tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126900092012-01-31T07:36:48.765-08:00The billiards adventures of FastMikie, shooting pool (9 ball, 8 ball, straight pool, tournaments, etc.) in San Diego, California.Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.comBlogger6931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-2270370204996026582012-01-30T18:42:00.000-08:002012-01-30T18:55:18.471-08:00

I haven't been competing much lately, and that means that I sure haven't been practicing much either.  So I would have to admit that my skills tend to deteriorate.   But then, all I need to do to get back into stroke quickly is to focus on this practice drill.  It is, beyond any doubt, the best all round exercise. The rules are simple enough: 1.  All balls must go directly into the

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-33303629302530659852011-11-23T17:21:00.000-08:002011-11-23T17:21:08.351-08:00

I just ran across this photo in a list of "The 100 Hottest Sports Pics Ever" (link).  Here's how she is described in that list:"She may be known as Miss Billiards 2009, but Russian sensation Anastasia Luppova doesn't need a resume to attract the camera.While she can clearly work the pockets, it's Luppova's beauty that garners respect." I haven't met her, but she could play on my table

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-78425089029925158942011-10-23T13:40:00.000-07:002011-10-23T13:40:46.164-07:00

It was a lazy Saturday afternoon and foggy by the beach, perfect for hanging out in the newly remodeled Fun House and watching the US Open 9-ball finals.  What a great show Appleton put on, easily winning for the second time in a row.   Each shot of his match appeared so perfect that it almost seemed to require no effort at all.  Some of the shots were truly extraordinary, so I had

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-66848514012139366712011-10-16T20:01:00.000-07:002011-10-16T20:01:07.262-07:00

The new, improved Fun House is spectacular.  The new wood floors and minimalist theme are calming and yet very strong.   Late into the night, with quiet all around, save the distant sounds of the surf, and in solitude, I sense every shot with maximum attention. It just doesn't get much better than this. (top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-74005699257879681622011-08-21T11:50:00.000-07:002011-08-21T12:06:53.597-07:00

Scott Adams, the creator of the wildly popular Dilbert cartoon series, is a pool player of some considerable skill, it seems. Although I have never seen him shoot a ball, his post describes a deep understanding of what it takes to excel at the game.  I couldn't have said it better myself, so click here and read it yourself. (top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-51803355713121957542011-07-26T13:09:00.000-07:002011-07-26T13:11:07.747-07:00

FastMikie's Fun House remodel project has turned the corner! The pool table (Brunswick Gold Crown IV) has been re-assembled and re-clothed (Simonis 760 Tournament Blue) with the excellent assistance of Steve Leistikow. Thanks, Steve, it plays flawlessly!   To celebrate, I spent a few hours just hitting one table full after another, getting back in stroke, and enjoying it a lot.  Next up

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-85152921193498290912011-07-06T13:54:00.000-07:002011-07-06T13:54:54.025-07:00

The new, improved FastMikie's Fun House is ever-so-slowly advancing toward completion!  The new floors have been installed, and as you can see, they are outrageously awesome.  The walls are painted.  Nice!  And, soon the pool table will be re-installed.  Happy Days! If I ever stop shooting pool, I'm going to convert the space into a yoga studio:  FastMikie's Seaside Downward Dog Yoga

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-56981665818916323622011-06-18T12:10:00.000-07:002011-06-18T15:07:49.863-07:00

For the past 6 weeks, the Fun House has been torn apart and completely remodeled, because, well, why not, right?  It's not every day you get a chance to reinvent where you live, and in honor of my coming 70th year on this planet I decided to do just that: reinvent just about everything about myself. Some things will stay, including the pool table, of course, but the floor upon which it

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-25480769793990869452011-05-23T15:26:00.000-07:002011-05-23T15:27:32.963-07:00

Mark Twain, known as "America's Favorite Author" as well as a skilled cueist, related this story about how he was once hustled at billiards: The game of billiards has destroyed my naturally sweet disposition. Once, when I was an underpaid reporter in Virginia City, whenever I wished to play billiards I went out to look for an easy mark. One day a stranger came to town and opened a

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-83555147600239015922011-05-14T15:34:00.000-07:002011-05-14T15:35:06.761-07:00

While researching the details on the auction of Mosconi's cue (previous post), I found this video of Willie giving a running commentary while he runs racks. He also answers the question of whether he missed, or just quit, on his record 526-ball run. Check out the video! (top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-58145793115759767582011-05-14T11:51:00.000-07:002011-05-14T11:52:15.434-07:00

News comes this morning that Willie Mosconi's personal cue, made for him by the legendary Balabushka, will be auctioned off to the highest bidder by Willie's son.  (Click for story) This is so wrong, on so many levels, and yet... I want that cue!  Yes, it's a stupid thing to want to own something so expensive only because someone famous once owned it.   What is the best use of this cue

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-13849776631061690812011-03-17T22:16:00.000-07:002011-03-17T22:44:34.067-07:00

When I did the first look at the new Kamui chalk product (see the post below this one), I was unaware of the price.  Now I have heard that the price is $25 per cube.  Yikes!   Okay, now that I'm over sticker shock, and have been able to shoot some more racks with the chalk, I can put the price into perspective.  Here's my take on it: I practice with the cheap stuff, but when I want to

