Professor-Q-Ball National Pool & 3-Cushion News

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April/May 3 PQB


Professor-Q-Ball’s

Publisher/Editor Graphic Design Photographer

Rack for April/May 2009 Issue 2 • Vol X www.professorqball.com

☜Super Billiards Expo 10 Ball Men’s 10 Ball Women’s Amateur Events ☜TAP • Rally in the Valley Pro-Am

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Artistic Championship

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Contributing Writers Willie Jopling • Bob Hunt • Sandy Schuman Samm Diep • Joe Savarin • Tom Simpson • The Monk • Bob Jewett • Darrel Martineau • Tom Ross Robert Byrne • George Rippe • Eric Yow • Conrad Burkman • Tom Rossman • Josh Gilmore

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SPECIAL AFFILIATIONS APA, BCA, Viking Tour, WPBA, USBA, Joss Tour, AZBilliards.com, Southeast Tour, PQB News is a bi-monthly publication dedicated to providing pool & 3-cushion news. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the publisher. Professor-Q-Ball is not responsible for claims made by it’s advertisers. All dates, times and added tournament money is subject to change without notice. All persons interested in submitting articles for publishing consideration, are welcomed.Material submitted becomes the property of Professor-Q-Ball. Submissions may be returned if accompanied by a self addressed envelope. All advertising, articles, and photos must be submitted by the 15th prior to the issue date to be considered for the following issue.

Plowman Wins on OB Cue Ladies Tour 22 ☜American Cuemakers Assoc. Awards

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Swanson Memorial

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For Int r uc t iona l v ide os or t he la t e s t Ev e nt N e ws Vis it us a t www.pr of e s s or qba ll.c om

Pool Instructional… ☜ Advanced Draw…Tom Ross Three Ball Trick Shot…Wllie Jopling The Impossible Cut…Bob Byrne Get the Right Ball on the Second Shot…The Monk The Ref Stop…Bob Hunt Circular Threat …Eric Yow Where Oh Where is Cue Dean-”E”?…Tom Rossman Worst is Better…Samm Diep Put Some Life into Your Game…Tom Simpson DPM Universal Pocket & Carom Billiard Systems # 40… by Darrel Martineau Departments … Places to Play National Tournament Directory Tournament News Around the USA

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USBA Newsletter • 3-Cushion 2009 USBA Nationals USBA Upcoming Tournament Info Simonis Cloth Anouncement Kissback Shot…Bob Byrne Rip’s Tips…George Rippe Upcoming USBA Tour Events

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Paul Frankel Gary Tate Diana Hoppe Conrad Burkman Josh Gilmore

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Published bi-monthly. USPS 22727 Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. Postmaster:Send address changes to Professor-Q-Ball, 1662 Rocky Hollow Rd, Germantown, TN. 38138

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April/May 5 PQB


Diamond Pro Player 10 Ball Title John Schmidt Takes Corey Deuel to The Hill and Wins!

Schmidt Takes Home $20,000 and the Title.

In its 17th year, the Allen Hopkins’ Super Billiards Expo in Valley Forge, Convention Center, Pennsylvania kicked off at full speed with a Celebrity Pro-Am and challenge matches with many of your favorite pro players that could be found at many of the vendor booths. There were over 144 Diamond Pro-Am 7-foot tables and plenty of

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he Diamond 10-Ball Open Pro Championship began Thursday morning, this year being the first year changing to 10-Ball at the Super Billiards Expo. First match to note, Shawn Putnam and Johnny Archer; Shawn and Johnny played numerous safeties in this match, which went hill/hill. Johnny breaks on the final game and begins to run the rack, but lost shape on the 7 leaving a difficult cut to the corner pocket or a reverse bank to the side pocket. Johnny opts for the cut and barely misses, but leaves the cue ball behind the 10-ball. Shawn returns to the table, contemplating the jump, but decided on a kick, pocketing the 7 and getting horrible luck for shapes on the 8, with the 9 in the way. Shawn jumps the 9, pocketing the 8 and leaving great shapes for the out. Shawn found defeat in PQB 6 April/May

deals on billiard merchandise with over 130 vendors to choose from. The Super Billiards Expo has earned its reputation as the largest consumer tradeshow in the industry by continually bringing you the finest manufacturers, retailers, and custom cue makers in the billiards world. Super Billiards Expo 2010 date is March 18-21

the next match against John Schmidt, who continued to stand strong against Germany’s Dominic Jentsch, winning the set and on to playing Corey Deuel, where his streak ran dry. Corey goes on to send Oscar Dominguez to the left side as well, as Schmidt begins to climb back with wins against Ralf Souquet, Charlie “Hillbilly” Bryant and Oscar Dominguez, bringing him back to battle it out with Corey again, but this time, playing for it all. Schmidt was determined to keep the lead in this match and did so through most of it, even being up as far as 8 to Corey’s 5. Corey began pulling ahead as they reached an even score of 9, but John regained his determination once his second time opponent was on the hill and he still needed 3 games. Returning to the table for the break and sinking nothing,

he still left a difficult shot on the 1, which Deuel missed, leaving John for the out. Corey is up to break next, however he finds his seat after the cue ball finds a pocket, leaving Schmidt yet another out. With nothing dropped on the final break, Corey seems confident in the run, but misses the 5 ball. John runs the remaining 6 balls to bring an amazing match to an end and winning the 2009 Diamond 10-Ball Open. Diamond Open Pro Players 10-Ball Championship March 19-22 — King of Prussia, Pa. 1. John Schmidt $20,000 2. Corey Deuel $7,000 3. Oscar Dominguez $5,000 4. Charlie Bryant $4,000 5. Ralf Souquet $3,500 Thorsten Hohmann $3,500


Fisher Wins Pro Player 10 Ball Title by Charlie Williams • www.dragonpromotions.com Contributed Story

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llen Hopkins sponsored and hosted his 2nd Annual Women's 10-Ball Invitational Shootout once again during the Super Billiards Expo. Last year 8 players were invited, but this year the demand was so great from so many top women attending his show, that Hopkins generously opened the field to 16 players. Not only that, but Allen put up the whole purse out of his pocket at $5000 with no entry fees, and then once he opened the field up he added another $5000! This year's field was chalk full of WPBA talent with players such as 72 title winner Allison Fisher, recent 3rd Place WPBA finisher Sarah Rousey, top pros Kim Shaw and Megan Smith, Empress Cup Champion Jennifer Baretta, and Billiards Digest Breakthrough Player of the Year Yu Ram Cha. Other pro notables included Angel Paglia, Caroline Pao, My Hahn Lac and Morgan Steinman. Fisher and Cha seemed to be the pre-tourny favorites as they headed on a collision course for the finals. Fisher never had an opponent lead her nor get past 4 games as she dominated her first match 10-2, then cruised past Pao 10-4, and finally Shaw 10-3. Cha didn't break much of a sweat either with wins over Christine DelaGarza 10-5, 10-2 pounding of Smith, and then a 10-6 workout with Barretta. Shaw and Barretta were left with a respectable 3rd place tie. It was The Little Lightning vs The Duchess of Doom as the

young 21 year old Korean phenom took on the vastly experienced British ice woman. Cha showed some nerves early on as she was not able to capitalize on some open shots and soon found herself down 3-0. She got on the board at 3-1, but Fisher seemed to be in stroke and control. Fisher broke with a soft but firm break making balls while Cha electrified the rack with her power smashes. Ironically, it was Fisher with the more success on the breaks. Cha fought hard but Fisher did not leave much unforced errors for Cha to gain on and Allison had another breezy win in her career at a 10-5 final score. Fisher took home an easy $3000 for the win while Cha settled for $1500. Every participant received her portion of prize money including $250 for last place. Thank you and congrats to Allen Hopkins for another fine event!

Vender Booths at the Expo

Mueller Supplies, top left Professor-Q-Ball, top far right, Stering Gaming’s Matt Carter left, Pool Tee’s Jake Schwartz far right in picture & Omega Cues right April/May 7 PQB


Super Expo Amateur Events

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timulus checks came early to three winners in the Amateur Players Championship events during the 17th Annual Super Billiards Expo. Promoter of the event, held each March at the Valley Forge Convention Center in King of Prussia, PA, Allen Hopkins handed out the checks to each division of single elimination bar table 9-ball competition. The biggest prize cash-wise came in the open event, where Larry Price was the last man standing in a field of 864 and claimed a $5,000 prize. Dave Daya came down from the mountains of Pennsylvania to take top honors and a $3000 in the seniors’ 384-entrant bracket. Women’s 9-Ball winner Ming Ng had another breakthrough in her return to the game after a four-year absence, taking down the women’s title through 168 contenders and winning $1,800.

Senior Open 9-Ball Event left, 2nd place finisher David Fernandez, 1st place Winner Dave Daya, and Presenter Allen Hopkins

Amateur Open 9-Ball below, Larry Price wins $5000

Women’s 9-Ball Promoter Allen Hopkins, Terukl Cucculelli, winner Ming Ng, and Sherry Frederick

Amateur Junior’s Players Champions 19 & under (right) 14 & under (far right)

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Amateur Junior Champ Mac Harrell Luther

Finishing 4th Charles D. Vergano, 2nd Daniel Satinoff, 1st Kevin Sun, 3rd Jake Humphreys and Presenter/Promoter Allen Hopkins


Men’s 9-Ball Pro Am

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s the day neared its end, spectators and outed players gathered to catch the final match of the Men’s 9-Ball Pro-Am between Mike Dechaine and Dennis Hatch. Players needed a best two out of three sets, race to seven. Mike won the first set and was on the hill in set two when his would-be final break sent the cue ball into a pocket, bringing Dennis back to the table to run the next two racks to take the set. The last few games of the match kept everyone on the edge of their seat, with it all coming down to this set and Dennis leading 6/3, many thought the match was over, but Mike wasn’t ready to go home just yet, winning the next two sets bringing the score to 6/5. Mike’s run on rack 11 was interrupted by a slight mistake on the six ball, frozen to the eight, near the rail. Dennis pockets the six and seven, leaving perfect shape on the eight. In a great show of sportsmanship, Mike concedes and stands to shake hands.

