you'll achieve the position as diagrammed. Diagram 2 offers the quintessential frozen-ball problem: all three of the balls are frozen to the side rails. Some might try for an almost-impossible thin hit off the outside of the white ball, trying for the natural angle... but even if you got that hit, the . high-ball action on the cue ball will cause it to go long on any table, especially one with new cloth. There is a double-the-rail shot off the corner side of the red,

surrender a beautiful next-shot opportunity. The white and red balls are one ball's width apart, frozen at the first diamond, while the cue ball rests on the opposite rail, a third of a diamond from the corner. Shoot with 12 o'clock English to the short cushion first at the corner, and with proper speed you'll split the balls like an atom Diagram 3 really doesn't offer much of a choice. Play a "tickey" behind the red and the ball will travel too long; a thin hit off the outside of the white would be too tough for most; and the inside of the white just doesn't compute here at all. So shoot into the short rail as diagrammed with 12 o'clock English. Your speed should be sufent to get the cue ball through the white ball after contacting the top two rails, then down to the short rail and the third ball. Theoretically, you could even achieve position here, if the white ball comes to rest in the opposite corner while your cue ball lands softly on the red. Diagram 4 figures to confuse the novice and intermediate player alike. First, you must understand that shooting into a cushion first yields the exact opposite cueball effect that shooting off an

object ball would. For instance, when you contact an object ball using follow, the cue ball tends to bend back toward the same cushion you first contacted; when you use draw off an object ball, the cue ball tends to rebound off the cushion sooner, creating a shorter angle. But in striking a rail first, a cue ball with follow will rebound from the rail sooner, and draw makes the cue ball tend to "hug" the rail with the proper slower speed. So for the diagrammed shot, the cue ball must rebound quicker off the rail in order to come out long enough to score, and that's why the follow English we're forced to use in frozen-ball shots is an ally here. Additionally, you'll need a little help from reverse English that's right, 1 o'clock English to help the ball come out longer yet (reverse English helps maximize the cue

ball's bounce off a cushion). Next time you find your cue ball strapped to the cushion more than you'd like, demoralize your opponent with one of these. Overcoming a well-played safety is enough of a will-breaker as it is; playing position from such a leave is moxie to the max, and will leave your opponent limp.

but again, because of the frozen factor, it's extremely difficult to control. Solution 2 is one of my favorites in exhibition to show how a seemingly difficult position can December 2009 - Rackem Magazine 15

Strickland

Iron Man Style

(continued from page 8)

Mark Jarvis

Left to Right: Orietta Strickland, Mindy Cohen, and Amanda Lampert

wanted a rematch. After soundly defeating Board Member Tara Williams, 7-1, Amanda beckoned for Orietta to bring it on again. Unfortunately for Amanda, she was sitting most of the finals match as Orietta kept control of the match with some superb play, finishing off the set at 7-1. Congratulations to Orietta for her first tour win of 2009! An awesome win and nice finish for the end of the tour year! OB Cues Ladies Tour information can be found at www.obcuestour. com Good Pool, Good Friends, Good Times As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we would like to give special thanks to all of our sponsors, fan, players, supporters, friends, everyone!!! Thank You. We appreciate you all so much. See you in 2010. TOURNAMENT RESULTS AND PAYOUTS: 1st $750 Orietta Strickland 2nd $560 Amanda Lampert 3rd $405 Tara Williams 4th $270 Julie Comitini 5th/6th $155 Lisa Henderson-Major, Leslie Anne Rogers 7th/8th $105 Jennifer Kraber, Terry Petrosino - $105 9th/12th $80 Jennifer Pavlovick, Michelle Cortez, Deanna Henson, Courtney Peters 13th/16th $50 Lisa Marr, Ming Ng, Kim Pierce, Rebecca Riley 17th/24th $25 Monica Anderson, Julie Stephenson, Helen Hayes, Michelle Abernathy, Kyu Yi, Tina Lehrmann, Sherri Smith, Natalie Smith

Strategy (continued from page 4) Prepare, nay, assume that’s the case so you’re game isn’t thrown off if you begin to see your player have a meltdown or stage a monumental comeback. Regardless, try to put the player away as soon as possible. Also, be prepared for your opponent’s pace of play so that you aren’t thrown off your rhythm. Hopefully, you’ve developed your own tempo or pace and you shouldn’t feel pressured or deviate from your optimum speed of play. “Play the table, not your opponent?” Sure, the table and your skills will dictate your course of action most of the time, but a slight change in decision-making based on who your opponent is might give you a slight edge.

