SPM Billiards Magazine Issue 33

By Steve Jennings

As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. But that isn’t necessarily true. Practicing the wrong things, or worse, practicing the right things the wrong way, can actually slow your progress. Knowing what to practice and how to practice are critical to your devel opment. Today, I want to offer some ideas to make your practice time more effective.

First and foremost, you should always have a specific goal for your practice session. Throwing some balls out on the table and hitting them is not practice. It’s just playing by yourself. Fun, sometimes, but not all that helpful. It’s best to focus on one specific part of your game and work on that part. Maybe you noticed in your last match that you were struggling with con trolling the speed of your shots. Then spend your time working on speed control drills. If stop shots have been a problem, stop shot drills are the order of the day. By isolating the smaller parts of your game and focusing on each part individually, your results will come quicker. Trying to address multiple issues at the same time divides your attention, and the results will be limited. As my friend Randy Goettlicher says, “If you try to chase two rabbits, they both get away.”

Another key to effective practice is to practice in short bursts. Drills, while necessary, can get boring. When we get bored, we lose our focus. And practice without focus does you no good at all. Ten to fifteen minutes of focused practice on a single part of your game is more effec tive than just going through the motions for two hours. It’s truly a case of “less is more.” Don’t practice until you’re tired of practicing. Always leave the practice table hungry for more.

Practice alone! It’s nearly impossible to practice with a partner. It’s a known fact that when you put two pool players on a pool table, it’s going to develop into a game. It’s in our nature, and when we begin playing a game, our practice session is over. Nobody enjoys a little friendly competition more than I do. But understand that you can’t practice and play at the same time.

Practice is repair time. As you are practicing, evaluate and analyze your results. Learn from your practice time. What am I doing right? What is going wrong, and how can I fix it? Repetition is important but only good habits. If you repeat bad habits, you are only training to do it wrong.

Perfect practice should include three different aspects of your game: Physical to develop muscle memory, Mental to build consistent routines, and Informational to expand your knowledge and self-awareness. By incorporating these ideas into your practice sessions, your time spent practicing will become far more effective.

PRACTICE FOR SELF IMPROVEMENT PLAY FOR SELF FULFILLMENT

Steve Jennings SPF/ACS/PBIA Master Instructor

PROFESSIONAL BILLIARDS INSTRUCTION

Steve Jennings is one of the country’s top- rated billiards instructors, A Leve 4 ACS , and Master Level PBIA instructor. If you’ve ever wanted to get serious about increasing your pool knowledge or sharpening your game, you can now do it right here.

Steve offers train ing for all levels of players, f rom beginner to professional. With over 20 years of teaching experience and 50 plus years of competitive playing Private one-on- one and group, instruction is available to fit anyone’s needs. Call today to learn more, and decide which program is best for you.

By Patrick Sampey

Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 –“Matchroom Pool and World Champion Shane Van Boening are delighted to announce the field for the inaugural SVB Junior Open set to take place at Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City during the US Open Pool Championship from October 13-14 has doubled from 32 players aged 17 and under to 64 with the semi finals and final set to be streamed live on the Matchroom Pool YouTube channel to over 180,000 subscribers.” – https:// matchroompool.com/news/svb-junior-openfield-to-double-with-semi-finals-and-finalset-to-be-live-worldwide/

Thomas Swain has qualified, and been selected to be in the Matchroom, Cuetec, and SVB (Shane Van Boening) backed SVB Junior Open, held this year, in tandem with the US Open; Swain is excited to be able to compete with his peers, has been on his own training regimen, and has considered both the mental and physical aspects of what it takes to be a top player in pool. He balances pool with his studies in school, explaining that he usually gets “A’s” and “B’s,” with a rare “C” in there every now and again, but his passion is obviously in pool; Thomas knows all the top world players, is well spoken, explains himself in detail, and the entire interview was a pleasure.

SPM’s Kathryn Brown Day, “What kind of training have you been doing?”

“I’ve been playing drills. I’ve been working on the mental game. I’ve been reading a lot of books; one of the books I’m reading right now is by Bob Fancher I believe, it’s called the ‘Pleasures Of Small Motions,’ there’s a couple of other books I’ve been looking into,” Swain rattles off when asked of his involvement in pool. Dr. Fancher offers a plethora of pool psychology in his book on the mental game of pool, highlighting the depths of Swain’s pool knowledge, and all this information in his young mind, having only been a student of the game 2 short years, since about age 13. Substantial.

“Working on the mental side of the game is one of the things I really enjoy, as it is something you can actually improve without being at a table. A lot of players don’t realize how strong a mental game can get you.” –said Swain.

From ‘The Pleasures Of Small Motions,’:

“I don’t offer any gimmicks or tricks, which seem to be the stock-intrade of many advisers on the mental game. Most gimmicks amount to sophisticated superstitions; they give you the illusion of control, without having any direct effect. At best, gimmicks just jury-rig the mind. I am not interested in helping you apply bailing wire and toothpicks to hold together bad mental processes. I am interested in explicating sound, normal processes as they apply to pool. In my fourteen years as a psychotherapist, I became convinced that gimmicks don’t really work consistently, over the long haul, but developing a sound mind does. I bring this principle with me to understanding pool psychology,” Dr. Bob Fancher, from the book Thomas Swain is currently reading, Fancher a mental giant in billiards.

“Overall, right now, I really need to work on my stance. My stance is a little bit messed up, and I’m still working on a ‘chicken wing’ that I’ve had for about 2 years. If I can focus on getting rid of those before the SVB Open, or at least minuting them, I could go up another ball by then.” Swain said of aspects of his physical game he needs to work on.

“My dad, Brad Swain, is coaching me. He is a triple certified instructor.” Thomas says, of his father’s influence on his game, obviously in good hands to pursue his dream of becoming a touring professional pool player, so many juniors coming up in billiards, all sharing that same dream, to break out – each seeking to establish a skill that will place them amidst billiards icons past and present.

“I hope to get my name out there, show that I’m a respectable junior player, not somebody

that should just be considered a ‘no name.’” – Thomas Swain says of his involvement with the SVB Juniors event, and his goals overall in pocket billiards at large. He appears to me to be very well spoken, knows what direction he wants to go in, and is pursuing his dreams with lightning focus, and laser acuity.

“My favorite player is Jayson Shaw. I love how eccentric he is with the crowd. I like how he can show his emotion on the table without letting it break him,” Thomas explains.

SPM: Do you have a top Five professional pool players?

“Top five right now? I’d go with Fedor, Filler’s going to be in there, Shane, gotta throw in a couple of them, a couple of the Asian players, you gotta include Orcollo the way he’s been playing, one pocket, Alex Pagulayan is up there. There’s just so many good players that it’s hard to name a specific top five,” said Thomas.

“As of right now, I play with about a 15 year old Lucasi custom, and a Predator 314, with a Stinger break cue. Here soon, I don’t know if it will be before or after the SVB Open, I will be playing with a Nick Osbourne custom for a break and playing cue,” Thomas says of his equipment.

“We first started playing about two years ago. We went to Park Avenue Billiards, played with house cues for about an hour or so. I really realized that I loved the game, and after that night, I pretty much asked him did he want to teach me, and he said, ‘How good do you want to be? Do you want to show off in front of friends? Or do you want to be running racks?’ and I said, ‘I want to be better than you were,’” Thomas explains about his first pool outing with his father, an introduction into billiards culture, highlighting his desire to excel in the game – his father is one of the highest caliber billiards instructors in the country.

Thomas Swain has big aspirations in billiards, is seeking to improve himself in both pool, and life at large, and stands as one of the new young pillars of pool, seeking to make his mark upon the pool scene as a whole, and enter the arena with some of USA’s finest junior talents. This has been the Tallahassee Squirrel once again reporting all things pool from Sneaky Pete Mafia magazine. Hope you the reader enjoy this story about a young man pursuing his dreams.

Photography of Thomas Swain was photographed by Rodman Cleveland at the River City Open, Rodman is featured in the magazine with some of his photography and bio.

By Anthony Beeler

1. COME PREPARED

Being an effective tournament player means doing a lot of work before your match begins. No matter your level of play, there is an opportunity to survey the pool table to determine your conclusion about several variables that affect match play.

You might ask the following questions: What size is the table that I am playing on? What type of cloth is on the table? Is the cloth fast or slow? Does the table roll to one side or the other? Are the pockets loose, or are they tight? What distractions are nearby that I may want to avoid? Am I playing with a standard-sized cue ball, or is it oversized? You can also do some test break shots to see which side of the table you pocket the most balls from.

2. FOLLOW YOUR GAME PLAN

Once you have developed your match strategy, you will want to follow it. It’s one thing to do an in-depth analysis and follow it completely. However, during match play, things can become complicated rather quickly.

For example, if you break dry a couple of times, you may be tempted to change your breaking position. If you overshoot position, you may be tempted to shorten up your stroke. In a tight match, there can be quite a bit of pressure. Pressure is the number one reason players alter their game plan. Generally, pressure makes you tighten up, and that alone can make you indecisive at the table.

3. KNOW YOUR PERSONAL LIMITATIONS

Pool is a game of decisions. You should consider the risks and rewards of the shot that you have decided to shoot. Amateur players are way too aggressive and take unnecessary risks because they are not being honest with themselves about their true abilities.

How many times have you tried to pocket a difficult bank shot or make a backward cut only to jaw the ball in the pocket? Just because a shot is possible does not mean you should shoot it.