2nd Mike Dechaine, 1st Dennis Hatch

Rally in the Valley • TAP League

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he TAP League Overall Championship came to a close with team “Sam’s Black Sheep” from Greensburg, PA taking the win and $10,000 but did not get there easily, as second place team “Snow White & The Seven Eskimos” from Guelph, Ontario Canada put up a strong fight. This was the biggest and best Rally ever, as 144 teams and hundreds of Singles 8 Ball players came out to compete. Visit the Rally in the Valley link to view all the Team and Singles results and photos of all the winners at tapleague.com

Sam’s Black Sheep April/May 9 PQB


Advanced Draw by Tom Ross Contributing Writer ith all of the information that we need to play great pool it’s not surprising that we can forget something we know while playing. This month I want to discuss one specific shot that I have seen many good shooters misplay when it comes up. Though the shot is often misplayed, it’s doubtful that the shooter lacks knowledge of the principle needed to execute the shot effectively. It’s more likely that in the particular setup what is required is not instantly recognizable. Look at the shot in the diagram and before reading further, decide how you would move the cue ball into position for a shot on the striped ball. Most players can see that the best and, in many various setups for this shot, the only way to get position is to draw the cue ball to the left, side rail with outside (left) english. Any attempts with follow could lead to a scratch in the top left corner or wind up with no position. While this shot is fairly common, perhaps it comes up too infrequently for most players to spend time learning it. Maybe they attempt and fail and then hope that they never see it again. The truth about this shot is that it is not difficult and once you execute it successfully you will never have a problem with it. The number-one cause for failure with this shot is hitting it too hard. The result of playing it with too much force is a cue ball that doesn’t move very far and maybe the memory of that in subsequent attempts, which can lead a player to hit it even harder on the next try. But the harder you hit this one the farther away you will end up from your intended position. Let’s discuss briefly why more force leads to less travel in this situation. On any cut shot, regardless of where you hit the cue ball, the cue ball starts out moving on the line perpendicular to the

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PQB 10 April/May

line of the object ball to the pocket. Some folks call that the tangent line; it’s the dotted line in the diagram. If you play a stop shot, the cue ball will stay on that line. With follow or draw you can control how far the cue ball travels on that line before leaving it. The most influential variable on that travel is speed. The harder you hit the shot the farther down that line the cue ball will move before the follow or draw changes its path. Clearly, for the shot in the diagram, you want the cue ball to leave the perpendicular line as quickly as possible to hit the left long rail near point X and then spin off down table. Set up the shot and try it with a smooth draw stroke. Hit it firmly without slamming it. Make sure to hit it low with left english and follow through. You need the english to spin the cue ball down table because of the direct angle at which it hits the rail. Keep shooting until you feel that you are executing the shot smoothly and effortlessly. Once you achieve that, set it up and hit one really hard. No matter how well you can draw the ball, if you hit this one with too much speed the cue ball will hit the side rail somewhere near point Y. From there it is simply impossible to bring the cue ball back down table. After mastering the shot in the diagram you can try it at more difficult angles by moving the object ball to the left for a thinner cut. Move it gradually, maybe an inch or so for each shot, until it just seems too thin to get enough draw action to bring the cue ball down table. When you find that threshold you can attempt a different technique to draw the cue ball as quickly as possible off of the perpendicular line. Shorten your bridge to about three or four inches and hit the cue ball with as much low and left as you can find. You may need to miscue a

couple of times to determine how low you can hit the ball. Now, without a lot of force, apply a very snappy but short stroke and limit your follow through to an inch or two. When drawing the cue ball on a cut shot, a short stroke with a short follow through minimizes lateral drift and pulls the cue ball back as directly as possible. Remember, that you are only shortening your follow through, not eliminating it, so complete the stroke. Do not pull your cue stick backwards after hitting the cue ball. It also helps to remind yourself to play the shot with a very relaxed shooting hand since grabbing the butt of your cue on impact usually causes a miscue. As we learn the techniques that make up a pool game, we typically learn them from an illustration or setup that someone shows us. Sometimes the setup changes and what we know does not appear so obviously as what we need. That is a natural and fascinating part of the learning process.



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The Royal Twister Limited Edition Crown Cues On December 8th, 2008, a tornado wiped out our cue workshop. We managed to save most of the supplies, but the building was a total loss. Fortunately, Gene has been able to temporarily move to a much smaller building for his work. Insurance is only going to cover about half of the replacement cost. So, Gene has decided to build his very first set of limited edition cues to help raise the extra funds needed. These cues have already been named “The Royal Twister Collection. They will be auctioned on eBay throughout the year. We will auction a cue every 2 weeks, until all 15 are sold. The cues are expected to be completed in December 2009. There are 10 playing cues and 5 masse’ cues, for a total of 15 cues in a set. Each of the playing cues will have a combination of at least 20 points and inlays on them, and of course, all the cues will have at least one crown. Another first…Renee’ will burn a tornado onto each of the cues. These will be the first cues she has worked on. To everyone who bids on, or buys these cues, we thank you so much for your help If it weren’t for all of you, Gene would not be able to continue his love of building pool cues. If we raise enough, we’ll even add a poolroom in the building and each of the 15 winners will be invited for a special tour of our new workshop and a whole day of playing some pool with the cuemaker. Check the updates webpage at www.crowncuesbiz/royaltwister.html Descriptions and photos will be added, as we are able. Thank You! Here is a list of the auction dates for the cues: (Memorial Day Weekend will be skipped.) Cue 1/10..........................................................................April 5 Cue 2/10........................................................................April 19 Cue 3/10 ........................................................................May 17 Cue 4/10 ..........................................................................June 7 Cue 5/10 ............................................................................July 5 Cue 6/10 ..........................................................................July 19 Cue 7/10 ....................................................................August 16 Cue 8/10 ....................................................................August 30 Cue 9/10 ..............................................................September 27 Cue 10/10 ................................................................October 11 Mass’ Cues Mass’ Cue 1/5 ..................................................................May 3 Mass’ Cue 2/5 ................................................................June 21 Mass’ Cue 3/5 ..............................................................August 2 Mass’ Cue 4/5 ......................................................September 13 Mass’ Cue 5/5 ..........................................................October 25 PQB 14 April/May


Three Ball Trick Shot by Willie Jopling Contributing Writer

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his is a real old three ball trick shot that nearly every trick shot enthusiastic knows. However in this diagram I show it set up on the head rail instead of the side rails. Now it can be used as a setup one-pocket proposition shot. To set this shot up place the 2-ball on the rail just to the right of the diamond indicated in the diagram. Then freeze the 3-ball against the 2-ball in line with the head spot. Tap both balls in position. Then freeze the 1-ball to the 3-ball in line with the spot on the foot rail. Now, try the shot from the cue ball position shown. You may have to play with the positions of these three balls before you make all three. I use top right on the cue ball from that side of the table. Once you get the shot down tap all three balls good. After the cue ball contacts the 2-ball it must bounce off the rail hard enough to bank into the 3-ball and send the 1-ball the full length of the table. The 3-ball is a dead kiss off the 1-ball.

DVD’s Available

The Impossible Cut by Robert Byrne From “Byrne’s Complete Book of Pool Shots” with permission

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t the upper left, there seems to be no way to cut the 5-ball into the corner pocket because the necessary contact point can’t be “seen” by the cueball. The shot can be made by shooting to barely miss the 5-ball with heavy left English on the cueball. As the cueball comes off the rail, it touches the 5-ball just enough to send it down the rail and into the pocket. A scratch is always a possibility with this pattern but if the lower-left corner pocket is blocked by a ball in this case the 9- the technique can be used to make it. The shot really is impossible if you hit the5-ball first. You think you’re a great player? Freeze an object ball at point n and put the cueball at point m, six inches off the rail. Using the idea of hitting the rail just before the object ball, cut the ball at n onto either corner pocket. It can be done, but your have to be good, April/May 15 PQB


Get the Right Shot on the Second Ball by “The Monk� Contributing Writer

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n the Performance Pool game you are asked to deliver the right stroke with the right speed under pressure. This is the art of learning how to become a good pool player. You must see the shot, know the stroke and shoot the shot. In this card you will need to make the right decision on the first shot. Some players play to much position and get in trouble. You can shoot the first ball with a stop shot, using a punch stroke or you can snap draw it back to the rail and out for an easier shot on the second ball. When I created this game, I wanted to put you in a position where you could master the stroke and learn how to perform under pressure. When you shoot this pattern you will find that the second ball must be shot in a particular way in order for you to set up for the third shot. In Performance Pool there is always a lesson to learn. There is always a time for you to perform and there is always a friend on the other end of the table. In our case, most of us play on line via web cam. You can join me in a match when you become a member of the Performance Pool web site. Your cost is just ten dollars for a three month membership.

You can also see this shot on youtube. Go to http://www.youtube.com/user/monkbilliardacademy I am going to share with you the shots and strokes of this great game in my instructional column here each month. I hope you will study these shot disciplines and learn the lessons that are found within. I am offering a workshop in Tulsa for just three hundred dollars for two full days. Because of this tough economy I want to do something for you so I have lowered my tuition cost so you have a chance to master this great game. Call 1603-566-2895 for more information

For Intr uc t iona l v ide os or t he la te s t Ev e nt N e ws Vis it us a t www.pr of e s s or qba ll.c om PQB 16 April/May


Circular Threat by Eric “The Preacher” Yow! WPA Masse World Champion

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reetings fans and friends. I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all of you who email me questions and comments about my artistic pool exhibition, Trick Shot Madness, and the ministry of Trick Shot Madness Ministries. I very much appreciate your support and encouragement. This year we aim to take the “Madness” to far more schools, churches, and clubs than ever before to encourage and motivate today’s youth! I could not do this without your help, so thank you again. In this issue’s instructional article, I want to teach you the concept of Circular Follow. When I was on “ESPN 3 Cushion Grandmaster,” the first shot I performed against Semih Sayginer was a form of Circular Draw well known in 3 cushion billiards. In our professional Artistic Pool competitions we have adapted such a concept to the pool table to perform the bottom shot in the diagram. To perform the circular draw shot, you must capitalize on the rebound of the cushion and the effect that follow and sidespin have on the cue ball’s trajectory when a significant amount of spin is maintained. As you begin to work on this shot, please do not get discouraged. My first rule in studying artistic pool is to “change one variable at a time,” a lesson I learned from Rick Malm, creator of the Artistic Pool CD-Rom. The problem with this shot, however, is that there are so many variables to consider that it is difficult to fine tune your stroke so as to be able to duplicate it with relative consistency. Admittedly, this shot is not a hanger, even for me. To execute this shot, understand what’s happening here, in slow motion if you will. When you strike the cue ball, you do so with maximum follow spin and some left english, perhaps one tip. The cue ball drives into the first object ball which is frozen on the rail. The rail compresses and rebounds the object ball away quickly. The cue ball, which struck the object ball just left of full face, slides to the left slightly and drives into the rail, allowing the cushion to rebound it out past the blocker ball. The cue ball is spinning now towards the target ball but the spin does not “take” until the cue ball is beyond the blocker ball. If the cue ball has maintained enough spin, it will travel to pocket the target ball. Changing one variable at a time, consider the most important factors to adjust. If the cue ball jumps away from the rail and well beyond the blocker ball, you should hit the object ball fuller. If it dives straight to the rail and does not come out, it was struck too full. If you strike the blocker ball, try less left spin, which merely serves the purpose to get it around the ball in the first place. With each of these three shots diagrammed, a

lot of follow is needed, particularly the upper left shot that I devised, crafted after my 3 Cushion debut shot. Thus, you also need a long and fast follow through stroke. If you aren’t making it to the target, more follow and a longer stroke are likely the variables to adjust. To start your practice, begin with the upper right shot. If you can double the long rail, then with left hand spin you should be able to get around the blocker. Have fun!

April/May 17 PQB


Cheaters Never Win by Bob Hunt Contributing Writer

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ave you ever thought about destiny? Destiny is a vivid force in pool, when you slipped and privately bumped the cue ball, shot anyway and missed. Maybe you accidentally moved a ball that ended up in a good spot for you and failed to mention it. You lost anyway or gave your opponent ball in hand because of something stupid. That is destiny for cheaters. Destiny is Nature’s way to make things right. Maybe a guilty conscious or a mysterious aura is at work. it just happens. Players that cheat usually cannot win by skill. So if you are worried about a cheater beating you, just let it go and win by destiny. Of course, you should let the ref know so we can look out for those characters. I love to catch them, makes my day! The most common method is table marking. Players have several methods of marking shots on the table. Why anyone would mark a table anyway when the felt has marks all over it is beyond me. Diamonds are great for legal table marking. When I need a mark, I scan the area for a piece of dust on the spot. You can find all kinds of crud that will work and they are legal. If this is a concern for you, then brush the table before the match. I am not telling you how to work around cheating, I am saying that awareness can be a better tool. One PQB 18 April/May

Send questions and comments to GoodRolls@aol.com

famous move you see is the lick your fingers and rub the felt trick. Damp fingers are a real plus for this method. Another sneaky method is to chalk up the tip and while you are aiming, rub the tip on the felt and leave an aiming spot. Beware of people that leave the chalk cube on the aiming point. Remember, it is illegal to use any device to set up a shot even if you move it before you shoot! Speaking of chalk, we found a cube once that was marked with English markings on each side. LR meant low right for example. This was found after a scotch doubles match and the English needed was facing up on the chalk. The experienced player was leaving it on the table for his partner. If he missed, he just took his chalk with him. Sneaky methods to say the least! Another method in the days of beepers was to beep the run out numbers to the player. While he is shooting, he gets a beep that showed the numbers for the easy run out. Nowadays, you have to also wonder about headsets. It would be very easy for a headset to be hooked to a phone hooked to a coach. This goes all the way up to the pros. Music cuts the audience chatter and seems to supply focus to the player. I like music too but it interferes when reffing, you cannot hear the crowd jeering you. We use headsets in Vegas to commu-

The Ref Stop

nicate among the refs to answers rule questions. We also broadcast who the cheaters are! It would be great if they would just pipe in music! Less common methods include equipment and rule violations. Just remember that if something is made for pool, it is probably legal. We like to see new devices. If you are in doubt about a piece of equipment, just ask. We are always happy to check legality. It is hard to cheat with special equipment. You must still physically control the device. I do not know of any cork centered cue sticks. I wish someone would let me know about the cork thing anyway.

