the Mid-Atlantic Billiard Network

We are looking for a rating system for a double elimination 9-ball tournament that we are trying to put together. Any ideas, sources, suggestions? Our goal is to get as many players as possible, and we're trying to go after players that are intimidated by our better players. Any help you may provide would be greatly appreciated.
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I'm from Bombay, India. And have just started playing pool since the past 2 months. I am also handicapped (I have the right eye with perfect vision, while the left eye has about 25% vision), despite the same I have gone on to win a tournament held recently in the intermediate skill players section. I have a query for you. I have had a lot of problems in judging the angle of deflection required for a cut shot. Could you guide me and tell me what I can do about it.
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All sorts of tips on the market now a days. Rocky. moori, tad,french tips on and on. What tip is out there that retains its shape yet grips the ball more?
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My question is about the elusive mental game at the highest levels of this great sport. I have read a few books on the subject, but never any written by the "best of the best". What goes on in the mind of a top touring pro when he steps up to take a shot or run a table? Does he ever have doubts about making an easy or medium level shot or is he 100% sure about making it and controlling the speed of the cue ball most of the time? I guess I want to know mostly about the level of confidence and just what goes on in his/her head when they have an open table. How they approach it. Thanks.
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What is the best way to break the balls and what kind of english do you use?
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What are the shooter's options, and your opinions please, of the best choices for pocketing this shot:

Assuming the entire table is "open," for pocketing this shot in any desired pocket, the OBJECT ball is AGAINST either the top or bottom rail (the shorter rails,) (and, let's say somewhere in the middle, along that rail,) and the cue ball is approximately 12 inches directly opposite this object ball, (towards the middle of the table), then without having to "kick" the ball, (by first hitting a rail THEN the object ball, which I find very difficult,) how would he pocket the object ball using a direct hit into the ball, (perhaps using an angle shot into the object ball, maybe even with added english, or maybe a double "kiss?" ..OR, am I WAY out in left field, and the "kick" shot IS the far better shot??
I'm interested in your "choice" on this shot. Thanks for your consideration of my question.
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hi! i play 9-ball. i would like to have a copy of the 9-ball official rules and i would like to know how to get on the pro tour? my dream has always been to play on the pro tour and i would like to know the steps to get to my dreams. thank you!!!
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I am considering adding score beads to my pool room, but I've never used them before. If you could explain how to use them and where can I find plans as how to make a score bead line(such as where the beads go and how many), I'd appreciate it. Thanks J. Cox
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Hi, can you please explain to me what does the phrase "a $200 added event" (or any amount) mean?
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I would like to know why billiard tables use slate,which are heavy and expensive.why not use mdf (medium density board)which are hard enough to the bouncing of the balls?
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How do you play the diamond system?
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George has a very detailed answer for this, all players should read this. -
How do I accuratley shoot the que ball if it's on the tail? Also where do I aim the que ball if the other ball is on the rail? For example the 9 ball is on the rail, where do I aim so I can shoot a straight shot? Thanks for your help.
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Here is a question that seems to come up often in some form or another -
First - If George Fels is answering this, I would like you to know that I bought your Advanced Pool book 20yrs ago, so I have been a long time fan. It changed my game.

I have two questions:

- In 1980 I bought a used JossWest cue - it has wrap but no design of any kind (no pts, etc). If you go to history section of JossWest web site, there is a 1976 brochure showing 12 sticks - mine is 2nd from left. I recently had some (unsolicited) offers on it due to its scarcity, and I'd like to know if you can give me your own estimate of its wort, or where to go to find out. - The Predator concept looks interesting, does it really have an accuracy advantage as claimed?