Professional players weigh the percentages. They ask themselves questions such as:

• Am I more likely to be successful playing an offensive shot or defensive shot?

• Can I easily attain position on my next shot?

• What is my success percentage of shot 1 compared to shot 2?

• Given various options, which shot will my opponent like the least?

• Can I play a two-way shot?

• If I mishit the shot, am I better off shooting a little too hard or a little too soft?

The best players in the world are brutally honest with themselves. They have a true understanding of their personal abilities and will only play a shot when they know they can execute it a high-percentage of the time.

4. IMPLEMENT A HIGH-POWERED OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE GAME

Professional pool players are masters at making high runs that are supplemented with a smothering defense. The smartest players in the world understand when to play aggressively but also understand when a good safety is needed. You have heard the old saying, “There is

more than one way to skin a cat.” The same is true for pool. There is no single “right answer” on how a layout balls should be played. Players should develop their strategy around their knowledge of the game coupled with an honest self-assessment of their personal abilities.

5. MAKE QUALITY DECISIONS

Being able to make quality decisions is perhaps the most important piece of the gamewinning puzzle. While it’s not a guarantee, if you are second-guessing a decision before you execute it, it is going to prevent you from delivering a confident stroke. The time to think and analyze each shot occurs before you get in your stance. When you’re standing over the ball ready to execute the shot, the best players in the world are totally committed to delivering a smooth straight stroke subconsciously.

Anthony Beeler is the current Billiards Instructor of the Decade and is a former BCAPL National Champion. He has numerous “Top 25” national finishes and is the primary author of the ACS National Billiards Instructor’s Manual. He has also authored the book Unstoppable! Positive Thinking for Pool Players. Anthony currently has the highest established Fargo Rating of any Master Instructor. He has won over 300 tournaments and has defeated numerous professional players in tournament competitions.

By Patrick Sampey

Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 – JFlowers Cues are quality products at affordable prices from what I’ve gathered, and JFlowers also has high end cues as well.

I have been in contact with a JFlowers international representative, and he has taken some time out of his schedule to answer some questions for Sneaky Pete Mafia about JFlowers, who they are, what they represent, and what they want to bring to the billiards industry as a whole – and from what I’ve gathered, JFlowers is a rock solid cue maker, providing very affordable pricing options, so players don’t have to “break the bank” to get a high quality cue with a carbon fiber shaft, starting at just $300, prices that trump any and all competitors pricing margins by leaps and bounds.

And of note, JFlowers says they pay their players that sponsor them cash money, and not just in products alone as some cue manufacturers do; I have been told by several sponsored players now, from various cue manufacturers, that they are “sponsored” in billiards equipment and nothing else, no monetary payments to speak of, at all. Are players supposed to sell cues to make money?

Suffice it to say, JFlowers is not a company that pays its players in equipment alone, which is a substantial difference that sets JFlowers apart from its competitors from the

evidence I’ve acquired. I’ve heard from good insider sources that will remain anonymous, several different companies I’m aware of “pay” their players in cue sticks alone; now imagine if Michael Jordan had been paid in sneakers, and you may begin to see the problem with that kind of exchange.

JFlowers is a totally separate brand and not associated with any other brand. The factory started in 2004; actually, not producing pool cues but mainly high-end cue cases.

How did JFlowers get started?

It actually started by manufacturing just cue cases, high-end, letter cue cases; eventually, the factory decided that they wanted to do pool cues, carom cues and snooker cues as well.

After about a year of R&D, or research and development, we were ready to launch the first series, and this was unfortunately in the middle of the pandemic, however, we still launched it, and the reception in the beginning was, you know, not many people were spending money on pool cues or pool equipment, and there was a little issue about somebody calling it the ‘China virus,’ and obviously, JFlowers hails out of China, so it was a rough start, but after a short while a lot of the reputable influencers in the industry were sent cues - and the response was

overwhelming! Check out JFlowers Cues & Cases at https://jflowerscues.com

They were asked for their unbiased, honest, brutally honest opinion, and the quality spoke for itself! They were really really surprised how well the cues played, and the price points, so I think that all the influencers and YouTubers that’s tried the cues, have always said that this is the best deal out there, and mind you, they did not get paid; they just got a cue, tested it, and that’s it; they were told, if they didn’t like it, they were absolutely totally free, to say that on their YouTube channels or whatever.” – JFlowers International representative.

And, it is important to also note that the JFlowers international representative wants to maintain anonymity here, because who he is isn’t important; the product is the most important thing, and he doesn’t want focus or attention on himself to distract from the focus on the quality of the product, philosophy of JFlowers the company, what they are doing, how they are supporting the game and players – admitting they of course are a business that ultimately seeks to profit from their efforts, just like anyone else, but they want to highlight the fact that their cues are fit to be tested against any of their respective competitors; JFlowers believes their product will pass any test players want to put on the product; test away they say! Transparency: A rare quality for cuemakers, but like I say, JFlowers has a different philosophy than many others; for one, they actually pay the players that endorse them, a substantial distinction.

So, what distinguishes an affordable to an expensive cue?

– Not just for JFlowers, but for any brand, is basically the amount of work and material that goes into the butt part of the cue; there’s two versions: There’s an onlay and there’s an inlay version, and I’ll explain the difference, only meaning you put a decal on top of normally a Maple, but so you don’t do any carving to the wood, and you don’t insert any – you know rare

wood types or precious metals inlay – you do exactly that, you carve out a pattern in the butt, and you insert rare wood types, sometimes even precious metals in the most expensive Jflowers cues at around 3000; there’s actually silver that’s been inlaid first to carve out the pattern, and then you insert in this case silver but sometimes it can be cocobolo – it can be Ebony, there can be a lot of different variations, but that’s basically what separates the expensive to the affordable cues.

Sometimes some manufacturers also won’t give you a carbon fiber shaft in the affordable versions; you need to upgrade and pay more. In the JFlowers cues, there’s always the whether or not you choose the affordable version, like the aspiring series, or intermediate or professional series; you still get the top-grade aero-grade carbon fiber shaft.

So whether or not you pick a cue for $300 or $3000, you’re still going get a radial pin, and the very best carbon fiber shaft, and you might ask why, but that’s just a marketing strategy to get as many cues out there in peoples hands, and yeah get the word of mouth going, because it’s really a good shaft, and if you want to spend more money having a nicer cue, but choosing inlay, you can do that, but that’s not the playability, on the affordable JFlowers cues and the expensive ones are basically, it’s basically the same, so it’s more like a fashion thing if you want a really nice butt, with you know, precious metals, or rare wood types, and whatnot, but no matter what you buy, what kind of cue you buy, no matter how much money you spent on a JFlowers, or any cue, you’re not gonna, it’s not gonna improve your game a whole lot – that’s totally up to you putting in the work at the table.” – JFlowers International representative.

“So, once you start moving up the ladder on the prices, there will be options for rare wood materials – cocobolo, and ebony; you can do a lot of different customizations. But the

price point for real inlays with these options; it’s you’re still not breaking the bank; around $500 is the starting point for the inlay cues, and it goes up all the way to $3000. We gotta bunch of models in between $500-3,000, so yeah, hopefully, that answers your question there.” – JFlowers International representative.

“So when it comes to the discussion between the Carbon fiber shaft, or a low deflection wooden shaft? When you go to JFlowerscues. com, you can choose between a carbon fiber shaft, or a low-deflection wooden shaft.

The price is the same, so whether or not you’re old school, and choose a wooden shaft, or you’re part of the new generation, or if you just want to try out a carbon fiber shaft, you’re not going to break the bank.

And, you know, starting at around $300 you can get a full cue with a really, really good carbon fiber shaft. So, I think that that’s definitely something that JFlowers is doing that nobody else is doing. And our opinion is that carbon fiber, it’s here to stay, but we understand that it’s not for everybody, so that’s why we’re giving people an option when you place an order; you can choose between the carbon fiber shaft and a low-deflection wooden shaft.” – JFlowers International representative.

JFlowers: the “new kid” on the billiards block, a new mover in the industry, providing a quality product at affordable prices, and also offering more high end cues as well. Check out what options JFlowers has for you, and game up.

This has been the Tallahassee Squirrel, once again covering all things billiards or pool related. Until next time, keep hitting them balls!

By Savannah “The Roadrunner” Easton

September was a very eventful month for me. The most traveling I have done since I started competing. From the far west coast state of California to the Southwest state of Texas to the Midwest state of Michigan.

At the beginning of the month, I traveled to Austin, TX, for the Texas Open Women’s 9 Ball. I have always loved the state of Texas, especially its barbecue; I’m pretty sure we had barbecue every day during the time we were there! Yum!

Now about the tournament, I ended up going 4 and out there, placing 13-16 out of 32 players.

Not my best performance, to say the least. But I had a chance to witness the best bank pool and 1pkt players compete. The experience itself was worth it. And to add to that, I was able to play a few games with Sky Woodward!!! He certainly brightened up my week there!