There is not much you can do to a stick that has not been accomplished by the professional manufacturers anyway. They modify sticks and then the rules change to make them legal. Think about it, like the break stick for example. No big deal, the science of pool must progress. I am not going to tell you everything we see, just remember that cheaters are always poor players anyway. My apologies to the head refs who think I am teaching the world to cheat but the truth is that great players do not need to cheat to win.

Up and Comer Devon Cataldi (16), a junior player from Perkasie, Pa, conquered the 2008 BCA 14.1 Championship for Eastern Pa. Though he normally competes in junior competitions, this event included players of all ages, bringing all types of styles and experiences. Devon also accepted the mantle of being the only junior player selected from the U.S. in the 14.1 World Straight Pool Championship held in August 2008. Devon ‘s bracket allowed him to challenge players such as Charlie Williams, Thurston Holman and Mike Sigel. His early years of training included lessons from a retired professional. Devon dedicated himself to ten-hour days of practice during 2008 to compete in the World 10-Ball tournament and the 2008 BEF Junior’s event. He incorporates his Viking cue and OB-1 shaft as extensions of his body, and uses his Stealth cue to break with impressive accuracy. OB Cues, Stealth Cues, Allen Hopkins Productions and American Billiards currently sponsor him. Devon has a considerable understanding of pool etiquette and respect reminiscent of the classic days of the sport. Devon’s future in billiards is promising.


The Magic Man brings it on… By Steve Markle Contributed Story

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he place to be March 19-22 2009, was the Allen Hopkins Super Billiards Expo. Billiard fans and players alike filled the Valley Forge Convention Center to its limits. The much anticipated wait was over, the event was finally here. All were ready for the Allen Hopkins Super Billiards Expo, the greatest billiards event in the world. The 2009 Masters Artistic Pool Championship brought together the greatest trick 2009 Artistic Champ Andy Segal shot artists in (right) with runnerup Nick Nikolaidis the world. Dressed to impress and cues chalked, the players were ready to begin, it was their time to shine. All players competed for the love of the sport and with high hopes of making playoffs and claiming the 2009 Masters title. With many amazing shots completed, the preliminary round was over and then came playoffs. The final 12 remaining players made their marks and competed in very close playoff rounds. The top four scoring players in the preliminary round received byes in the first round of playoffs. Those players were: Eric Yow (269), Tom Rossman (264), Andy Segal (244), and Nick Nikolaidis (240).

time for practice to pay off. The round was like a tennis match, back and forth. The scores were always changing and Nikolaidis and Segal were shooting with very little error. Halfway through the match Segal led. The players’ shots kept falling and scores increasing. With two shots left, it became mathematically impossible for Nick to catch Andy and Nick conceded the match. The two amazing performers put on quite the show. Each discipline in Artistic Pool has five shots and each player has three attempts to make each shot. To go ‘perfect’ in a discipline means that the player made all five shots on the first try, an extremely difficult feat to accomplish. It was only one year ago that the first ever perfect discipline was shot by Andy Segal, this event saw an unprecedented six perfect disciplines! The following players went perfect: Andy Segal and Jamey Gray in Trick & Fancy, Gabriel Visoiu in Prop/ Novelty/ Special Arts, Gilbert Olsen and Eric Yow in Follow, and Tom Rossman in Jump. The other discipline winners include: Dave Nangle in Draw, Robert Neal in Bank/Kick, Tom Rossman in Stroke, and Eric Yow! in Masse. Steve Markle received the Sportsmanship award and a masse cue by Crown Cues. Special thanks to Allen Hopkins Productions, Dr. Cue Promotions, Crown Cues, Diamond Tables, Simonis Cloth, and Aramith. Without them this tournament would not have been possible. Top 12 finishers with payout amounts: 1. Andy Segal $2500 2. Nick Nikolaidis $2000 3 Tom Rossman $1700 4. Matt Macphail $1400 5. Eric Yow $1100 6. Gabi Visoiu $900 7. Jamey Gray $700 8. Dave Nangle $500 9. Bruce Barthelette $300 10. Bill Meima $300 11. Stefan Mendrick $300 12. Ralph Eckert $300

Quarter Finals Matt MacPhail (114) def. Eric Yow (98) Nick Nikolaidis (83) def. Gabriel Visoiu (51) Andy Segal (123) def. Jamey Gray (111) Tom Rossman (119) def. Dave Nangle (114)

Semi Finals Nick Nikolaids (109) def. Matt MacPhail (85) Andy Segal (111) def. Tom Rossman (83) Nick “Quick Nick” Nikolaidis and Andy “The Magic Man” Segal emerged to the top and met in the finals. Everyone in attendance was ready for the intense match to begin. The arena was filled and it was

Left to right Robert Neal, Tom Rossman, Eric Yow, Gilbert Olsen Steve Markle, 2009 Winner, Andy Segal, Dave Nangle, James Gray April/May 19 PQB


Where Oh Where…is Cue-Dean-“E”? by Tom Rossman • drcue@artisticpool.org Contributing Writer

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have been writing articles for this great publication for over a year with specific content on the sport side of artistic pool. I am shifting gears to present the unique and magnetic show side of our sport discipline via an innovative, exciting, and open to everyone promotion entitled, In Search of Cue – Dean-“E” ™ Players, fans, media, and sponsors continue their fascination to each twist and turn / dip and dive of our select cue sport movements. Many regular game players have converted completely to trick shots and so much more via the various competitions available to them. Artistic pool fans remain devoted to the art and often find time to take ownership of their favorite shot or two, as they share special table time moments with their friends and fellow players. In Search of Cue-Dean-“E” ™ provides players and fans alike with a unique opportunity to take their desire, gift, and practiced talent to the next level and beyond. Special features of this Dr. Cue table trotter style promotion are… Guarnteed Payouts and Special Prizes! Online Audition Process and Select Final Site! Everyone Welcome to participate in the Search!

PQB 20 April/May

The Journey Begins… Note: Cue-Dean-“E” audition performances may include any variety presentation that is billiard related and should contain some shooting expression when done in conjunction with singing, juggling, and other unique ideas on or near the pool table. Eight Artistic Pool Playing Artists will be selected by Dr. Cue and Ms. Cue from all online audition submissions received by 9/30/09. These finalists will be invited to a magnetic audition finale in late 2009 at the Dr. Cue Classic Artistic Cup III event held at a specially selected US site. (Dates and location to be announced soon) Special Note: Individuals may participate in both sport and show events! 1) In Search of Cue Dean-“E”™ 2) Dr. Cue Artistic Classic Cup III Where, Oh Where…is Cue-Dean-“E”? Who will it be, Why not You? For Search audition details and future updates visit www.professorqball.com


Worst is Better by Samm Diep Contributing Writer • blog.SammsPocket.com • House Pro at Table Steaks East in Aurora,CO

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f you’re fortunate enough to play only on the finest Diamond or Gold Crown table with shiny, clean Super Please be sure to visit Aramith Pro balls and newly recovered Simonis cloth, then www.pooltipjar.com you’re probably pretty spoiled. And let me guess, you might You can take polls, view struggle a little at league or the local weekly tournament when article archives, and read you have to play on bar tables with ripped felt, mismatched tournament and training balls, and karaoke blasting in your ear. updates. There’s something to be said about practicing and competing under controlled environments where your opponent is reSamm Diep, “Cherry Bomb” spectful and everything is pristine, but welcome to the real House Pro at Table Steaks East in Aurora, Colorado world. Unless you’re a professional and you only compete in professional events where the equipment is perfect and Author of “You Might Be A D Player If… (101 Classic Moves consistent, then you’ll need to learn to adjust. Not even the That All Pool Players Can Appreciate)” pros are that lucky. It’s no secret that sub-par conwww.SammsPocket.com ditions level the playing field. A Pooltipjar.com If you don’t trust the table, C-player that wouldn’t win one don’t try to be so delicate. game against you on a big table stands a fair chance of beating Robert Dionne Memorial you on an unkempt bar table. 9 Ball Tournament The biggest weakness for the A-player is that they forget that Dechaine Breezes through Field they’re on a bar table. They’re still trying to play perfect pool. of 64 players at Silver Cue Billiards They’re delicate with safeties and attempting finesse shots for in Woburn Mass. for the win and window shape. In this environment, it only gets them into $3,700. Format for the tournament trouble. was race to your handicap. The C-player on the other hand may only be playing Pro 10 Open 8; A’s 7, B ‘s 6, C’s 5, position 50% of the time. The other 50% they’re just hoping and D’s 4 . they make the shot. They’re used to the difficult shots because The hot seat match was Mike Dechaine vs Tom Mcthey’re out of line more often than not. They’re faced with the gongale the race would be Dechaine raced to 10, Tom Mctough shots and they just fire them in and take what they get. gongale would race to 8. This match was a one way match They shoot everything firmly and they pot the balls. They’re with Dechaine winning it with the score of 10 – 3 and fearless. taking his spot in the finals. The one loss finals was Nelson These circumstances make the better player play worse and Olivera vs. Tom Mcgongale. the worse players thrive. The C-player doesn’t know any better Tom Mcgongale would race to 8, Nelson Olivera would because they’re not used to being in line anyway. The A-player race to 8. This was a tight match up till the 10th game is gets frustrated. Their cue ball is reckless, they can’t control the when Nelson pulled away and would win the set 8-5 and speed, and they’ve lost their touch. The moral to this pool story is that you must adjust your style takes his shot at Mike Dechaine, the race was Mike Dechaine 10 and Nelson Olivera 8. Seemed like no one to the equipment and conditions that you’re faced with. Like would beat Mike on this day. He would cruise through this they say, “When in Rome…” If you don’t trust the table, don’t set 10-5 and take the title. try to be so delicate. Pocket balls with firmer speed. Choose 1st $1,400 Mike Dechaine 2nd $710 Nelson Olivera defensive shots with more blocker options. Adjust your pat3rd $450 Tom Mcgongale 4th $300 Alex Morin terns to use less rails. Short-side shape is more than acceptable 5th/6th $200 Rich Ross, SamOmith on the bar table. The total sent to St Jude in Robert Dionne’s name was $700. April/May 21 PQB