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Fri & Sat Pool Tournaments 16 Rackem Magazine - December 2009

The November 14th 2009 Red Shoes Billiards Straight Pool Tournament was played in the old fashion "iron man" style (continuous play...until there is a winner). The double elimination event drew players from all over the the mid-west. Fifty+ ball runs were the rule not the exception during many of the 100 point games. When all the chalk dust settled two players remained at 3:00 AM. Red Shoes own "Bobby Hunter" (undefeated "winners" side) vs. Mark Jarvis ( one loss earlier to Hunter..."B" side winner). The finals would be a single game (125 points) for the cash. In the final game Bobby Hunter was on a fine run of 82 and looked like he was going all the way (only needing 16 balls) when a "freak skid" brought Mark Jarvis back to the table. A 20+ ball run plus a set of exchanged safeties brought Mark to the "Winners Circle". As a side note Mark posted 60+ ball runs in his final three games of the tournament (who says "Bank Pool" players can't shoot straight...LOL). RESULTS: 3rd JEFF CARTER 1st MARK JARVIS 4th JASON GONGOL 2nd BOBBY HUNTER

DATE

CITY Wednesdays Wright City, MO Oshkosh, WI Thursdays Oshkosh, WI Fridays Cape Girardeau, MO Galesburg, IL Tulsa, OK Oshkosh, WI Saturdays Midwest City, OK Tulsa, OK Sundays Fridley, MN

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice LOCATION PHONE EVENT / RULES ENTRY ADDED Dano’s Hillbilly Heaven (636) 745-8020 8-Ball - pays top 3 places $10 $100 Varsity Club (920) 651-0806 9-Ball Beginners $8 Varsity Club (920) 651-0806 9-Ball Intermediate $10 Billiard Center (573) 335-9955 9-Ball Handicap Call $200 Billiards On Main (309) 342-7665 8 Ball on 7’ Valleys $10 $$$ w/full field Q-Spot Billiards (918) 779-6204 8-Ball 7 & under $5 Varsity Club (920) 651-0806 9-Ball Open - Break Pot $15 $5/player Guar. Jamaica Joe’s (405) 736-0590 9-Ball 8 & under Call Q-Spot Billiards (918) 779-6204 9-Ball 7 & under $10 (incl. g.f.) Two Stooges (763) 574-1399 9-Ball Open on 7’ DE Race to 5 $15 (incl g.f.) $75 w/16

O’CONNOR CUES

On a fishing trip to Lake Isabella, Thomas O’Connor called an old acquaintance--well known cuemaker, Bert Schrager. That visit led to Tom’s purchase of Bert’s cuemaking shop during the summer of 2006. Tom began planning new cues while transitioning from LA where his livelihood was servicing and repairing tables for many of the pool halls. Now, three years later, an inventory of cues exists that provides a wide selection of exotic woods and inlays. Tom has been playing pool since he asked for and received his first cue for his sixth birthday and has been making cues for over thirty years. Working as a contract machinist in the aerospace industry, Tom began working on cues in his spare time and soon was making a few for friends. Since he was playing in—and winning—many tournaments, Tom’s focus was a cue that played well. He has built many cues for players in the greater Los Angeles area.

TIME 7:30 PM Call Call 7 PM 7 PM 9 PM Call 7:30 PM 9 PM 6:30 PM

The addition of several lathes, a mill, and a pantograph increased Tom’s production level. Several hand made, one of kind cues are in process. Tom designs and creates each cue as an individual, so no two are ever identical. Tom still focuses on a cue that is a player’s cue, but also now has a great selection of cues with detailed inlays. While he enjoys creating the ebony cues with elaborate ivory and abalone inlays, his appreciation of the beauty of woods keeps some cues less adorned. Tom also makes cues for customers to their designs and preferences. He has a selection of collector cues as well. For a change of pace, he has also made some electric guitars and several walking canes—and yes, they involve cue sticks! Visit oconnorcues.com to view some of his creations. And if in the area, please give a call – 760 379 4675.

December 2009 - Rackem Magazine 17

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice

DATE Dec 3-6 Dec 3-6 Dec 5 Dec 5 Dec 5-6 Dec 5-6 Dec 10-13 Dec 12 Dec 12 Dec 12-13 Dec 19 Dec 19 Dec 20 Dec 31 Jan 2-3 Jan 9 Jan 15 Jan 16-17 Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan 16-17 Jan 21-24 Jan 23 Feb 4-7 Feb 6 Feb 18-21 Feb 18-21 Feb 20 Feb 20 Feb 21 Feb 22-24 Feb 24-26 Feb 24-26 Feb 26-28 Feb 26-28 Mar 6 Mar 11-14 Mar 11-12 Mar 12-14 Mar 13-14 Mar 20 Apr 15-16 Apr 16-18 Apr 23-24

CITY Tulsa, OK Tulsa, OK Oshkosh WI Galesburg, IL Sedalia, MO San Antonio, TX Rugby, ND

