Stroke Magazine August Issue 2011

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Stroke Staff Publisher/Editor Don “Cheese” Akerlow Marketing Director Mary Akerlow Layouts & Design Wendy Swenson Sunshine Ross Don Akerlow Mary Akerlow

About Stroke

Don “Cheese” Akerlow

Stroke 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 Eastcoast and adjoining states.

Look for Stroke by the 10th of each month.

The opinions expressed are those of the author Publisher 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. © 2011 Stroke

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August 2011 - Stroke Magazine 3

MARYLAND OPEN 14.1 STRAIG

BIG DADDY’S

Players and fans began arriving into the Baltimore area as early as noon on Thursday July 22-24, 2011 This event has become one of the most prestigious straight pool tournaments of the year in the U.S. and for the third consecutive year has been held at a new family billiard venue, BIG DADDY’S BILLIARDS, 7954 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd., Glen Burnie, Maryland. Under the ownership of Richard & Cynthia Molineiro “ Big Daddy’s” has become the premier east coast mecca for the beautiful and imaginative game of 14.1. Previously the Maryland Straight Pool title has been won by Danny Harriman - 2010, Danny Harriman - 2009, Bob Maidhof - 2008, Mika Immonen - 2007, Ed Hodan - 2006, Ryan McCreesh - 2005 This year a 35 player field of the top Straight Pool players in the country began to filter into Maryland for Friday afternoon warm-ups, check out the venue, the tables and equipment, new Simonis 860 cloth, Centennial balls. Players were anxious to get in a few hours of practice, as competition this year was going to be one of the strongest fields ever.

The Friday evening pre-tournament reception also serves as the tournament payers meeting. Format this year was slightly amended with a 35 player field, 7 balanced flights of 5 players each for the initial Round Robin session. Everyone playing a 100 point match vs. the other four players in their flight with the 24 top players advancing to the Sunday single elimination round. The 7 flight winners, plus the best 2nd place player were rewarded with a first round bye in the knockout on Sunday. Good idea! Zion Zvi finished 2nd in his flight and was the top 2nd place player based on his W-L record and ball differential, so h took the 8th spot and a coveted a first round bye on Sunday morning. The 35 players were listed in an approximate pecking order and then balanced flights were randomly drawn.

Encompassed in the informal reception & cocktail party on Friday night was the Players Meeting which Director Peter Burrows believes is always a welcome opportunity for players to voice their opinions of format, rules and anything else on their mind.

After an evening of companionship and an hour of practice the action got off to a bright and early start 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, using 14 Pro Diamond & Brunswick Gold Crown tables and 35 players each playing the other four in his flight on pre-assigned tables and time slots, with an attempt that each player would play two of his matches on Diamond tables and two on Brunswick tables. The day consisted of five rounds and each player would have one round during the day when he had a bye. Some tough scheduling but meticulously managed by official scorer & statistician, Dave Nangle.

Bob Maidhof raced through his four Sat. games winning all with only a tight match 100-88 vs. Maryland’s Ed Deska to reach the bye round on Sunday. As luck would have it Bob again faced Eddie Deska in the second round on Sunday, following Ed’s lengthly and tight win over Rick Molineiro 125-101. But this time Maryland’s own Eddie prevailed over Drexeline Bob winning a tight match 125-101. Former Maryland and now Fla. pro Mike Davis, won his flight and so got to sleep in

on Sunday morning with a bye before matching up against Earl Herring. Mike seldom misses and pulled away with a 125-37 win. Davis then moved on to play Zion Zvi and pulled far ahead needing only 4 balls before allowing Zion back to the table. Given the chance and with a favorable roll at a key juncture Zion came back with a 50+ to run out the match with a 125-121 win. Brandon Shuff won his first round match vs. local Big Daddy’s player, Tom Lyons, and then faced up to the great Jose Parica. Jose pulled way away with early long runs as Brandon sat.

But not intimidated the young Virginia sharp shooter knuckled down and started to grind reminiscent of a seasoned veteran. A couple of good runs and gradually Brandon pulled it close. Still Jose needed only 11. Suddenly he was stuck on a ball and Brandon was back at the table with a chance to get out, and he did wining an exciting match 125-114 vs. one of the era’s great great 14.1 players. Johnny Archer, moved easily through most of his matches with wins over a really solid PA player and room owner at Cosmos Billiards, Scranton PA, Kevin Clark. What an impressive player. But Johnny prevailed 125-74 and then got past Deska 125-60.

Bob Hunter had a good Saturday not allowing an opponent to reach 50 before Bob got his 100, and so reached 3-0 in the round robin before finally losing his last Sat. match to Archer 100-68. And so the great World Champ and top cue maker from Chicago moved to Sunday where he eliminated Amsterdam Billiards own Chris Lynch in the first round to set up his match with Dave Daya who had a bye. Daya is always a crafty and tough opponent, and just doesn’t miss; seems he almost knows the game of 14.1 too well. What a player. Dave eventually managed to draw slightly ahead and finally pulled out a see-saw battle of safeties to win the match 127-77.

In spite of his motor cycle ride from West VA over to Baltimore on Friday, the hottest day in Maryland in recent memory, John Schmidt had two 100 and outs on Saturday. Not paying attention to manners, John made one of those vs.

Tournament Director Peter Burrows. Just no respect for his elders! None of Mr. 400’s opponents on Saturday reached 50 points. And then in the Sunday 2nd round John faced an always tough opponent, Bob Chamberlain . . . same result, Schmitty winning 125-26. When would someone get up and run some ball against Mr. Schmidt? Really tough to do, as John has 200 ball runs in his sleep! His opponents just cannot afford to miss . . . ever! The beauty of straight pool.

The two semi final matches began about an hour behind schedule,. . . so what is new! A live stream mini-cam picked up the most of exciting action about 7 p.m. on Sunday between Dave Daya & Johnny Archer on one table and NY’s Zion Zvi vs. John Schmidt on the other. No surprises here. Daya came in 2nd last year in Maryland losing to Danny Harriman and Zion has been well known to 14.1 players for half dozen years. But upsets were not to happen and Daya held on vs.

Archer before The Scorpion finally go into stroke and raced out to a 125-52 win.

On the next table Mr. 400 open a huge lead and never looked back, keeping the young NYC phenom in his chair for a brief hour as he cruised through an 82 ball

Big Daddy’s Billiards Watch for Upcoming Events Call for Info

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4 Stroke Magazine - August 2011

GHT POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS

S BILLIARDS

PHOTO BY WARREN KAHLE PHOTOGRAPHY ANNAPOLIS, MD

June 21 for the Seventh Annual Maryland Open 14.1 Straight Pool Championships

run, a miss and then he was out sending Zion to the showers. But never fear, smooth stroking Double Z, with lovely Miss Andoni at his side, will be back.

And so into the finals marched Johnny Archer & John Schmidt. Not at all unexpected for two great seasoned pros. But as in a golf tournament with a slew of great players anyone can surge into the lead early. So it is hard to predict who the final two standing on Sunday afternoon are going to be, even given their Hall of Fame credentials, with such a strong field. But the fact that the two top players moved all the way through and on to the Sunday finals is a testimony to their true greatness; one a hall of famer the other a certain lock for the Hall as the years move along.

The final match began on the tv table at 9:30 PM and Schmidt jumped out to a quick lead with a nice run, but this was Johnny’s night and he got back into

the match, and then a tough roll sat Mr. 400 down and Johnny managed to get out from there winning 125-74 to capture the first place trophy and a prize of $4,000. Something to help Johnny’s little seven year old guy through some tough months following major ear surgery. A tip of the hat to one of the games great ambassadors, Mr. Johnny Archer. And to a great event for John Schmidt, 2nd place prize of $3,000. And winner of the high run on Sat. with two 100 & outs, and again high run winner on Sunday with an 82. Two just great players!

A terrific Maryland tournament once again. Always lots of debate among players and fans as to 14.1 format . . . Is this the best way, an old fashioned round robin, let the cream rise and then a handful of players play on in a single (14.1 continued on page 22)

August 2011 - Stroke Magazine 5

COLUMNIST

The Art of Teaching

By The Monk

Tim Miller

You can go to my web site and read over seventy important instructional articles at no cost to you. www. monkbilliardacademy.net has video clips to show you how to hit the shots.

My special three-day workshop is limited to four students. I do not allow my students to get lost in a large class. I am here to help you at a reasonable price. It is about skill development.

May all the rolls go your way, The Monk

I have two students who have joined my “mentor program”.

One is a professional player who seems to be stuck in the middle of the pack. The other is a young man who has dreams of a world championship. They both desire to be world class.

The valley between the desire to reach high skill level and the reality of reaching high skill level is found in how you prepare.

It is not in how much time you put on the table. It is how you train. Your training must be deliberate and specific.

As you travel through the training material you must be aware that there are pitfalls at every turn, ways to stray from the path without knowing what is happening. After a while, ten years have passed and you have not experienced the progress you expected when you took up this game.

There are four stages each player must pass through to reach the top.

The first stage is the Shot making stage. Here we simply make balls. While in this stage we find ourselves hooked behind balls and not able to complete our run out.

It is at this point many players move on to play position.

Moving from the Shot making to position play is fatal for most players.

The second stage is the Four Strokes of Pool. The stroke determines the track line of the cue ball. The stroke determines the speed of the cue ball. Without mastery of the Four Strokes you will always be guessing on your position play.

The third stage is Cue Ball Speed. Here we master speed and position play.

The fourth stage is Mastering Self. In this final stage we learn to control our emotions and are able to deliver one hundred per cent effort on each shot.

SEE THE SHOT, KNOW THE STROKE, SHOOT THE SHOT.

If you have a mentor who can guide you through all

Training Materials Classes Workshops Videos Books and more ...

See it all online www.monkbilliardacademy.net 6 Stroke Magazine - July 2011

four phases you will pass through the valley and become a master.