Bonnie Plowman Goes Undefeated on the Second Stop of the OB Cues Ladies Tour

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he OB Cues Ladies Tour held their second tour stop of the year at Fast Eddie’s in Austin, Texas the weekend of February 28-March 1st. Fast Eddie’s is always one of the tour players favorite stop and again, the host site, staff and fans, made it another memorable event. Fifty-five players signed up for the main event and by the end of the night on Saturday, there were 12 players left to continue in their winning quest. Top players still in the running and who were undefeated were Bonnie Plowman, Tara Williams, Lisa Marr and Kyu Yi. Also new to the tour this year is Julie Comitini (formerly Mason). Julie has always been a familiar force on the pool scene. She had been on a little hiatus but is back and getting in gear once again, so we hope to see her more and more at future events. Bonnie and Kyu played for the hot seat on Sunday and Bonnie came out the victor and waited for her opponent in the finals. Meanwhile on the other side of the bracket, there was a marquee matchup between Julie Comitini and Cristina DeLaGarza fighting to stay alive in the tournament but more

Riley’s Concord Billiards 3601 Chichester Ave Boothwyn, PA 19061

Phone # 610 859-8058 Free jukebox on Mon, Thurs Straight Pool league on Tues Hadicapped 9-Ball Wed for $5 Lady's Nite on Thurs, free Juke Box Scratch 9 Ball 1st Thurs of every month Round Robin 8-Ball on Sunday Hours - Noon til 2:00am Monday thru Sunday Wi Fi on premises PQB 22 April/May

importantly the winner of this matchup would win the WPBA Qualifier for the Great Lakes Classic event in June. Julie won the match and the qualifier which is not a bad take home for her first OB Cues tour stop for the year. Congratulations Julie! Additionally, Lisa Henderson-Major and Catherine Naes had a good tournament. Both ladies finished 9th-12th and Lisa had to get through Melinda Bailey, 2008 OB Cues Tour Most Improved Player. Catherine won a hill-hill match over Orietta Strickland which is no small feat. Congratulations Lisa and Catherine! The semi-finals match between Lisa Marr and Kyu Yi was another hard fought battle. Lisa and Kyu matched up earlier on Sunday. Kyu won that match and Lisa did not want to let it happen again. It looked like Kyu was on her way, though, to win the second matchup when the score was 6-5. With perfect shape from the 8-ball to the 9-ball, Kyu fell short of the pocket and missed thus leaving an easy 9-ball out for Lisa. Score now 6-6. In the deciding game, Lisa made the 1-2 and 3-9 combo for the match and a bid in the finals against Bonnie Bonnie had other things in mind for Lisa though. Lisa was not playing as stellarly as she is known to play and Bonnie was taking no prisoners. Bonnie won the 1st and only set 7-4 and the guaranteed 1st place money of $750. Awesome job Bonnie! OB Tour Stop Results 1st - Bonnie Plowman - $750 2nd – Lisa Marr - $590 3rd – Kyu Yi - $420 4th – Tara Williams - $295 5th/6th – Helen Hayes, Julie Comitini + WPBA Qualifier $170 7th – 8th – Terry Petrosino, Cristina DeLaGarza - $120 Second Chance Tournament—26 players with $100 added 1st – Kim Pierce - $125 2nd – Sherri Palma - $90 3rd – Amanda Lampert - $60 4th – Michelle Cortez - $45 Thank you ever so much to our awesome sponsor OB Cues.Next tour stop April 4th and 5th at the Billiard Den in Richardson, Texas.






www.USBA.net USBA Officers President Bob Jewett 1000 Kiely Blvd Apt 86, Santa Clara, CA 95051 408-615-7479 president@USBilliardAssn.org

Secretary/Treasurer Jim Shovak 58 Hawthorne Avenue East Islip, NY 11730 516-238-6193 JimShovak@aol.com

Eastern Region Directors Mazin Shooni 2006 USA Champion 135 Broad Street Unit # 3A5, Hudson, MA, 01749 978-562-8595 cell phone:248-910-4466 work phone:978-535-7000 mazinshooni@yahoo.com John Zymeck 6520 North Ocean Blvd. #31 Ocean Ridge, Fl 33435 561-670-0240 jzymeck@bellsouth.net Charles Brown cbrown54@speakeasy.net

Central Region DirectorsGeorge Theobald 1N260 Prince Crossing Rd. West Chicago, Illinois 60185 (630) 231-9444 gtheobald4@comcast.net Bill Johnson 734-368-3315 williamharryjohnson@gmail.com George Ashby 8X USA Champion 206 E. State Street Jacksonville, IL 62650 217-440-0069 pooltabledoctor2@verizon.net

Western Region Directors George Aronek 19120 Nordhoff St. Northridge, California 91324-3654 AGQcase@aol.com Ken Higgins 19342 47TH Ave NE. Seattle, Washington 98155-2954 (425) 709-8718 ken.higgins@sun.com Bruce Warner (310)738-5429 bw-@ix.netcom.com

Hugo Patino is the USBA National Champion!

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he USBA 2009 National 3-Cushion Championship was underway with a field of 42 players from all over the country at Carom CafĂŠ Billiards in Flushing, NY from February 18-22, 2009. The tournament was played on 10 Verhoeven billiard tables, all outfitted for the tournament with fresh 300 Rapide billiard cloths, generously donated by Iwan Simonis, Inc. Also, Saluc, the manufacturer of Aramith Billiard Balls, donated 15 sets of Super Aramith Pro-Cup Carom Billiard Balls featuring spots on each of the yellow and white cue balls, allowing the spectators to more easily see the spin on the balls as the top 3-cushion players in the United States demonstrated their ability to make the balls dance wondrously at times. Defending National Champion Miguel Torres, 2008 runner-up Pedro Piedrabuena along with Mazin Shooni, Sonny Cho, Hugo Patino and Michael Kang were the six seeded players. Format in the Preliminaries was six flights with 7 players each, race to 25, with the 3 top players from each flight advancing to the semi-finals along with the best two 4th place finishers. The semi-finals, 20 players in all, was divided into 4 flights with

2009 Champion Hugo Patino 5 players each, 35 point matches, with the top 2 finishers of each flight advancing to an 8-player round robin finals, 50 point matches. The 3rd place finishers of the semifinals then played 50 point single elimination matches to determine 9th through 12th place overall. After 2 days of sterling play in the preliminaries, 20 players made it to the semifinal rounds. Event highlights from the qualification rounds revealed 6 players with perfect 6-0 records: Pedro Piedrabuena, Mazin Shooni, Michael Kang, Felipe Razon, Sonny Cho and defending champion Miguel Torres. The balance of the semi-final field demonstrated great resolve on the road to the championship finals.

The semi final matches started right on schedule with each match presenting the finest in 3-cushion poise and skill being demonstrated. In one of the semi-final brackets, Young Gull Lee posted a perfect 4-0 record, playing brilliantly as he defeated Pedro Piedrabuena, who otherwise demonstrated top form in each match of the tournament previously. Hugo Patino, Michael Kang, and Felipe Razon also went 4-0 in their respective brackets. Rounding out the field of the 8 top players that matched up in the final round robin group were Pedro Piedrabuena, Sonny Cho, Mazin Shooni, and the 2008 defending champion Miguel Torres. Each of these determined competitors finished the semiApril/May 27 PQB


finals with records of 3-1. The 3rd place finishers in each bracket played in a single elimination shootout to determine the 9th thru 12th payout and ranking places. These players were George Ashby, Min Jae Pak, Jim Watson, and Bob Page. Other players from the semis were Mark Jarvis, Antonio Rivera, Mike Ph ot o Bengels, Stutesman, bDarrel yA my C Gilbert Najm, Juan Eva Elizalde ns, S FATom Sauz, Charles Brown and o ral h istoria Carom Café Billiards nJanuar y 2008 Rossman. match against Sonny Cho. The 1st day of the finals Payouts: Sonny made a valiant comecreated quite a flurry of excite1st: Hugo Patino $4,000 ment among both the players back with 2 great runs to 2nd: Pedro Piedrabuena make things close. The final and the fans. Brilliant play $3,000 score was Patino 50 to Cho 44 3rd: Miguel Torres and intricate adjustments to $2,400 each shot tested each veteran in 40 innings! 4th: Michael Kang $2,100 Going into the final match 5th: Mazin Shooni in their resolve, focus, and pa$1,900 it was Pedro and Hugo. Pedro tience with the 50 point goal 6th: Sonny Cho $1,700 was undefeated and Hugo had 7th: Felipe Razon of each game. $1,500 one loss. Hugo needed to win 8th: Young Gull Lee $1,200 Patino and Piedrabuena their 50-point match in order 9th: Min Jae Pak completed their first 4 $1,000 to stay alive. Hugo played brilmatches in stellar fashion with 10th: George Ashby $900 liantly and won the match 50 11th: Bob Page perfect 4-0 records. Michael $800 to 49. This forced a playoff Kang held a 3-1 record and 12th: Jim Watson $700 Sonny Cho held a 2-2 record. match between Hugo and Hi-Run: Hugo Patino (14) Pedro, also 50 points. The The Nationals were live$100 winner would be the Chamstreamed on the internet for Best Game: Miguel Torres pion. Once again, Hugo the whole world to see at (1.852) $ 100 played brilliantly and won the 2009 Nationals Sponsors: CaromTV.com. A special playoff match 50 to 48 and thanks to Jan Carl for setting Carom Café, Bob Jewett, became the 2009 USBA Naup the webcam and audio. David Levine, Jim Shovak, tional Champion. CongratulaLast day of the finals: Hugo Bruce Warner tions to Hugo Patino! Patino ran a very impressive Aramith Balls, Simonis Cloth, “14 in his early morning

Choice Hotels International, Kilby Cues, Schuler Cues (left) Past and present U.S. Champions who participated in this year’s event; George Ashby (1976, 1981, 1984); Pedro Piedrabuena (2002, 2004, 2007); Hugo Patino (2003, 2009); Sonny Cho (2005); Mazin Shooni (2006) and Miguel Torres (2008).

PQB 28 April/May

Nationals List of Players 1) Miguel Torres 2) Pedro Piedrabuena 3) Mazin Shooni 4) Sonny Cho 5) Jim Shovak 6) Andrew Janquitto 7) Tom Rossman 8) Dave Van Lokeren 9) Joe DeAmato 10) Gilbert Najm 11) Leonard Collibee (Von Duprin) 12) Young Gull Lee 13) Michael Kang 14) Min Jae Pak 15) Eric Hughes 16) Spencer Winston 17) Bob Page 18) Walt Scott 19) Darrel Stutesman 20) Jamil Isreal 21) Mike Bengels 22) Antonio Rivera 23) Armando Wong 24) Bassel Elshaar 25) Felipe Razon 26) Hugo Patino 27) George Ashby 28) Dan Kolacz 29) Paul Frankel 30) Bill Johnson 31) Gary Elias 32) John Cristiano 33) George Theobald 34) Charles Brown 35) Jim Watson 36) Robert Raiford 37) Don Sperber 38) Juan Elizalde Sauz 39) John C. Park 40) Francisco Loaiza 41) Mark Jarvis 42) Gary Eake


Secretary’s Desk

Semi Match Results The semi final matches started right on schedule with the 20 players remaining after the qualification rounds. Each match presented the finest in 3- cushion poise and skill being demonstrated. In the A Bracket Young Gull Lee posted a perfect 4 – 0 record, playing brilliantly as he defeated Pedro Piedrabueno, who otherwise demonstrated top form in each match of the tournament so far. Hugo Patino, Michael Kang, and Felipe Razon also went undefeated in their respective brackets. Rounding out the field of 8 top players that would match up in the final round robin group were Pedro Piedrabueno, Sonny Cho, Mazin Shooni, and the 2008 defending champion Miguel Torres. Each of these determined competitors finished the semi-finals with win – loss records of 3 – 1. The 3rd place finishers in each bracket would play in a single elimination shootout to determine the 9th thru 12th payout and ranking places. These players were George Ashby, Min Jae Pak, Jim Watson, and Bob Page.