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-64310265689578033912011-03-10T10:41:00.000-08:002011-03-10T10:41:49.433-08:00

Today is the first day in the life of Kamui Chalk in the USA and I have been honored to receive the first cube for review purposes: The chalk cube was individually hermetically sealed in a foil package, with what looks like a retail hang tag... The paper label on the cube seems to be an early prototype of what would be available in production runs because it wasn't aligned very

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-2653409098844993872011-02-20T12:18:00.000-08:002011-02-20T22:35:17.338-08:00

About 7 years ago I decided to get as good as I can at billiards. And I got pretty darn good. I could get a lot better if I practiced more, but I'm lazy, so I try to get by with the least possible amount of effort. That's not a winning attitude, of course, so I decided to develop the Optimum Practice routine that would give me the maximum results with the minimum effort. I had been

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-86553970506938191642011-02-14T11:06:00.000-08:002011-02-14T11:06:34.120-08:00

"Power is not revealed by striking hard or often, but by striking true."  Honore de Balzac I ran across this excellent quote this morning, and it reminded me of Johnny Archer's visit to FastMikie's Fun House, when he gave me a lesson on how to execute a proper 9-ball break.  Here's the video of that lesson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffkl-zp96N8

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-8179208793691972172011-02-07T20:13:00.000-08:002011-02-07T20:17:13.872-08:00

To celebrate the new year, I am treating myself to new cloth.  And with the new cloth comes new rules.  No more noisy break games like 8-9-10-ball.  Only quiet games like straight pool, or carom.  The neighbors complain about the noise.  Also, no jump shots, no masse' shots, no spitting, no cussing, no whistling, no singing, no children, no food or drinks on the table, no smoking, and no

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-57289659445688756692011-02-07T15:15:00.000-08:002011-02-13T20:59:49.429-08:00

Imagine the shot in your mind.  See in advance the path of the cue ball after it hits the object ball(s), see the object ball move to and drop into the pocket.   See the cue ball move into your next intended position, the full path sometimes 3 cushions or more.  See it come to a stop.   If you imagine troubling results, then adjust your thoughts and re-imagine the shot coming out

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-31996912304833163262011-02-05T17:13:00.000-08:002011-02-05T17:16:01.439-08:00

As I was doing a little cleaning up of the sidebar -----> I discovered this little video experiment among my YouTube videos.  I like the music (Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata); very restful.  It shows a typical "day in the life", including some favorite pool exercises, the sunsets, food, etc.  Enjoy... Link here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw3CWBkCOJM (top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-26801532720068273922011-02-04T14:46:00.000-08:002011-02-04T14:56:37.849-08:00

Posts here have waned lately, and some have wondered what could possibly have eclipsed my obsession with pool, and why.  Well, here's the story, starting with a little background... There was a time, long ago, 1983, that I was quite poor.  Bankrupt, in fact, the result of a business adventure that went poorly.  At that time I started on the long road back to building financial

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-41370091203705974122011-01-30T20:08:00.000-08:002011-01-30T20:08:12.282-08:00

Patience gives the power to practice; Practice gives the power that leads to perfection. (from the tab on tonight's Yogi green tea) (top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-12450922223392614302011-01-21T10:25:00.000-08:002011-01-21T10:26:16.805-08:00

I had not been planning on entering it, and I felt rotten when I woke up the morning of the Big Quarterly 8-ball Tournament.  I didn't get much sleep at all.  I was listless, and unfocused, and when I tried to hit a few on my table, every shot missed by a mile.  My vision was fuzzy.  I figured there was no way I was going to win the tournament, so why even show up for it? But, the

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-82306318231027050052011-01-13T15:30:00.000-08:002011-12-15T17:39:09.259-08:00

These are individual matches. For teams, see SDAPA and TAP. Click on the addresses for Google Maps and directions. Know of a tournament NOT LISTED HERE? Please let me know! Monday Sportsman's Pub 7350 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 619-461-7063 Tables: 4 medium size 8 ball, call pocket, no safeties. 8pm. $5 entry, bar matches 1/2 the pot. Leucadian 1542 N Coast Highway 101, Leucadia CA 760-753

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-14668737435550303232011-01-09T17:25:00.000-08:002011-01-09T17:26:22.690-08:00

I was going through an old computer that I used for recording some of my practice sessions and found a file called "Pool Notes".  It got me curious, so I opened it to find some thougths you may find interesting.  Here it is in its entirety: Pool Notes: Enjoy giving each shot your full, consistent Attention. Practice the way you want to play. Don’t pick up the cue unless you are going to

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-12086066027459426872010-11-21T20:07:00.000-08:002010-12-06T20:33:49.545-08:00

Max Eberle is one of my favorite pro players.  Sure, he's a great shooter, but he's much more than a typical great shooter.  He's smart.  He thinks deeply on the game.  And he writes well.  I have reviewed his book "Zen Pool" in this blog way back in 2007.  Great book.  Read my review here. One thing that distinguishes Max Eberle's game is his fundamentals.  He is rock solid and very