Lets suppose you are faced with a safety shot. You could go for the bank but this would be low percentage.

In the Mastering Self stage you realize that you would be playing a bank only to get another bank shot. The right shot would be to play a safety. Bank the ball back to the bottom rail and send the cue ball down table. This way you put your opponent at a disadvantage.

In this shot you must be able to hit the precise edge of the object ball. That comes from the Shot Making stage.

Then you must spin the ball down table. This comes form the Four Strokes of Pool stage. Then you must land at the bottom rail. Here you are using the Cue Ball speed stage.

As you can see, all four stages come into play on a shot like this.

Don’t trust your game to a “pool player.” Go to a professional teacher. Read books from those who have done the research and have the experience to help you. Studies have shown that the best teachers are at ages sixty-five and over. Take advantage of these wise instructors while they are still in the game. Experience is vital to teaching all phases of this complicated game.

Success is found in skill development. Knowledge applied is skill developed. You can acquire all the knowledge in the world but until you develop your skills you will never reach world class.

Champion Richard Jones (GBR) Foto: EPBF/AMM

August 2011 - Stroke Magazine 7

COLUMNIST

WWPD? (What Would the Pros Do?) Vol. 2

By Samm Diep © August 2011

Samm Diep

Samm Diep, “Cherry Bomb” (DenverCherryBomb.com) House Pro at Rack ‘Em Billiards (Aurora, CO) Author of “You Might Be A D Player If… (101 Classic Moves That All Pool Players Can Appreciate)”

Player Representative for Chris Byrne Custom Cues, PoolDawg, Predator, Jim Murnak Custom Cases, & Delta-13 Rack SammsPocket.com | fun & unique products for pool players PoolTipJar.com | random smatterings of pool thoughts, articles, news, & reviews

Volume 2 of “What Would the Pros Do?” takes us to the 2010 contact and adjust his speed accordingly. This shot is played U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships in Chesapeake, Virginia with inside draw. The inside (right-hand) spin facilitates where the score is tied 5-5 between Efren Reyes and Marc pocketing the ball and as an added bonus, it also causes the Vidal. After making a remarkable shot on the 7 ball in the cue ball to bounce away from the 9 ball after it contacts the side, Efren leaves himself dead, straight in on the 8 ball with second rail. the 9 at the other end of the table.

This rail-first shot guarantees position on the 9 ball. In Commentators quickly identified his dilemma and the event that you miss the 8 ball, it also carries the possibility suggested he might attempt a jump or masse shot. Efren of a safety because the cue ball is sent down table while the 8 scratched his head and contemplated all the possibilities. In the end, the choice was clear.

Let’s review his options: Option A: Cheat the pocket.

Option B: Jump the cue ball.

Option C: Masse the cue ball.

Option D: Draw the cue ball.

Option E: Pocket the 8 ball rail-first.

Efren chose Option E.

The risk of attempting to cheat the pocket in Option A is too high. So many things could go wrong with this choice. It’s far too easy to miss the shot when you place priority on playing position. Aside from missing the shot, there’s also the extreme danger of jumping either or both balls off the table. ball usually remains up table. Efren also knew that with the newer cloth on the TV table, the balls slide more and shots are

Jumping the cue ball in Option B requires a perfect hit more forgiving. and is also incredibly risky.

Like any new shot, do not attempt to execute this without The possibility practice. If you miss the shot, pay close attention to what of the cue ball side of the ball you’re missing it. Don’t be afraid to cut this and/or the ball. It’s much better to overcut this shot than to undercut object ball it. Remember that along with pocketing the ball, the other jumping off the objective is to create distance between the cue ball and the 8 table is quite ball. Undercutting the 8 ball could easily result in selling out high. This shot the shot. also requires

Choosing the correct option won the game for Efren and an elevated cue allowed him to take and a very firm the lead for the first stroke.

Once time in the match. again, there is He went on to win a huge chance 11-7. Both players of missing the demonstrated shot. t r e m e n d o u s

The masse shot in Option C is not a bad choice but it’s shot-making and an extremely difficult shot that requires a lot of practice. defensive play in this This is not a practical shot and even with practice it’s not feature Accu-stats guaranteed that it can be executed properly under pressure in match. Efren shot a competition. If you are able to pocket the ball with the masse, .871 and Marc shot the cue ball is sent loose and there is very little guarantee for a .793. position.

To purchase this

Drawing the cue ball straight back with low left-hand dvd or others like it, spin will get you close, but not close enough. You will have a go to accu-stats.com hard time getting the cue ball anywhere near the center of the and mention this table. Once again, using such extreme spin and speed reduces article to receive $5 the chances of pocketing the ball and in this case, with very off. little reward even if you do.

The best decision in this scenario is Option E. The only thing Efren has to do was decide what part of the rail to Read more articles by Samm Diep at www.onthebreaknews.com

8 Stroke Magazine - August 2011

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K rah First at Top Hat

Winner Matt Krah

Planet Pool Tour made its way to Top Hat cue club in Parksville Maryland on Saturday July 16,2011. A field of 40 players made the trip, players like Tony Long, Matt Krah, Josh Brothers, Shaun Wilkie, Kevin West, Sean Morgan, Brett Stottlemyer, Alan Duty and Ryan Mcreesh to name a few.

Leading the top half of the bracket was Ryan Mcreesh with wins over Eric Perry 9-2, Brett Stottlemyer 9-4, Kevin West 9-4, and Shaun Wilkie 9-8. Leading the bottom half of the bracket was Matt Krah with wins over Don Steele 9-7, Garcia Bouie 9-5, Rick Glasscock 9-4, and Alan Duty 9-4.

Playing for the hot seat was Ryan Mcreesh VS Matt Krah this was a one sided match with Matt Krah winning easily 9-4 sending Ryan Mcreesh to the one lost side. Waiting of Ryan Mcreesh on the one lost side was Shaun Wilkie this was a great match that had Ryan Mcreesh pulling off the win 7-5.

In the finals it was a rematch from the hot seat match Ryan Mcreesh VS Matt Krah, Ryan Mcreesh has to beat Matt Krah twice in order to win the event. This was a great match it was tied at 7’s when Matt Krah took control of the match and won 9-7 and the Planet Pool tour stop at Top Hat cue club.

I would like to thank all the sponsors Mike Ricciardella RE/Max Pros, Coins of the Realm inc, Capone Custom Cues, George Hammerbacher BCA Certified Instructor Gamblin, Inside Pool ,Billiards Digest, AZ Billiards, and all the players that came out to play.

1st

$110

Matt Krah

2nd

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Ryan Mcreesh

3rd

$400

Shaun Wilkie

4th

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Kevin West

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Alan Duty/Sean Morgan

7th/8th

$100

Josh Brothers/Brett Stottlemyer

2nd Place Ryan Mcreesh

COLUMNIST San Francisco Billiard Academy www.sfbilliards.com

Bob Jewett

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The academy offers: Private Instruction Basics Clinic Eight Ball Clinic Nine Ball Clinic Introduction to Billiard Instruction BCA Recognized Instructor Course BCA Certified Instructor Course

The Game of Three Ball BY: BOB JEWETT

Three ball is a great game for group play.

It is fast action, pure offense, and suitable for small stakes among players who are not perfectly matched. Everyone has a chance to win even if the better player will edge ahead in the long run. The basic idea is for each player to break and run three balls off the table in as few shots as possible in any order and in any pocket. The player who takes the fewest shots wins the pot. If there is a tie for lowest score between any two players, everyone antes again and gets another turn until there is an untied best score in a round. Any number may play, but four or more is best. I’ve heard of 15 in a game.

There are many regional variations in the detailed rules; I’ll try to cover the ones that seem the most common. The standard rack for the break is in a triangle as shown.

Among experienced players this rack is sometimes considered too easy as the two back balls often go along the route shown for the four ball -- four cushions around the table and back to its home corner. I think this break is fine as long as the players in the game rarely score a “two” which would be like an eagle at golf, with four strokes being par. Placing the three balls in line for the “pro” break removes any really standard break.

Order is decided by any standard method, such a pulling peas from a shake bottle.

Since the order is important towards the end of a round, I favor having whoever shoots last in a round shoot first in the next round. If you foul, it is a one-stroke

from the center of the table. Try to control the cue ball to bring it back to the middle. This break gives the best chance to make the two four-railers on the corner balls. An alternative suggested in an on-line forum looks a lot like a one-pocket break: shoot softly from the side and just clip the head ball. That repositions the farthest ball a little which is then struck by the third ball and it is redirected to the pocket. Even if the ball doesn’t go in, you should have at least one good shot after the break.

If a player has no chance to tie -he has already taken 4 strokes with 2 balls still up and a 4 has already been scored -- he should concede and the next player will start.

This helps a lot on coin-op tables where balls in play are precious.

If you shoot last in the round, modify your strategy accordingly.

For example, if the best score so far is a tie at four strokes, you have to go all-out for a three, even if that means playing a fourcushion carom or a 5-foot combination. If you don’t get all the balls moving on your third shot, there is no way to score a 3. On the other hand, if there is a single score of four leading and you shoot last, the other players are likely to expect you to take a “conservative” four to tie and get everyone into the next round.

For other variations, check out the article in Wikipedia, which includes a 3-ball tourney format.

penalty, and any ball made on the foul shot spots back up. That pretty much guarantees you won’t win that round.

The recommended break is hard, nearly straight at the head ball and

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August 2011 - Stroke Magazine 11

TRU E S TORY

A Day for Jimmy Caras

It was sometime in June of 1991 when Jimmy Caras approached me and said he had to get ready for a challenge match with Willie Mosconi

The match had been planned for months and it was time to get serious about getting in stroke. So, we made a practice schedule and stuck to it. Every day was like watching a boxer train for the heavy weight world championship. We spared together day after day. Jimmy was 82 years old at the time but acted like a teenager that had just fell in love with the game of pool. Everyone could see Jimmy was up for this one and getting better with every stroke. There was really a buzz around the pool room. All our regulars would show up every day to watch Jimmy and I practice.