Congratulations to our new champion, Hugo Patino. He had to beat Pedro Piedrabuena twice in a row in order to win. No small accomplishment. We are extremely happy that we have reached an agreement with Simonis Cloth to sponsor the USBA Tour, the Regional Qualifiers and the Nationals for the next three years! We are also in the process of seeking corporate sponsorship for our tournaments. Let’s hope that happens so that we can increase our prize funds substantially and possibly have more Tour events. The USBA Online Forum is up and running. If you have not yet used the forum, go to our website www.USBA.net and click either USBA Forum or else click My USBA. You will need to register, if you haven’t already. There is also a Create-A-Shot function where you can diagram shots. You can download them, print them, email them to others or post them onto the Forum. We now have an Online Store offering vests, ties, shirts, jackets, caps, etc. Most of the items will have an embroidered USBA logo. The 2009 USBA Tour will be using shot-clocks and digital scoreboards this year. Every game played will have a scorekeeper. This will enable us to keep accurate averages and make things look as professional as possible. Full dress code will be enforced. Many people have been donating money to the Tour this year and we wish to thank each of them for helping us to expand the Tour and make it even better. More donations will be happily accepted. We are just getting started! April/May 29 PQB


USBA Tour Info Tour Stop One

place 2nd place finishers of each semi-final group play for 3rd and 4th CUE & CUSHION BILLIARD LOUNGE at 1271 Hookplace, etc. sett Road, Unit #2, Hooksett, New Hampshire will host the Tournament # 2: Carom Cafe Billiards “C” Tournament first stop of the 2009 USBA 3-Cushion Billiards Tour with to .500 average) (Up some of the top billiard players in the country participating. May 1-3, 2009 PLAYER'S MEETING: Thursday, April 16th at 8:00pm Carom Cafe Billiards PLACE: Cue & Cushion Billiards & Lounge, 34-02 Linden Pl PLAYERS: Limited to 11. Round-robin, 25 point matches. Flushing NY, 11354 ENTRY FEE: $255 per player. USBA Membership required. Phone: 718-358-8585 PURSE : Estimated $7,750 based on pledged added money Contact: Min Jae Pak or Charles Brown 11 players: First Place $2,600; Second Place $2,000; Third Place $1,600; Fourth Place $1400, High Run to be determined Player’s Meeting : Thursday, April 30th at 8:00pm Entry Fee : $ 105.00 during tournament. Estimated Prize Fund : At least $ 4,100.00 TABLES : Two Chevillotte Carom Tables with new Simonis Estimated First Place Prize : At least $ 1,100.00 Tournament Cloth. Estimated Number of Payouts : 8 FEATURES: Maximum number of players : 21 1) All players will also be required to be a scorekeeper accordPrelims : 3 groups of 7 players each: round robin (15 point ing to the tournament schedule. matches) 2) Shot-clock will be used with 2 extensions per match Top 3 USBA Ranked “C” Players will be seeded into Prelim 3) Full tournament attire: vest, tie, black pants, black shoes flights 4) Raffle of two Custom Cues provided by sponsors Top 2 from each flight advance to semi-finals = 6 players 5) Celebratory Buffet ACCOMODATIONS: Mazin Shooni will make arrangements One lottery and one auction = 8 players in semi-finals for players to stay at the Fairfield Marriot down the street from Semi-Finals : 2 groups of 4 players each: round robin (20 point matches) Cue & Cushion. INFORMATION: For further info, call Mazin at 248-910-4466. Final Matches : (# of points to be determined) 1st place finishers of each semi-final group play for 1st and 2nd place Tour Stop 2 2 Tournaments: "B+" (up to .900 average) and "C" (up to .500 2nd place finishers of each semi-final group play for 3rd and 4th place, etc. average) Rules : All official USBA tournament rules will apply. Tournament # 1: Carom Cafe Billiards “B+” Tournament Other Requirements : All players will also be required to be a score(Up to .900 average) May 1-3, 2009 keeper according to the tournament schedule. 60-second shot-clock Carom Cafe Billiards 34-02 Linden Pl will be used with 2 extensions per match. Full tournament attire: tie, Flushing NY, 11354 Phone: 718-358-8585 vest, black pants, black shoes. This is a USBA event. Must be or Contact: Min Jae Pak or Charles Brown become a USBA Member. $5.00 sanction fee per player already inPlayers Meeting : Thursday, April 30th at 8:00pm cluded in entry fee. Entry Fee : $ 155.00 for “B” Players and $ 255 for “B+” Players Estimated Prize Fund : At least $ 9,500 Tour Stop 3 Estimated First Place Prize : At least $ 2,200 June 5-7, 2009 Estimated Number of Payouts : 12 College Billiards and Café Maximum number of players : 35 Prelims : 5 groups of 7 players each: round robin (20ptmatches) 5303 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115 Top 4 “B+” Players will be seeded into Prelim flights If less than 4 “B+” players, then seeding goes to the top USBA 619-582-4550 Contact: Pedro Piedrabuena or Timoteo Moreno ranked “B” players Player’s Meeting : Thursday, June 4th at 8:00pm Top 2 from each flight advance to semi-finals = 10 players Entry Fee : $ 255.00 One lottery and one auction = 12 players in semi-finals Estimated Prize Fund : At least $ 15,000.00 Semi-Finals: 2 groups of 6 players each: round robin (25 pt Estimated First Place Prize : At least $ 3,600.00 matches) Estimated Number of Payouts : 12 Final Matches: (# of points to be determined) 1st place finishers of each semi-final group play for 1st and 2nd continue on page 32 PQB 30 April/May


More Kiss-back Shots by Bob Byrne Contributing Writer • From Byrne’s “Advanced technique in Pool & Billiards” with permission

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nother standard application is given in Diagram 98. Again, remember to use low English. If the first ball were at a, it would be better to try a thin hit off the right side of the ball instead of a kiss-back. Not only is the thin hit (provided it isn’t too thin ) easier to judge, but the first ball is likely to end up in the vicinity of b, providing a good second shot.

There are other reasons for favoring the thin hit over the kiss-back when a choice os presented. The thin hit in this position requires less English, less chance of a miscue, and no need to estimate the curve of the cueball on its way to the frozen ball. In diagram 99, twice-across off the white must be considered, but if the red is frozen in the corner the kiss-back is by far the best choice. IN fact, with the white “big” in the corner, the kiss-back is sometimes the highest percentage shot even if the red isn’t frozen.

Iwan Simonis Inc. and the United States Billiard Association (USBA) Announce Three Year Sponsorship Arrangement for the USBA Tour and The USBA Natinal Championship Gurnee, IL – March 17, 2009 – Iwan Simonis and the USBA are pleased to announce the finalization of a multi-year sponsorship arrangement which will guarantee that USBA events will be played on the internationally renowned Simonis 300 Rapide carom cloth. “Given our longstanding relationship with the USBA, it just makes sense for [Simonis and the USBA] to have this kind of arrangement” stated Ivan Lee the President of Iwan Simonis, Inc. “In these uncertain times, the USBA needs to focus on growing their tour and not worrying about sponsors.” The multi-year deal makes Simonis the exclusive cloth sponsor to the USBA, including both the USBA tour and the USBA National Championships. Bob Jewett, President of the USBA commented, “Simonis has been the main sponsor for the USBA National Championships for many years and has helped out with the National Qualifiers for at least a decade. Their generous increase in support came at an important time for the organization as we try to increase membership during a difficult

economic situation. We hope to make the relationship as beneficial to Simonis as it is to the USBA.”

About Iwan Simonis Founded in 1680 in Verviers, Belgium, Iwan Simonis is the premier cloth manufacturer to the billiard industry. Simonis cloth is distributed globally through a network of carefully selected dealers that are committed to uphold the company’s longstanding commitment to quality. Simonis cloth… Authentic. Accurate. Always. For more information, visit www.simoniscloth.com or www.iwansimonis.com

About USBA The USBA is the governing body for all Carom Billiard games in the USA, in particular, 3-Cushion Billiards. For more information visit www.usba.net April/May 31 PQB


From page 30 Maximum number of players : 35 Prelims : 5 groups of 7 players each: round robin (25 point matches) Top 5 USBA Ranked “A” Players will be seeded into Prelim flights Top 2 from each flight advance to semi-finals = 10 players One lottery and one auction = 12 players in semi-finals Semi-Finals : 2 groups of 6 players each: round robin (30 point matches) Final Matches : (35 points) 1st place finishers of each semi-final play for 1st & 2nd place 2nd place finishers of each semi-final play for 3rd and 4th place, etc. Rules: All official USBA tournament rules will apply. Other Requirements: All players will also be required to be a scorekeeper according to the tournament schedule. Shot-clock will be used with 2 extensions per match. Full tournament attire: tie, vest, black pants, black shoes. This is a USBA event. Must be or become a USBA Member. $ 5.00 sanction fee per player already included in entry fee.

Rip’s Tips To Find the Proper Running

To find the proper running english to connect the diamonds on all shots on your table use this diagram. Soft stroke is all that is required. Use 11:00 o’clock english. “George Rippe is a former billiard room proprietor and artistic billiard enthusiast,” He can be reached at 978 975-9958

Upcoming Tournaments for 2009 April 17-19: USBA TOUR - Cue and Cushion Open Hooksett, NH, Contact Mazin Shooni: 248-910-4466 May 1-3: USBA TOUR-"B" & "C"-Carom Cafe, Flushing, NY, Contact Min Jae Pak/Charles Brown: 718-358-8585 May 1-3: Medford Elks - Medford, OR, Contact Ken Higgins: 206-355-5498 June 5-7: USBA Tour - College Billiards Open - San Diego, CA, Contact Pedro Piedrabuena or Timoteo Moreno: 619-582-4550 July 10-12: USBA Tour- "B" - World Class Billiards Peabody, MA, Contact John Magulas or Joe DeAmato: 978535-7000 August 3-9: Sang Lee Int'l Open - Carom Cafe - Flushing, NY, Contact Min Jae Pak/Charles Brown: 718-358-8585 August 21-23: Mike Fahey Memorial - Tacoma Elks, WA Contact Ken Higgins: 206-355-5498 September: USBA Tour- "B" - Undetermined – CA Contact Jim Shovak: 516-238-6193 October: USBA Tour- "Open" - Undetermined - Miami, FL, Contact Jim Shovak: 516-238-6193 December 4-6: Regional Qualifier - Dick Takano Memorial- Tacoma Elks, WA, Contact Ken Higgins: 206-355-5498 PQB 32 April/May

“ USBA Membership” To become a USBA member and receive the PQB publication for free, fill out and return this form.

USBA Membership • Dues $50 New Member______________Renewal __________ PRINT PLEASE Name: ___________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________ City, ____________________State ____ Zip: __________ Home Phone:______________________________________ Cell Phone: _______________________________________ E-Mail Address: ____________________________________ Referred by _______________________________________

Send completed form and check or money order payable to USBA to Jim Shovak/USBA Secretary 58 Hawthorne Ave. • East Islip, NY 11730.


2009 American CueMakers Association Awards

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he American CueMakers Association (ACA) is proud to introduce the 2009 recipients of it’s “Hall of Fame Award” and it’s “Cuemaker of the Year Award.” The ACA was formed in 1992 to promote the American made cue and its unique collectible art form. Today, ACA membership includes over 40 of America’s finest CueMakers.

ACA Booth at Super Expo

TIM SCRUGGS - RICHARD BLACK

Cuemaker of the Year • Tim Scruggs The 2009 “Cuemaker of the Year Award” recipient is Tim Scruggs of Baltimore, Maryland. Tim began making cues with Joss in 1972, and formed his own company in 1978. He has been recognized as one of America’s premier CueMakers ever since. Additionally, Tim is one of the charter members of the American CueMakers Association.