The next stop was Hard Times Billiard of Sacramento for the CA state Women’s 9 Ball Championship. A little background between Oscar Dominguez and myself, Oscar met my parents last year during a junior event that he hosted, and ever since then, Oscar is one of the best sponsors I have had. I played some solid matches the first day and won all three of my matches with a 6-1, 6-3, and 6-2 final score. When I returned on the 2nd day, I had to face Melissa Helland, the highest-ranked player in the tournament. I played my heart out and couldn’t fade the loss. She got me losing to an 8-4 score and knocked me to the one-loss side with a guaranteed 5/6th finish. My next match was with Yu Anran. I was told she’s an outstanding female player from Singapore; she was on vacation and decided to stop by to play in the tournament. We went back and forth, and I ended with a tight 6-5 victory to move forward. At this point, I was guaranteed 4th place, and my next opponent was a frequent tournament player from California, Gigi Callejas. I managed to squeak a 6-3 win against Gigi and move on to the semi-finals to face Melissa Helland once again. Melissa was playing lights out and had me at 0-6 right away! I wasn’t giving up just yet; I fought my way and won the next four racks to make it 4-6. I made a mistake on the 11th rack to put Melissa on the hill and eventually lost to her with a 4-8 final score. Melissa went on and double-dipped M. Shahbazi in the finals to claim the title. I finished 3rd place.

My final stop of the month was Battle Creek, Michigan, for the Predator Pro Billiard Series Women’s Michigan Open. This event marked my 5th WPBA-sanctioned tournament this year.

Jasmin Ouschan & Savannah Easton Photo by Tiffany Easton

Photo of Savannah provided by Tiffany Easton

Before we arrived at Battle Creek, my dad had told me he had a feeling my first draw would be Jasmin Ouschan. We laughed about it and didn’t put any thought into it.

The night of the player’s meeting and draw, we looked at cuescore.com. Here I am. My name matched up with Jasmin. I had mixed emotions about this draw! I felt a little defeated to play her, but at the same time, I was also excited to have a chance to play against one of my idols at this stage of my pool journey! All I could ask for was to try my best to play my best game and hope for the best. I made a post on my social media about our match.

“I was able to put my air rush to use throughout the match!” I am not joking when I am telling you this, in 6 out of 7 shots; I was jumping out of her safeties. And when I played a safety, she was able to get out to re-safe. I tried to capitalize when she missed (three times), and I was able to run out twice to score two games on her to avoid a complete shutout. This is what

Savannah Easton with Sky Woodward

Photo by Tiffany Easton

world-class looks like. I am very honored that Jasmin did not handle our match lightly. Now, if you haven’t met Jasmin in person, she has a serious game face, some say intimidating, but as soon as the match was over, she is a really approachable, genuinely nice person.

No shame in going to the one-loss side after the match against Jasmin Ouschan, but I knew I needed to fight now. My next opponent was Tonya Wise, scheduled on the TV stream table with the shot clock and John Leyman as the referee, just like the Predator Canada Open! I felt very relaxed this time, but it still took me two games to get in the stroke. I had a funny incident happen. At one point, I forgot I used my extension for the rack, and I asked for one for a jump shot. As I was taking my time to chalk my jump cue, I heard, ‘you know you’re out of extensions, ma’am’ Without thinking twice, I ran to the table and one stroked the jump shot. I made it! And got shaped on the next ball to close the rack. That was definitely the highlight of the match. My final score was a 4-0, 4-0 win to move on to stage 2 in the loser bracket.

Savannah Easton in Michigan Photo provided by Tiffany Easton

Next up, I had to face Ashley Burrows. I met Ashley at the first WPBA event in MN. She is a really strong player and is currently ranked #6 in WPBA. I lost our first set with a 4-1 score, and in set number 2, I picked up my pace and game to end it with a 4-2 win. In this format, when both players are tied 1:1 in 2 sets, we move on to the shootout round. As I’ve mentioned in my previous article, I practice my spot shots religiously just for this. Since Ashley won the lag, she chose to shoot first. We both made the first shot and missed the 2nd shot. She then missed the 3rd when I made mine; fortunate for me, she missed the 4th, and I claimed the victory to move on to stage 3.

Stage 3 in one loss side was against long-time WPBA touring player Teruko Cuccinelli (currently ranked #12 in WPBA). I had never had the opportunity to meet Teruko prior to our match. I just walked in with confidence and told myself to play my best game. I won the first set 4-0, and right when I was making the final ten ball at 3-1 up in set number 2, the ten-ball bobbled and sat right by the pocket. I couldn’t believe I made such a mistake at that time. In a short race to 4, anything could happen. As my prediction, Teruko caught up on me, and we went hill-hill 3-3 before I sunk the final ten ball to make it a 4-3 victory in the 2nd set to win the match without going into a shootout round. Definitely, a lesson learned; even when I knew it was an easy straight in 10-ball, I need to stay focused until the last ball sinks in!

Savannah Easton with Allison Fisher in Michigan Photo by Tiffany Easton

Stage 4 loser bracket started immediately, the match to get into the final 16. The goal that I set for myself! I was excited that I had made it this far! My opponent was Aleksandra Guleikova from Russia. With no prior knowledge of her game, I did not know what to expect. That was a brutal match. Anything that could go wrong went wrong. Aleksandra is a very strong player and shot maker, and she made some amazing hard shots to claim victory with a 4-3, 4-0 final score.

Like my coach/dad told me, no one to blame but myself for making the mistakes. I was disappointed that I was so close to reaching my goal, and I didn’t make it. The good news is I placed 17-24th out of 64 world-class pro players and cashed in a WPBA event for the first time! It’s the progress that counts, right?

In the next couple of months, I will be traveling to Atlantic City for the US Open/SVB Junior, then to Bristol, TN for WPBA Sledgehammer, and Puerto Rico for Predator Pro Billiard, Puerto Rico Open, and World Junior. I will continue to practice hard and hope to achieve more goals of mine in the near future. As always, my sponsors are a big part of my journey, as well as my parents and my supporters.

A special shout-out to Predator Cues, Jam Up Apparel, Kamui Brand, Golden State Billiard Supply, Salotto, Iwan Simonis Ride The 9 Tour, CaromSports.com, Griff’s Bar & Billiard, Bangin’ Ballz Billiard, and my newest sponsor, DigitalPool.

Savannah Easton and Tonya Wise Photo by Tiffany Easton

Lil Chris & Savannah Easton Photo by Tiffany Easton

Janet Atwell, Savannah, & Karim Belhaj Photo by Tiffany Easton

Why Is Pool Practice Boring? How To Make It fun?

Part 2

By Dominic Esposito, a.k.a., The Drill Instructor

Last month’s lesson was an eye opener for many and a yawner for others. Most pool players agree that Pool + Practice = Boredom. And you wonder why you don’t play much better now than you did 5 years ago? It’s because you don’t really practice correctly. When you consider that a beginner under proper instruction and coaching will be a highly skilled even pro level player within 3 to 5 years, you could kick yourself for not taking the idea of practice a little more seriously.

This month’s featured drill is an extension of last month’s drills and provides even tougher challenges that can result in your making a lot more clutch shots with cue ball shape during competition.

Did you start working on last month’s drill, Walking the Line? You should have noticed your skills improving overall from Walking the Line. If you kept score as I taught you, it should have made practice feel more fun. Keeping score is the only way you will see yourself progressing toward increasing your skills. I gave you a time-tested method of training that turns the boredom into fun. I can’t do the work for you. But I can show you the path that leads to true skill building and playing success.

It boils down to whether or not you want to play your best pool or not? I have the rudiments that will push you past the plateaus that seem to hold you back. You have to want to do it!

Nothing increases your personal playing skills like solid practice with keeping score for the drills you do. Developing focused concentration, isolating problem errors, and great shot making with excellent technique and execution are the results you should expect when you do the work. I know I can increase your skill level and improve you winning stats through my professional drills training.

This month’s fun drill is called, Walking the Line, Part 2.

This drill perfects your shot making skills for balls that are in the center of the table.

The Drill can be adjusted for Beginner to Advanced Level Players. We’ll start with Level 1

1. Start with ball-in-hand and from either end of the table as shown--your choice.

2. Shoot any STRIPED ball in any of the six pockets on the table in any order.

3. After the STRIPED balls pocket the SOLID balls in any order.

4. Pocket the 8 Ball last.

5. Avoid hitting any of the other balls on each shot. If you miss a shot or hit another ball, reset the line, and start over.

Level 2 is for Advanced Players.

1. Start with ball-in-hand from either end of the table.

2. From the first STRIPED ball pocketed, continue pocketing the STRIPED balls (in any pocket)

in their successive order as they are lined up the table.

3. After the STRIPED balls are finished, pocket the SOLID balls in order down the table.

4. Pocket the 8 Ball last.

5. Avoid running into any of the other balls on each shot. If you miss a shot or hit another ball, reset the entire line and start again.

During your next playing session, you’ll notice many shots will resemble these shots from last and this month’s drills. You’ll shoot with confidence and should expect better success because you worked on these drills.

Did you like this drill lesson? Visit my website, www.thedrillinstructor.us and join me on DI-TV.

All my Pro Skill Drills table layouts and videos are there plus so much more. On the website, you can inquire about private lessons or attending a Boot Camp Pool School with The Drill Instructor.

As promised, learning The Drill Instructor Way will make practice more fun, but only if you keep score while you practice.