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-61077014836662193492010-10-22T10:30:00.000-07:002010-10-22T10:33:53.734-07:00

I use a Kamui tip, but I can't do anything like these amazing shots. I guess it takes more than a great tip.And, I'm not really into trick shots, but these are some of the best I've seen. Enjoy!(top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-56659179242736113242010-09-21T12:12:00.001-07:002010-09-21T12:42:38.249-07:00

There are many times when you need to stretch to reach a shot, and that's where the normal "mechanical bridge" comes in handy. The problem with the bridge is that you lose a lot of the feel of a shot, and you are standing in an position which is not natural. Your sight line is not normal, you must make adjustments to your aim, and the success rate for shots using the bridge are lower. That's

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-31669281247790761972010-09-17T17:01:00.000-07:002010-09-17T19:56:03.951-07:00

Ten days ago a pool shooter called me out. Challenged me! What was so unusual about it was he did it on Facebook, on my birthday, and made the stipulation that I post the result of the match on my blog and on Facebook.So, I'm just doing my job here, posting the results...Straight pool, race to 100, final score 100 to 24. Winner: me.Now that my contractual obligations have been taken care of,

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-1115832967008157942010-09-15T07:00:00.000-07:002010-09-21T12:29:05.759-07:00

Updated as of September 15, 2010 as part of the PoolSynergy project.For a look at what's in other players' cases, click PoolSynergy.Cue CaseMade by Jim Murnak"Vintage" modelPlaying CueSamsara #1676, 19.2 oz.lizard wrapwith two Predator 314 Series 2 shafts,30" with Uni-Lock joint,with Kamui soft tipsBreak CuePredator Willie Hoppe Limited Edition#169/500Predator 314 Series 2 shaft, Tiger XH tipwith

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-29871929556550198242010-08-19T10:09:00.000-07:002010-08-19T10:30:36.334-07:00

Robot goes on sale next month. Check this video:(top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-71429204002156220992010-07-24T09:02:00.000-07:002010-07-24T09:05:21.666-07:00

A friend in Singapore sent me this video and asked my impression of this glass top pool table:Here's what I told him:As for the pool table, it is a clever thing, of course, but I think that, as a piece of furniture,it would only fit in with a very modern/contemporary home. And, as far as how well it plays, I would have some serious reservations with it. First of all, since there is no cloth,

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-91027387522995017572010-07-18T15:13:00.008-07:002010-07-18T15:36:33.025-07:00

All of a sudden you notice that your tip needs replacing, or that it's going to need replacing soon, and every time you shoot pool after that you get to thinking about that tip... Sooner or later you just know that if you don't get the damn tip replaced like *right now* you're going to be using it as an excuse, and that is just not acceptable. That's what happened today. I could just not

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-86793189556656376872010-07-14T21:18:00.000-07:002010-07-14T21:29:17.170-07:00

Two rails to the pocket is only possible with right english. Impossible with center ball hit.Right English creates the angle off the first rail, an un-natural angle, which will then contact the second rail so that ball is given to the target. The fun here is in finding the touch. It's geometry AND physics. The angles are exaggerated because of the spin and speed.Good pre-match warmup to

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-7266947258412591712010-07-11T23:05:00.000-07:002010-07-11T22:37:35.656-07:00

Update 7/11/2010: All of the following still applies, except that it is not good for straight pool because so much play is in the area of the rack. It definitely can make a ball roll off-line when slow rolling. Now, here's the review I wrote two months ago:In the history of pool, it seems that more creative energy has been given to ways to rack the balls consistently tight than any other

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-42402247690297901022010-06-28T08:02:00.000-07:002010-06-28T08:05:34.813-07:00

I just found this little gem on YouTube showing some straight pool break shots that you might want to try if/when you get out of line on the shot you really wanted. I like the one at :50 because I discovered it on my own, but the rest are new to me!Enjoy...(top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-61666509672459835092010-06-04T09:18:00.000-07:002010-06-04T09:20:21.897-07:00

Max Eberle is a ball-running machine!Watch as he runs the table in 1-Pocket.And he makes it look so easy...(top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-29963200950475403762010-05-07T14:52:00.000-07:002010-05-07T14:55:54.007-07:00

(top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-8873397874725417472010-04-15T07:02:00.000-07:002010-04-15T09:00:58.569-07:00

This is the 6th in a monthly series of posts written in coordination with selected pool bloggers. For the month of April it was my turn to choose the topic, and after giving it a lot of thought, I went to the heart of the matter and wanted to know "the most important thing about pool". I have been studying, practicing, taking lessons, competing, teaching, and writing about pool for the last 6

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-30188097650571124132010-04-15T07:01:00.000-07:002010-04-15T07:01:00.056-07:00

This article is the 5th in a series of posts written in coordination with other pool bloggers entitled "PoolSynergy".This month's topic is "The Most Important Thing in Pool".The scenario is that you have only a few moments to live,and you take your final moments to reveal the secret of pool,considering everything you have learned by study and practice and competition,all your physical experiences