Hall of Fame • Richard Black The “Hall of Fame Award” is presented to those cuemakers who have distinguished themselves by advancing the art of cuemaking either by innovations in the cuemaking process or by producing an outstanding quality cue over the years. Previous inductees into the ACA Hall of Fame include George Balabushka, Herman Rambow, Burton Spain, Ernie Guterrez, Harvey Martin, Gus Szamboti, Frank Paradise, Eugene and Ilona Balmer, Dan Janes, Jerry Franklin, and Bill Schick. The 2009 recipeint of this prestigous award is Richard black of Humble, Texas. Richard began making cues in 1974 and continues to the present day. He is recognized in the industry for the complexity of his designs and his years of experience in producing beautiful, high quality cues.

Dave & Brandon Jacoby

Jacoby Wins 2009 Cue of the Year Award Second Year in a row! Specially designed with the theme of the Mayan Indians. Cue has exotic burl and copper inlays, along with tortoise and ivory inlays.

Hall of Fame recipients Poster introduced at Super Expo. The posters are just $10 and are a perfect item for billiard collectors! Designed by Jim Knott of the Art Loft in San Diego. For more info visit www.cuemakers.org April/May 33 PQB


Put Some Life in Your Game by Tom Simpson • PoolClinics.com Contributing Writer

M

ost pool players don’t think of themselves as athletes “life”. Nail it down and let it be. – at least not in pool. I’ve come to think we are athletes, and to the extent we act and become athletic Life in your grip at the table, we can improve our performance. To have life in your stroke, you need a soft grip. Squeezing Pool is a physical performance art. Excellent physical perhard robs you of fluidity. Try increasing the awareness in your formers use their bodies beautifully and gracefully. To me, this fingertips. Really feel the weight and texture of the cue in your is athletic – filled with life, moving with fullness. Pool players fingers. don’t have to be large or muscular to play athletically. We can probably agree that good pool looks full, alive, connected. We Life in your stroke can probably agree this is a good thing. If you’re slouching, if Your arm should bend smoothly. Jerky motions are difficult to you’re dragging your butt around the table, if you’re feeling control and produce iffy results. Get through the ball. No weak, if you’re thinking about something else, life is leaking poking. It’s vital that your elbow bend easily and fluidly. Don’t out of your game. shoot until you have an athletic connection to the shot. Feel The “life in your game” is the fun, the zing, the energy the groove of the stroke and do not interfere. behind your wins. Let’s explore some ways to get more life in your game. This is not the typical approach to things, but this Life in your eyes is not a typical topic. It won’t hurt you to try this stuff. This does not mean wild, bulging eyes, darting all over. Generally, we perform better when our eyes are quiet and focused. Life in your demeanor Yes, we look back & forth down the shot line, but smoothly, The general idea is to try to feel large in your body, as if you calmly, undistracted. It’s just you and the balls. are slightly inflated. Your joints are open, you feel tall, and you move smoothly around the table, connected to the balls. One Life in your thinking way to experience this sensation is to imagine you are ever so Be positive. Expect to make your shots. Expect to get shape. slightly suspended from the top of your head. Keep this feeling Expect to get rolls. Expect to win. Don’t let a bad shot or a bad as you stalk the layout. roll change your attitude. Enjoy the good stuff. Hey, you’re

Life in your stance As you settle into your stance, it should look and feel athletic. That means it’s not twisted up and it’s not relying heavily on muscle. It’s using your skeleton well. An athletic stance is in between locked knees and crouching. It’s easy but strong and stable. You should be bending from the pelvis, not slumping your shoulders and back. Slumping is not athletic and will produce slumpy results. Your feet can also come to life. As you notice your weight in your feet, and as you can get that weight happily onto the balls of your feet, you’ll feel solid and balanced. Wiggle your toes and wake up your feet. The better you land your feet, the more likely you’ll feel right and make the shot.

Life in your bridge To inject some life into your bridge, try increasing the awareness (sense of touch) in your fingers. Work your bridge into exactly the rock you need it to be to precisely deliver the tip for the shot at hand. Anchor the bridge in place with a little PQB 34 April/May

playing pool. How bad is that? Play with all the athletic ability and feeling you can muster. It’s what makes us look good at the table. When we look good, we feel good. That breeds confidence, and confidence sinks balls like crazy. How would a cat play pool? Try to feel like a big cat at the table. Glide smoothly about, never lose focus, stretch luxuriously into your shooting position. No hitches, no hesitation. Put some life in your game, and maybe get some more game in your life.






Wes Burden Billiard Table Service & Cue Work Commerical & Residential Tables Gabriel & Diamond Factory Authorized Mechanic Tampa Florida

Wes Burden Cell • (813) 416-2255

Service Directory Place Your Business Card Ad in the Billiard Industry Service Directory call (901)756-2594 for details and rates. April/May 39 PQB


Places to Play Across the U.S.A. Receive 20 issues of PQB’s National Pool & 3-Cushion News, and your listing in Places to Play for $95/year. Call us at (901)756-2594. CALIFORNIA BURBANK • Burbank's Elks Lodge #1497 818 848-5508 2232 N. Hollywood Way,5 Verhovens, 1 snooker 1 Pool table

MAYOOD • Eight Ball Billiards 323-562-9092 5250 S. Atlantic Blvd 14 Billiard tables (Verhovens) 21 Gold Crown pool tablesFull Restaurant, Dominos, 5 TV’s

MILPITAS • Edgie's Billiards. 408 942-9500 235. S.Milpitas Bvld. 6 Chevilliottes, 23Brunswicks, 1 Snooker

SACRAMENTO Hard Times Billiards 916 332-8793 5536 Garfield Ave 33-Pool Tables 6 Dart boards, 2 Fooseball 8 TV,s, Videos, Ltd food

SAN DIEGO • College Billiards 5303 El Cajon Blvd 619 582-4550 6–Verhoeven Billiard tables,13 Pool Tables, 1Snooker 6x1,Beer & Wine full Restaurant

CONNeCtICut MANCHESTER • World Championship Billiard 860-647-1711 171 G. Spencer St 15-9’Gold Crowns, 2- 5x10 Billiard tables Beer & Wine, Snacks

FLORIDA ATAMONTE SPRINGS Trick Shots. 407 869-5118• 280 E. Hwy 434 4-9' Proline, 10-8Proline, Darts, Videos, Big Screen Full Bar & Food,Pro Shop

BOYTNTON BEACH PQB 40 April/May

CAPE CORAL Diamond Billiards Sports Bar

Old Winter Garden Rd 16- 8' Black Crowns, Huge Screen, Darts, Full Bar/Food-Pro Shop

239 573-7665 1242 Pine Island Rd 21 Diamond tables Full Liquor & Food, 22Flat TV’s

Trick Shots

FORT PIERCE • Ultimate Billiards 4112 Okeechobee Rd 1-Gabriel 3-cushion table 11 – 9’ Diamonds,9 – 9’ Gold Crowns, 1 – 6 x 12 Snooker 4 - bar diamonds, 2 - valleys,Beer & wine , Sandwiches

HIALEAH • New Wave Billiards # 2 4410 W 16 Ave # G28 305-557-4222 6 - 3-Cushion heated Wilhelminas,29-9’ Pool tables,Beer & Wine / Kitchen

MIAMI • Doral Billiards Sports Bar 7800 NW 25th St #1 305-592-8486 6-3-cushion Chevillotte tables, 17-Pool tables, Beer, Wine & Food,14 Flat TV’s

• New Wave Billiards 305 220-4790 1403 S.W. 107 Ave 6-3-Cushion tables – Wilterminas, 3-9’ pool tables, Full Bar/ltd menu

NORTH TAMPA Strokers Tampa 813 814-2277 11236 W. Hillsborough 23 - 9’ Tables, 10 – Dart Boards, HD Flat Screens,Full Bar/Food

PALM HARBOR Strokers Billiards, 727-786-6683• 30901 US 19 N, 14- 4 1/2X9 Tables 8Dart boards, 5 Big screens Full bar & big menu

ORLANDO Trick Shots 407 298-5112

407 292-9840 5860 N. Orange Blossom Trail 2- 9' pool tables, 9 -8' Pool tables TV's, Darts, Big Screen, Full Bar & Food-Pro Shop

Trick Shots 407 737-6606 11351 Lake Underhill Two 9’ Brunswicks in VIP area Room 7 Dart Boards, Full Bar, Deli Food Big Screen & 17TV’s, 8,000 Sq ft &Patio

STUART • Amy’s Billiards 772 232-9966 1600 NW Federal Hwy 8- 9 –OLHAUSEN, 19- BRUNSWICK, 4-Bar tables, 1-Gabriel 3Cushion heated Beer & Wine amybilliards.com

SOUTH DAYTONA • Uncle Waldo's Billiards. 386 760-7006 2454 S. Nova Rd. 10-8' tables, 5-9' foot, 2 bar tables, 1-Brunswick Billiard table, 1-snooker table, Darts, Hockey, fooseball, Beer & wine, snacks

WILTON Corner Pockets 518 E. Oakland Park Blvd 954 566-3556 3-Verhovens, 7-Gold Crowns, Big Screen TV

WINTER PARK Trick Shots

3550 Mall Blvd 23 pool tables,1 6x12 Snooker, 1 billiard table heated , Full bar & restaurant steel & soft tip darts

LAGRANE Chaulk It Up 1872 Vernon Rd 706-882-9798 4 - 4 1/2X9 Diamonds, 9 – 3 1/2x7 Diamonds, Videos, Full Kitchen

SAVANNAH Southside Billiards 1305 Abercorn St 619 582-4550 8-8 Foot, 9-9’tables,big screen TV, 2-7’Diamonds,1-5x10 Snooker 3 Dart boards, Full bar and food

WINDER Murphy’s Brass Rail 243 North Broad St. 678 963-0794 7 - 9’ Pool tables,Darts, Golden Tee & Videos, 4-Big screens, Full Bar & Kitchen

ILLINOIS DES PLAINES • Chris ll 847 299-8801• 1128 Lee St 2-Kim Steel billiard tables,19-9 foot tables, 3 bar tables, Restaurant & 5 TV's

DOWNERS GROVE • The Green Room 630-960-1111 224 W. Ogden Avenue 16 9’ Kim-Steel Pool Tables, 2 10’ KimSteel/Sam Billiards Billiard Tables,Open Noon-3AM Sun-Thurs Noon-4AM Fri-Sat

GALESBURG Billiards On Main

407 671-7797 7644 University Blvd. 4-9' pool tables, 12-8' tables, Darts, Full Bar & Food Pro Shop on premises

309-342-7665 156 East Main St. 8 Gold Crowns , 6 Bar tables, 2 Dart boards, Full bar/ Restaurant

GeORGIA DULUTH • The Pool Room

EAST MOLINE Lesure Time Billiards &Sports Bar

770-418-9086

309 752-9559

Room Owners Sign Up Now Increase your customer base 3 Cushion available at rooms with a “•” www.professorqball.com 845 Ave of the City 5-9 foot pool tables,16Bar tables, 2 sports bars, 11 Dart boards Full Kitchen

RIVERGROVE • Cue Phoria Billiards 708 452-9105 8917 W. Grand Ave 22-9’ Diamond ‘Vintage pool tables 3-7’ Diamond Smart tables 1-3-Cushion Gabriel heated, 7-electronic dart games, 22 HD TV’S & 2 Large screens, Full Bar & Food, Proshop/ Repairs

ROCKFORD Rockford Billiards Café 5114 Didier Ave 815 962-0957 6- 9ft Gold Crowns 11- 7ft Valleys, 2 Dart boards, Full Bar & Food

IOWA DES MOINES Big Dog Billiards

PADUCAH Side Pocket 270-443-1159• 301 Murray St 9 & 8 Foot Gold Crowns & 2 Bar Boxes Just