LOCATION PHONE EVENT / RULES ENTRY ADDED TIME Magoo’s (918) 663-3364 Midwest 9-Ball-1 Pocket $60 $1,000 8 PM Magoo’s (918) 663-3364 Midwest 9-Ball-9-Ball $55-$65 $2,500 11 AM Varsity Club (920) 651-0806 9-Ball - Lucasi Hybrid ACS $40 $1,000 Call Billiards On Main (309) 342-7665 8-Ball ACS Handicapped $35 (incl g.f.) $500 10 AM Sharky’s Billiards (660) 826-5855 8-Ball $35 $500 Call Fast Eddie’s (210) 545-1086 Fast Eddie’s Tour Season Finale Call $1750 Call Rugby Armory (701) 776-5846 Northern Lights Shootout $75 M/$45 W $3000 1st Guar 5 PM www.otbntv.com or www.ustream.tv/channel/otbntv-live Alsip, IL Red Shoes Billiards (708) 388-3700 One Pocket $75 (incl g.f.) $500 w/full field Call Weston, WI Dale’s Weston Lanes (715) 359-8488 8-Ball $40 $500 Call Houston, TX Bogie’s Billiards (281) 821-4544 Lone Star Tour-Women FINALE $40 $1,000 + Noon Addison, IL Pyramid Club (630) 688-1719 8-Ball $30 $500 Call Cape Girardeau, MO Billiard Center (573) 335-9955 8-Ball Handicap Call $200 Noon Cape Girardeau, MO Billiard Center (573) 335-9955 9-Ball Handicap Call $500 Noon Sedalia, MO Sharkey’s Billiards (660) 826-5855 14.1 Continuous Call Call Crestwood, IL Pockets Billiards (708) 371-7665 8-Ball $40 $500 Call Clinton, IA Legends Sports Bar (563) 243-4266 8-Ball $40 $500 Call Fargo, ND Fargo Billiards (701) 282-4168 9-Ball $40 $500 6 PM Fargo, ND Fargo Billiards (701) 282-4168 8-Ball $60 $2,500 11 AM Cape Girardeau, MO Billiard Center (573) 335-9955 8-Ball Handicap Call $200 Noon Cape Girardeau, MO Billiard Center (573) 335-9955 9-Ball Handicap Call $500 Noon Great Bend, KS Rack Billiard Cafe (620) 792-5851 8-Ball - 3 man King of the Mtn $150/team Call 11 AM Riverside, IA Riverside Casino (920) 662-1705 8-Ball ACS Midwest Sgls/Team Varies $10,000 Call Dubuque, IA Bulldog Billiards (563) 663-6600 8-Ball $30 $500 Call Tulsa, OK Magoo’s Billiards (918) 663-3364 T-Town Classic One Pocket $200 $12,000 6:30PM E Moline, IL Leisure Time Billiards (309) 752-9559 8-Ball $30 $500 Call Olathe, KS Shooters Billiards (913) 780-5740 Midwest 9-Ball - One Pocket $60 $1,000 8 PM Olathe, KS Shooters Billiards (913) 780-5740 Midwest 9-Ball Open/Women $65/$50 $4,000 8 PM Dundee, IL Hammerhaeads Pool Bar (630) 688-1719 8-Ball $30 $500 Call Cape Girardeau, MO Billiard Center (573) 335-9955 8-Ball Handicap Call $200 Noon Cape Girardeau, MO Billiard Center (573) 335-9955 9-Ball Handicap Call $500 Noon Reno, NV Sands Regency (702) 719-7665 10-Ball Bar Table Champ. $125 $6000 Noon Reno, NV Sands Regency (702) 719-7665 9-Ball Bar Table Champ. $125 $6000 Noon Reno, NV Sands Regency (702) 719-7665 9-Ball Bar Table Champ. Wms $75 $1000 w/16 Noon Reno, NV Sands Regency (702) 719-7665 8-Ball Bar Table Champ. $125 $7000 Noon Reno, NV Sands Regency (702) 719-7665 8-Ball Bar Table Champ. Wms $75 $1000 w/16 Noon E Moline, IL Leisure Time Billiards (309) 752-9559 8-Ball $30 $500 Call Tower, MN Fortune Bay Casino (218) 335-7665 Six Arrows Amateur 8-Ball $65/$55 $6,000 Guar 8 PM Walker, MN Northern Lights (507) 210-7558 9-Ball Singles MN State ACS $50-70 $2000 7 PM Walker, MN Northern Lights (507) 210-7558 8-Ball Singles MN State ACS $50-85 $10000 7 PM Caholia, IL Break Billiards (618) 332-0330 Midwest 9-Ball Open/Women $35 $2,500 11 AM Clinton, IA Legends Sports Bar (563) 243-4266 9-Ball $40 $500 Call Walker, MN Northern Lights (507) 210-7558 8-Ball Mx Sc Db MN State ACS $60/team $2000 7 PM Walker, MN Northern Lights (507) 210-7558 8-Ball Teams MN State ACS $150-250 $10000 7 PM Portage, MN Grand Portage Caisno (218) 335-7665 Six Arrows Amateur 8 Ball $65/$55 $4000 8 PM

Attention Pool Players: Do you know of a location that doesn’t receive RACKEM - Call or email info on page 3

Live Streaming Schedule Northern Lights Shootout Rugby, ND Dec 10th: International Cup

Canada vs. U.S.A.

Dec 11th-13th: 8-Ball stay tuned for more info

www.OTBnTV.com or ustream.tv/channel/otbntv-live 18 Rackem Magazine - December 2009

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December 2009 - Rackem Magazine 19