Quote:
Originally Posted by hcoles
A pool table is only perfectly level at one point, maybe no points.
|
There definitely are variances. Thus the true line uttered by Paul Newman in "The color of money". "The balls roll funny for everyone."
At the cue ball, most of the regulars have a favorite table. This is because almost all tables play either short or long, geometrically. Almost all have "rolls", meaning balls, even struck dead center, don't always travel in a straight line. This can be caused by a flaw in the slate, or even a groove worn in the cloth. On my favorite table, assuming a reasonable tight rack, odds are pretty high I'll put the head ball in a side pocket breaking from a spot I know on the left side. Try to mirror that on the right? Almost a guaranteed dry break..no balls pocketed.
The top pros are very good at spotting and working with table variances. I envy that talent. But it's their living. They need to be able to play well on any table they compete on, needing to read the table quickly. In pool, there is definitely a home court advantage.
On "bar box" (coin op) tables found in most bars...nothing is straight or flat. Best technique there, especially on an unfamiliar table, is to forget trying to slow roll shots, shoot at medium speed or higher to minimize the surface flaws.
An old but funny quote. Mosconi, playing fats, watching a ball veer off line: "Did you see that ball roll?" Fats in his snide voice: "They're supposed to roll, Willie. That's why they're round."