If I'm more interested in playing well than in collecting cues, should I trade in my old JossWest for a Predator?
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Where can I find plans as how to make an official size billiard table.
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I am new to pool and have just went to a local bar today and watched my first tournament. I was surprised to see how "individualised" the sport is. I saw many bridges, stances, and head heights. I saw raw power shots and soft, delicate shots. I saw different sticks, different lengths, some brought there own chalk, etc.. Is there a correct stance, bridge, height of the head above the cue, etc.. to playing pool or is it really that open. Is it a try and see method or should I really concentrate on one bridge, stance,head height and get used to it.
Thank you, Jim
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I have a Keith Hassen cue. Its very special and would like to find his location to get a third shaft made for it.
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I'm looking for good ways to practice and measure progress. Please describe the Q-Skill rating system...Thanks
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I have what has been represented as a Szamboti cue. How do I tell it is the real thing? Also - It is broken behind the joint on the butt end. Who in the US would do a good repair - if indeed this is a Szamboti? Finally, where can I get more info about Gus Szamboti, his company and the work that he did. Thanks for taking the time to consider this request. I am grateful to have found this resource. Best Regards - Stu Ehrlich
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While in Dallas this past October I was offered a Balabuska for $1500. He said it had a gold coin on the butt. I told him I was not interested because I believed it could be a fake. The question is this: When presented with a cue like that, is there someplace or someone who can verify it really is a balabuska? Also, what is the range of value for a balabuska? What was it that made the balabuska so disirable?
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Please rate for me Gandy (Winchester model) pool tables. Are they at the low, middle, or high end of tables made for home use?
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I am looking to buy my first table and what to know what to look for and look out for. Is Gandy's Consumer guide to buying a pool table a good stating point? Any advice would me very helpful.
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I'm having real problems with my follow through when playing a shot. I was wondering if you had any tips or techniques that could be useful.
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Are cues made of graphite any good? They feel very smooth.
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This isn't a strategy question, but I was hoping that you could answer it all the same. I am wondering how much room you would recomend be between a pool table and the wall?
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Here is a GREAT question - After shooting for 30+ years I never had the opportunity to consistantly hit the middle of the pocket. The pro's seem to do it from day in to year out all the way to retirement. After so many years of playing & practicing my shots never get past that "X" level. In no particular order I've checked & rechecked. Lineup through the object ball & its contact point. Check tip contact to cue. Adjust throw for any "English". Bar table or billiard table (speed) adjustment. "The Stance" & and/or "Posture". Stroke speed & follow through. I shoot equaly 'Righty' & 'Lefty'. Even gone so far as to practice with the table light off! MVP many times. I'm the anchor man on our teams. High this & high that. Like I said earlier... that "X" level thing, I MUST be missing something. This OLD DOG still wants to learn that trick. Any ideas or help? Thanks; Floyd M.
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I PLAY ON A LEAGUE IN S\W MICH, I ALSO HAVE 1 ARM. A MACHINIST ON MY TEAM MADE A SPECIAL CRUTCH FOR ME IS THERE ANY RULES TO WHAT A CRUTCH HAS TO BE,OR THE USES? THANKS
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I always thought that in 8-ball, on the break, if I got a ball in, that that is what I was, is that right, or do you have to confirm it by sinking another ball after that. Meaning, if I hit a stripe in on the break, then miss my next shot, are stripes by balls, or can the other player attempt to hit a stripe in, and therefore by stripes himself?
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Why aren't there many pro events on tv? Also, will there be another televised event like the one on tv live?
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I've enjoyed the game for awhile.
I have never really had any instruction.
I would love to learn to bank! Maybe learn why the Diamonds are on the table? CAN YOU HELP? THANK YOU!
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Could you please tell me what the recommended distance between staples is when stapling Simonis cloth (the best you can buy) to the rails. I believe the staples must be right next to each other (or very close together) in order to avoid ripples or dimples in the rubber bumpers, which create inconsistent angle deflection and make it very difficult to run a ball down the rail (therefore the table is no good and a person cannot play tournament lever pool).

Also could you quote me something from an installation type manual that tells you how close together the staples should be to avoid rippling.
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I have problems with my English Draws. The thing is that I'm not sure what English I have to use in certain situations. I was wondering if you could give me a brief understanding 'bout these draws. Are there certain laws in it? Or do I just play the english depending on where i want the ball to be. Whatever it is I'm very confused and i hope you could help me. Thanks
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I have seen tapes, books etc. about hypnosis and how it can help players. My question is do you think this can actually work for players who want to improve their game?
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I have an eight foot table at home and have become decent at bank shots. I notice however that I tend to leave banks and kicks short on 9ft tables and sometimes long on 7ft tables. Can you explain the concept for adjustments on different size tables?
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Hello, I have a few questions for you…A friend of mine plays for an 8-ball league. He and his sons are classified as Super 7’s. Recently, they have been loosing games due to Safety Plays. Their opponents then get ball-in-hand, hence a free shot.
Do you have any suggestions for them? Specific Books, Videos, or Personal Insight?
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How do you tell the difference between a Joss west and a Joss east?
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I would like a description of the proper stance during a power break shot. Where are the feet placed, etc? Also, what are the magnitudes and directions of forces executed by the various limbs during the shot?
Thank you for any enlightenment you can provide.
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What's the best and way to remove nicks from the shaft?
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I am interested in buying a new cue do to UPS losing my old one. I had a Muecci and liked it but I like an 11.5mm shaft. The company I deal with only carries 13mm shafts but could cut it down. What will this do to the new Meucci with the red dot shaft?
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Dear pro, what are the professional 8-ball rules?
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Dear pro,in your opinion,what is the correct distance from the bridge to the cue ball on normal shots?
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I am in the process of buying my first pool table. I found two that I like and I can afford. I would just like to know which is better; Kasson.Eagle or Brunswick.Bristol??
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Any tips on how to keep from getting mad when we think like an idiot at the table?
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What is the best type of felt to play on. I've heard Simonis 760 or 860. what is the difference and which one do most of the pro tournaments use.
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I really need help on concentration. Do you have any drills or suggestions on how to improve this part of my game?
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I am doing a report on the history and how to play the game pool. Can you help me with history and any links to find out the history?
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What is the proper way to rack for 8 ball?
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I'm shooting my last ball (the one by the corner) but have landed straight on. I tried a stun and run shot but came off the bottom rail and hid myself from the 8 ball - eventually loosing this game. Is there a proper way or another type of shot I should be practicing on?
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I'm shooting at the 8 ball and my opponent hooked me and this was for the match. Is there any way I could have escaped?
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