The Lord

2/4 last week, not too bad considering the opposition, should have won the last frame for the draw but missed the black.

Although I am clearly still playing like a muppet, it’s slowly coming back - not just technique, but also strategy. I really need to pay more attention to taking the difficult balls first so the last few are clear and easy to pot.

Got my first master shot on Saturday and it appears that I can get down to the black fairly consistantly. It’s really not that difficult, the tables are in great condition, and the pockets fairly big! Having proper balls really helps a lot too. I think I will buy a nice white for when we play at home as the balls are attrocious.

In a previous post on playing City 8 ball I was wishing to be potting the ball with a regular consisitancy and actually getting a few ‘masters’ by next Tuesday… (a master is when you pot-out in one shot, a ‘master break’ is best, ‘master shot’ is after balls have been broken).

Truth is I have been really finding the going tough. While I have not really been practicing that much, I have a little. The level has improved drastically it seems. I worked out on Sunday when I visited the venue I play pool at that the guys I was playing the nite before were all state reps. I was getting a little worried by how much everyone had improved! But also refreshing to have a hit with some guys that can really play well.

So I have a little ways to go until next Tuesday, but keen for the competition. Very keen. Looks like I will have to go and have a hit this afternoon and get some form back. Not many people realise it but pool requires the concentration of tennis, the strategy of chess and a physical element not too dissimilar to skateboarding. At a competitive level it’s a very difficult game, unless you are playing very, very well.

I shall be playing City 8 ball A Grade this season, also have offer to play in Souths division, but I cannot spare Monday nights due to prior commitments.

It should be interesting playing 8-ball again. I was once quite a good player. I plan to reassert my position in 8 ball and concentrate even harder than ever. A good friend of mine is currently 3rd in the world.

I need to get the cue I have fixed, I want to shave the tip down at least 1mm & add a nylon ferrule to the tip before I can really get a feel for the game. I have a feeling I might require a breaking cue as well as I will most likely mash the cue tip otherwise.

Or even a 9ball cue instead for breaking… There was nine 9ball on tonight and I filled in and I was asked to fill in for a team. I only won 1 frame in 4, with 2 frames containing way out of the ordinary flukes to pot the 9, *sigh*, that’s nine ball!! Would be worth having a cue and trying to play a bit more. I used to LOVE nine ball.

Back to 8 ball, I have nfi who is on my team except one guy. It should be interesting, so whatever happens I need to be able to pot consistantly by Feb 11, or 14th or something. I am going to be taking it very serious, but it starts with fixing up this current cue, or buying another.