Jennifer Barretta Talks with SPM TV

Dennis Hatch Talk with SPM Billiards Magazine

By Kat Day Editor in Chief/Content Creator

To start the US Open, many players everyone loves and follows had great starts. One of the shockers was watching the performance of Joey Tate against Shane Van Boeing. Tate had a 5-1 lead at the beginning of the match, then Shane Van Boeing put the grind on and shifted into drive! Joey Tate made one big mistake and thought he was shooting the four-ball when he was hitting the purple five. Everyone knows that Matchroom’s ball colors are specific. I have seen this for the last year and some months that I have been putting out SPM Billiards Magazine. I have only seen one other person get the balls wrong, and that was The Drill Instructor in The Clinic, who comes every Tuesday night at 8 Eastern. Don’t feel bad, Joey Tate. You played against Shane Van Boening, the World Champion, and you are learning!

The US Open has been full of so many twists & turns, which has kept the Open quite eliciting to watch; all the great known players to me have come out strong! Shane with his Golden Breaks! Jayson Shaw, Darren Appleton, Sky Woodward, Aloysius Yapp, Gorst, Filler, and many others!

We get down to the last 64 with two Ko Brothers in the game! Ko Pin Yi, Ko Ping

Chung. Ko Ping Han made it all the way to the loser round three, losing to Kristina Tkach 8-3. The Ko Brothers have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with, Ping Chung and Pin Yi keeping the game exciting. Ko Ping Chung has risen above it, making a solid comeback from the loser’s qualification round, beating Liu Ri Teng 9-8, taking him to the final 64. At the same time, his brother Ko Pin Yi made it through the winner’s qualification and then on the Final 64 players beating Daniel Maciol 9-4, then onto the last 32 only to lose to Lee Van Corteza. But the middle Ko Brother Ko Ping Chung played David Alcaide winning 9-5. Now we go to the last 32 players, with Chung winning against Niels Fiejen 9-8, taking Ko Ping Chung to the last 16! What an exciting game as we watch Chung battle the table with Jani Uski 10-7. A beautiful game to watch! Ko Ping Chung played Eklent KaCi in the Quarter Finals and kept the game exciting to watch. Eklent took down Joshua Filler 10-1, and Chung has risen above now onto the Semi-Finals to play Max Lechner.

Before I go on, I must tell you how exciting this game has been and how serious I was in watching the game. On Thursday, I took my iPad with me to a doctor’s appt and to the dentist so that I would not miss the player’s

play. At the dentist, the little gal was cleaning my teeth while I watched Shane Van Boening playing Alex Kazakis, a nail-biter match that took a crazy twist. I had to keep Matchroom Pool playing on my iPhone, holding the phone up so I could see the game and when I could not see, I could hear the commentators! Unfortunately, Shane lost to Kazakis 9-8, but the game was so exciting that I kept watching til the end.

I did the same thing yesterday had to watch the game with Ko Ping Chung taking my iPad with me to watch Chung play Jani Uski while sitting in the Apple Store to get my phone fixed. Now, this is dedication and love of the sport! You may laugh at me, but I thought that SVB had this, and I saw many other great players change the game’s setting.

It is now Saturday, October 15th, and we have the semi-finals and the Finals to watch today! Will Ko Ping Chung take the title of Champion at the US Open? Today I had an

appointment and had to take my iPad and phone with me to watch the semi-final. I thought for sure that Ko Ping Chung had the game. He made a golden break in the third rack and was playing great. I believe he was in the lead 8-3 at one point. I was hoping he would win. Max Lechner got the table after a scratch on a beautiful break. Lechner got ahead by 8-9 Chung, but the game was still going. Chung is on the hill and makes a beautiful jump shot on the four to have the cue ball knock to the nine ball and scratch in the opposite pocket, turning the game back to Lechner. Wow. Lechner took the game to play Ruiz in the Final. Ko Ping Chung could still smile in the face of Adversity! The rest is History. Chung still placed third with Biado, and my hat is off to Chung and Biado for playing great games.

Congratulations to Francisco Sanchez Ruiz for winning the Final over Max Lechner. All in all, it has been a fantastic US Open 2022..

I am Kat Day Editor in Chief and Content Creator of SPM Billiards Magazine! During the US Open I have been in constant contact with the Ko Brothers getting this Issue ready! I was getting my Hair Done and had my iPad too but I was watching Ko Ping Chungs Match with Max Lechner. I could not put my iPad or iPhone down. KO Ping Chung came so close! Watch out for him in the future!

I am a Photographer, Graphic Designer, and Journalist. I have been ptting SPM Billiards Magazine together for over a year now. Billiards is an addiction that you cant shake!

I had one of the gals in the salon grab this photo of me watching Ching at the US Open 2022!

Photo Provided by Ko Ping Chung and taken by Takaimages

Ko Brother’s Blowout!

By Patrick Sampey

Ko Pin Yi

Part One

2022

Ko Pin Yi just recently answered some questions for SPM (Sneaky Pete Mafia) through email concerning his billiards career. Ko is a gentleman, businessman, entrepreneur, and pool player of the highest caliber – not just a professional in the game, but one of the top ranked players on Earth.

Having just won the Asian Open, Ko Pin Yi is currently ranked #10 worldwide according to Matchroom: https://matchroompool.com/world-rankings/

I asked Ko Pin Yi “How much do your cues cost?” He casually answered, “30,000 US dollars.” Wow! That’s some gear! And he has his own cue line with he and his brothers, Ko Ping Chung and Ko Ping Han – both top players in their own right, Ko Ping Chung ranked #14th worldwide. And their cues are some of the best in the world as well, quality.

As to the questions I asked Ko Pin Yi, here you go:

How old are you?

I was born on May 31st, 1989. (33 years old)

What kind of cue do you play with, and what is the tip size,type of tip you use, chalk you use, any and all equipment you use?

I’m now playing with Zen Custom Cue. We use Ko tips which are our products. The tip size is originally 14 mm. After sticking on my cue, it will become 12.5 mm. We also use Ko jump cue which is our own brand as well. The break cue we use is Predator BK-Rush 3. We don’t use particular chalks.

Who are your sponsors?

Zen Custom Cue, Rasson, CPBA.

What is your favorite pool table to play on?

Rasson

Are you going to enter the US Open? Have you entered the US Open before? If so, how did you finish?

Of course. My 2 younger brothers will enter the US Open together. I have entered the US for 7~8 times. My best was to the stage of quarterfinal many times. So I wish I can do better than that this year!

What are your thoughts on carbon fiber shafts? Do you play with a carbon fiber shaft?

It is a great material which opens the new chapter of cue. But I am not used to the feelings of shooting the ball, especially the way to make the cue ball spin. I still like to use the cue which made by wood.

How does it feel to be champion of the Inaugural Asian Open?

Extremely excited.

Who was your toughest opponent at the Asian 9 ball open? When I get involved in the pool games, I always compete with myself.

How did you first get introduced to pool?

My enlightenment coach was my Dad. He has owned a pool hall in Yilan where I was born. When I was a child, I sat on the pool table and played pool.

Who has influenced your game the most? My Dad.

Do you play snooker? If so, what’s your high break in snooker? I played snooker when I was 14. My high break in snooker was more than 100 points.

How many major tournaments have you played in at this point?

More than 100.

Is 9 ball your favorite game? What is your favorite game?

Yes.

How many years have you been playing pool, and when would you say you became a world class pool player, at what age?

I’ve been playing pool for more than 21 years. I would say I became a world class pool player at 20.

What’s your best win?

Thailand Open 2007. In the final, I turned defeat into victory. My opponent was Dennis Orcollo.

What’s your worst loss?

There was no worst loss which impressed me.

Who would you say is the best pool player in the world right now? SVB.

Who is your favorite player? If you think there’s a GOAT(greatest of all times)in pocket Billiards, who would you choose? Efren Reyers.

What advice would you give to junior players coming up in pool? Keep working on it. Never give up.

Do you have a pick for greatest pool player ever?

Yes, I have picked for greatest pool player in 2015. I got 3 world championships in the same year.

Is it true that you’ve gone up from world #17 to world #10 in light of your recent win in the Asian Open? Any thoughts about how that impacts pool at large? The ranking of Matchroom is actually from #20 to #10. It pushes me that I want to be #1.

Was it always your dream to be a Billiards champion? Have you achieved your dream in Billiards? What more would you like to achieve in pocket billiards?

Yes, who does not want to be a champion? I was very lucky to achieved the goal when I was young, but I want to achieve it again. My target now is going back to world #1. I hope I can become a great man in this field. Even if I don’t play pool in the future, everyone will still remember me. And also I hope to teach the skills to pool learners and dedicate myself to promote the sport. By doing that, the pool atmosphere in Taiwan and even the whole world will become better and better.

Photos provided by Ko Pin Yi

Ko Ping Chung Part Two

“

I am currently using a Zen cue paired with X Pro 1 Shaft,” Ko Ping Chung explains, of the cue he practices his billiards artistry with.

“I think Ko Pin Yi has the best form at the moment. He has performed well in recent tournaments and has been pretty consistent.” – Ko Ping Chung explains of his brother Yi.

Ko Pin Yi is 33 years old, with Ko Ping Chung being 27, and Ko Ping Han 24. Three years difference between Han and Chung, six between Chung and Yi, and nine years the difference between Han and Yi. And the brothers appear to be as a tight knit unit – their respective games of the highest pedigree.

“Our family has run a pool hall since we were young, and we played on it since then. Also, since my elder brother Ko Pin Yi is already a professional player, I envy him being able to appear on television during tournaments.

At about ten years old, I began training seriously to become a professional player myself. Up till now, I still love the sport very much, and I wish to compete till my 50s.” – Ko Ping Chung.