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-27903464530751192412010-04-14T07:00:00.000-07:002010-04-14T23:37:31.092-07:00

This month’s challenge by my friend “Fast Mikie” McCafferty is to impart the secret of pool into a concise phrase, if possible.This has special meaning to me because my Grandfather Charles “Pop” Eberle once asked Willie Mosconi what is the most important thing about playing pool. Willie told my Grandpa one word, “Touch.” So little and so much all at once. This had to be true for Willie as Pop

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-1824385347747179562010-04-01T07:55:00.000-07:002010-04-06T10:25:13.509-07:00

Jim Murnak is a builder of first class custom cue cases. I use one and like it a lot. He has expanded his focus and produced some excellent video interviews which you can find at this link.So far, I have enjoyed the videos of Samm Diep and Gail Glazebrook and surprised at the low-key persona of world champion Mika Immonen.There are more interviews there, and I look forward to playing them

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-36973258983445437752010-04-01T07:26:00.000-07:002010-04-01T08:48:09.060-07:00

Somehow, the look of this blog has taken on a will of its own, with text from the left column bleeding over into the right column. I have no idea why, and it will take some sleuthing to dig out the buggy code.Usually, in such a situation, the approach I take is to delete code until things start to work again, then put stuff back until it breaks again, eventually learning where it hurts, fixing

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-80259714327364928722010-03-21T15:30:00.000-07:002010-04-01T08:37:13.120-07:00

... but I'd drive across the country to listen to him talk." (Jersey Red)I'm really liking this remark as one of the top Minnesota Fats stories of all time.For the full story, check out R.A. Dyer's website at this link.(top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-7903439722582029322010-03-20T11:01:00.000-07:002010-04-06T10:13:04.249-07:00

Dear fellow PoolSynergy bloggists...In the fullness of time, it has come to be,my turn.Thank you for your attention.It has been interesting watching and participating in this experiment,although I feel particularly constrained by writing on a deadline.It is an un-natural act.I feel that writing should spring out from the spirit.Writing is like other bodily functions,which should not be required

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-50217087996313941912010-03-15T06:59:00.000-07:002010-03-15T08:23:24.538-07:00

This article is the 5th in a series of posts written in coordination with other pool bloggers entitled "PoolSynergy" . To see others, go to:http://nycgrind.com/?p=9778Pool has a bad reputation because it has earned it. It's simple Cause and Effect. Pool is the way it is because of everything that has happened, and not happened, to cause it to be that way. But let's not beat a dead horse. We

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-90476786070143197182010-03-07T13:01:00.000-08:002010-03-11T21:17:56.023-08:00

Recently I was cleaning out some stuff from storage, and came across a mailing tube, dated 1988, sent to me by my father, who, it seems, was doing some cleaning out of his own when he found this, and sent it along to me. Prior to that, the last time I saw this was on the day it was done, way back in 1962, while I was still in college, on a vacation to Ocean City, Maryland. There, while walking

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-47965326868156968352010-02-15T07:00:00.000-08:002010-03-11T21:23:12.870-08:00

This article is the 4th in a series of posts written in coordination with other pool bloggers entitled "PoolSynergy" . To see others, go to: http://gailglazebrook.wordpress.com/2010/02/15/poolsynergy-volume-iv-fan-favorites/It would be easy to say that my favorite pool player is Willie Mosconi, who is generally acknowledged to be the best of all time, and because he holds the high run of all time

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-90831278232529442322010-02-08T11:01:00.000-08:002010-02-08T11:45:36.834-08:00

The previous version of this video was removed this morning from YouTube and is being replaced by this shorter version, without comments or other noises to distract from the absolute artistry of "El Maestro" Tony Sorto. Pure pool. Enjoy. The previous version of this video had been viewd 11,666 times, enjoyed a perfect 5-star rating, and had some 55 comments, all ragingly positive. I expect

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-75298777061069694452010-01-30T14:24:00.000-08:002010-03-11T21:22:03.885-08:00

When I first started playing pool again, after 40 years of no pool, I had no idea how the rules had changed. I had no idea what a push-out was, and in general I was completely ignorant of virtually all of the finer points in the rules. When I joined the APA, I was lucky to have a team mate, Rob Clark, who did in fact know every nuance of every rule, and he made it clear to me that I couldn't

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-19049358566925145272010-01-26T18:09:00.000-08:002010-03-11T21:19:33.720-08:00

This time, instead of winning a pool tournament, I won a pool painting, on eBay.Check it out, a real oil on canvas painting by local artist/pool fanatic Tina Hou. And because Tina is local, she has promised to deliver it personally and we get to play some pool. Hopefully, Tina will help me select the best place to hang it...I will be proud to display this on the wall of my home pool room!(top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-91981028646713996152010-01-21T17:21:00.000-08:002010-01-21T17:33:34.973-08:00

The storms in SoCal have been raging for several days, and today was supposed to be the worst of it, in effect the worst storm of the decade (this new decade is only 3 weeks old). So I thought it would be interesting to get out of the Fun House and go shoot some pool, especially since today was the Big Quarterly Tournament in Encinitas (8-ball). I wasn't expecting much because I haven't

