Analysis of the MOST SHOCKING POOL MATCH of All Time - Sigel vs. Varner

[@DrDaveBilliards]

*Contents:* 0:00 - Intro 0:48 - Color Commentary 1:35 - Break Shots 1:52 - Early Shots 2:46 - Comeback Start 3:38 - Kick Bank Re-creation 5:15 - Long Kick Pot Re-creation 6:51 - Mid Match Action 8:20 - Mike’s First Lost Opportunity 9:14 - Position Play Re-creation 10:51 - Mike’s Second Lost Opportunity 11:19 - Hill-Hill Case Game 12:31 - Mike Final Lost Opportunity and Re-creation 14:23 - Wrap Up 15:11 - Nick Shot Montage *Supporting Resources:* - full match video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/op2TqZl8i5uJsK8 - bank and kick shot aiming systems: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/ - throw tutorial: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/throw/

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Good stuff Dave. Those two guys are both great shooters. The only thing I didn't like about Mike Siegel was his mouth. I call it a nervous condition. I used to play a guy like that who did not have to constantly talk. But when you played pool you have to deal with all kind of personalities. I would prefer to play somebody like Efren a real gentleman. I'm sure you would too. Tip tappers or another big joke as far as when they start doing that when you get ready to make a shot. Wouldn't you say Dave ? Keith

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@KTHKUHNKK Mike definitely earned his "The Mouth" nickname. Concerning other shark moves, there are many. Quite a few are demonstrated in my "Pool Etiquette" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bobHopSMZZp-q80 Check it out. I'm sure you'll get a kick out of it.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks Dave I'm going to check it out now. The one you sent me on pool etiquette. Keith

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@KTHKUHNKK Enjoy! Doofus Dave (my evil twin) has a starring role in the etiquette video. :)

[@KTHKUHNKK]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you I will.

[@RushNCrush]

I love these old matches.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Me too, especially one this thrilling from two of the greatest of all time.

[@dylanjones1397]

Awesome video Dave! As someone who hasn’t went back to watch these older matches just yet, I’d love for you to keep this series up. Great stuff.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I didn't plan on this being a series, but I like the way you think. I'll look for other worthy matches and consider making a series of it.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I already have a full series presenting many great shots from many past great matches. They can be viewed in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLH9d4KFY28XscHllvlP_rVC1jQjDXZmYD Enjoy!

[@steveminla]

This in my opinion, is one of the examples of great classic commentating back in the day! This match is also featured in an Accu-Stat dvd collection of "Hill Hill" matches. The commentating for THIS match was legendary!! Thanks for the memories!!

[@stefan3225]

Amazing match. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The commentators and the players couldn't believe it either!

[@kiddysayson8217]

I agree on the change of title.. really shocking ending 😱. Your analysis and story telling of this match DrDave makes it more exciting and counters the shocking ending 😅

[@bassist41]

Thanks for this! You are also an amazing player.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome, and thank you!

[@shortydancer]

Just watched this match. Great match, great commentary, great suspense ending. Nick showed some heart. I wonder if he still recalls that missed nine ball.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you liked it. I can guarantee that Nick still remembers that 9-ball miss vividly!

[@brett6314]

Love the commentary. Fun to watch!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you liked it. I had fun creating it.

[@FloridaRaider]

love the commentary

[@marksaus]

What en exhilarating match! Your fast paced commentary is excellent and I'm very envious of your understanding of the physics of pool, and your capacity to then apply them successfully. That's basically the whole package! I'm too lazy to train much and just shoot balls for fun, so I have fun but progress is slow in my game. If I were in the US I'd love to train with you, have homework and know I have to do it or get in trouble with the teacher :-D

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for the supportive comments.

[@mypoolvideos6402]

Wow. What a final rack. And the miss 9 😳😳

[@DrDaveBilliards]

... and the freeze of the CB onto the 9 at a bad angle ... and the reckless final shot at the 9 ... and the two amazing shots Nick made to start his comeback! Big Wow!!!