“The Mosconi cup is one of my favourite tournaments. The atmosphere is very electrifying and the format makes it an exciting event.” – said Ko Ping Chung.

Many players agree with Ko Ping Chung’s assessment here I would imagine: “I think Efren Reyes is the best player up till now; his attacking and defending game is top notch. He has a deep understanding of the game. Always coming up with impossible shots , truly deserving the title of ‘The Magician’.”

SPM: What was your best win?

“Should be the one I played Filler in 2019; that was my first ever world title. I was feeling immense pressure . That is why it is the most memorable one for me,” said Ko Ping Chung.

SPM: What was your worst loss?

“It should be in 2015 whereby I lost to Shane Van Boening in the quarter finals. I did not perform up to my usual standards. If i would have won, I would be facing my brother in the finals, and that would be the first ever final in history with two brothers playing each other,” said Ko Ping Chung.

SPM: Who has influenced your game the most?

“It should be the older brother, Ko Pi Yo, who has the greatest influence on me. Without him, I would never be where I am now.” – Ko Ping Chung.

Rasson is Ko Ping Chung’s favorite pool table. Chung likes any game of pocket billiards, has never played snooker, will be competing in the US Open this year, his best result was making the final 16, favorite player is Ronnie O’Sullivan, prefers a wooden shaft to carbon fiber, picks Filler as the best player in the world right now, and appears to me to have a great knowledge of pool – a world class player in his own right.

“I’ve been playing pool for 17 years now; the first time I played in an international tournament was when I was 14, I was runner-up at the Osaka Open in Japan when I was 15, and I have

Photos provided by Ko Ping Chung from Matchroom

Ko Ping Chung at the US Open in Atlantic City ~ 2022

been playing in international events ever since,” Chung told SPM.

“I think that the most difficult opponent to deal with in the game is yourself, because pool is a sport that requires self-talk, and players are often defeated by their own emotions.” – said Chung.

To junior players in pool, Ko Ping Chung says, “I hope they have a passion for pool, and don’t forget their dreams, because it must be very hard to play pool well, and in that time, it is the passion for the game that’ll keep them going.”

“It has always been my dream to become the world champion of pool. Even if I have achieved such achievements before, I still hope that I can maintain such achievements every year, and I also hope to bring more people to know the joy of playing pool, because it is a very good form of sports to make a lot of friends without any language barrier,” concludes Ko Ping Chung.

Photo Credit from Takaimages

Ko Ping Han

The Youngest Ko Part Three

‘Those who have the youth Have the future’

So come now, children of the beast

Be strong

And Shout at the Devil” – Motley Crue, ‘In The Beginning’

Sunday, September 25th, 2022 – “It has been written ‘those who have the youth, have the future,’” read the lyrics that sound like an epitaph ‘In The Beginning,’ by Motley Crue, and I don’t know what Ko Ping Han’s musical preference is, or if he’d like a Motley Crue song to open his article with, and I always liked the quote cited above this introduction to the youngest Ko Brother, Ko Ping Han, but I thought of the song lyrics, how he is the youngest Ko Brother at just 24, with many years ahead of him, and it seemed to fit his story in some small way.

Ko Ping Han is the youngest of the three Ko Brothers, as I’ve aforementioned, and he told me he took some time off from pool to pursue professional darts, trying something a little different from his other two brothers, but billiards is in his blood, and he seeks to enter the US Open this year alongside his brothers Ko Ping Chung and Ko Pin Yi, and make a run himself to win a major world title. 9 years separate he and his eldest brother Ko Pin Yi, so he has plenty of time yet to make his mark, although he isn’t currently ranked up there with other two brothers; he has beaten SVB (Shane Van Boening) before however, and is a threat in his own right to defeat any player worldwide; make no mistake about his pedigree in pool: prolific.

“I will be 24 years old this year. Ko pin Yi is the oldest, Ko Ping Chung is the second brother, and I am the youngest. We don’t have any children at the moment. Maybe we will teach them to play in the future. We have our own practice room. The three of us practice pool together every day, and discuss with each other about the game.” – said Ko Ping Han.

“It has always been my dream to become a pool champion, although I haven’t achieved it yet, I will continue to work hard. I hope that one day I can win the world championship. I hope more people can learn about pool, because it has always been a very good sport. Both the elderly and children can play together, and there will be no sports injuries.

I think that the most difficult opponent is often myself, because no matter who I meet, as long as I don’t perform well, I may lose, but if I perform well, I may win against anyone regardless.” ~ Ko Ping Han.

And Ko Ping Han has it tough I’d imagine, because it’s a little different to live up to a name than to make your mark like his brothers Ko Pin Yi, and Ko Ping Chung have already done, having well established themselves as two of the top world players – but Ko Ping Han is seeking to make his own, individual stamp on the game for himself as well:

“I have been playing pool for 8 years now. The first time I played in an international competition was when I was 17 years old. I have been playing international competitions since I was 17 years old.

As my family runs a poolhall, I started playing very young, and started training then. Since my two elder brothers are professional players, seeing them travel around the world seems like a nice thing to do. But when I was 15, 16,17 I started playing darts and gave up pool then,

‘till I graduated high school and started training hard in pool again. Currently I am working towards my dream of winning a world title.” – Said Ko Ping Han.

Ko Ping Han, when asked who the biggest influence on his game is, “That must be my two brothers, because they taught me a lot of pool skills, without them, I probably wouldn’t be able to improve so fast.”

Ko Ping Han is doing great from this writer’s perspective; With both his two brothers excelling so well on the world stage of pool, he has a lot to live up to, but he appears quite ready, and able to handle the pressure of living up to the Ko name: incredible grit he shows, a true Ko Brother through and through, each seeking to put their own fingerprint upon the countenance of billiards at large.

Ko Ping Han about his worse loss:

“It should be that I lost to the champion in the final round of the World Junior Quarterfinals in 2016, because if I had won the championship successfully, it would have set a record that all three of our brothers have won the World Junior Championship,” said Ko Ping Han.

About his best win, Ko Ping Han says, “It should be the match against SVB in 2019, because I have always liked SVB, and he is one of my idols. I was lucky to beat him in that match, so It was very memorable for me.”

“I am using Zen Cue with a XPRO 2 shaft,” Ko Ping Han says about his playing cue, retailing for $7,500 new, an amazing work of billiards art. Look for our article, which reviews the Zen Custom Cues the Ko Brothers play with, a pool story in and of themselves.

In 2015 his brother Ko Pin Yi won three international pool titles, Ko Ping Han told me, highlighting yet again how he shows respect for what his eldest brother has achieved in the pool world at large.

This is the final article, to complete the October edition of SPM (Sneaky Pete Mafia) magazine, with Ko Ping Han being the youngest of the three, with many years to play, many possible tournaments to win, and his own individual legacy to map out, as he attempts to make his own mark on the pool world, and uphold the Ko name. All in all these Ko Brothers are making a big impact on the pool scene, and it has been my pleasure to cover each of their individual journeys in the game; I stand in awe of three of the hottest rising new pillars of pool, these Ko Brothers, young guns in pool, rising to the dawn of a new era in billiards excellence: Ko Brothers – and Ko Ping Han may be the youngest, but he is coming to take his place among his brothers, and the pool world will never be the same.

Ko Brother Cues, Zen Custom Cues Part 4

Z

en Custom Cues are the cues the Ko Brothers – Ko Pin Yi, Ko Ping Chung, and Ko Ping Han use – “was co-founded by 2 Taiwanese A-Zen & Chady in 2012 and named after A-Zen which means the same as it implies ‘Zen – peaceful & calm’” and the “Zencue” they “initially design the cue and the decorative ring with high-purity silver inlay as the classic design.” Very nice, high end cues, for the cue connoisseur that wants only the best.

“For Zencue, we provide a 50% off shaft trade-in service that allows our customers to upgrade/replace their shafts we have plenty of shafts for our customers to try for a perfect fit ( Currently Taiwan only ) so our customers could have seamless change over on their cues,” Zen Custom Cues.

“Revolution & Improvement:

To accommodate the change in the pool game ( e.g equipment, table, shooting style ), we also need to make changes to the performance of our Zencue.

In 2019, we made a tremendous improvement on our shaft by changing the taper of the cue which provides better cue ball & spin control with almost no deflection. In 2020, we also released our new structure on the bottom piece, which gives more power & stability. With our latest development, we truly believe our players would be able to outperform any other players in the world,” Zen Custom Cues.

“Tailor-made customization:

Compared with other custom cues, Zencue provides a large array of personalized choices (wood/inlay/warp/ring types/stiffness of the shaft ) for our customers so they could feel the sense of belonging to their cue.

In terms of the shaft, we also have ‘I’ and ‘II’ 2 types of stiffness, ‘I’ being stiffer. Also, we have 5 types of tapers, ‘XPRO’, ‘95PRO’, ‘83’, ‘CQ’ and ‘AR’, first two are being used in Americanstyle pool, and the last 3 are being used in Chinese 8-ball which American pool focus more on position and Chinese 8 ball focus more on precision.” – Zen Custom Cues.

Ko Pin Yi and Ko Ping Chung have said this about their Zen Custom Cues:

“We ( Pin Yi / Ping Chung) have been using S brand cues ever since we started shooting pool. Early this year ( Feb 2022 ) A-Zen and Chady approached us with their Zen cues and we felt Zencue is much better than SW in terms of power and spin control ( lower deflection ) which provided a higher confidence level when we were in a tough spot. Zencue is not only our lethal weapon but also really an art piece.” And the Zencue is a work of art, as you will see in the images of the Ko Brothers Cues, which are each individually intricate works of billiards art, and also some of the best playing cues, that serve as both an artistic piece to marvel at, and an piece of equipment to perform the task of pocketing billiards balls, the pool players “samurai sword,” their stock in trade.