I (Bob Maidhof) had met Jimmy about two years before and was fortunate to have acquired a wonderful friendship with one of the greatest players of all time and felt blessed to have been so lucky.

Everyone at the pool room (Drexeline

12 Stroke Magazine - August 2011

Billiard Club) was primed to go spectate this marvelous event. We bought about 30 tickets to this Dinner Show Exhibition and that was not enough. Probably 35 people plus attended from our pool room.

Anyway, day after day of practice was paying off as Jimmy was running 50 balls plus every day, and that ain’t chopped liver at the age of 82 folks.

Funny thing about when I first met Jimmy was that when my wife Susan and I had first opened The Drexeline Billiard Club early in 1989, Jimmy Caras had found his way to our pool room to check it out. He walked in and I immediately knew who he was (My Idol in the pool world) and ran up to introduce myself. I was very excited and said, “Mr. Caras, my name is Bob and it is so cool to have you here.” He looked at me funny, said hi, and walked out. I could not

figure out where I went wrong and if I had offended him. I asked my counter person, Marie, “What did I do wrong for him to walk out?” We could not figure it out other then Jimmy not wanting people to make a big thing over his presents.

A few days went by and here came Jimmy Caras again, walking into the pool room. I decided to not pay him any mind.

Did not want to shark him again. He stayed a while, just watching the hackers, had a cup of coffee, and chewing on a cigar then exited. He fell into that routine the rest of that week, with me not saying a peep to him.

He kept to himself for the most part.

The following week he was bringing his cue now and hitting balls around. Found out he was killing time while his wife Phyllis was at bowling league. This went on for about a month.

Then one day he was hanging out while I was hitting balls. I did not realize he was watching me. I was practicing straight pool. My patterns at the time were fair. As I ran a rack, right in the middle of my stroke Jimmy jumped out of his chair and yelled out, “NO, not that ball, shoot this ball”. He immediately came running over to show me the best pattern for the remains of that rack. I never saw a man of that age run so fast. He really had a passion for the game as it was clear to see.

He came over and started schooling me and I thought I was in heaven. This went on almost every day and that is when Jimmy opened up to me and all of our customers. To this day I don’t know what held him back when he first started coming to our room. From then on we became very close and went everywhere together. My wife Susan, Jimmy’s wife Phyllis, Jimmy, and I were always going out together, and I was the luckiest guy alive to be in his company, let alone his good friend.

One night we were in a French restaurant and next table over was Mike Schmidt from the Philly’s dining with a couple other guys.

Jimmy leaned over and said to Mike Schmidt, “Hi, I am Jimmy Caras”, extending his hand to shake and Mike Schmidt said “Hi”, shook Jimmy’s hand and turned his back. Jimmy figured Schmidt should know that he was a Billiards Hall of Famer, but we all know pool is a different world.

At least I thought Schmidt would mistake Jimmy for a fan looking for a

Earl “THE PEARL” ULTIMATE BILLIARDS

Earl “THE PEARL” Strickland came to Ultimate Billiards, July 23, 2011 In Fort Pierce Florida www.ultimate-billiards.com Earl and 37 others vied for the Ultimate First place prize, of $1000.00. This was an, open 9-Ball event. The format was, a race to 9 on the winner’s side and a race to seven on the loser’s side.

Earl Played Anthony Megalino for the hot seat and sent Anthony to the left side where he lost a tough battle with David Broxson.

David Broxson fought through the left side of the chart after suffering a third round defeat to John Foster, to play Earl in the finals single race to 11 and lost a hard fought battle 11-5.

David settled for 2nd place and received $675.00 for his efforts.

First place Earl Strickland $1000.00 Second place David Broxson $675.00 Third place Anthony Megalino $475.00 Fourth Place Hunter Lombardo $340.00 Fifth/ Sixth John Foster, Jerry Colderon $200.00 each Seventh/Eighth Mike Mallen,Rob Melrose $100.00 each

JIMMY CARAS, BOB MAIDHOF, PHYLLIS CARAS

autograph, but we know that was not the case. After the hand shake Jimmy turned to us and said that Mike Schmidt was not very nice to put it kindly. Had to be there. Was certainly a funny moment.

Getting back to the challenge match, the time had come. Jimmy dressed to a tee in a Tuxedo with cue case in hand he was ready to go.

We all showed up with approx. 40 people from the pool room to support Jimmy. Pat Fleming was there with his Accu-Stat crew , and Mike Massey came to entertain the guests before the match. Mike Massey put on a trick shot exhibition that was amazing. What a great way to begin. Finally the main event. All the hard work paid off. Jimmy won the challenge and also took high run.

I had never seen him so happy. It was like he was 30 years old again. Never saw a man his age so alive. The next day we had a celebration party for Jimmy back at the pool room. What a great time in Jimmy’s life, and I was fortunate to be a part of it.

I miss Jimmy and am thankful every day for the time I was lucky enough to be around him. He really helped my pool game as my high run is now 316 thanks to what I had learned from the great Jimmy Caras.

I hope I get a chance to tell you the story of our trip to Key West, Florida. Jimmy , my wife Susan and I in Fla. Great Time.

PS: Accu-Stats has Valley “Hall of Fame” Dinner Show Willie Mosconi vs Jimmy Caras. A collectors DVD. A great one to add to your collection.

$1000.00 was added by the house and each entry of $65.00 was charged a $10.00 greens fee.

38 entries X $55.00=2090 with $1000.00 added,brought the prize pool to $3090.00.

The next open 9-ball event at Ultimate Billiards is August 13-14. It will be a two day event with the cash line finishing on Sunday August 14.

A second chance event with $300.00 added and $50.00 entry fee will be held also on Sunday August 14, 2011.

Statement most heard was the amounts of the payouts.

Please help us support the tournament format in our room. Come and be a part of it.

Although it is an open tournament event with %25 of the field being paid this is a great opportunity to play great players for a nominal fee. Ask yourself this question. Would I take a chance and play in a tournament for $65.00 and have a chance to play FIVE TIME WORLD CHAMPION EARL STRICKLAND? Let me answer this one for you. YES!!! Well you should have been here. So see you next month. If you support us, we will support you, and the sport you love.

Thanks; The Ultimate Billiards Staff.

Drexeline Billiard Club

Pro Shop W/Cues, Cases, & Accsesories - 2 Heated Billiard Tables 5x10 2 - 7’ Diamonds - 2 - 8’ Gold Crowns - 14 - 9’ Gold Crowns Flat Screen TVs - Video Games - Internet Juke Box - Free WiFi Regular Tour Tournaments - Weekly Handicap 9Ball tourney “Tuesdays” Cable TV, & Stereo - BYBO - Fully Air Conditioned Full Lunch Counter - And much More ... Open 7 days a week from 9AM - 2AM

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August 2011 - Stroke Magazine 13

NEVEL SAY

BY: GERRY MAYEN

NEVER

The Seminole Pro Tour visited a very familiar site on the weekend of July 8-10, Capone’s Billiards in Spring Hill, FL for another Tour Stop.

This stop was unique in that the Universal Pool League modified round robin format was used to score the event. These rules place an emphasis on each rack played, as the total number of racks won and lost gave each player a unique win percentage.

The leader board was determined by this percentage with added bonus points given for each break and run. All players played 4 rounds (2 on Friday and 2 on Saturday) before the field was cut down to the top 20 scores to move on to the Sunday money rounds. Sunday, 4 more rounds were played then the top four percentage leaders played a single elimination for the championship.

For fans and spectators alike, this

format created great matches. The format matches up the #1 ranked player with #2, #3 ranked with #4 and so on all the way down the line. Round 1 of action however was a blind draw since no points were yet won.

Round 1 matches would set the tone for what would be three days of outstanding matches. Each table was equipped with a computer that players would enter their scores and instantly the leader board would reflect those inputs.

This was none more exciting as at the conclusion of a round 4 match between Shaun Putnam and Demetrius Jelatis. Both players were fighting for one of the last spots in the top 20 and a chance to advance to the money rounds the following day.

Left to right: Gerry Mayen (TD), Larry Nevel, Rocky McElroy (Owner Capone’s), Alex Pagulayan

14 Stroke Magazine - August 2011

Mitch Ellerman, winner of the first Tour Stop at the California Billiard Club, Rodney Morris, Paul Song, Putnam and Jelatis were all in contention for the final two spots with only the Putnam Jelatis match remaining.

As Jelatis would win one rack and enter his score, the leader board would instantly show Jelatis and Morris advancing. Putnam would win the next rack evening the score at 3 games apiece and it would look like Song and Morris would advance. It wasn’t until the final ball was sunk and the final score being 5-5 that the leader board would fluctuate for the final time. It left Morris, Jelatis and Song at a three way tie for the final two spots.

Through the pre-determined tiebreaker of total games won, Rodney Morris and Demetrius Jelatis advanced, leaving Paul Song so close, but out of the money rounds.

The money rounds continued to produce outstanding match-ups in round 5 such as Alex Pagulayan versus Charlie Williams and Johnny Archer against Adam Smith.

Williams would defeat Pagulayan 6-4 and Smith would grind out a tough 7-3 victory over Archer on the live stream feature table. Since all players played all 4 money rounds, no player was eliminated yet.

Round 6 would have Earl Strickland and Adam Smith atop of the leader board as 1 and 2. Smith would fall to Strickland 6-4 sliding him a few spots down the leader board. Making a huge move up the leader board was Larry Nevel. After a 6-4 win over Mike Davis in round 6 and a 7-3 victory over Dennis Hatch in round 7, Nevel was sitting comfortably in the top 4 players going into the final round 8. In round 8

Nevel would keep shooting beautifully and held Earl Strickland to a 5-5 draw and a spot for both Strickland and Nevel in the final 4 along with Adam Smith. The final spot in the final 4 wouldn’t come easy. Mike Davis and Alex Pagulayan would come up tied after round 8 with Davis defeating Jerry Calderon 9-1 and Pagulayan drawing Charlie Williams 5-5.