[@OM9012-j7y]

I applaud Dr. Dave for being a glutton for punishment with his patient recreations

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I don't give up easily.

[@867star]

What a match. But man, you don't see this much emotion these days. All the new kids are quiet. Probably for the best. Thanks Dave.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The emotion comes out for the Mosconi Cup, but not elsewhere. I like it both ways.

[@StumptownDrummer]

Nick Varner played one of the greatest comebacks in billiard history. Wow!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yep. This video was a fitting tribute.

[@zanethind]

Indeed

[@5000rgb]

"I decided to try and recreate Mike's final shot to see if he had better options" Could there have been a worse option? Thanks for another great video, it's fun to watch you recreate shots and learn the different shot options.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jlammert74]

This is great!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks!! I'm glad you think so.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I have more like it in my "Most Famous Pool Shots and Matches of All Time" playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLH9d4KFY28XscHllvlP_rVC1jQjDXZmYD Check them out.

[@Smittyonthabeat]

please do more of these commentary videos Dr Dave

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I already have some in my “Most Famous Pool Shots and Matches of All Time” playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLH9d4KFY28XscHllvlP_rVC1jQjDXZmYD Check them out.

[@nickelassr1857]

Greatest match of all time? I don't know about that! Love all the videos Dr Dave.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

How about: "Most Shocking Match of All Time?"

[@coderman1]

@@DrDaveBilliards If you could get ahold of the Dennis / SVB race to 120. I would consider that the best match of all time.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@coderman1 Thanks for the tip. I'll add it to my list for a possible match to feature in my series.

[@jasonnieuwenhuis335]

Thanks for this

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome.

[@zanethind]

Nick had a comeback like no other and one of the most legendary 9 ball run outs ever which were all difficult shots to make

[@bryantaylor9874]

Grady drops that designated yes man line in literally every Siegel match he commentates.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

... and it never gets old. :)

[@1Andypro]

Incredible match indeed. For one, I don't think Mike had the option of throwing the last shot into the left side of the pocket as you did. That old cloth they played on was incredibly slow compared to the stuff we use these days.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It is hard to tell. If the cloth was slower, you might be right about the shot not being possible because the shot speed required would reduce the amount of throw possible.

[@marcsugi]

There is an action report interview of Efren Reyes. He said he look up to Sigel when he was young but he love to watch Varner as he think he was the smartest pool player back then.

[@colincolenso]

Hi @DrDaveBilliards, you may know that in UK style pool we are allowed to play push shots when CB and OB aren't touching, so that comes up a lot more often than under US pool rules which require balls to be touching. And on small 7' tables this comes up more often than on a 9' table. For the shot you demonstrated, you can also make it aiming left of the pocket using heavy left side with stun at slow speed too. Hope you try it out. Fantastic production and editing btw mate! I've experimented quite a lot on these shots over the years to determine ways of turning near to set balls while gaining preferable paths of the CB. In my experience, using slow extreme side can throw a ball more with SIT than contact induced throw stun type throw.

[@colincolenso]

The push shot is a bit of a niche topic, but very instructive in so far as helping players understand how throw works. For that alone, I'd encourage all cue sports to allow push shots, whether touching or slightly apart. It's highly instructive and introduces a bit of magic into the minds of enthusiasts. Magic which expands their understanding of what happens in collisions between balls. This video I made demonstrates the massive variation due to varying speeds and spins: kzbin.info/www/bejne/el7bpa2kaduVn7M

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Colin, I agree that allowing double-hit "push shots" like you describe would be a good simplification of the rules that would also allow additional "shots of knowledge" (and skill).

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Check out my "Legal Fouls" (BD, Nov, 2016) article that gives some examples of how such a rule change could be exploited: billiards.colostate.edu/bd_articles/2016/nov16.pdf

[@dustincobb5718]

@@DrDaveBilliards allowing any type of push shot will actually take skill out of the game because some people don't care about being good sports they'll push every shot as far as they can get away with it. Many pros and great players do it anyways because it's hard to prove. I totally disagree with you. Also when did the rule change if the cb and ob are touching in us you can push I quit in 2012 is there something I missed.

