Describe Your Level of Billiard Skill
8/10/2007 1:11:03 PM
Describe Your Level of Billiard Skill
I guess I'm a low C player maybe a D.
I can get a consistent 4-5 run going and I do okay on occasion with getting out of trouble moving past a difficult pattern.
I'd say I'm a threat to break and run out if I can get at least two balls down on the break but I'm typically good for a break and run once or twice every 20-25 racks either 8 ball or 9 ball.
Where are you guys at?
Describe Your Level of Billiard Skill
Replies & Comments
jeffduke on 8/10/2007 3:22:07 PMWhile this is definitely NOT what you want to read, in order to find out my REAL speed, you'd have to either play me or watch me gamble with someone who has a chance of winning. I "lay down" a lot against players who I feel have no chance of winning. I will say this however, I play pretty sporty when I actually play.
I am in PA, by Lake Erie
Bishop on 8/10/2007 4:26:34 PM
Yeah its not likely we'll match up but if we do please don't lay down on me. I enjoy getting my a$$ handed to me from time to time.
- jeffduke on 8/11/2007 11:49:38 AM
I'd NEVER "lay down" on you pal, you're a guy! lol
If we ever did match up, which I doubt, it all depends on what we were playing for as to whether or not you got my game. I never know how I'm gonna play someone until the time comes.
shark3149 on 8/11/2007 11:23:00 PMI have been thinking about this. What I came up with was that I am a low B player on 9 foot tables and a very strong B on the bar box.
I tend to play a lot on the bar box as that is where all the action is around here. I can break and run 5 or six times out of ten on the bar box, but on the 9 I am a little weaker, and I might be able to break and run the table 4 or 5 times out of 10.
I play a lot of one pocket billiards and that seems to be helping my game over all.
I have also be working very hard on my mental focus. I am now getting back to where my game should be.
djkx1 on 8/12/2007 12:19:14 PM@shark3149,
If you can break and run 40% or more I would definitely suggest you make the U.S. Open. I know if it wasn't a 30 hour trip for me I might consider it just for the experience, but I sure as heck don't break and run at a rate of 40%. I probably don't even have a good shot on my first ball 40% of the time.
As far as my speed, its so hard to say. Everyone has different methods of comparison. I have a high run of 57 in straight pool , although I play very little of it. I mainly play 9 ball, with a six pack being my best run. Playing the ghost in 9 ball (race to 9) I usually get the better of it, I probably average about 9-6 or so.
I can get out from almost anywhere when I'm on, but it is usually a lack of focus that causes missed shots or blown shape. Keeping focused and remembering to take time on the seemingly simple shots is my weakness. So whatever that makes me, as far as speed goes, who knows.
- shark3149 on 8/14/2007 2:26:52 AM
I sure wish I could play with those US open guys. I don't play that well. I can only play like that 60% of the time but I am working on being more consistent. The guys in my pool room beat on me pretty bad most days, even though I have been playing this strong. I thought I was a middle of the road player.
I had back surgery and am just getting back in shape. I work out for 3 hours a day and play pool for about the same. That is why my game is so strong right now. I am lucky that I am off work right now so I have plenty of time to work on my game. I think I will be going back to work soon so I am not sure how much of my game I will get back before I go back to work. When I go back to work I will not have time to play much at all and my game will kind of stall out.
A-Train on 8/14/2007 9:39:43 PMWow, not as good as you guys are. I'm always experimenting with my game, I think that's a good part of me not running a lot more balls. I'd say I'm 80% likely to run out with good position on the 4 or 5 ball and a decent spread.
stick8 on 9/16/2007 10:08:41 AM
@justme - You are going to break you arm patting your self on the back!
Lay down on a player? Ha! Someone is going to trap you as they might be laying down also. No smarts here.
- jeffduke on 9/16/2007 10:46:16 AM
@stick8 - I love the way you've singled me out and are busting my balls every chance you get. You must be from AZB. But I'm not gonna take the bait. Just have your way because you're only making yourself look foolish, as you most likely are. Geez, I'm so glad I have another fan! Lmfao.
ccn7 on 9/17/2007 10:50:09 AM
I think I must be a clone of Bishop's since we play almost the same.
I think I'm a solid C player most the time now. I play mostly small local weekly tournaments. At 60 I don't gamble like I did when I was 20. Back then all I played was 9 ball and at that time, I was a good solid B player.
Now for some exciting news: My new BHQ playing cue (Zelda cue) is doing her magic. It has such a great solid hit with the P/H playing shaft. I swear my game has moved up a little bit just from using this cue.
And the J/B cue with the P/H shaft just explodes the rack, usually giving me at least one ball down.
Anyways this post is about game speed and I'll post a review of my new cues as soon as I get more playing time in.
One last word for those that don't have a BHQ yet, you best get an order in. It is my opinion that you will never find a better built, better looking cue for the money. Brent's is one of the very best to deal with, just a terrific guy all around.
rodrivar on 2/29/2008 3:10:30 AM
So I am curious:
- What makes someone a "A", "B", "C", or "D" pool player?