I can’t be certain how they play, but with endorsements by all three Ko Brothers, and the obvious ingenuity of the cues Zen Custom Cues feature, one can easily rest assured they are receiving the best of the best, when they purchase a Ko Brothers, Zencue. They definitely appear to be for the player that wants only the highest quality it would appear: craftsmanship.

“1. Ko PinYi

Shooting Cue : Zencue Holy Cross with Gold Ring ($30,000)

Tip : KO Tips (S)

Jump Cue : KO Jump Cue Break Cue : BK Rush

2. Ko Ping Chung

Shooting Cue : Zencue Holy Cross with silver ring ($13,500)

Tip : KO Tips (M)

Jump Cue : KO Jump Cue Break Cue : BK Rush

3. Ko Ping Han

Shooting Cue : Zencue Classic 6 pointer ($7,500)

Tip : KO Tips (M)

Jump Cue : KO Jump Cue Break Cue : BK Rush,” Zen Custom Cues.

All in all, the three Ko Brothers Cues totaling $50,000 worth of gear, just in their playing cues alone, much less cases, jump cues, break cues – which is to highlight some of the best billiards cues the pool scene has ever seen; Zen Custom Cues, when you want Ko Brothers quality cues.

Rodman Cleveland Photography

Rodman Cleveland with

Jones River

Shane Van Boening

Michael DeLwader

Josh Roberts

Jason Sheerman

Sheerman River City Open

BY RICK “WHITE WOLF” PRINCE

Hello Pool Fans,

Allow Me to introduce myself. My name is Rick “White Wolf” Prince. I’m from Augusta, Georgia, and I’ve been playing pool since 1971. I’ve Won the L.A. Classic 8 Ball Tournament 29 times in the last three years, which is held here in my hometown. I was a Road Player for over 35 years, and I have played from Louisiana to Colorado and back several times before my recent retirement from the road.

I would like to thank Ms. Kathryn Brown Day and Mr. Patrick Sampey for inviting me to write a little something for you that may help you along on your quest to master pocket billiards from an Old Hustler.

I gave it some thought about what I would like to touch on, and since this is my first article, I assumed it to be wise to discuss what helped me to up my game. To Be Successful on My Journey on the road and to reach a 9-10 skill level in A.C.S. League Pool. Let’s jump right into the 5 Cs of Pool!

1. COURAGE

It takes courage to play your game and your style of pool. We practice, research, watch videos, and read everything we can get our hands on regarding “The Game.”

Some of us even retain the services of a coach.

This is great for learning “Sound Fundamentals” and not developing bad habits in the basics, such as grip, stance, stroke, etc.

But where do we learn “The Courage” it takes to apply all we’ve learned to our game when we’re in a serious money match or competing in a major tournament and front of countless “Railbirds” judging your every shot? After we are confident that we are doing everything we can to up and maintain a high skill level, we then have to find enough Faith in Ourselves and

our ability to perform. That, my friends, only comes from H.A.M.B. Hitting A Million Balls!

You need a constant and rigorous practice routine. Don’t just practice until you can make a shot; practice until you make that shot consistently and without hesitation.

2. CONFIDENCE

Your courage will define your confidence level, where we want to exclude confidence. We never want to come across as too cocky, for this will usually cause confrontation, which could lead to a forfeit, loss of a game, or physical violence, in which no one ever wins!

We all have an “Inner Warrior.” We never want to talk down or degrade ourselves because it lessons “the warrior within us,” Trust me, we need that warrior always to remain vigilant. If you have a sound foundation and good skills in pocketing balls, and you dare to get the job done consistently. Then how do we improve our confidence?

Here’s what I have done. I started recording my practice sessions and even some of my money matches (after getting it agreed with my opponent), and I’d watch myself in action. I was focusing on the balls I made, and I consistently pocketed more balls than I missed. I was even fortunate enough to catch myself making some incredible, great safety shots and good returns on safeties. I’d watch these videos before my money matches or tourneys. It served me well in boosting my Confidence level, and I’m confident this will help you as well. Now that you have acquired a measure of courage and confidence.

3. CONCENTRATION

Concentration is the ability to focus on a primary objective without deviation. Whether it’s the loud music, or people walking around, or just the sounds of people conversing in the bar or pool hall, there will always be distractions to deviate you from your primary purpose, which in pool is to concentrate on the shot at hand!!

We don’t have the liberty to think about that lousy shot we made or the last match we lost; we only have the luxury of “Studying one Shot at a time,” and that’s the shot at hand. Nothing Else should exist at the time you’re shooting it. You should approach every shot with the same cautious enthusiasm you would a 5-rail kick shot! I don’t care if it’s a 6-inch shot straight in the corner pocket, Take the same amount of time and practice Good Fundamentals with each consecutive shot you take. I like to practice in the noisiest surroundings I can find before a money match or tournament. This forces me to concentrate. With excellent concentration skills, you will be so focused; that you won’t even notice the local sharks swimming through the room trying to take you down.

4. COMPOSURE

We have courage, are confident, and can concentrate on the business at hand. Now we must remember never to exude overconfidence, not to act cocky, never be too excited over a win, and never be shaken by a loss.

Never let them see you sweat; no matter what, it’s good sportsmanship first! This essentially means we always show our opponent the proper respect, win, lose or draw.

“Hustle in Silence and Let Your Success Do the Shouting!”

Good sportsmanship means that when you walk out of the pool room, no one should be able

to tell if you won or lost. Sometimes in a hustling’ situation, you never walk outside to leave with a cocky boastful attitude; it could be your last match if you’re not cautious.

We are Now at The Final “C,” and it’s a Biggie!!

As well as a must for a pool player, and without this one, the others were all learned in vain.

5. CONSISTENCY

There’s nothing more exhilarating than winning a big-money match or a big tournament. We play for money and trophies and sometimes just play for egos or fun, but we never play to lose. (Unless it’s necessary for a larger Reward at the end of it) Being consistent in our pre-shot routine on both our offensive shots as well as our defensive shots is a must. Pool is a repetition of shots over and over. How you approach the shot over and over the same way makes us consistent. I never have a practice session when I don’t start by practicing my pre-shot routine. It’s a must to do it precisely the same every time. This will keep you consistent in many more areas of your game! There You Have My 5 Cs of Pool!

By the way, there are actually 6 Cs of Pool. Number 6 is CASH! But That’s a Whole Article in itself! Lol Thanks For Reading. I hope I helped a Little!

Happy Shootin’!

“The White Wolf”

By Patrick Sampey

R

ick Prince and I have been friends for a while on Facebook, and he’d post some stuff about pool – I had networked in billiards before I had met the White Wolf, which eventually led up to this interview, introducing hardened road player, Rick “White Wolf” Prince, untamed – the story of a pool hustler of the highest caliber, a modern-day cowboy, with Native blood in his veins, a wild man that has tangled with a bear and lived to tell the story, been stabbed, and on the grind many years. Here is the story of Mr. Rick Prince, 60 years old and retiring from the gambling scene, his house paid for off a game we call “one pocket,” so without further ado:

“Thank you for having me. Well, when I was ten years old, my father bought a ten-foot Gold Crown Brunswick pool table. And from the very start, I fell in love with the game, I was between 10 or 11 years old, and my father noticed me being a pool player. My grandfather also knew I had talent, and I put much effort into it, and by the time I was 16 years old, he was taking me to some of the night clubs that my father and grandfather owned after hours playing adults, I was winning a good bit of the time.

I was trying to be like my father and grandfather, who were both great road players at one time. And they both knew the game. They grew up playing snooker, and billiards, so they were pretty good, but they owned businesses, and they didn’t really have time to do it.

I got hooked at an early age. I just loved the atmosphere. I loved being able to compete with older people. And I learned early on to pick and choose whom you want to play if you want to win.

There are many hustlers out there, and sometimes the hustler doesn’t know that he’s being hustled. Yeah, so, you really pick up a lot of things on the road.” – White Wolf.

Holy wow, Batman! What a long, great quote right out of the gate, and that was just a brief introduction! What an interview, top to bottom, bar none. The White Wolf has run with old Scotty Townsend as well, I’ve heard, and both wrestled bears and made boots out of gators and snakeskin too. In a land of arrowheads and horseshoes, the White Wolf is as true and free as the Constitution of the USA, “We, the Wolves, of the pool Hustler’s federation, do hereby proclaim our allegiance to Orcollo, the greatest money player of all times! Hail to the king!”

But back to the White Wolf:

“When I left high school, I went into the Marine corps. Seven years later, I got out, and I got a job at the Outlaws biker club, their home club in Jacksonville, FL. Being the head bouncer, ‘cooler,’ I had several bouncers working for me (images of the movie roadhouse come to mind…). I had free liberty to play pool anytime I wanted, so I was able to hustle pool while I was working.

At first, it was hustling pool and working, but it got so lucrative for me that I just laid off from working and just started hustling. I was about 26 years old when I put everything down but the pool cue.” – Rick Prince.

And Prince taught ballroom dance for about 20 years as well, he said. They had a professional snooker table in the ballroom, which is to show Rick’s diversity in pocket billiards – that he’s

as well-rounded and can tango with a bear or a fair maiden – walks with Kings but also keeps touch with the commoners; well played white Wolf, check and mate.

And more from the Wolf:

“..And It was about 15 years into it, and I’d been shot twice, cut several times, that I realized that…I guess I started getting a little heart, showing a little compassion for those that I had beaten out of a good deal of money because they really didn’t have a chance from the start, and I knew it, but a good hustler, he’ll make you feel like you’re fixing to win.

You don’t ever beat a guy 10-0 in a race or 102, and you let it be 8 or 9 to 10; that gives him hope that maybe in the next race,[‘p’

` he will win. And you always stay just a couple of inches ahead. So, I started getting a conscious about it, and I stopped hustling, and they got what they got. I played my heart out.

And by that time, I had learned a good mental game. I knew when to lay down, when to duck, and when to shoot. And many folks don’t know that. Being blessed with snooker tables, and three cushion tables, carom tables, you know, I learned the rails real good, so my kick shots were probably like 80 or 90 percent.

I wouldn’t make them all the time, but I’d make a good hit, which would prevent ‘ball in hand.’” – White Wolf.

“You’re supposed to shoot your heart out in bar pool,” White Wolf says, talking about how some places he played at, safeties weren’t always part of the “honorable” and/or “manly” way to play, so they would sometimes “look at you funny,” and/or worse. You always got to watch your back and how you act and take note of every detail of life out on the road.

“In today’s pool, if you don’t have safeties in your bag, you really don’t stand a chance.” –Prince.

“For the first 20 years, it was no ‘ball in hand,’ it was ‘straight eight,’ we played 3, 6, and 9 ball a lot, just to save money – putting it into the pool table…” – Prince.

“I talk to people and learn who’s the heavy and who’s not. If you walk into a town, and you go to the first place, and you beat the best guy in there, there are no more games for you in that town, and there’s a good possibility if you’re recognized when you go to the next bar; you’ll get eaten alive.

With today’s technology, with cell phones, there is nowhere to hide, so what I did, I adapted to

that; I started changing my looks. Sometimes, before I’d go to another bar, I’d get a haircut, and I’d put on glasses (On the snap Vincent…’ Color of Money.’)

The White Wolf has been through it, out on the road hustling, making it, and won enough to pay off the final $40K on his house and retire from gambling straight up. Usually one pocket – come one, come all, but Rick Prince is retired, but you can still call him “White Wolf.”

Rick “White Wolf” and his son have raised wolves, and his Cub is now a Wolf himself –trained to be the Alpha – leader of the pack and maverick renegade rogue. Check out our interview with Rick Prince and learn more about how he had to fight for his life against a bear that had broken into his house, or learn about his adventures with the Scotty Townsend – so many colorful pool renegades – so many fans to read and like, and share these and

Tom Rossman a.k.a. Dr. Cue & Rick “White Wolf“ Prince

Rick and his Son at the Wolf Sanctuary

“Yes, Scotty and I had lots of history,” Prince confirms.

In the one encounter, Rick had with a bear, the bear had broken into his house through the sliding glass door, had attacked his wife, and the White Wolf had struck a lucky stab to the brain of the Beast, killing it instantly, barely escaping death in the exchange. He had stabbed the bear 14 times before the fatal stab to the brain, ending the creature’s life – Prince having saved both himself and his wife, defending his own.

“Early on, I realized that if you get a little piece of the pie from everybody, then that’s better than getting the whole pie from one person,” said White Wolf. He got out of some difficult Jams, to say the least. Alpha wolf, a billiards soldier, loyal to the code – at the top of the billiards food chain – that White Wolf has knowledge and skills in the game. Rick Prince also teaches pool to the kids at the local church, which he really enjoys! The Youth are the future of Billiards!

Also, it is of note to mention that Rick Prince has donated 20% of his winnings to the wolf sanctuary his son runs, and they have rescued many endangered wolves; as a result, giving back to Mother Earth. All around, Rick “White Wolf” Prince is one of the most interesting

players the game has ever seen. Thanks for providing SPM with yet another cool billiards story.

As to how Rick Prince got his nickname “White Wolf,” Prince has his faithful service dog, half Wolf, half German Shepherd; that’s how he got his name. His faithful companion, who has attended all his matches for years, sometimes acts as a personal bodyguard when necessary; Two Feather is his name.

Additionally, Prince would like to add that his wife plays a bit herself, having just won her second “MVP in APA 9 ball.” Prince says, “We’ve been married 13 years, and she’s held the money for me on the road the entire 13yrs,” which is substantial and shows her loyalty to him, by his side all that time; it’s always good for a wolf to have a great mate.

In talking with Rick Prince today I learned that his son is missing. He has not been to check on the wolves at the the Second Chance Wolf Ministries Sanctuary. This is not like his son to go missing and he is filled with worry. His son is diabetic, takes seizure meds and Rick Prince stated that he has not even picked up his medications. Here is a flyer that Rick Prince has made and working closely with the Colorado Springs Co Police Dept. You can contact Rick Prince on his Facebook page at

any one knows anything please get ahold of him.

Success~ Points First Tournament

By Albert Charbonneau

Our first-ever Points tournament was everything I was hoping it would be & the players were treated to a brand-new tournament system designed for the Points game. We had eight people that signed up, including a first-time Points player that took to the game like a fish to water. I need to give a big THANK YOU to Mark & Kasey, the owners of my home away from home, Two Keys Tavern, for allowing me to run the tournament on a day that is normally busy with a football crowd. They had the extra staff on hand, so we were fully accommodated. Thanks to Dawn, Karen, Ashley, Coral & the great kitchen staff, the players were well cared for. One less thing to worry about when you have that level of support.

The tournament was set up with everyone playing a race to two wins in the first round, with each set played with 15 balls & a 16-shot limit, including the break. Those that won stayed with that formula throughout the A-side (winners’ side). For the B-side (loser’s side), we switched to a 10-ball rack with an 11-shot limit & just one game to win in order to advance. This method really kept the flow of the event moving along. As we all know, the loser’s side in any tournament takes far too long, which always hurts the players on the winner’s side. They normally just sit around waiting for hours sometimes to get to play again. Speeding up the B-side was the answer & the whole tournament went very smoothly with this method.

Although I set up this tournament, I would not have been able to run it without my good friend Michael Dorton. Mike runs our Friday tournaments at a different location, so I knew he was the right choice. He knows the game very well & he’s one of our area’s top scorers. (Higher than me even) He kept everything straight & moving right along while I bounced from table to table, helping players with questions, doing interviews & taking pictures for prosperity. Thanks, Mike!

We saw some amazing shots being made, but that’s typical with this game, as every shot is a potential nail-biter! Players are constantly looking for the shots that will earn them the most points possible. Mitch Holmes had the highest score throughout the entire tournament. He hit a 91 in the 16-shot limit. Anyone who’s ever played Points with that limited shot amount knows that’s no easy thing to do. Congrats to Mitch for delivering so much excitement with your exceptional shot-making ability.

Another incredible moment happened when Summer Dorton defeated one of our local allaround top players on the B-side. Rick Peifer, aka Master Yoda, is considered by many to be one of our home-based heroes. He was the first Points player to break into the 100’s & he held the highest score for almost a month. Summer had never placed in the money in any tournament she’s ever played in, but not only did she take 3rd place, but she also did it with a spectacular win against the person I predicted to win it all! Awesome job, Summer!

Our final match was the tournament’s highlight with Mitch Holmes vs. a total newcomer to Points. Ryan Shromoff had never even played the game before this day & I had to show him how to play the game just before we got started. He had very little time to get it all down, but to my amazement, he took to the game quickly & put one of our local highest scorers to the test. The match went hill-hill & Ryan had to double dip after battling back from the B-side. It all came down to the final shot & to everyone’s surprise, Ryan, a brand-new Points player, did it! He is the very first Points, tournament winner! Huge congratulations to Ryan!

I’m happy to know that someone with literally a few minutes of playing Points has a real chance to win & anyone can be beaten as well. Points is such a unique game. It’s so much fun & so challenging to play. It really improves all aspects of your game by forcing the players

to make the most extreme shots. Their abilities will allow them to score as many points as they can. That makes the game very exciting to watch as well. Points truly is the New Age of Billiards!

Next is the US Open to show the entire billiards industry what Points is all about! Watch for the next installment of my journey to bring billiards back to its’ roots & bring it back to the mainstream TV audience here in the U.S. In closing. I want to give a very special THANK YOU to Garret Troop & Kathryn Day of Sneaky Pete Mafia magazine for taking a chance with me & their continued support. Points would not be where it is today without them. God willing, Points will become the game I’ve always wanted it to be.

By Albert Charbonneau - Inventor of Points

By Brian Pauley

AWorld Championship is always an important event, no matter the sport. No different for the 2022 WPA World Artistic Pool Championships that was held October 6-8 at the League Room in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The last WPA World Artistic Pool Championships was also held at the League room in February 2020. Chi-Ming Lin from Taiwan won the last event before covid, and he was back to battle it out with Artistic Pool Players from around the globe to defend his title. The event is separated into two parts, the preliminaries, and the playoffs. During the preliminaries, players will shoot a total of 40 shots throughout the eight disciplines of Artistic Pool with various degrees of difficulty. (6 points to 10 points) Players with the highest score in each of those eight disciplines will be that year’s World Discipline Champion, and there was some history made with discipline titles this year.