[@crazylegson2]

Thanks for all of your content. Did you make the music at the end? I like it!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The music ("Electronica - Breather") is generated by my video editing software (Pinnacle Studio).

[@neuvocastezero1838]

Efren has identified Nick and Mike in different interviews as the American players he admires most.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

... for good reason.

[@robertmeadows1657]

That short side shape on the eight was courageous.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed, but Nick hit it perfectly ... unlike the 9-ball shot later.

[@306Marvin]

Many would argue that the 1995 Sands Regency Open final between Efren Reyes and Earl Strickland was the greatest match ever. Not only was it a hill-hill final in a major tournament played between the two greatest pool players in history at their prime, but it also features the greatest pool shot in history of the game!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I agree. In fact, I am working on that match for my next video. Maybe I should have used some other phrase for the Sigel-Varner match ... maybe "Most Shocking Match of All Time."

[@squatch570]

I disagree. What makes this match that great is that Varner was basically out of it once Sigel hit 9 games... and he came back from that far behind from a series of great shots/playing, some luck of the rolls both ways AND by the mistakes of each of them at only a few key points in a total of 21 games... IN the high pressure of the US Open!

[@MrKinghuman]

The only comfort I get from these videos is that the nerves I get as a complete amateur are warranted when you have two sharp shooters getting done in by the nerves

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It is reassuring to see that the pros are human also.

[@john_vin]

Hi Doc Dave, at 13:40 where among your other videos is this throw discussed more in-depth. Thank you.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/throw/

[@john_vin]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks Doc! More power to you =)

[@trurocker03]

Man I love pool

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Me too!

[@trurocker03]

@@DrDaveBilliards OMG!! THE Dr. Dave Billiards replied to my comment! My week has been made :) I finally found a great group of people who consistently play pool every Friday at my favorite pool hall here in Guadalajara. Can't wait to get my skill back on par to what it used to be!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@trurocker03 You're easy to please. Have fun with your group, and good luck with your game!

[@jerrycasey1053]

I hadn't seen this before and it Certainly is a great match. GOAT, well.... IMO, that should be The Color of Money/Efren/Earl. Imagine commenting and recreating That match; as it was, Mark WIlson did a great job. This match certainly has some great shots, but CoM has just Magnificent shooting, over and over, for days. So many that they are hard to list, but IMO some of the greatest shots of all time, that many have not seen I think because of the length of the match. (I've watched it 4x, as I... may be a bit nuts.... :) ) Or, if you include 8ball, the Efren/Alex barbox match a couple years ago in Michigan? Minnesota? race to 15, and truly outstanding. Well I got carried away here so I'll watch your recreations and see what the comments are, and thanks Dave!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. COM was spectacular. I plan to do a series of videos like this one, and COM is definitely high on my list.

[@dangoodwin8469]

WOW!

[@briansmith5669]

The white markers do they come up and easily move around or do they stay for good? What are they?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/training/teaching/ They stay fairly well, but they can also be easily removed.

[@181drake]

Hi Doc, just wondering if you have ever seen any statistics of which pockets balls are most pocket in through a whole tournament or a large group?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I haven't seen numbers, but balls that are pocketed on the break most often is pretty well understood per the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/

[@9Ballr]

I think you could've taken both of 'em Dr. Dave!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That's funny.

[@FIVE-0-APOCALYPTO]

3:38 once again Dr..... no mention or awareness that your simulation shot that went in the side involved a double kiss coming out with the duece....herr Doktor

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Watch it again. There is no double kiss on that bank. I just checked frame by frame.