Pool Mister… JUST POOL

LOuISIANA BOSSIER CITY Fast Eddie’s 318 741-0010 1701 Old Minden. Rd. 27 8’ Pool Tables, 2 7’ Pool Tables, 3 9’ Pool Tables, 6 Big ScreensDirect tn sports

LAFAYETTE FAST EDDIE’S 337 237 6577 2431 West Congress 4-41/2x9 , 20 4x8 tables and TV’s

METAIRE Buffalo Billiards 504-279-2137 3624 Airline Dr 13-9’Diamond, 3-Bar tables, Darts,7 TV’s,Full bar, 24 hrs

515-262-6523 MARYLAND 2200 E. Euclid Ave 14 - 9 foot Diamonds, 18 GLEN BURNIE – 7 foot Diamonds,1 – 3- • Big Daddy’s Cushion 5x10, 4- Foose- Billiards,410-760-1332 ball table,3- Big Screens 7954 B &A Blvd. & Full liquor bar Ste 2-G 8- 9’Diamonds, 3-7’ DiaKANSAS monds, 7-9’ Gold OLATHE Crowns, 1-6x12 • Shooters Snooker, 1` 5x10 3cushion Soren 913-780-5740 Sogard,Tv’s, ltd. menu 810 W. Hwy 56 22- 7ft Valley,10-9ft MASS. Gold Crowns,2 – 9ft DiPEABODY amonds & 4 -7ft ,1- 3Cushion 5x10, • World Class Brunswick,Full Bar & Billiards & Pub Grill 978 535-7000• Rte 1

KeNtuCKY LOUISVILLE Diamond Pub & Billiards 3814 Frankfort Ave 502 895-7513 9-7ft Diamonds & 2-9ft 2 - Dart boards, 8 flat screen TV’s for Sports,Full Menu and Bar Live music Fri/ Sat

South W. 12-Diamond Tables, 4-3Cushion Billiard Tables, Darts,Videos, Snack Bar Beer & Wine,16 TV’s

ST WOBURN Silver Cue Billiard Club 435 Main St 781-933-9771 13 Gold Crown 3


tables ,7 days a week noon-1 am,Weekly Tournaments

WAREHAM The Fan Club 508 295-6773 2859 Cranberry Hwy 10-Gold Crowns, 2Dart boards, 1-Big screen, 8-Tv’s, Full Bar D.J. Fri/Sat

MiCHIGAN NILES Roundtable Bar 269-683-9738 3024 N. US 31 6 – 7ft Diamonds,Full Bar & Food

WARREN • Hall of Fame Billiards 5775 E.13 Mile RD. 586-939-8880 17-Gold Crown IV 6-Bar Box,1-6X12 & 5X10 Snooker,5-Dart Boards,4 Mega Touch,Golden Tee,Full service Rest. & Bar,Pro Shop on premises, 2heated Verhoven 3 cushion tables

MINNeSOtA MINNEAPOLIS • Minneapolis Billiards Club 1101 Stinson Blvd. N.E. 763-300-6370 2-Verhoven 3-cushion tables,1- 9 ft Diamond , TV snacks, All out of towners play free Full service Rest. & Bar Pro shop on premises

ROSEVILLE Al’s Billiards 1319 Larpenteur Ave 651 646-9508 16 – Gold Crowns 1 – 5x10 Brunswick Anniversary, 1-5x10 Snooker, 1-6x12 Snooker, 2-7’ Bar tables, Darts & Foosball

MISSISSIPPI GRENADA The Sports Center 662-226-1322 893 Springhill Rd 7- Pool tables, 3 Bar tables, Video’s, Beer & Food

SOUTHAVEN Southaven

Recreational 662 342-0230 987 Town & Country 16- Big Tables. 5- Bar Tables,5-TV’s, Darts, Bumper Pool, Food & Beer

MISSOuRI BRANSON Lovings 417-334-9449 4260 Gretna Rd 9 Pool tables 4x, Coffee shop & Café,WI-FI, Video & Game rental

CAPE GIRARDEAU The Billiard Center

Bar,Online Video Games, Darts

• Gotham City Billiards Club

ROCKY MOUNT Dot’s Cue Club

SOMERSWORTH Busters Billiards

718 714-1002 • 93 Ave 14 Brunswick tables,1 heated billiard table, 10 TV’s inc.large screen HDTV, Finger food, burgers, pizza and large pro shop.

252 972-9220 14268 US64 Alt W Hwy 1 - Snooker 5x10 , 12 9 foot Brunswicks, Beer & Food

603 692-7926 369 Route 108 16- Nine foot pool tables,Beer, Wine, Service pool tables Cue repair on premises

NeW jeRSeY ATLANTIC CITY Atlantic City Billiards

573 335-9955 26 N. Main 21-Valleys, 3-9- foot tables, 1-Snooker, Full bar & Kitchen Darts,Big Screen

609 645-7576 6701 Black Horse Pike Egg Harbor Twp 22 -9’Cold Crowns, 1 Snooker 6x12. 5x10 Carom Verhoven heated, 7-TV’s, Pro shop, Hot Food & Snacks

OVERLAND • Cue & Cushion

BELLEVILLE • Guys & Dolls

314 427-9267 2425 Woodson Rd 3-3 Cushion table 11 – 9 foot pool tables, 1-Snooker, 2-bar tables, Pro shop/ showroom on premises

2- New Gabriels 3cushion billiard tables. 34 – 9 foot pool tables, 6 –Big Screens

POPLAR BLUFF Westwood Billiards 2207 S. Westwoo Blvd 573 686-4880 11- Bar tables, 1 – 41/2x9, Darts, Big Screen Tv,Video games.Full Bar and great food

ST CHARLES Side Pocket 636-724-9300 1439 Bass Pro Drive 18-Valley Black Cats,4Gold Crowns,Full Restaruant

ST. PETERS Rada’s Sports Bar 4270 North Service Rd 636 477-8430 14 – Bar tables,1- 9 foot, Full Bar & Kitchen

NH HOOKSETT • Cue & Cushion Billiards 1271 Hooksett Rd 603 623-5330 10 Gold Crown Pool Tables, 2 Chevillotte Billiard Tables, Full

EDISON Sandcastle Billiards 101 Towsley Rd 732 632-9277 18 – 9’ Tables, Card table lounge, PingPong. Pro-shop on premises

PARSIPPANY Comet Billiards 973-334-7429 233 Littleton Rd 20 -Gold Crowns 4’s, 1-Snooker, Juke box, TV’s Snack Bar

WAYNE Shooters Family Billiards 2230 Hamburg Tpke 973 248-0800 10- 9 foot Brunswick 1-Bar table, Video games, 4-Screen TV’s, Internet Juke box, Pro shop on premises

NeW YORK BAYSHORE • Doc’s Billiard Emporium 631 665-9783 253 W. Main Street 20-Gold Crowns 1-Gabriel 3-Cushion heated table, Beer & Wine

BROOKLYN

FLUSHING • Carom Cafe 718 358-8585 34-02 Linden Pl 10-5x10 New Verhoven 3-Cushion Billiard tables, 10 4 x 8 carom, 22 Brunswick pool tables,Full Bar & Restaurant

HEMSTEAD Raxx Bar & Grill 516 538-9896 510 West Hempstead 29- 4 1/2 x9 pool tables, 1 dart board, 542’ TV’s, 1-Big Screen, Full Bar & Food

WOODSIDE • Gabriel Billiards 6 New 5x10 Gabriel 3Cushion, Imperator tables, 5-Gold Crowns 9’, Full liquor and food

YORKVILLE • Hippo's

SANFORD Speakeazy Billiards 919 775-1166 1221 D.North Horner Blvd. 14 - 4 1/2 X 9 Gold Crowns, 1 - 3 1/2 X 7 Valley, Video games & fooseball table, Very unique poolroom with a large billiards memorabila collection.

WILMINGTON Break Time Billiards / Ten Pin Alley 127 S.College Rd. 910 395-6658 29 Pool Table,1Snooker table,1 coin opt, 24 Bowling Lanes 20-tv’s Arcades Videos, 2 Bars & Restaurants

WINSTON SALEM Breaktime Billiards & Sports Bar

315 768-0218 5160 Commercial Dr. E 12-4 1/2x9 Gabriels, 15x10 3-cushion table, 8-3 1/2 7 Valleys, Beer, Wine, Full menu, 8TV’s

336 765-7391 420N Jonestown Rd 15-9 foot Pool tables Darts, 1-big screen, fooseball,Full Bar&menu

N. CAROLINA FAYETTEVILE King Street Billiards

Breaktime Billiards & Sports Bar

910-425-7665 128 South King St 20-9’ Tables, 5 Bar Tables, Darts, Full Bar & Kitchen

GOLDSBORO Fast Eddies Sport Bar 1308 Parkway Dr 919 759-0071 13 – 9 Gold Crowns Dart boards, Full Bar & Food

MONROE Burrkats Billiards & Grill 1615 Lynn St 704 226-0948 14-9’ Tables, 6-Bar table,Full liquor & Kitchen, Pro-Shop on premise

336 744-9404 5093 University Pkwy 14-Bar Tables, 8-9Pool tables, 1-8 foot table Darts, Game room, Big screen TV

OHIO COLUMBUS • Sportsmens Billiard Club 614-279-5888 3965 Sullivan Ave 2 3-Cushion (Gabriels) 4 9’ Diamonds, 5 8’Diamonds,11 7’ Diamonds, 12 TV’s, Full Bar & Food, Covered patio with 2 outdoor pool tables

PORT CLINTON Rack Attack Billiards Café 21-23 Madison St

419-732-7225 10- Diamond pro am’s Darts, TV’s Full bar and food

OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA CITY • AAA Billiards Supply 405 917-9300 4619 N. West 10th 6- Gold Crowns, 4-Bar tables, 2-5 x 10 Snooker table, 1-3Cushion Billiard table,Pro Shop & Cue & table repair

TULSA Magoo’s 918 663-3364 5002 S. Memorial 19 3 1/2 X 7 tables, 35 4 1/2X9, 1 Snooker Table Beer, Wine and Liquor, Full Restaurant

PUERTO RICO CAROLINA Billiard Palace 787-791-0039 9- Pool Tables, Big Screen & TV’s, Full Bar /food

PENNSYLVANIA BOOTHWYN Rileys Concord Billiards 610 859-8058 3601 Chichester Ave 15 Gold Crowns, Internet, 1 Big Plasma screen, Pizza / Hot Dogs

PHILADELPHIA • Drexeline Billiard Club. 610 259-9144 5100 State Rd L-300 2- New Cheviotte 3cushion tables, 16- 4 1/2x 9 Gold Crowns.4 4x8 G.Crowns Full line of custom cues & accessories, Tournaments, Instruction, Senior citizen rates

PHOENIXVILLE Classique Billiards 275 Schuykill Rd 610 935 2939 20 pro tables,11 Gold Crowns

RHODe ISLAND PROVIDENCE Snookers April/May 41 PQB


9th Annual Predator International 10-Ball Championship Expands Field Las Vegas, NV- Dragon Promotions is pleased to announce the 9th Annual Predator International 10-Ball Championship to be held at the Riviera Hotel & Casino on May 11-16, 2009. The BCA Pool League will play host to the event this year as the pro event will take place in conjunction with the BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships. This is the second straight year the event will be hosted by the BCAPL in Las Vegas and this year DP will be expanding the field from 96 players to 112. "Predator Group and Dragon Promotions have been building this event up for years and we are really pleased at the level it has reached thus far. The players from around the world love this event and it's become one of the premier titles in the world to win. The BCAPL has also been an excellent host and partner in the event, and we look forward to even bigger and better things in the future", says Karim Belhaj, CEO of Predator Group.