Round one combines the Trick & Fancy and Special Arts Disciplines. Trick & Fancy are typical setup shots, whereas Special Arts are speed and timing shots that can have props on the table. The 2022 World Trick & Fancy title went to current #1 WPA-ranked player Abram “Too Tall” Diaz with a score of 37/40, while Tim “The Dragon” Chin made history when he won the Special Arts Discipline title with a score of 39/40. This is Tim’s third World Special Arts title, which ties him with Hall of Famer Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman for the most World Special Arts titles. Tim had to beat out Gaston “The Prince” Tomadoni in a discipline playoff. This ended up being a theme of the event, with more history to be made.

Round two combines the Draw and Follow disciplines. Gaston won the Draw Title with a score of 36/40, besting defending World Draw Champion Brian “Superman” Pauley by one

Winner: Chi-Ming Lin Photos Courtesy of Brenda Glanville

point. Gaston was the defending World Follow Champion and made history when there was a four-way tie for first in the Follow Discipline with a score of 29/40. The four players for this history-making occurrence were Gaston Tomadoni, Jason “The Michigan Kid” Lynch, Chi-Ming Lin, and Jimmy “The General” Glanville. The four players drew balls 1-4 to determine the order of play for the initial tiebreaker shot, which was the classic “Window Shot,” which sees players make a 3-ball cluster and send the cue ball arching through a wall of balls with a two ball gap to make an object ball. Neither Jason nor Jimmy could make this shot, and they were eliminated from the tiebreaker. Lin and Gaston both made the shot on the same attempt, which meant the 10-point shots would be drawn at random to continue the tiebreaker. After the third tiebreaker shot, Gaston bested Lin and defended his World Follow Title in historymaking fashion.

Round 3 saw more history in the making. Gaston won the World Bank/Kick title with a score of 38/40, besting former World Bank/Kick Champion Jason Lynch by one point to go three disciplines in a row. The stroke discipline went to Abram Diaz with a score of 38/40, which made history. Abram tied Hall of Famer Mike “Tennessee Tarzan” Massey for the most World Stroke Titles with three. This ended the day with Gaston in First Place, with Jason Lynch one point back. History was made on day one, and that theme continued on day two.

Day two started with the conclusion of the preliminaries with round 4, which pairs the two fan-favorite disciplines: Jump and Masse. Abram made more history when he went a perfect 40/40 in the jump discipline and tied Florian “Venom” Kohler with a total of three World Jump Titles. Tim Chin scored a 31/40 in masse to finish off the World Discipline titles. With only 11 players in the field, the top five players received a first-round bye into the quarterfinals. The playoff format is similar to a game of H.O.R.S.E., where players will pick a shot, and their opponent must duplicate the shot, even if the shot is not made. Players lag to see who leads out in either the odd-numbered disciplines or the even-numbered disciplines through the first eight shots of the playoffs. The final eight shots of the match, called the wild card round, is where each player has four shots, and they can select from the entire 120-shot program. The only rules are that a player cannot duplicate a shot they have already attempted in the match and cannot shoot the same discipline in their four wildcard shots. The first round of the playoffs saw three matches based on seeding. Chi-Ming Lin (6) defeated internet sensation Tim “The Quiet Man” Gallagher (11) 66-11. In the 7/10 matchup, France’s internet sensation Maxence “JMasem Trickshots” Delattre (10) upset 7-seeded Brian Pauley 63-35. In the closest match of the round, Andrew “The Driver” Sozio (9) defeated Jimmy Glanville (8) on the last shot of the match 37-31.

Day 2 concluded with the quarter-final matches, and there were some nailbiters. The number 1 seed Gaston Tomadoni defeated Andrew Sozio 93-52 with only one missed shot, showing why he was the number 1 seed. Chi-Ming Lin dispatched #1 Ranked Abram Diaz (3) with a score of 74-44. Lin was in good form and showed why he was the defending champion. Tim Chin (4) outlasted Jamie “The Bayou Bullet” Moody (5) in a close match 82-63. Tim showed why he is the defending National Artistic Pool Champion. The last match of the quarter-finals saw Maxence Delattre almost pull off his second upset of the day but falling short 40-37 to the number 2-seeded Jason Lynch. Jason was down 37-33 with one shot left in the match. Jason picked the classic over, and under shot, an 8-point special arts shot where the bridge rests across the width of the table on the 1st diamond line. An object ball is shot under the bridge and pocketed while the cue ball jumps over the bridge and then draws back under the bridge to make another object ball in the corner pocket. Jason made the shot on his second attempt. Maxence had a couple of good attempts at the shot but came up with no points.

The Stream Team from Railbirds TV. Kevin Ross, Mark White, Shari Ross (Camera), Brian Pauley (guest commentary) Photo by Brenda Glanville

Group Picture

Left to Right: Chi-Ming Lin, Andrew Sozio, Abram Diaz, Maxence Delattre, Jamie Moody, Jimmy Glanville, Gaston Tomadoni, Tim Gallaher, Tim Chin, Brian Pauley, Jason Lynch Photo by Brenda Glanville

The final four were set, and the players were all looking to etch their names in the history books as World Champions.

The first semi-final match was a history-making match between Gaston Tomadoni and Tim Chin. Since the inception of the current playoff format, there was never a tie in a match. After 16 shots, Gaston and Tim were locked in a 56-56 tie. The tiebreaker is a suddendeath shootout, with each player getting a 5th shot in the wildcard round. Tim picked a shot he shoots very well, a 10-point special arts shot where a cue ball is shot off of a cube of chalk, jumping over a combination, and then kicks back and makes the combination/kick shot. Tim made the shot on his first attempt going up 66-56. Gaston missed this shot on all three attempts. Gaston needed to hit a 10-point shot on the first attempt and then hope Tim misses. Gaston picked a 10-point power draw shot but did not make the shot, which gave Tim the victory and the first spot in the finals.

The second semi-final match saw defending champion Chi-Ming Lin and National Artistic Pool Championship runner-up Jason Lynch lock horns. Chi-Ming Lin opened up to an early lead over Jason, which forced Jason to attempt harder shots to get back into the match. Lin kept making points where Jason struggled to find a groove. This led to Lin defeating Jason 70-40. The finals were now set—the defending National Artistic Pool Champion, Tim Chin, against the defending World Artistic Pool Champion, Chi-Ming Lin.

The players started off making a number of shots, trying to pull ahead in the points. After a couple of uncharacteristic misses by Lin, Tim Chin held a narrow lead of 54-45 halfway through the match. Down eight points, Lin went for a ten-point stroke shot on his second wild card pick. Lin had made this shot against Abram in the round before, becoming the only person to have ever made this shot in competition. Lin missed all three attempts. It was then Tim’s turn to attempt this difficult shot.

After carefully measuring out the setup, Tim became the second person ever to make this shot in competition by drilling it on the first try. Tim jumped with excitement and ignited the crowd to come to their feet. Tim was in the drives seat, up 18 points with only five shots to go. Players traded shots back and forth until each player only had one shot left. Tim was again in the drives seat up 86-75. At this point in the match, Lin needed to hit a ten-point shot and hope that Tim didn’t make it. If Tim was up by 11 points with only his shot left, the match would have been over. Master Lin lived up to his nickname and buried a 10-point Trick & Fancy shot on the first attempt, bringing the score to 86-85 in favor of Tim Chin. If Tim made the shot on the first attempt, he would win the match.

The other scenario was if Tim made the shot on any other attempt, all Tim would need to do would be attempt a six-point shot, and the match would be over. Unfortunately, Tim missed the shot all three times. Tim was very close on his second attempt, but the cue ball, after going three rails, did not make the combination. Instead, it kicked off the rail and only hit the first combo ball. Tim was still in the driver’s seat, however, as he still led 86-85. All Tim needed to do was pick an easy shot and make it on the first try, and the match would be over. Tim picked the classic special arts shot “The Hand is Quicker than the Eye.” This is a push-through shot where the cue ball is in line with the object ball, and a blocker ball is halfway between the cue ball and object ball and off-set. The player strokes through the cue ball, which hits the blocker and ball, and both balls separate, which allows the stroke to continue and hit the object ball. The object ball then strikes a combination/kiss shot setup that makes two balls. At the end of the shot, the only balls on the table are the cue ball, the

blocker ball, and the object ball. Tim had made this shot many times during this event and was comfortable making this. Tim took his first attempt, and to the amazement of everyone watching, Tim missed his first attempt. This left the door open for Lin to tie the match if Tim were to make the shot on his second try. Tim took some extra time on the setup before taking his second attempt.

To everyone’s amazement, Tim missed his second attempt. People were looking at each other dumbfounded. Tim had to gain his composure since he had one more attempt. After making sure the setup was correct, Tim made his third and final attempt at his final wildcard shot and led the match 90-85. This left the door open for Lin, as all he needed to do was make this shot on his first attempt to win the match. After making sure his setup was correct, Lin took his turn at the shot, and when the balls settled, the shot had been made, giving Lin a 91-90 win in a match for the ages. Lin successfully defended his title and became only the 3rd person in the 22-year history of the artistic pool division to win back-to-back WPA World Artistic Pool Championships.

Top 4. Left to Right” Gaston Tomadoni (3rd), Chi-Ming Lin (1st), Tim Chin (2nd), Jason Lynch (4th) Photo by Brenda Glanville

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