[@FIVE-0-APOCALYPTO]

@@DrDaveBilliards My apologies, you are beyond correct. I didn't need frame by frame verification, I simply needed a better phone. On my Galaxy S9, it appears I am insane for even elaborating such a claim. On my vortex phone originally being my double kiss claim, you would damn near bet your life that if it was not a double kiss it was certainly arguable. So let's see, that gives us a lifetime score of me up on you I believe like six to now one and we have to be honest because I'm not lying or making up excuses about the differences of my various phones, I did not clinically lose like all of your defeats by my hands ... Herr DOCTOR. I simply lost this one time with a * attached. 6-1* *Mechanical failure That still technically puts you at zero.... I'm not worried because I understand the statistical value if I wanted to examine all of your videos it would probably end up looking like: 137 - 1* *Mechanical failure Almost seems even more silly or unjustified to not just change it to zero at that point, wouldn't you agree... Herr DOCKTOR🤨🧐

[@beercanbrian1880]

Great vid. I think Siegal fired at the final 9 ball out frustration for letting the match get away. Throwing the 9 ball into the corner was the shot. Didn't look that difficult. Since the balls were frozen, looked like you could just push through the the cue ball to throw the 9 into the corner. Gonna check that shot out when I'm at the table.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I made the shot look easy in the video, but that wasn't my first attempt. You need to use close to pocket speed to get the most throw possible.

[@freddieagnir3138]

Frustration is right. I doubt throw shot was available. The tables back then played much slower, as you can see both players slugging each shot. Notice on Dave’s attempt how slow he had to hit it. You couldn’t risk hitting it that slow on that table. It might come up several inches short of the pocket.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@freddieagnir3138 Agreed. The throw shot was probably not available on that table. Even if it were, it would have been too risky.

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

I read an article that Mike is actually right handed. He chose to play left-handed. I believe it may be true because I've seen him sign autographs and also throw a ball, right handed. Interesting choice, if it's true.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. I didn't know that.

[@DavidM1337]

Isnt the shot at 12:31 a foul for pushing or double hitting the white?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

... not if the CB and OB were frozen. Under the "official rules of pool," you are allowed to hit into a frozen ball like that. tolearn more, see the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/frozen/ Enjoy!

[@carsomyr8276]

Question on the last shot, doc. When the cue and object ball are frozen like that, isn't it always a double-hit if the cue ball travels forward and you were shooting straight or almost straight? Is there a way to do that without the tip hitting the cue again, or was there a little space between the balls? That's how I've always played, but if I am wrong I would like to know. Thanks!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

When you hit into a frozen CB like this, there is no double hit or push, so the shot is legal. For more info and super-slow-motion-video proof, see the links and videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/frozen/

[@onnyt60]

In the league I play (in the Philippines) we already have a rule for that. You have to shoot away from the object ball. In this case hit a rail first and then hit the object ball.

[@carsomyr8276]

Thanks!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Then your league doesn't follow the WPA "official rules of pool." For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

There's 1 thumbs down... Guess Mike stumbled upon this video.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

"The Mouth" sure is tough to please. :)

[@dacccrain1572]

My favorite part of this match was when Nick Varner was catching up with Mike Sigel. Mike said to Nick. I will give you 3 games on the wire if we start over, I just want the first Break!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That's another good example of "chirping" from "The Mouth."

[@dacccrain1572]

@@DrDaveBilliards It also showed the importance of the break.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@dacccrain1572 Although, Mike scratched on the break twice! That's the only reason why Nick had a chance to win. Concerning making the wing ball on the break, that was more a result of a tight rack than a good break. The balls were racking great on that table. If the balls in the "L shape" are touching, the wing ball is pretty much automatic. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/

[@dacccrain1572]

@@DrDaveBilliards I agree, Mike scratching on the break and a few errors Mike made that you pointed out in the video. I honestly feel Mike felt he could catch that gear starting over from the break had it been allowed. I watched this match years ago when it was first offered by Accu-Stats, I bought it from Pat "The Spear" Fleming. The kick shot Nick makes in the side was a two way shot, the possibility of safe and general direction. I played a similar kick shot that I made playing Ronnie Allen. Mine was a 2 rail kick at the side pocket, but the same principle.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@dacccrain1572 Agreed. Nick's kick in the side was a well-struck two-way shot.