401 351-7665 145 Clifford St 14 - 41/2X9 pool tables,State of the art TV’s,3 Full liquor bars, Live music

NORTH KINGSTOWN David Van Lokeren 401-294-2988610 Ten Rod Road 1-Heated Verhoeven and is opened by appointment only

NORTH PROVIDENCE • Rhode Island Billiards Bar & Bistro 401 232-1331 2020-2026 Smith St 16 -9’ tables, 1 Billiard table,1 Bar table, 2Wide Screens, 20 TV’s Full bar & Food, retail

S. CAROLINA AIKEN City Billiards 803 649-7362 208 Richland Ave W. 6-Diamond pool tables, Big screen, Full bar & Restaurant

PQB 42 April/May

GREENVILLE Palace Billiards 864-234-0428 • 56 Airview Dr 12- 9 foot, Beer, Video’s, Relaxing Atmosphere

teNNeSSee CHATTANOOGA Diamond Billiard Club 423 877-5882 3600 Hixson Pike ste K 8 - Diamond Bar tables, 2- Diamond 9’,10 TV’s, 2 Golden T, Full Service Rest/ Bar

JACKSON Breakers Billiards 731 736-1178 701 S. Royal St 1-9ft Gabriel,1-9ft Gold Grown, 2-8ft Gandy’s, 4 Bar tables2Dart boards Beer & Food

MEMPHIS HighPocket's 901 761-1583 12-4 1/2 x9 Gold Crowns, 1 Snooker table, 8- Bar Tables, Full menu & beer, 8-

TV’s, 1 big screen, Videos

Poplar Lounge 901 324 1233 2586 Poplar Two Carrom board game, 1-Bar table.1 Golf Mach., Recording Studio on Premises, Live recording avail.

Sharpshooters Billiards 901 386-1188 6959 Stage 18 Bar Tables 4-Gold Crowns, Snookers Table, 6 New Dart Boards, T.V’s Jukebox,Video games, food & Beer

• The Rack 901 369-9501 3622 Lamar Ave 12- 9 foot Pro Diamond tables, 1 Gabriel 3Cushion Table, 2 bar tables,Food & Beer, 2 dart boards, 6-TV's.

MURFREESBORO Fat Willies Billiards Sports

D.P.M. Universal Billiard Systems For Carom Billiards Secrets of Three Cushion Billiards ~Doctoral Edition 220 pages, 90 pages graphs step by step instructions $39.95 I am at the table explaining how to use the book Sold Together Doctoral Book & Tape set or DVD set 3 hours $90.00 2003 Millennium Digest Editions of “Doctoral” This book extends the knowledge learned in the Doctoral and contains information on how to miss KISSES Tape or DVD “ Hits to Miss Kisses “ 87 min. Miss all Kisses. Plus special graphs and instructions Sold together Millennium Book & H. to M. K. tape or DVD & graphs $70 Tape or DVD Ball to Ball caroms [Straightrail] 73 min $30

For Pocket Billiards {POOL} Secrets of Pocket Billiards [POOL] Kick Shots & Banking Over 100 pages 50 full page graphs Plus Tape or DVD. I am at the table showing how to use the book 75min. $55 I also give clinics, private lessons on either Carom billiards or Specialized pocket billiards. $150.00 per day [ 7 hours ] or 4 days $500 All prices include Priority Shipping. Out of U.S. add $15.00 Air Mail. Three or more items deduct 10% pool or billiards mix. Send check or money order to: Other payments methods available Can be paid with Western Union or Money Gram Darrell Paul Martineau, 5916 Bar Harbour Ct., Elk Grove, CA 95758 For more info Ph. 916-684-4535 or email dpmuniverse@comcast.net • Web page www.3cushion.us/ 615 848-1801 244 River Rock Blvd. 10-Gold Crowns -29’foots, 1 Bar table, Big Screen, Wide selection of wine

NASHVILLE J.O.B Billiards Club. Home of Champions 615 868-4270 931 Gallatin Rd. Madison Square Mall 30 Pool Tables, (18 new smart tables) 18,000Sq. Ft.Full in house pro shop, Pool & Dart Leagues, Amat & Pro Tourn.

teXAS SAN ANTONIO Fast Eddie’s 210 520-3325 7616 Culebra Ste #103 20 8’ Pool Tables , 3 9’ Pool Tables, 3 Big Screens & 10 Regular TV’s

HOUSTON Fast Eddie’s 713 947-0800 12344 Gulf Freeway 26 8’ Pool Tables , 4 9’

Pool Tables, 5 Big Screens, 15 Reg TV’s

VIRGINIA VIRGINIA BEACH • Q-Master Billiards Il. 757 499-8900 5612 Princess Anne Rd 22-9 footers (Gold Crowns) & 9-4Diamond pro, 22-7 footers (Valleys), Gabriel 3-cushion table, 1 Big Screen, 8 TV's, Video's, Full Kitchen & Bar, q-

masters.com:

MIDLOTHIAN Diamond Billiards 804 794-8787 Midlothian Turnpike 14 – 9’Pool tables 4 – 42” Flat Screens Full Bar & Restaurant

WINCHESTER Blue Fox Billiards 1160 Millwood Pike 540 665-2114 14- 9ft Diamond Pro Full Bar & Food 3 dart boards Pro shop on premises

WISCONSIN BELOIT • Carom Room 608 365-1811 614 East Grand Ave 23 - Tables, 7- 9’ Gold Crowns, 14 Bar tables, 1 5x10 Snooker, 1-3cushion Verhoven Full bar and food

MILWAUKEE • Wisconsin Billiards 414 344-5666 2715 W. Wisconsin Ave 10- 9’ Gold Crowns, 4 Bar tables, 1-Snooker 5x10, 1-3-cushion Billiard,Full Bar, Pizza, Pro Shop


DPM Universal Pocket and Carom Billiard Systems Article 40 by Darrell Paul Martineau • www.3cushion.us/ WBIA Head Master Instructor The final article for the DPM Diamond system four to seven rails.

A

return to where is started. If you would like articles 1 through 39 with their graphs please send $25 for a bound copy shipping included to: Darrell Paul Martineau, 5916 Bar Harbour Ct., Elk Grove CA 95758

ll of my systems have a standardized {HIT} system. There are twelve {Hits} These hits, meaning how much object ball is hit by the cue ball, are numbered 0 through 12. 12 being the full ball. Numbers 3, 6, and 9 are one quarter, one half and three quarters respectfully. The “Hit“ For more information, questions on this system and/or my values never change and can be used for every shot on the books, tapes, DVDs lessons on Pool or Carom Billiards please table. The system tells you what hit to use. As you read in call 916-684-4535 or e-mail dpmuniverse @ Comcast . net Article 39 the Diamond System Segment four to seven rails is a web page http://www.3cushion.us/ new system segment based on the DPM Universal System. An X on the side rail shows the BASE. If the cue ball is straight across from the first object ball then you would make the hit on the object ball as shown on the side rail numbers. That will take you to the BASE. If you wish to go diamonds longer than the BASE, marked with and X, then add the ADD hits to the BASE if you wish to go a diamond short of the base make one hit less. Remember once the hit is more than 3 make a down stroke through the equator. Use a little more force, I call this pressure, when hitting the cue ball. This will keep the cue ball on line and stop the swing. In graph 40 I will show you how to get length in this system segment. Running spin English will shorten the Cue ball angle off third rail when the starting angle off the Object ball is more than five diamonds. No spin English will lengthen the Cue ball angle off the third rail when the starting angle is more than five diamonds. By using No Spin English, see graph, you can add 3 counts to the helping angle. Example A: Object ball 2 is laying at +8 and object ball 1 is at side rail 4 so the total is 12. The cue ball / object ball angle is 4 helping diamonds, each diamond angle gives a 2 count, so you will subtract 8 from 12 and make a 4 hit. When this hit is made correctly the first object ball will cross the table and return to the rail it started from one diamond down. Example B: Object ball 2 is laying at +11 and object ball 1 is at 3 for a total of 14 The cue ball / object ball angle is 4 = 8. The hit would be six but the best way is to cue center ball high. This takes three hit off the shot so you would make a 3 hit. When this hit www.professorqball.com is made correctly the Object ball 1 will cross the table and April/May 43 PQB


PQB 44 April/May


April/May 45 PQB


Tournament News from Rooms Around the U.S.A. League Directors • Email results/pictures to paul@professorqbal.com Submissions become the property of Professor-Q-Ball National Pool & 3-Cushion News

The 13th annual Jay Swanson Memorial Tournament (Swanee) was held February 7-8, at Hollywood Billiards in Hollywood, California with a total prize fund of $16,600. This spacious billiard room has 28 Gold Crown III tables, is two levels with an open area upstairs which overlooks the action happening downstairs. The lower level tables have tight pockets and the upper level tables have larger drop pockets. Swanee drew a full field if 192 players of all skill levels and ages. The tournament attracted great players like Jose Parica, Mitch Ellerman, Oscar and Ernesto Dominguez, Max Eberle, Scott Frost, Justin Bergman, Louie Ulrich, Cory Harper and Dave Hemma, last year’s runner up to Johnny Archer. Swanee is a hard tournament to cover with great players and matches going on all over the place. I keyed on a few players and matches. Max “Mad Max” Eberle, a former house pro at Hollywood Billiards steamed though his first matches like a warrior with his cue stick as his sword. Eberle then ran into Scott “the Freezer” Frost. They don’t call him the Freezer for no reason. This man can flat out play pool. Eberle played well with a taking the initial lead over Frost but in a short race anything could happen. Eberle was first on the hill and played with confidence. However in a flash Frost made a combo on the nine, next snapped the nine on the break and followed with a break and run. Eberle’s lead quickly diminished. In the last game, Frost broke but left himself a tough shot. He missed and gave Mad Max ball in hand. Eberle ran out to put Scott on the one loss side. With a win over “The Freezer” Eberle looked like he might win the whole thing. In his path to glory though he fell short by losing to Mitch Ellerman and Jose Parica and ended up in seventh place. Another player that was rolling over his competition was an Arizona kid named Mitch Ellerman. Ellerman moved through

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the bracket like a Great White cruising in the waters below. With his break working and hitting dead center of the pocket no matter what shot it was, The Arizona kid looked to be the person to beat and proved it by securing the hot seat. Ellerman sat by as he waited to see who the next gun slinger would be. That person on the one loss side was Oscar Dominguez. Dominguez, with his hurricane break and shot making ability, defeated player after player. This is what the Swanee is all about. Dominguez, the local favorite, moved from the one loss side to meet up with the Arizona kid, Mitch Ellerman. This was a great match with two young men that are great for the game of pool. No deals no splits, just let’s play some pool and may the best gladiator survive. In the final match, Ellerman broke first and took and early lead. Dominguez came right back with lefts and rights, like Sugar Ray Leonard in his prime. This was a true battle, as Dominguez would catch up then Ellerman would counter back and pull ahead. Ellerman was like a rock as he quietly dead stroked the balls in and reached the top of the hill first and went on to win 11 – 8. Special thanks to Mark Griffin, Bill Stock, Jay Helfert, Mark Estes and the Hollywood Billiards staff. The CSI Staff wishes to thank “The Pool Fly” for writing this article. The next CSI event is the 16th Annual Bar Table Championship February 23-March 1 at the Terrible’s Sands Regency Hotel and Casino in Reno. For more information please visit the events tab of the CSI website: www.playcsipool.com

Payouts 1st : $2500 Mitch Ellerman 2nd : $1500 Oscar Dominguez 3rd : $1000 Mike Mitchell 4th : $750 Jose Parica 5th – 6th: $525 Louis Ulrich and Sal Butera 7th – 8th: $400 Corey Harper and Max Eberle




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