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-8297241319480487912010-01-20T07:37:00.001-08:002010-01-20T10:59:06.425-08:00

It is rare to find a painting which evokes the simplicity and elegance of the game in such a pleasurable way as this one by artist Tina Hou, a dedicated player on the San Diego APA scene. An original work, oil on canvas, signed and framed, is available now on eBay at this link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170434814406 and is listed with a very reasonable opening bid and

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-71208852338068921062010-01-15T07:00:00.000-08:002010-02-08T08:51:14.926-08:00

This article is the 3rd in a series of posts written in coordination with other pool bloggers entitled "PoolSynergy" . To see others, go to: http://www.billiardcoach.com/home/2010/01/15/poolsynergy-volume-iiiThis month's PoolSynergy article was written by Rolando Aravena, house pro at Strokers II in Tampa, Florida. His views in this article are right on target with my own, and I am also a big

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-22731239069405893662010-01-05T21:31:00.000-08:002010-01-05T21:31:30.902-08:00

The topic for January is: "some activity, training, or experience outside of the world of billiards and how that could be applied to help a person's pool game". The deadline for completion is January 13 for a post date of January 15, at 7am Pacific time. Your thoughts? (top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-71580052898991018152010-01-01T14:40:00.000-08:002010-01-01T14:42:11.560-08:00

Only a man who knows  what it is like to be defeated  can reach down to the bottom of his soul and  come up with the extra ounce of power it takes  to win when the match is even. Muhammad Ali (top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-25970402923256618502009-12-31T08:23:00.000-08:002009-12-31T08:23:21.612-08:00

Check out this press release: Media Contact: Laura Bruskin 212.337.4047 / lbruskin@limeprpromo.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WIN A $5,000 DREAM GAME ROOM FROM SEARS  THE BLACK WIDOW (JEANNETTE LEE) AND SEARS LAUNCH “HIT US WITH YOUR BEST SHOT” BILLIARDS CONTEST New York – December 29, 2009 – It’s time to dust off those pool sticks and pick up the video camera because Sears is awarding $5,000 in

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-19173873207555692142009-12-24T10:08:00.000-08:002009-12-24T10:10:10.697-08:00

Dan stopped by yesterday, an unplanned visit, to shoot some pool.  It has been several months since our last session on the table, and with his taking on a new job and me out of competition this year, we were both somewhat out of stroke.  However, every time we get together, we both compete fiercely because we both want to win, so it's always a good match. This time, however, I decided up front

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-76452950714313935622009-12-18T09:26:00.000-08:002009-12-18T09:26:31.727-08:00

Right now, Johnny Archer and Shane Van Boening, LIVE! Click http://www.azbilliards.com/azbtv/ (top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-57337557393576230362009-12-17T21:35:00.000-08:002009-12-17T21:43:42.881-08:00

A monthly collection of articles, all by different authors, and all with different takes on the same theme. The theme changes each month. Click the date for a list of authors and summary of their article. December 2009  11 articles Theme: an interesting pool related story that either happened to you or  that you heard of that inspired you in some way, e.g. a moral to the story.

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-18473595759848751962009-12-15T09:20:00.000-08:002009-12-15T12:48:05.557-08:00

No, not MY father (he was a car salesman, and one of the good ones). "What I Learned From My Father the Grifter" is the title of a story in Men's Journal about a gambler/grifter/pool hustler which continues the legend of pool players as the evil underbelly of society. Read it at http://www.mensjournal.com/my-father-the-grifter  (top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-24707928934329034892009-12-13T19:54:00.000-08:002009-12-17T22:06:18.270-08:00

Breathe. Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat. Notice how your body and your mind relax when you breathe out. This is good. A relaxed body is healthy. A relaxed mind is clear, unworried, free of stress. Learning breath control is one of the most important things you can do to improve your pool game, and your life in general.  I learned this when I was learning and practicing yoga every day

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-1616243313533369892009-12-13T07:00:00.000-08:002010-02-08T08:47:45.244-08:00

This article is the 2nd in a series of posts written in coordination with other pool bloggers entitled "PoolSynergy" . To see others, go to: http://www.pooltipjar.com/2009/12/poolsynergy-volume-ii/ Assignment: Write an "interesting pool related story that either happened to you or that you heard of that inspired you in some way, e.g. a moral to the story".Deadline: December 10, 2009, 10AMI have

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-73148570494391658312009-11-15T13:51:00.000-08:002009-11-15T14:12:58.442-08:00

This article is the first of a series of posts written in coordination with other pool bloggers entitled "PoolSynergy" . This first month's theme is STRATEGY. To see others, go to: http://www.poolstudent.com/2009/11/15/poolsynergy-volume-001/ The Impossible Dream Every day many people have their first experience with pool. Some of them become fascinated with the movements, the colors, the

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-80962139969947446442009-10-22T09:19:00.000-07:002009-10-22T09:26:49.311-07:00

What a beautiful concept!  ("Mercy is a Disease"). This morning I read about Mika's quote in the blog Pool Cue News and Review. And then I Googled the phrase and found that there was only one link to that exact phrase being used in that context, and it was in the London Evening Standard (today!) with a good story about Mika and how he doesn't get into much idle chit-chat.   I really

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-90423643496688018062009-10-21T19:35:00.000-07:002009-10-21T19:43:22.010-07:00

Check out the website for Easy Street Billiards at http://easystreetbilliards.com/ Nice place, eh?  Man, I wish I lived in Monterey, CA so I could hang out there all day long.  Wouldn't it be great to own the place and make a few bucks, hopefully, and shoot pool on nice tables with mellow customers? If you see yourself owning this place, call Michael Stansbury, owner, at 831-521-4442, and

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-87877372409209218822009-10-09T10:19:00.000-07:002009-10-09T10:19:55.359-07:00

Stagecoach Inn 1865 West Vista Way, Vista CA 760-724-9090 Tables: 8' coin operated. 9 ball, race to 3. Double Elimination.  2PM. $11 entry fee. (top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-81572201451187336832009-10-02T11:37:00.000-07:002009-10-02T11:37:57.933-07:00

Starting tonight, a new tournament on Friday nights.  Check out the details below: The Blarney Stone Pub338 N 2nd St. El Cajon, CA 92021619-328-54039-Ball, double elimination, 8pm. Race to 2. $6 entry fee, bar adds $2.50 or more per player. Pays 1-4th & top women. When full board will pay 6 places. (top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-51160108132319567672009-09-02T10:33:00.000-07:002009-09-02T10:33:18.832-07:00

(top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-1767353911435134732009-08-26T17:10:00.000-07:002009-08-26T17:10:49.781-07:00

A 360-degree tour of the billiard room at FastMikie's Fun House, while standing at the foot of the table. (top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-292185224724301042009-08-20T15:34:00.000-07:002009-08-23T18:33:39.926-07:00

I have been wanting to do a new door to the loo, and give it a billiards theme. It has taken a few years to get around to it, but here's the final product. They will be lined up around the block just to pee and peek at this wonderful work of art.The stained glass work was designed and fabricated into an extraordinary work of art by Don Myers Stained Glass in Oceanside, CA. The door is solid

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-276698763618672382009-08-18T22:10:00.000-07:002009-08-18T22:19:39.509-07:00

It has been several weeks during which I have not practiced at all. Haven't even picked up a cue for at least 10 days at a time, and when I did get around to hitting a few balls, it was really very good. Tonight, for example. I started out stroking poorly, awkwardly, until soon enough the good feeling came back and I began stroking very nicely and doing things with the cue ball which were

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-84453667382974057112009-07-26T07:28:00.000-07:002009-07-26T09:49:05.915-07:00

It has been said "When one door closes, another one opens."Well, I'm not so sure that's true in every case, and my pool door has certainly not closed entirely (just played for 4 hours yesterday), but since I have cut out tournaments and the focused practice needed for tournament play, there's a lot more time to do some of the things I have been wanting to do for a long time. So here's just one

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-53428021555034134592009-07-13T17:53:00.000-07:002009-07-13T18:17:54.709-07:00

This next shot just popped up on YouTube, courtesy of "Mosconi526" who says he saw it in a video of one of Willie Mosconi's exhibitions. What a great opening shot for straight pool, but I'm wondering if anyone ever tried this in a serious competition. In any case, it sure is spectacular!This next shot, also courtesy of "Mosconi526" is another Mosconi exhibition shot which requires an

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-76018238804537549922009-06-26T00:05:00.000-07:002009-06-26T00:49:24.799-07:00

Dan S. happened to be in town on business and was looking to get a bit of dinner, before he made the long drive home, so we hit the local sushi joint. Dan didn't say anything about shooting pool, and he knows I'm retired from serious competition, so I took advantage of the situation to enjoy some sake with my sushi. (Ordinarily I never drink anything alcoholic if I'm going to play some pool.)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-27614376577877125902009-06-13T10:48:00.000-07:002009-06-13T12:03:45.007-07:00

It was almost 6 years ago that I set myself to learning this game, with the goal of seeing how good I could get with it. I feel that I have learned a lot, and won more than my share of competitions. I never had the goal of turning pro, and really never had the goal of doing a lot of competitions. It wasn't about proving myself to others, or making a public spectacle of whatever knowledge and

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-86871966639647517772009-06-05T17:52:00.000-07:002009-06-05T18:02:19.985-07:00

Pool Wars author Jay Helfert seems to be a thinking man's Forrest Gump of the pool world, always in the right place at the right time for some of the biggest pool events since the 60's. For example, Jay was racking the balls during the match when Earl Strickland won the "million-dollar" prize for running 10 racks in a row! Jay was the guy who got Keith McCready a role in the movie "The Color of

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-46553501642312992082009-06-02T09:19:00.000-07:002009-06-02T09:46:43.608-07:00

A couple of posts back I mentioned getting a new set of Aramith TV Pro Cup balls.  Right after that post, Dan W. showed up to play some straight pool, and of course I wanted to try out the new set of balls.  But that wasn't working out very well because I was missing almost everything; couldn't run more than 5 balls, and even that was a struggle!  What's up with that?  To make matters worse, Dan

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-14100494272149751592009-05-30T22:03:00.000-07:002009-05-30T22:22:36.329-07:00

Monica Webb read this book and recently won back to back WPBA pro pool tournaments, her first wins in 10 years of trying. I'm thinking that maybe something in this book might have been a key in her success.Thinking Body, Dancing Mind: Taosports for Extraordinary Performance in Athletics, Business, and Life(top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-13449573129567566052009-05-12T17:02:00.000-07:002009-05-14T09:46:40.392-07:00

After 5 years of beating up my set of Brunswick Centennial balls, I splurged on a new set of Super Aramith TV Pro-Cup balls. The first thing I did was weigh each ball, twice, right after unpacking, so there would be no chalk or other schmutz on them to interfere with accuracy. Here are the results:Weights (using digital scale):One ball is 168 grams Eleven balls are 169 grams each (includes the "

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-3116065320217862802009-05-12T12:25:00.000-07:002009-05-12T13:10:52.347-07:00

A Facebook friend from a land far away asked my thoughts on Larry Keller's Pro Justa-Bridge, so I figured I'd share it here:About a year ago, I bought one of these Pro Justa-Bridges and like it a lot. However, some guest players who have never used one would get freaked-out with it and ask if I had a "normal" bridge that they are used to.One disadvantage is that they are not flat, and it is

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-84404785987123175502009-05-09T16:09:00.000-07:002009-05-09T21:07:25.223-07:00

I got to fiddling with my new micro-sized Flip Hi-Def video camera and it struck me that I might be able to rig it so that I could do videos of some of my practice routines, from the point of view of the shooter (me). I think I have never seen such videos, so I decided to experiment with the idea.When I get to inventing, the first thing I do is a prototype. It's not supposed to be be flawless,

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-77257425818776997972009-05-05T22:01:00.000-07:002009-05-05T22:36:29.199-07:00

When I got to playing some carom with those 3 fresh balls, I noticed that the behavior seemed different, and I couldn't quite figure it out.One thing that was throwing me off was that I was using mis-matched balls. The red and yellow are from a set designed for European 8-ball, which are about 4 grams lighter than the measle cue ball. The hit sounded wrong, so I replaced the measle cue ball

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-27791633742163974792009-05-04T19:47:00.000-07:002009-05-04T20:25:03.712-07:00

A funny thing happened today. Not funny ha-ha, funny strange.I was hitting some balls, experimenting with cuts, and I drifted into focusing on position, and then the position I was aiming at was another object ball, and all of a sudden I was playing 3 cushion billiards and it was fun, so I broke out a fresh measle cue ball, and a fresh red and a fresh yellow, just to make it look more like 3-

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-53343895922703471282009-05-03T13:44:00.000-07:002009-05-03T19:03:02.500-07:00

After 18 years in business, Family Billiards Center in Oceanside has sold all the stuff and closed the doors for good, just this past Wednesday.This was where I first won money in a pool tournament. I got 30 bucks for third place, the first time I entered the tournament. I was a "C" player then, in May 2004. Good times! Click here for the story.And, I also won that tournament, in February

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-45366366288843837922009-04-25T10:15:00.000-07:002009-04-25T10:45:09.817-07:00

Imagine what you could learn about straight pool by having Hall of Fame pro Nick Varner coaching you on each shot, explaining patterns and strategy and shot-making...A couple of days ago, I had the opportunity to have that fantasy become reality, right at home on my own table, and even got it on video, in 3 parts, for a total of only 29 balls run. When my run come to a close with a safety,

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-2535187001251171832009-04-24T22:31:00.000-07:002009-04-25T10:45:42.769-07:00

Nick Varner calls the action while Johnny Archer runs 120 balls.This video starts off with Nick Varner coaching me through my last rack, where I get myself in trouble and play safe. That's when Johnny Archer spots a kick to a 5 ball combination for a break shot and proceeds to run out the rack (12 balls) and keeps on going for a total run of 120 balls.What is exceptional about this run is that

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-24250417224769558762009-04-23T00:31:00.000-07:002009-04-23T00:34:37.435-07:00

World pool champions Johnny Archer and Nick Varnergave me private lessons for the last 3 hours.Archer ran 120 in straight pool.I got it on HD video!(top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-74320369320785828372009-04-17T16:33:00.000-07:002009-04-26T00:33:53.106-07:00

Maybe I'm too busy with facebook to do a better job of reporting, but in the interests of completeness and transparency (which seems to be a new buzz word), there are a few random bits for the record.1. In the first of the recent three tournament wins in a row, the worthy opponent was a guy I had never seen before, John H. In the finals, for the last game, I broke and ran out. He never got out

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-39911732855437144452009-04-16T22:29:00.000-07:002009-04-18T13:14:14.090-07:00

The good news is that I won the 8-ball tournament again, for the third time in a row, but the big news is that this last win was the big Quarterly tournament. Every 13 weeks the "ringers" come out of the woodwork, people you never see at the regular weekly tournament. They come for the glory, of course, but also the immortality: you get your name inscribed onto the plaque on the wall for all