[@groovygrover190]

I have to agree that the final throw shot was most likely unavailable, not only from the cloth but it seemed to me to be lined up closer to the first diamond than where you picture it maybe 3 inches out. Hard to see but looks closer to the diamond to me. Maybe Sigel was attempting his 4 railer he goes on about?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I tried to position the balls as accurately as I could using the camera views available, but it is possible I didn't match them perfectly. I did try the 4-railer after doing the video, and I did get it to work, but it wasn't any easier than the 2-railer I demonstrated.

[@danielpike3778]

Isn’t it a foul hitting frozen balls straight? Great match, I love all the old matches. It’s like being in another world … 30-40 yrs ago.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

... not under the WPA official rules of pool. See the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/frozen/

[@danielpike3778]

@@DrDaveBilliards oh! Thank you very much for the hint! 👍

[@Tunpulaattori]

Hi! Do you play snooker and could make tutorials on it?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Sorry, but I don't and I don't have convenient access to snooker equipment. Regardless, most of the principles I cover in pool apply equally well to snooker. I do love watching world-class snooker.

[@Ramp10er]

I also shot a side pocket ball like that and almost broke the cue...

[@KlowdZzz]

Mike really must’ve made the pool gods mad for this match to go the way it did.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The pool gods work in mysterious ways.

[@rodrigodelgado9127]

I would have hit rail first kick at the 9 ball. Half ball hit you have a chance of making it into the top right pocket or at least separating cue ball and object ball at opposite ends of the table.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I like your idea. I should have showed that as an option.

[@51Dss]

the first two shots by Varner that you talked about were pure luck - not denying the mans skill but saying that such is the game of 9 ball. He also was lucky that after pocketing the bank on the 2 ball and kicking the 4 ball into the pocket he had a look at his next ball. Lot of times it goes against a 9 ball player to "luck" a shot because the cue ball almost always lands somewhere that makes the next shot just as awkward. I don't know why you say this is "the greatest match of all time". It is not even close to being a "great match" - great players sure - but not a particularly unusual game of 9 ball between two top level players. IMHO you can find at least a dozen 9 ball matches with Efren vs almost anybody that would be much better / thrilling than this match. To make a "great match" you need perfect safeties, perfect escapes, amazing shot making (not lucky shots)... I always was grossed out by Varner chewing his cud all the time. Sigel is almost as hard to take as Earl. The only thing that makes Earl worse than Sigel is his Earls nasally voice whenever he gets worked up. Admittedly I'm not a big fan of 9 ball in the first place. I love watching Sigel playing Straight pool and 8 ball. IMHO Sigel is easily in the top 10 straight pool players of all time and I have probably seen every available straight pool match between Sigel and someone else.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You make some good points. A more appropriate title for the video is probably: "The Most Shocking Pool Match of All Time."

[@51Dss]

@@DrDaveBilliards hey - I get worked up over stuff too and use a bit of hyperbole myself. LOL

[@TimZ007]

How many Pack of gum were used by both players during the event? LOL

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good point. They both were chewing away the whole time. Nick always did this, but I think Mike did it this time just because Nick does it so much.

[@MrKinghuman]

Cigarette smokers I'm assuming.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Nick didn't chew gum for bad breath. He did it to because it helped him stay relaxed. He should have chewed more before that last 9-ball shot. :)

[@meikamo]

ow my heart

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Just imagine Nick's heart after the 9-ball shot or Mike's heart after his three lost opportunities and the second scratch on his break!

[@jed5300]

When the intro sound came up I thought it was a covid 19 alert

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Nope. Just "The Most Shocking Pool Match of All Time" alert. :)

[@maattgo21]

I hope I never have to attempt these shots

[@DrDaveBilliards]

... especially two in the same game in an important match!

[@davidharrington50]

Varner did that on purpose and Mike was mad and made sure he wasn't payed to loose

[@tristanplays7377]

5th Btw good vid👍

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.

[@tristanplays7377]

@@DrDaveBilliards no problem👍👍

[@MrKinghuman]

Imagine if those guys didn't use 13mm wood shafts and instead used a predator. