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When I was 12, my dad opened a family billiard parlor (he did not want to call it a pool hall). I got to pay 6 to 8 hours a day for 4 years. I had a knack for the game, and being exposed to exceptional players, and yes traveling players sometimes knows colloquially as "sharks", I got quite good. Even Alan Hopkins, a then champion player nine-ball player, spent extended time at my dad's place. During this 4 year experience I observed and learned about strategy of the game. Sure, the mechanics of the shot and position of the cue ball is very important. The speed of the cue, right-bottom, left, right english knowledge, all built a foundation for me. Then I noticed some players, especially when gambling, tightened up and missed shots easily made while other players would excel when the game had added importance.
I watched how the really good pool players did subtle things. How they approached the table after a missed shot. Applying chalk to their cue. How many played stone-faced not reacting with emotion or gestures. How they reacted after making a easy or hard shot, or when they made an exceptionally hard shot or missed a very easy one. I observed their presence their gestures, their facial expressions. How they accepted losing and how they handled winning.
I have approached my return to playing TT with the same demeanor. At first, I was just happy to be playing and gleeful that I could still play after many years away. As I've progressed, I'm gaining a focus and desire that's evolved from my playful beginning. I'm becoming cognizant of how I react to missed or erratic shots and am I giving an advantage to my opponent in my actions. In playing pool, cool and calm always was better than exhalations, both in victory or defeat. The parallels to TT seem very close.
I'm interested in the experience and knowledge of others and how small nuances have provided you an advantage. Basically, the mental aspect of the game. There will always be the gunslinger player who plays with an earned aura that gives them an advantage. And for intermediate to advanced players, this insight knowledge I know, from my pool hall experiences, can win another point or two or more. I'm interested in what insights you have learned and how you apply them. If you care to share.
I watched how the really good pool players did subtle things. How they approached the table after a missed shot. Applying chalk to their cue. How many played stone-faced not reacting with emotion or gestures. How they reacted after making a easy or hard shot, or when they made an exceptionally hard shot or missed a very easy one. I observed their presence their gestures, their facial expressions. How they accepted losing and how they handled winning.
I have approached my return to playing TT with the same demeanor. At first, I was just happy to be playing and gleeful that I could still play after many years away. As I've progressed, I'm gaining a focus and desire that's evolved from my playful beginning. I'm becoming cognizant of how I react to missed or erratic shots and am I giving an advantage to my opponent in my actions. In playing pool, cool and calm always was better than exhalations, both in victory or defeat. The parallels to TT seem very close.
I'm interested in the experience and knowledge of others and how small nuances have provided you an advantage. Basically, the mental aspect of the game. There will always be the gunslinger player who plays with an earned aura that gives them an advantage. And for intermediate to advanced players, this insight knowledge I know, from my pool hall experiences, can win another point or two or more. I'm interested in what insights you have learned and how you apply them. If you care to share.
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