- What do the letters represent?
- How many racks run or balls run to make you a A player?
- Is an "A" player a professional?
In 20 games of 8 ball, I will get about 3-4 break and runs on a 9 foot table. In the same format on a 7ft table I will get 1-2 break and runs.
So what would that make me?
Thanks, Rod
@rodrivar - I'd say if we play you gotta give me some weight. 3-4 break and run-outs out of 20 on a 9 footer pool table is a good ratio.
OldShooter on 7/13/2008 10:42:41 PM
Based on what you folks have said I must be about a Q or an R.
billiardsforum on 7/14/2008 5:30:02 AMHaha, OldShooter, thats hilarious!
I find that I range greatly from day to day - not sure what causes it, but consistency is something I definitely have to work on with my billiard playing skills.
quickshot on 7/14/2008 10:18:03 AMI'd say I'm a good strong 4 in 8 ball. I've lost games to threes', and have beat fives' and sixes'.
Sometimes I think it is how mentally alert one is at any given time.
And at my age, there are times when the game is lost long before my alertness kicks in.
shexcpoolgawdess on 7/14/2008 12:44:05 PMOkay so regardless how "good" a player I might think I am or know that I am it really isn't fair to grade myself. Others may think I shoot a lot better or worse then what I may say. So I guess the only way to come to a conclusion of how good or bad that I am is to play against me. In league (APA, BCA or TAP & even tournament) players find it VERY difficult to play against me. I suppose I've become a well developed, skilled shooter who has her bad days but more good days when it comes to shooting. So I guess in my opinion as good as any one of us might think or know that we are it really isn't all that fair to grade "yourself". Just when you think you've got someone beat the unexpected can occur. But what do I know I'm just another woman out in the world who lives and loves to shoot. I'd say more like how about you grade me instead of me grade myself and vice versa.
Fenwick on 7/14/2008 6:34:50 PM
Not good enough to brag on the www. My best Teacher told me one time every day, five days a week for a year, " It is better to be thought a fool then open your mouth and remove all doubt." I'm still working on that one. Some days I'm a Hoover, I suck. Some days I'm Chicago, I'm windy. I agree with shexcpoolgawdess as far as rating myself; nice handle BTW. If I were to pick a grade it would be 7th; as in Middle School. The best 4 1/2 years of my life back then. School of hard Nocks as my Father would say. I'm learning from some of the best right now and some day I hope to graduate and get my Degree in lower learning. D is still a passing grade, right? I already have several Degrees in survival like most and 1 from the University of Science Music and Culture like quickshot. Until then I'm working on getting my stroke and trying to listen instead of waiting to talk. Both are within plain sight.
- shexcpoolgawdess on 7/15/2008 12:24:30 PM
Very well said Fenwick. Thanks by the way. Like stated before one can rate themselves to what they think they are. But only fools would believe it until delt with first hand. I can go play with the best of the best when it comes to pro's and beat any single one of them on any given day. And vice versa. It's a matter of how good your stroke is at that time when you shoot. Don't think too highly of yourself people cause anyone, including me can come burst your bubble and bring you back down to reality. Don't get me wrong it's good to have confidence. But don't be too confident! I learned that the hard way and now I'm an even BETTER shooter now then I was before.
- quickshot on 7/15/2008 2:03:12 PM
Old Proverb to be considered: "If one takes ones self too seriously.....no one else will."
I found this, and it looks to be a pretty good guide to ranking pool players:
"OPEN" Player
- Average 8+ balls.
- String racks together more than once in a match.
- Is a threat to run out from every ball, from every position, every inning.
- Typical inning will end in excellent safety or win.
"A" Player
- Will string 2 to 3 racks.
- Average ball run, 7-9.
- With ball in hand, will be out from the 3 ball, 2 out of 3 times.
- Typical inning will end with a well executed safety or a win.
"B" Player
- Able to run 1 to 3 racks.
- Average run is 5-7 balls.
- With ball in hand will get out form the 5, 2 out of 3 times.
- Most of the time a "B" player will play a "safety" which maybe hit easily 2 out of 3 times.
- A typical inning will end with a missed shot, a fair safety, or a won game.
"C" Player
- Will probably run one rack, but usually not more than one.
- Average run is 3 to 5 balls.
- With ball in hand, will get out from the 7, two out of 3 times.
- Mixed results when playing safe.
- Inning ends due to botched position, missed shot or attempting a safe.
"D" Player
- Will not run a rack.
- Average run is about 3 balls.
- With ball in hand, will get out from the 7, one out of 3 times.
- Rarely plays a successful safe
What do you think?
- shexcpoolgawdess on 7/21/2008 6:27:36 PM
Interesting. Where did you find that player ranking guide, @OldShooter?