It would Pagulayan this time that would win the tie breaker based on total games won and he would advance to the final four single elimination rounds for the championship. In the semi-final match-ups Adam Smith (#2 seed) would face Larry Nevel (#3 seed) and Earl Strickland (#1 seed) squared off against a familiar foe in Alex Pagulayan (#4 seed). Both matches were great battles. Nevel jumped on Smith early and would knockout Smith with a final score of 9 to 3 while Strickland would eventually fall to Pagulayan 9-7.

This would set up the final match between Larry Nevel and Alex Pagulayan for the $10,000 first prize and title as a Seminole Pro Tour stop winner. The final match had the entire pool room’s attention

as the last two remaining player’s would continue their stellar shooting.

Alex seemed to be playing catch up to Nevel the entire match. Nevel was breaking the balls perfectly and would follow it with precise and focused shooting. Nevel would prove to be just too much for Pagulayan to handle and would take the victory 11-7. This would be Nevel’s first victory on the Seminole Pro Tour and it would be the biggest payout for any first place winner on any regular, nonchampionship, Seminole Pro Tour stop.

The Seminole Pro Tour wants to remind all players and fans that the Seminole Pro Tour has two upcoming events in August (8/5 – 8/7 at Snookers in Providence, RI and 8/19 – 8/21 at Fiddlestix in Canton, OH) followed by the Steve Mizerak Championship on September 15-18. All events are streamed live via pay-per-view exclusively at www.seminoleprotour.com.

Visit the site to get all of your Seminole Pro Tour news, merchandise and to catch all the live streams. All the matches from this event and all other events will be available on the website for viewing.

The Seminole Pro Tour would like

to thank Rocky McElroy and the entire Capone’s Billiards staff for all of their help and hospitality during the tournament.

Until next time… Rack On!! \M/ RESULTS: 1. $10,000 2. $6,000 3. $4,000 4. $4,000 5. $2,500 6. $2,400 7. $1,900 8. $1,800 9. $1,500 10. $1,450 11. $1,400 12. $1,350 13. $1,250 14. $1,200 15. $1,150 16. $1,100 17. $1,075 18. $1,025 19. $975 20. $925

Larry Nevel Alex Pagulayan Earl Strickland Adam Smith Mike Davis Charlie Williams Dennis Hatch Justin Hall Oscar Dominguez Rodney Morris Jesse Engel Stevie Moore Ernesto Dominguez Johnny Archer Yerry Calderon Jeremy Sossei Hunter Lombardo John Foster Mike DeLawder Demetrius Jelatis

August 2011 - Stroke Magazine 15

S TORY

Lucky

#6

BY ANDREW MONSTIS

“The Beginning of the Road” The day we left for the road was an adventure. It was early and cooo old. Bet is was 35 degrees. I was jacked! So was Lucky. We decided into taking the sedan instead of the truck. The truck was too unsecured. Bustling around the ranch trying not to forget anything was a bit stress full. We kept running into each other at every junction, on the stairways in the kitchen at the garage. The favorite expression when we met up was “ops, pardon me!

Scooter Libby” Given that Valerie Plane ordeal a few years ago, we were “scooting” around the house and it also the phrase rhymes.

We packed cloths bags, made sure twice, three times we had the right maps, auto tools and gear. Very importantly was the laptop with all the information in it. The data on it had where to go and what players we knew were in the areas.

That research took weeks. It was a lot of calling friends and looking on the net for tournaments and checking the action report on AZBilliards.

We learned a lot of STUFF. We were prepared on where the action was and all the tournaments even the unpublished ones. We had a virtual road map.

Every town had names of players, stake horses and skill levels of many players. Unlike many Road players, who fly by the seat of their pants, Lucky was prepared.

The car had a secret compartment behind the back seat where we could keep our best pool cues. We kept the plain two-piece bar cues in trunk. Planed to use them mostly. The car had a cutoff switch so no one could steel the car. I had to remember to turn it on when we stopped. We were only taking a certain amount of cash and only keeping a certain amount in our pockets. Anything we won went into bank as soon as possible. If we needed money we would go to the ATM. Didn’t want to carry too much, we could be a targets for being robbed. Man, Lucky thought of everything.

I am continually reminded just how smart the man is. He is constantly reading magazines, journals and newspapers. He has a huge vocabulary but only uses simple language. He is up on all the politics and the drama they create. He especially knows about human nature. He reads people well. Seems like he’s known them for years. He might as well be a psychologist.

When we started out we were easily clearing $150 a day on average just on small local area action no known player types. On a couple days we made around $40-50 and some days $500. That seems to me to be not a lot of money, but Lucky said he made more last time out on the road. He thinks we could be making three times that on the average and we will. After 3 1/2 weeks and after expenses, we were pumped up to over $4,000. We had enough money to carry us on the road for a while. We even could take a few days off sitting in the sun or rain

16 Stroke Magazine - August 2011

depending on where we were.

Lucky and I have played every single day with someone or one another. Although playing every day his opponents have been polite and friendly gamblers, just waiting to take his money, or so they thought. Not one player yet has been a real run out player. Not one score was big, so far only a few hundred off any one guy. Lucky never pushed any game. We were staying away from any known players and bad action. “ you beat a good players the word gets around, fast” you play good players when the time is right.

We started out and headed for Little Creek Casino until we heard the WBCA tournament got cancelled. I guess the Casino foolishly double booked some act that hardly anyone cares about.

They jolted a whole bunch of pool players attending. Not bright! Oh well! Lucky was anxious to see some of these players, but we had action everywhere anyway. I was driving to our next location. The driving was easy and traffic was light. Tuning the radio we found the BCS football championship. We were listening to it for awhile.

Lucky kept saying how the Ducks misfired 3 times in the first quarter and that will be the difference in the game. We had been driving about 4 hours when Lucky got a call on his cell phone. “Hello!” “well I’ll be a monkeys uncle” What you been doing”.

They went into some sharing on what they both been doing and Lucky settled into a listening and a less animated discussion manner. Lucky ended the call by saying “it will take about a day” “ see you then” Lucky said “Slow down” I put my foot on the break and started to steered the car in to the turn out “turn left at that intersection up ahead” I said ‘aren’t we going straight” because we were headed to the next planned place and it was about a days drive too. Lucky said were going a new way.

Lucky told me that a friend of his asked him to come to town where there was “this” action.

This was not the quote normal action but a reprisal game. Lucky’s friend had played and lost to these guys and was treated badly and was totally intimidated by the behavior they exhibited. He knew Lucky could handle them easily. Lucky always said he will try to stay away from that type of action where it is more about getting even then about the money. I quizzed him on it…Lucky said at the request of an old friend he had to go. Lucky painted a harsh view of these guys.

We were driving most of the next day.

Going through this town we stopped at this bar.

We got out of the car stretched then went inside hung around a while and just played a few locals.

Surprisingly everyone liked to play pool for money.

It wasn’t long before the characters came in. They made sure they were noticed, demanding drinks and food from the bar tender, Her name was Simona.

She did a good job of biting her tongue.

The one character is commercial building contractor who makes a lot of money doesn’t know how to spend it. He uses his money to make himself feel like a big shot, at the expense of other people mostly. He acts more like a leader of some weekend mercenaries, ordering people here and there. He buy’s his friends, and occasional buy’s dates. People put up with him and his so called best friend.

Everyone one really enjoys when they lose. Them losing is better then watching a war in WWII movie where the Nazi’s get bombed to oblivion. This contractor has a real gambling jones and loves to play pool. Known to bet it up. The name they call him when he’s not around is Sugar Daddy.

His best friend crony, a used car dealer, who thinks he’s a player and who seems to act like the mayor of the town. He would never get my vote.

Doesn’t have anyone’s respect and there are plenty of names giving for him too. He has no clue. The people around have to be drunk to put up with him. I can’t really say his nickname here but it is a common name giving to a prison cellmate.

They came in and started in on everyone. They saw we were playing pool with their pigeons. Like they had ownership of these games. They started in on the new guy, Lucky

Car dealer tells everyone ”We have more money then anyone in this joint, I’ll bet on that.

The car dealer might have $120 in his pocket while his contractor friend might have $10,000 in his.

Convenient for the dealer to make that statement.

The truth of it was they probably did have the most money in the place.

Lucky was nervous because this kind of situation could escalate and we are not young bucks anymore. Lucky worked it well. Lucky let them dictate all the gambling by acting indecisive. Lucky had them like a cat chasing a string and they knew nothing. They thought they were getting everything their way and pulling the wool over our eyes on the betting moves. Lucky played a couple of short sets.

They would play one short set to 5 for $100 then want to jack the bet to a thousand. Lucky hemmed and hawed.

“I am not sure about that much money” so they came up with a lower bet amount like $200.

Lucky said “that’s still a lot”, “Ok I guess”. Lucky would win some watching silently applauding. Then all over again “play for a thousand!” and settle on less.

They were gleaming that they brilliantly got Lucky to keep playing. It wasn’t that Lucky didn’t want to play for higher stakes, he was managing the situation to avoid any problems. After about $3100 of their money Lucky finally talked them out of continuing to play. He made it seem that they (Lucky continued on page 24)

2011 BEF JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

CROWNED Olson, Miller, Thorpe and Reynolds reign

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) crowned four winners in the 2011 BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships. Over 100 junior pocket billiard players gathered in the Huskies Den at Northern Illinois University on July 6-10 to compete for the title in 4 divisions. In the 18-and-under boys’ division, Danny Olson of Broomfield, CO, prevailed, while Briana Miller of Allentown, PA, steamrolled through the18-and-under girls’ division. Billy Thorpe of Dayton, OH, thrived in the 14-and-under boys’ division and Taylor Reynolds of Waterville, ME, won her first title in the 14-and-under girls’ division.

Junior billiard players travelled from 26 states to attend the 23rd Annual BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championships in hopes of winning a title, scholarships, prizes, an entry into the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World Junior 9-Ball Championships, to connect with friends and to make new friends.

In the 18-and-under boys’ division, the top finishers were no strangers to junior billiards. Danny Olson, determined to better his 4th place finish in 2010 and finishing a respectable 7th place in the 2010 WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships, proved to be a tough contender this year. Olson steadily proceeded through the winner’s bracket with wins over Jeremy Johnson 9-2, J.C. Torres 9-1, Kevin Sun 9-7, Zachary Leonard 9-3, and Tyler Styer 9-3 before losing to Brendan Crocket 6-9. Crockett, 2009 champion of the 14-and-under boys’ division, smoothly sailed through the winner’s bracket without a loss.

Crockett defeated Refugio Vara 9-0, Edwin Gomez 9-4, Chris Byers 9-3, Chad Behnke 9-4 and Danny Olson 9-6 to claim the seat as the only undefeated contestant in the 39 player division. Olson faced Tyler Styer on the one-loss side in a match that almost sealed any chance of him winning his last opportunity, because of age eligibility, for a Junior National title. But a well executed safety by Olson when the score was 8-8 found Styer’s three-rail kick only inches short of hitting his target, giving Olson ball-in-hand on the 5-ball. Olson ran out for the win and a chance for a rematch

with Crockett in the one set finals. Olson kept his winning momentum, capturing the match 11 games to 6 and his first title as the Junior National 9-Ball Champion.

In the 18-and-under girls’ division, Briana Miller zipped through the tournament losing only a hand-full of games. The fierce and determined 15 year old bulldozed her way through matches over Kendra Britt 7-0, Caitlyn Shuping 7-0, Kendra Russell 7-2 and Brooke Zimmermann 7-3 before taking charge in the final match against Zimmermann, 9-0 and seizing her fifth title as Junior National Champion in the girls’ division.

Billy Thorpe won his second consecutive title in the 14-and-under boys’ division by breezing through several matches including wins over Marcus Abney 7-2, Nathan Bourque 7-1, Sergio Rivas 7-3, Austen Russell 7-1, Joey Torrez 7-2 and Shawn Begay 7-0 before claiming the honors of being the only undefeated player in the 49 player field.

Also moving forward through the winner’s bracket was Shawn Begay of Gallup, New Mexico. Begay inched his way with victories over Nick Evans 7-6, Justin St. Andrews 7-5, JonMichael Monegato 7-4, Tyler Brandom 7-6 and Ricky Evans 7-3 before facing the reigning champion, Billy Thorpe, for the winner’s bracket seat. Thorpe sent Begay to the one-loss side to battle with Austen Russell. Begay prevailed with a 7-6 win over Russell and earned a chance to dethrone Thorpe. Thorpe secured his title as reigning champion with a 9-5 win over Begay.

In the 14-and-under girls’ division, it was former runner-up Taylor Reynolds who eagerly made it through the winner’s bracket defeating April Larson 7-3 and 7-1 wins over both Katilyn Hall and Julianna Poutry before the finals match. Poutry made her way on the winner’s bracket with wins over Katelin Ballou 7-1 and Karsyn Terry 7-6 before losing to Taylor Reynolds 1-7. Poutry faced Larson on the one-loss side, finishing in 3rd place. April Larson, a newcomer from Bloomington, Minnesota, steered her way through the one-loss side for another chance to play Reynolds. Larson, a well poised eleven year old, calmly,

but quickly dashed ahead in the race to 9 games in the finals. Reynolds sprinted to tie the score at 7 games each and continued to thrust forward to win the next 2 games, winning the race and her first Junior Nationals title.

In addition to trophies and prizes, the winners of the four divisions were awarded $1,000 in academic scholarships and earned an opportunity to represent the U.S. in the upcoming World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World Junior 9-Ball Championships, which will be held in Kielce, Poland, August 31st – September 4th.

Second-place finishers in all four divisions received $500 in academic scholarships, trophies and prizes. Additionally, second and third-place finishers in the 18-and-under boys’ division also received an entry into the 2011 WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships.

As well as enjoying all the excitement of the main event, players, families and fans were mesmerized by the sweet venom of “The Black Widow” Jeanette Lee. Lee was available during the event for challenge matches, clinics and shared her personal story of adversity and inspirational words to over 250 attendees at the BEF Junior National banquet. Other excitement included the Junior National “Artistic Pool” Championship, facilitated by none other than World Trick Shot Champion, Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman with wife Marty “Ms. Cue.” Also available was BCA Master Instructor, Jerry Briesath, who tirelessly worked with eager youth who were interested in perfecting their game.

Much appreciation goes out to all who diligently worked to help produce a first class event, including: tournament director Earl Munson for keeping the event running smoothly and for his volunteer work throughout the year; volunteer referees: Rick Doner, Justin Ballou and Jamie Strait; Melvin and Tammy Leonard for their assistance with the mini-tournaments, parent/child partner tournament and assistance throughout the week; to Christian Riddle, Huskies Den manager and all his staff; and BEF personnel Dawn Hopkins and Laura Smith.

(BEF continued on page 20)

August 2011 - Stroke Magazine 17

Sandaler & Strickland

BY TOUR STAFF

HAMMER IT OUT

Hammerheads Billiards Lounge in Holiday Florida was the host location for the Poison Tours May event. A strong field of 45 players showed up for the $1000 added Amateur event. Jimmy Sandaler would prove to be to strong on the weekend with a strong run to the hotseat with wins over Justin Logan 7-4, Daniel Mosey 7-3, Joe Pierce 7-3, James Brown 7-2, Jerry Troisi 7-4 and then a 7-4 win over Prescott Buckwold 7-4 to take the hotseat. On the one loss side Jarred Schlauch and Taz Naravane would do battle for the second time in the event in which Naravane sent Schlauch to the one loss side earlier with a 7-4 win, Schlauch however would gain his revenge with a 5-2 win to set up a semi final match with Buckwold and leave Naravane with a respectable 4th place finish. The semi final would go right down to the wire with Buckwold eventually coming out a 5-4 winner and to give himself a second shot at Sandaler in the final.

Once again Sandaler would be prove to be to strong and would come out on top with an 7-4 win over Buckwold and take first place prize and trophy.

PAYOUTS 1st $650 2nd $400 3rd $300 4th $200 5th-6th $100

7th-8th $80

9th-12th

Jim Sandaler Prescott Buckwold Jarred Schlauch Taz Naravane Mark Wathen, Jerry Troisi Randy Maynor, Richard Knight Wesley White, OB Cirilo, Jake Jacobsen, James Brown

Sundays open event always attracts some great players and this Sunday would be no different with the likes of Earl Strickland, Tommy Kennedy, Mike Davis, Butch Croft to mention a few showing up.

Jacksonville’s Butch Croft was looking very strong on the day as he cruised his way to the winner’s side final with wins over Mandy Brisson 7-1, Prescott Buckwold 7-3, Mark Coats 7-2 and then Jason Richko 7-5 he would now meet Earl Strickland. Strickland would also cruise his way to the finals with wins over Mike Davis 7-3, Jerry Troisi 7-2, Joe Pierce 7-2 and then Jarred Schlauch 7-3. The winners side final would see Croft just struggle to get going as Strickland

punished him for some early unforced errors and this would be enough to send Strickland to the hoteseat with a 7-3 win. One man looking dangerous on the one loss side would be Tommy Kennedy after taking a 7-6 loss to Jason Richko he would go on to beat Randy Maynor 6-3, Jarred Schlauch 6-1, Prescott Buckwold 6-4 and then a 6-4 win over Butch Croft to reach the final to play Strickland.

Kennedy would now have the task of trying to beat Strickland in a race to 8 to force a one rack shoot out. This is what he would do coming out playing some strong pool and breaking like a mini King Kong to take the first set 8-4. Kennedy would win the lag in the one rack shootout to take the break, He would make a ball and opt to push out leaving a very tough one ball for Strickland which he passed back, This would prove to be the right choice as Kennedy would miss the 1 ball and Strickland would run the balls out to take the match.

The tour would like to thank Hammerheads Billiards and there staff for another fantastic event, Poison Cues our title sponsors and all our other sponsors that can be viewed at www. uspoisontour.com . If you would like to view any of the Poison tour matches visit http://www. ustream.tv/channel/poisontour/videos ; for over 300 matches in the archive.

PAYOUTS 1st $600 2nd $400 3rd $300 4th $200 5th-6th $100

Earl Strickland (above) Tommy Kennedy Butch Croft Prescott Buckwold Jason Richko, Jarred Schlauch

PARSONS COME BACK FROM SEMIFINALS TO TAKE MISSCUES LADIES TOUR STOP

BY SKIP MALONEY - AZB STAFF

Lynn Parsons came back from a defeat at the hands of Shanna Lewis in the hot seat match to meet her a second time and win the MissCues Ladies Tour stop on the weekend of July 16-17. The $500-added event drew 12 entrants to 8-Ball Sports Bar & Billiards in Columbus, OH.

>From among the winners’ side final four, Parsons got into the hot seat match with a 7-4 victory over Teruko Cucculelli, as Lewis was sending Jessica Human west 7-2. Parsons and Lewis locked up in a double hill battle over possession of the hot seat, which ultimately sent Parsons to the semifinals.

Cucculelli and Human had a brief visit to the one-loss side. Cucculelli was downed by Stephanie Goens, who’d defeated Teresa Gifford 7-2 and Pauline Mattes 7-4 before her. Human squared off against Tina Meraglio, who’d shut out Tanya Wiser and defeated Sandy Day 7-2. Goens moved into the quarterfinals with a 7-1 victory over Cucculelli, and was joined by

18 Stroke Magazine - August 2011

Meraglio, who defeated Human 7-4.

Meraglio ended Cucculelli’s day with a 7-5 victory in the quarterfinals and moved on to face Parsons. For the second match in a row, Parsons found herself locked up in a double hill battle. This one, though, in the semifinals, ended in her favor and she turned back for a second crack at Lewis. Parsons won the single, race-to-9 finals 9-7 and took home the top prize.

RESULTS 1st $500.00 2nd $280.00 3rd $150.00 4th

Lynn Parsons Shanna Lewis Tina Meraglio Teruko Cucculelli

TRU E S TORY

I Never Tried to Hustle

BY: DON “CHEESE” AKERLOW

It was some 40 years ago that I won probably the most from someone playing pool for money From my first days of learning and playing pool in a in Cincinnati” his twin, in the way he dressed, basement pool hall in a small town in Southwestern would have been Herb Tarlic. Now don’t get me Pennsylvania, where I watched some of the best wrong I sort of liked Al because he was a good players I’ve ever seen. I never played to their level, salesman and didn’t like him because ... let’s face it, even at my best and I never tried he was an A-hole to hustle pool more than for a when it came to night out of drinking and playing personality. for a dollar and a shot in some out Al wanted me to of the way bar. I never had any come over to the inspiration to take pool to any office and see the level in my early years.

Bison, so I did.

Yet back in 1972 in Savannah, He talked me into Georgia, I found myself in a going to work situation that I could win a lot. for him for a two I had been working for almost week trial basis. If 2 years as a salesman. I worked I liked it, I’d quit for the Kirby Vacuum Cleaner Kirby, if not, I’d DON Company and I worked by go back to Kirby.

AL knocking doors. I would work mostly in the Every morning for about ten days evenings selling to military personnel (Army) in a I would ride back and forth to Buford and sell. small town called Hinesville at Fort Stewart. My We knocked them dead! Between us we sold 25 second choice was Paris Island selling to Marine units in the first 10 days. I was getting a better Drill Instructors and their wives. Both bases would commission and we were making a lot of money. net me some $200-$300 per week in sales at a time As with most salesmen we needed a break, so for when minimum wage was $1.25 per hour. I was the next couple of days we would travel to Buford working 4-5 hours a day, 2-3 days a week. Needless later and later each morning. We would stop in to say, I had a lot of time on my hands. the diner on the way into town for breakfast. We’d I found myself playing 8 ball in a bar for $2-$3 a have a big ol’ breakfast of eggs, hash browns, bacon game, sometimes $10 or $20, most of the time I and always grits and of course sat for half an hour won, sometimes I lost. Losing was a good thing just drinking coffee. In the back room, by the depending on the crowd and the personality of bathroom, sat a pinball machine. We would always who I was playing. It was more important to play for breakfast. Whoever lost paid and left the have a good time and always leave your opponent tip. I played pinball most everyday as a kid and got wanting for more. Sometimes losing the last 3 or 4 pretty good at it. Al was about 10 or 15 years older games, buying a round of drinks and interesting my than me and just didn’t have the reflexes but mostly opponent into chasing some young skirt. But what couldn’t shake the machine without the “tilt” happened next, I couldn’t have written a script any light coming on. Well, this day things were a little better. different. I think the gambling fever got to both of I was in Buford, South Carolina at a diner when us. We played for breakfast, then a dollar, then $2, Al Curtis walked in. He was the Area Distributor then $5. I never lost! Believe me, it wasn’t that I was working under the same boss I had but he had an that good, it was, he wasn’t. Remember that ego I office and got a better price on the Kirby’s than I mentioned before? did. Al never had any friends, maybe it was because If you have a big ego and you like to gamble you he always considered everybody a “sucker” because take it personally. Well, that day, Al did more than he would always try to get the better of you. Most I had expected. Al was the type that thought he door to door salesmen had to have a similar attitude was ten foot tall and bullet proof. On most mights to survive and an ego to match. You get the door on the way back to Savannah, he would be half slammed in your face a few hundred times and toasted from the Scotch, with a Falstaff beer in one you’ll understand what I mean. hand and cigarette in another, bragging he had one Al told me he had quit Walter at Kirby and started glass eye and couldn’t see out of the other. At first selling Bison’s. Now Al, looked like a used car this made me nervous, being I was his passenger. I salesman, if you could picture that. A massive didn’t drink a lot in those days but maybe I should receding hairline, an eyebrow that curved upwards, have. a glass eye, a white shirt and tie and a red pair of Let me get back to that last day after we left the slacks. If you ever watched the TV show “WKRP diner. As we drove out of the parking lot, Al said,

“Let’s take the day off, go have a few and play some pool.” I said, “Let’s go!” Most nights before we left Buford and headed back we would stop, have a few and play partners at one of the local bars.

Maybe I should back up a couple of days before, when I bought a 4 door ’67 Chevy from Al. He wanted $800 for the car. I gave him $500 and a note for $300 to be paid within a month.

Now we got to the bar, ordered a couple beers, got a dollar in quarters and started playing 8 ball on an 8’ table. Starting out as I remember, at $2 a game. After half a dozen or so games Al was down about $20 and we were up to $5 a game. We were still having fun, joking, yelling for more beers and just having a good time. Al wanted to play for $20 a game, so we did. He won two in a row and then said, “Let’s play rotation for $1 a point.” Now I thought to myself, there’s 120 points that are on the balls. If he would break and run, I would owe him $120. But having played rotation when we used to get tired of practicing in the pool hall on 9’ tables, I had learned the game pretty well. Of course, we played slop. I outscored Al to the tune of about $275. I asked him when should we pay up. He looked at me with what I thought was his glass eye and his eyebrow curled upward and said, “You owe me $300 more for the car. If you get to that I’ll sign the title over. But, we have to play for $2 a point.”

I thought to myself, “Could he be setting me up?

In one game he could take it real close to breaking even.” I told Al I had to hit the head real bad and we’ll talk when I come back.

In sales we had learned the Ben Franklin Method, you weigh the positives and negatives. I was shooting good - he wasn’t. On the negative, was he coning me? He had been drinking all this time and I was the one who hadn’t been drinking so much.

When I got back to the table Al had ordered a round for both of us and had racked the balls. I decided to see if I could find a “tell” like in poker.

Is he bluffing? Is he playing me? I told him I didn’t want to play for $2 a point, I wanted to play for $5 a point! He agreed - game on!

For the first couple of games, it wasn’t very much diference in the points 55-65 and so on. Then I nailed a game 90-30, that’s 60 points times $5 a point - that’s $300 right there. Now he owed me $575. He signed the title over to me and gave me three $100 bills. I gave him back a five and two (Hustle continued on page 23)

August 2011 - Stroke Magazine 19

Anthony Meglino wins

FIRST FBT OPEN EVENT 42 Players turn out for the $500-added July Open 9-Ball Jam! Boynton Beach, Fla. (July 16, 2011) The FBT, a WPBA– The day paid off for some players Recognized Regional Tour, who came out to the first men and is the stepping stone to the women’s $500-added Open 9-Ball WPBA for women in Florida event hosted by the Flamingo who want to qualify for Billiards Tour on Saturday at Slate Women’s Professional Billiard Billiards in Boynton Beach, FL. Association events. This is the Anthony Meglino of Tamarac, first FBT-non-points 9-Ball Florida, took the honors and event open to both women $750 at the July Jam event which and men. drew a variety of players from all Many thanks again to around South Florida. Included room owners Mike Bradford in the special guest list was Mike and Joe Sistarelli, (www.

Dechaine, in town to support friend b i l l i a r d c o m mu n t i y. c o m ) , and room owner Mike Bradford. for being great hosts and

Meglino’s day was a breeze to Boynton Billiards (www. until he met up with veteran boyntonbilliards.com) for player John Foster, who quickly their support of the Flamingo Pictured from left to right are: Mike Bradford, room owner; Curtis Kelley, 2nd, sent Meglino west 7-1. Not to be Billiards Tour.

Anthony Meglino, winner, and John Foster, 3rd. deterred, Meglino made it back to the semi-finals stopping FBT member Sue Roberts, 5-0, with a record RESULTS four 9-ball combos. Meglino followed up by knocking out room owner ($500-added, modified double-elimination) Mike Bradford, 5-0, and Stan Ketchum, 5-1, to get to the semi-final 1st $750 Anthony Meglino match.

2nd $450 Curtis Kelley

On the winner’s side of the bracket, Curtis Kelley made it to the hot 3rd $250 John Foster seat ending John Foster’s winning day in a tight match that went to the 3rd $150 David Broxson hill. Foster, who earlier sent Meglino west, came back to the semi-final 5th/6th $100 Mike Dechaine, Stan Ketcham through the one-loss side only to have the favor returned by Meglino.

7th/8th $75 Mike Bradford, Steve Giedratis Meglino also stopped David Broxson, 5-1, who earlier ended Mike 9th/12th $50 Al Cashwell, Debbie Barkley Dechaine’s guest appearance at the event. Jerry Calderon was out early

Eric Barkley, Sue Roberts as well.

Emily Wilmoth Broxson won the paid entry for the FBT event.

In the final race to 11, it just wasn’t the day for Kelley, who’s back in JULY JAM - 9 BALL TOURNAMENT tournament mode after being on paternity leave for nine months. Meglino 1st $1430.00 Anthony Meglino quickly took the lead, 8-3. Just as it looked like Kelley was going to make 2nd $546.00 Curtis Kelly a come-back wining the next two matches to make it 8-5, Meglino took 3rd $208.00 John Foster over and won the next three games and the event.

4th $130.00 David Broxson Some of the event’s matches can be viewed at http://www.ustream.tv/ 5th/6th $78.00 Stan Ketcham, Mike Dechanine channel/billiardcommunity-com.

7th/8th $65.00 Mike Bradford, Steve Giediaits

BEF

(continued from page 17)

A special “thank you” to all of the event sponsors who made the 2011 Junior National 9-Ball Championships possible: Simonis Cloth, Billiard Congress of America (BCA), Aramith Billiard Balls, Dr. Cue Promotions, Northern Illinois University (NIU) /Holmes Student Center/ Huskies Den and the BEF. Also, thanks to all the product donors who contributed to the junior prizes. A list of donors can be viewed on the BEF website at www.Billiard Education.org.

9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS: 18 & Under Boys’ Division 1st Danny Olson- Broomfield, CO 2nd Brendan Crockett - Bell Canyon, CA 3rd Tyler Styer - Brookfield, WI 4th Chad Behnke - Farley, IA 18 & Under Girls’ Division 1st Briana Miller - Allentown, PA 2nd Brooke Zimmermann - Gloversville, NY 3rd Ashley Fisher - Ocala, FL 4th Kendra Russell - Salem, OR

20 Stroke Magazine - August 2011

14 & Under Boys’ Division 1st Billy Thorpe - Dayton, OH 2nd Shawn Begay - Gallup, NM PHOTO (page 17) 2011 BEF Junior 3rd Austen Russell - Cherryville, NC National finalists, L-R: Kendra Russell, 4th Joey Torres - Tomball, TX Brooke Zimmermann, Billy Thorpe, April 14 & Under Girls’ Division Larson, Danny Olson, Briana Miller, Tyler 1st Taylor Reynolds - Waterville, ME Styer, Taylor Reynolds, Brendan Crockett, 2nd April Larson - Bloomington, MN Shawn Begay, Austen Russell 3rd Julianna Poutry - Ayer, MA 4th Morgan Chesla - Mantua, OH About Billiard Education Foundation The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which is committed to promoting education and encourages the development of life skills through youth billiard programs. The BEF funds academic scholarships, produces the Junior National 9-Ball Championships, supports billiard athletes to attend the WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships and promotes “Pool In School” programs. For more information, please visit www.BilliardEducation.org or call 303.926.1039.

14.1

PRESS RELEASES

(continued from page 5)

elimination? How many players, how many matches, how many points in the early and later rounds? Time clock, all ball fouls? A lot of issues and things to think about as we look ahead to the 2012 Maryland Straight Pool Tournament.

But the overall consensus of enthusiastic fans and players was that the Maryland 14.1 Championship is coming to the top of the heap around the country.

Congratulations to all who played, helped, spectators who came to watch and viewed the internet links. And especially congratulations to Johnny Archer and to the other three finalists, John Schmidt and Dave Daya and Zion Zvi. And to hosts Richard & Cynthia Molineiro and to the many sponsors and supporters, most particularly Ivan Lee & SIMONIS CLOTH, Peter & Sandra Sears of Madison WI, and to Nathan Sulinski.

Players and fans put next year’s Maryland 14.1 Tournament on your calendar and keep a look out for the date.

1st $4,000 2nd $3,000 3-4 $1,800 5-8 $800

9-16 $400

HIGH RUN John Schmidt John Schmidt Total Players

Johnny Archer John Schmidt Dave Daya, Zion Zvi Ed Deska, Shaun Wilkie, Mike Davis, Brandon Shuff Ed Deska, Danny Barouty, Bob Hunter, Alan Duty Michael Yednak, Earl Herring, Jose Parica, Bob Chamberlain 100 2x Sat. $130 82 Sun. $120 35 $ 17,250

www.ustream.tv/channel/otbntv-live

www.facebook.com/otbntv TM

www.twitter.com/onthebreaknews

22 Stroke Magazine - August 2011

BEGINNING TO TURN HEADS It started as an idea less than a year and a half ago. The first Behind The Rock Tour tournament attracted four players to a small pool room in Bremerton in the winter of 2010. Since then, the tour organizers have been actively recruiting members and today, their weekly tournament claims 195 members playing in four rooms across the state of Washington. The intention of the BTRT is to attract tens of thousands of participants across the country in

was underappreciated for its deceptive difficulty. The offensive-based scoring games have been developed for all the standard pool room games such as 8-Ball, 9-Ball, 10-Ball, One Pocket, 14.1 and others. The games certainly teach pocketing skills, but also cue ball control, sometimes a key skill overlooked when playing in games that reward defense in traditional league or tournament play. The bottom line, according to many players, is that

hundreds of pool rooms each week playing a variety of games vying for big purses.

Sound ambitious? According to the president of BTRT, Deby Welfinger, it is the tip of the iceberg. “Our goal is to elevate the sport of pool to a level that is on par with any of the current televised sports,” she says, “including televising interesting matches.” She continues, “We want novices through pros to be playing in any one of our divisions, in any of our scored games, whether in handicapped play or open competitions. We believe that with our format and with the technology offered by the internet, we will change the sport of billiards for everyone.”

Currently, the matches played are a scored match called “211” which is based on 10-Ball vs. The Ghost.

Essentially, players play eleven games using a score sheet.

Each game consists of a break, scoring a point for each ball dropped, then a second chance for players, starting with ball in hand, to attempt to run out the remaining rack also scoring a point for each pocketed ball. Bonus points are available from the subsequent game if a rack is run-out.

It is pure, challenging, unadulterated offensive play that teaches position and control.

BTRT got its start with the realization that the current business for professional players is not sustainable.

Between travel, lodging, meals, and fees, working the tournament circuit only made money for a small handful of players. With a tag of “Play locally, Compete nationally” the BTRT offers weekly competition for any ability of player in certified rooms. And with purses paid out to the top third of the field each week, players need to have their “A-Game” to earn some cash. BTRT contends that properly managed and with the appropriate sponsorship, pro players can make a fair living playing in this format.

The tour developers also believed that the sport

these games significantly improve any player’s ability.

For players who want to compete equally with others, a handicapping system is employed for every player regardless of their level. Because the handicaps are based on actual scores averaged out, direct comparisons of ability can be made yielding a ranking of players. No assessment of ability is needed as compared to league play.

We talked to a number of current members of the tour and all of them expressed a real affection for the tour in spite of the evident challenge. Says Tacoma’s Justin McCrory playing out of the Malarkeys room, “My goal is to improve enough to make a living at this sport. I’m not sure I would have advanced toward this dream as fast as I have without this format. It’s just that challenging and so addicting!”

The BTRT has applied for a patent on the unique tournament system and with a fully developed website, they seem to be on a track to capture a big part of the pool-playing market with their tournament system.

According to them dozens of rooms in at least twenty states are waiting for enough players to get involved with the Tour. Their website at www.behindtherocktour.com provides a solid basis for understanding the tour, the games, rankings, and so on. Any interested player should start there.

The BTR tour may have started small, but according to their feisty founder, Ms. Welfringer, “The interest in the BTRT is growing. Our growth rate is such that we expect to have a thousand players in another six months, and by this time next year, we hope to have almost three thousand members participating. We’re ready for them and we’re going to turn this sport around!”

Hmmm. According to their website, 10,000 players means a weekly payout pot of $80,000. Can you imagine when BTRT goes worldwide. You might want to check them out.

ADDITIONAL PROS NOT ATTENDING US OPEN:

ABP Asks to Secure Funds From the Law Offices of Dennis M. Walsh, ABP General Counsel Attorney The ABP would like to address some of the issues that have surfaced during the recent negotiations with Barry Behrman. We would have preferred to keep the negotiations private but some of the issues raised by Barry Behrman are somewhat misleading and need to be addressed.

First we need to address Mr. Behrman’s statement that the players listed in the original press release had been “blindsided” and did not support the ABP’s stance. To date, only one ABP pro member has changed their mind and has requested that their name be deleted. In fact, Darren Appleton, the defending US Open 9-Ball champion, contrary to statements made by Mr. Behrman has indicated that he still supports our position. In addition, more professional players have joined the ABP's initiative to not attend the US Open 9-Ball Championship in the effort to provide financial security for all players worldwide. Notable players to be added include Niels Feijen of the Netherlands, and BCA Open Champion Tony Robles of the USA . The updated complete list of names follows at the bottom of this release.

The ABP has made it clear for more than a year that it wanted Barry Behrman to make sure that he would be able to pay the players the promised prizes at the conclusion of The US Open Nine Ball Tournament. Last year, after repeated promises by Mr. Behrman that he would pay everyone on time, the ABP relented and attended the event. However, as has happened in previous years, not all of the players were paid as promised. In fact, it was much later that the players were finally paid. In 2007, Shane Van Boening did not receive all his prize money until seven months after his win; in 2008 and 2009 Mika Immonen did not receive all his money until nine months after his wins; in 2010 Darren Appleton did not receive all his money until three months after his win.

Since then, Mr.Behrman promoted another event in March of 2011, the Masters 10-Ball for which he advertised a prize fund of $35,000 added. He reduced the added money by $5000, just before the event. At the start of the first day, he further reduced the added money another $5000.

After the event ended, Mr.Behrman failed to pay many of the top finishers, and till this day still owes a balance of $10,000 to Mika Immonen, the winner of the event.

This year, the ABP has been telling Barry Behrman from the beginning that he needed to put the guaranteed prize money in escrow so that the players could count on being paid. Initially, he refused to discuss the matter, hanging up on representatives of the Board. Since he would not guarantee the prize money, the ABP released the press release that they would not attend the event ABP Pro Players Not Attending the US Open 9-Ball 1. Johnny Archer USA 2. Mika Immonen FIN 3. Darren Appleton ENG 4. Niels Feijen NED 5. Tony Robles USA 6. Adam Smith USA 7. Frankie Hernandez USA 8. Efren Reyes PHI 9. Francisco Bustamante PHI 10. Darren Appleton ENG 11. Shane Van Boening USA 12. Rodney Morris USA 13. Alex Pagulayan PHI 14. Dennis Orcullo PHI 15. Thorsten Hohmann GER

Hustle

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Lee Van Corteza PHI John Schmidt USA Corey Deuel USA Huidji See NED Mike Sigel USA Buddy Hall USA CJ Wiley USA Tony Drago MLT Raj Hundal IND Karl Boyes ENG Imran Majid ENG Marcus Chamat SWE Roberto Gomez PHI Carlo Biado PHI Warren Kiamco PHI Antonio Lining PHI Jundel Mazon PHI

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unless the prize money was, in fact, guaranteed.

Since that time, there have been discussions between representatives of the ABP and Barry Behrman.

The ABP indicated that it needed the added money in escrow 30 days before the event, and the entry fees in escrow, as the fees were paid by entrants.

Mr. Behrman agreed to do two things.

1) Put the added money of $50,000.00 in escrow 30 days before the event; and 2) Put up, as collateral, his corporate papers and rights to the US Open 9 ball Tournament.

The ABP indicated that it needed the rest of the entry fees in escrow before the members would commit to taking part in the tournament. The collateral of the US Open Corporate papers was not something that the players organization wanted. The ABP is not an entity set up to run tournaments, but an organization set up to help protect the players. They would not be in a position to auction off Corporate papers, should it become necessary, to make sure that the winners were paid on time. It was suggested to Mr. Behrman that if the Corporate papers had that much value, perhaps they could be used as collateral and a third party could guaranty the funds. Any default in the obligation would result in that third party obtaining the rights that Mr. Behrman was willing to pledge.

After the position of the ABP was communicated to Mr. Behrman, no further effort was made

by Mr. Behrman to negotiate and he issued a press release that negotiations had come to an impasse.

The ABP would like to reiterate its position that all it really wants is to be sure that the players will be paid as promised at the event. Nothing that Mr. Behrman has offered ensures the payment.

His past history in this and other events does not give players much faith in his statement that the players will be paid at the event. In the event that Mr. Behrman cannot raise the necessary funds, perhaps another organization can step in and bid on Mr. Behrman’s corporate papers to allow him to raise the necessary funds.

The ABP members will need to make their travel arrangements at least a month in advance of the tournament and are hopeful that Mr. Behrman will be able to come up with a creative solution in order to meet his obligation. The ABP has set a deadline of September 15, 2011 for all added monies and entry fees to be collected by a third party approved by the ABP pro players.

Shawn Putnam USA Mike Davis USA Stevie Moore USA Oscar Dominguez USA Charlie Williams USA Dennis Hatch USA Jeremy Jones USA Allen Hopkins USA Scott Frost USA Ernesto Dominguez MEX Kim Davenport USA Robb Saez USA Tony Crosby USA Art Wiggins USA Tommy Najar USA

(continued from page 19)

tens. I said, “Are we gonna go?” He said “No, let’s play. Your rack.”

I won over $200 the next rack. Now I have gotten my money back for the car and paid the money I owed for the car. I had won $800 give or take. As I thought to myself, really I was only even. I had gotten my money back for the $500 and $300 I had owed for the car. Not bad for a day’s work of goofing off and playing pool. But the day wasn’t over yet. Al wanted to play more.

To make a long story short I walked out of there with over $1200 plus a car! Not bad for a door-to-door salesman. Al never really was mad that I could tell, he kept on joking as we sat down to have a steak dinner before we headed back to Savannah. And of course, I paid for the steak.

I didn’t work for Al after that, I went back to Kirby for a while and never did hear from Al again. I never knew if he kept the office and made a ton of money with Bison or what ... ? I’ve always said, it wasn’t that I was that great at playing pool, it was that Al, just wasn’t.

If anybody has a story they would like to share email us at: pool@onthebreaknews.com

August 2011 - Stroke Magazine 23

MEZZ PRO-AM TOUR ZION ZVI TOPS THE FIELD

Mezz Pro-am Tour made its way to Raxx Bar & Grill in West Hempstead NY on July 10, 2011. A strong field of 34 came out to play, player like: Matt Krah, Joey Testa, Zion Zvi, Frankie Hernandez, Daniel Dagotdot, Noel Bensurto, Oscar Bonilla, Michael Wong and Ramon Mistica.

Leading the top half of the bracket Dan Dagotdot with wins over Larry Ross 7-1, Barry Banks 7-6, Frankie Hernandez 7-4, and Ramon Mistica 7-6 . Leading the bottom half of the bracket was Zion Zvi with wins over Samantha Miskevich 7-0, Tony Tjioe 7-3, Bob Madara 7-3, and Oscar Bonilla 7-3.

Playing for the hot seat was Daniel Dagotdot Vs Zion Zvi this was a one sided match with Zion Zvi taking control of the match from the start and winning easily 7-2 and sending Daniel Dagotdot to the one lost side. Waiting for Daniel Dagotdot on the one lost side was Frankie Hernandez this too was a one sided match this time it was Frankie Hernandez taking control from the start and never looked back winning by a score of 7-2 to get to the finals.

Lucky

In the Finals it was Frankie Hernandez Vs Zion Zvi, Hernandez has to beat Zvi twice in order to win the event. This first set it was Frankie Hernandez winning 7-4, the second set was a great match that went hill hill when it was all set and done it was Zion Zvi winning 7-6.

Like to thank all the sponsors Mezz Cues, Billiards Life Clothing, Black Boar Custom Cues, Carolina Cues, Hard Luck Sportswar, Run out Sportswear, Poolonthenet, Allen Hopkins Super Expo. I like 1st Zion Zvi $875 2nd Frankie Hernandez $570 3rd Daniel Dagotdot $370 4th Ramon Mistica $200 5/6 Matt Krah/Oscar Bonilla $150 7/8 Michael Wong/Noel Bensurto $100 Picture above Winner Zion Zvi, 2nd Frankie Hernandez, 4th Ramon Mistica, 3rd Daniel Dagotdot, 7th Noel Bensurto

(continued from page 18)

were the ones quieting. The one ridiculous buddy said something like “well you bring all your money down here tomorrow and we’ll play for it all, all you got”. If you don’t believe me ask these folks in here. I know what Lucky was thinking, embarrass them but likely they would not show up the next day anyway. Nursing hangovers. Lucky said “ I have to be out of town working for a few weeks but I’ be back. The contractors eyes swirled around and around and so did his head. He said “ any time your, ah…. back in town, ah…. we’ll play, “I am going, ah….. bust you”.

24 Stroke Magazine - August 2011

They were happy to be losing the money and having the action. I guess the locals that were watching hated seeing them in the bar always badgering games. They were glad they were losing their money. We left and Lucky said that’s how we get out of a bad situation and we will likely see this type thing again and likely them again.

I asked Lucky “I thought you avoid jerks like this”. Lucky said, his long time friend and the people in town were really tired of their antics and wanted me to bust them because Lucky could do it in style.

We went over to his friend and visited for awhile. They brought up some old pool players they both knew. They talked about Jimmy Caras. Lucky continually bring him up and always prefaces any conversation with he’s really the best players he’s never played. He had talent that most everyone has never seen. It was late and his friend offered for us to stay the night and we were always welcome to come and stay between travels. Lucky has friends all over the place for such a private man………

August 2011 - Stroke Magazine 25

Read Online www.strokemagazine.net

Call First - All Tournaments are subject to change without notice DATE CITY LOCATION Aug 5-7 Providence, RI Snooker’s Billiards Aug 6-7 Syracuse, NY Cap’s Cue Club Aug 6-7 New York, NY Amsterdam Billiards Aug 19-21 Canton, OH Fiddlestix Billiards Aug 20 Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards Aug 21 Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards Aug 21 Somersworth, NH Buster’s Billiards Aug 21 W Hempstead, NY Raxx Pool Room Aug 27-28 Tallahassee, FL Zingales Billiards Aug 28 Edison, NJ Sandcastle Billiards Sep TBD Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards Sep TBD Ft Pierce, FL Ultimate Billiards Sep 3 Vero Beach, FL Cunninghams Pool & Darts Sep 3 Greensboro, NC Gate City Billiards Sep 3-4 W Hempstead, NY Raxx Pool Room Sep 3-4 New York, NY Amsterdam Billiards Sep 8-11 Verona, NY Turning Stone Sep 10-11 Bowling Green, KY Cue Time Billiards Sep 11 Warwick, RI Bo’s Billiards Sep 11 Bayside, NY Cue Bar Sep 11 Frazer, PA Main Line Billiards Sep 16-18 Tampa, FL Strokers Billiards Sep 17 Palm Harbor, FL Stix Billiards Sep 17 E Rutherford, NJ Castle Billiards Sep 17-18 Lindenhurst, NY Mr Cue Billiards Sep 24 Brooklyn NY Gotham City Billiards Sep 24-25 Syracuse, NY Premium Billiards Sep 25 Providence, RI Snookers Sports Oct 1 E Rutherford, NJ Castle Billiards Oct 1-2 Waterville, NE TJ’s Classic Billiards Oct 1-2 Levittown, NY Cue Nine Oct 1-2 Dickson City, PA Cosmo’s Billiards Oct 2 Egg Harbor, NJ Atlantic City Billiards Oct 8-9 Bristol, TN Borderline Billiards Oct 8-9 Clifton Park, NY Trick Shot Billiards Oct 9 Jackson Hgts, NY BQE Billiards Oct 15 Clearwater, FL Park Place Billiards Oct 15-16 Bayside, NY Cue Bar Oct 22-23 Columbus, OH 8-Ball Sports Bar Oct 22 New York, NY Eastside Billiards Oct 23 Providence, RI Snookers Sports Oct 29 Brooklyn, NY Gotham City Billiards Oct 29-30 Rochester, NY Camelot Billiards

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