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-75140018588719454472009-04-09T19:34:00.000-07:002009-04-09T23:17:29.235-07:00

I won the 8-ball tournament again this week, and I guess that could seem a rather ho-hum thing if you consider how many 8-ball tournaments there are across the world, going on day in and day out, in bars and pool halls and even a few places with the top pros. So maybe my wins are small change, in the grand scheme of things.But for me, these wins are extraordinary for several reasons:1. I was

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-10022208204843933442009-04-02T17:26:00.000-07:002009-04-10T13:48:34.400-07:00

Forgive me, for I have sinned: I have not blogged in way too long, but even worse, I have not played pool in even more way too long. My love for the game had waned, and I am not worthy. Yes it is true that I have a Gold Crown IV in my living room, and yes, it is true that I have it covered in the finest Simonis 760 which allows me to draw the ball the length of the table, and yes, it is true

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-58039381533703556982009-03-20T17:37:00.000-07:002009-03-20T18:53:23.749-07:00

I've taken a break from my Moori medium tip to try out the Kamui medium, but I'm going back to the Moori. Too many miscues with the Kamui. And I have heard that from other players too. However, I have not tried the Kamui Black Soft or Super Soft. That may be a better bet than the medium. But I've tried the Moori soft tips and don't like all the mushrooming.Or... is it possible that the percentage

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-55598668097081638532009-03-11T18:16:00.000-07:002009-03-12T01:05:10.051-07:00

I was looking forward to some advanced straight pool tonight. By advanced I mean that my opponent is an excellent player, and it would take a performance on my part that would stretch my skills. I like that. It's not every day that I get to shoot pool with somebody as good as he is. Notice how I am not using the name of this person? This is because it is in the Code of the Brotherhood that

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-4522939094795745532009-03-07T21:44:00.000-08:002009-03-08T13:13:46.554-07:00

Still slow-rolling to get the feel going again. El Maestro always said to visualize the ball going into the pocket slowly.Notice the low lighting. I like to play in darkened conditions, where I rely more on a sense of where and how to hit the ball without really seeing an exact aim point.A few more sessions of open table practice and I'll be ready for some serious drills...(top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-32600528348557357272009-03-06T17:51:00.000-08:002009-03-06T18:02:22.571-08:00

After several weeks of no pool, I'm getting back on the table to hit a few and see if I have remembered how a stroke works. It was also a good opportunity to check out the new Flip HD video camera which is the simplest, smallest video recorder I have seen. I put it on a mini tripod for stability and put in on the fireplace mantel, and pushed the big red button. That's all there is to it.

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-90437556073049727292009-03-01T12:38:00.000-08:002009-03-01T12:53:04.187-08:00

It has been at least 10 days since I picked up a cue! What's up with that? And I have a pool table staring me in the face all day every day. I have to walk around it probably 50 times a day. And I can't pick up a cue to hit a few?Maybe I just needed a break. I haven't been giving it much thought, until just a while ago, I finally did pick up my cue and started hitting a few, and then a few

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-6816614526162193402009-02-25T07:23:00.000-08:002009-02-25T09:13:12.958-08:00

It matters not whether you win or lose;what matters is whether I win or lose.*What is it about Winning?We downplay winning in all cases except when WE are the Winner. We tell ourselves that it's really all about how well we play the game. We offer up all sorts of excuses for winning that invalidate the win, such as Luck (lucky roll, lucky draw...), just as we excuse ourselves for losing; and

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-41910284711837386352009-02-24T19:16:00.000-08:002009-02-25T08:19:57.088-08:00

The name IPAT could be mistaken for one of many products made for the iPhone, but no! It's the new name for what used to be simply PAT, which in turn is the acronym for Playing Ability Test (for pool). I think PAT was designed for the European market and IPAT is the product for the USA. It's all the same, as far as I know right now.We don't know why they changed the name, but we do know it's

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-47924804793616536262009-02-16T19:15:00.001-08:002009-02-16T19:51:17.237-08:00

I'm not at all happy with this runout, but I sent it in to cuetable.com anyway, just so I could be one of the first five people to submit a video and earn a polo shirt.The 1-ball was really an ugly shot, and because of it, I got poor shape on the 2-ball. However, I stroked the 2 very nicely, even if I do say so myself, hitting it almost full and giving lots of low right on the cue ball. This

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-49890763864318943562009-02-16T09:22:00.000-08:002009-02-16T19:52:37.621-08:00

You gotta see this:From Italy, a billiard table cover system that is so simple and effective, you'll wonder why it hasn't been done a hundred years ago!See http://www.quickup.it/Home%20English.html(top)

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12690009.post-88970641198889080362009-02-15T13:51:00.000-08:002009-02-15T14:35:31.508-08:00

The book I am currently reading "The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable"gave an interesting example of the complexity of life and the impossibility of predicting future events.  It used the actions of billiard balls on a table as an example.  Here is the example given, on page 178 of the hardcover book:"This multiplicative difficulty leading to the need for greater and greater

Michael McCaffertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06551762165327568554noreply@blogger.com1