I'm not real sure where I came up with it originally. It is filed in my notepad. If I recall correctly, it seems like someone posted it as a guide to how they handicap their tournaments.
Based on that I will raise myself form a Q/R to a K/L player.
Pel
Based on @OldShooter's chart I would be considered a low B or a solid C at this time.
Retiredoldschoolpro on 10/11/2008 11:57:05 PM
Anyone who can average breaking and running out 40 to 50% of the time on a 9 ft 4 1/2" pockets would be one of the best players in the world. It would mean you couldn't be beat by anyone if you break and run 50% of the time.
One good way to judge your skill level is playing the ghost. If you can beat the ghost every time on a 9ft pool table with no bigger than 4 1/2" pockets, where the 9 doesn't count on the break and no combinations on the nine, then you are an A player. Play five or more ahead and no races. Playing ahead will take a lot of the luck out.
How many top players in the world would bet they can break and run out 50% of the time? Not many I assure you!
I would like to see some stats on this from top players in tournament play or gambling. You could really judge the stats by these races to 100 they are having with top players.
On some tables some won't average making a ball on the break and having a shot more than 3 or 4 times out of ten and they still don't have to get out.
I think we all seem to play better when we're not playing!
I freely admit that I ain't worth a poop. I play just because I love the game, win or lose. Nobody makes every shot. Nobody.
If I miss a shot I don't whine, cuss, pout, or fret. I just go on to the next one. Michael Jordan once said something to the effect that he never worried about his last shot as there was nothing he could do to change it. That to me is the way to approach the game of billiards.
What I love about pool is strategy. I guess that is why I Iove playing one-pocket.
- quickshot on 10/12/2008 5:03:35 PM
Of course, that is human nature. The same applies to golf and many other things in life. There is no end to the dreams and that is what keeps people coming back for more. Whatever it may be.
dlabout on 10/13/2008 7:39:43 AM
"How good am I?" Hmm. THAT is a loaded question. How about "how good do I think I am?", "how good did I used to be?", or maybe "how good am I capable of being?"
In my younger days I believed myself to be king of the game. I was gambling with my fellow Marines and making good money.
Now that I'm older I realize that I was a big fish in a very small pond. I would wipe the floor playing against my old self. I couldn't draw consistently. My position play used to suck so I was a shot maker. I was young an foolish, but who hasn't been there.
I play a fairly consistent game but in these last few years my eyes are starting to fail me. I plan to go get them checked soon and hope that it will put me back in the groove. I work on computers all day long and rolling over the odometer to 40 has left my eyes sore most of the time.
In my prime I could roll through the 9 ball racks and didn't give it much thought. Now I play as a "level 7" in APA 9 ball and as a "level 6" in 8 ball. The Colorado billiard association ranked me as an "A" player in the day. I also used to compete nationally.
Now my days are spent playing a little here and there. I only practice at league events and try to let pool remain a hobby.
I like to shoot with some of our local super stars to humble my ego. No matter how good you think you are there is ALWAYS someone better. Even "the best cue sport players in the world" is a constant rotation of names. They are all able to get the title but to keep it year after year hasn't happened in many years.
My thought of the "best" is different than most. I always like the class of Willie Mosconi. In terms of today's shooters, Bustamanti has a wonderful stroke and a good eye.
Just my 2 cents. Doug
- quickshot on 10/13/2008 1:39:08 PM
Some more food for thought:
- "D player" - A beginner or someone who plays so infrequently that their game remains in the beginner category.
- "C- player" - A below average player. This denotes a player with some recognizable skills who has risen from the ranks of the beginners. This is typically the first major milestone.
- "C player" - An average player, which describes a large section of a large section of pool enthusiasts with experience whose games perhaps have leveled off or that only play occasionally.
- "C+ player" - Above average player. This group plays a very acceptable game of pool. They tend to dominate at their level of competition.
- "B- player" - Reaching the B- level player level is perhaps the biggest hurdle, as a good number of players peak at the C+ level. B+ players are quite capable of running racks of 8-ball or 9-ball, but they lack consistency.
- "B player" - A solid advanced player. These players run out fairly regularly, but lack consistency as well.
- "B+ player" - Players at this level are often mistaken for lower level A players when they are playing well because they play a very tough, well rounded game. They are liable to run out at anytime.
- "A- player" - Another big jump is required to break through to the "A" level. This group of players could be classified as semi-pros or top amateurs. They are very skilled in most facets of the game. They run out easily and very often.
- "A player" - A professional quality player who can compete with and occasionally beat all but the very best players. Very skilled, solid, and consistent. Runs multiple racks quite often. Tough action.
- "A+ player" - Touring Pro, the best in the business. Skilled in every area of the game. Breaks and runs out multiple racks regularly. In a league of their own.
Describe Your Level of Billiard Skill
- Title: Describe Your Level of Billiard Skill
- Author: Bishop (Ryan Jones)
- Published: 8/10/2007 1:11:03 PM
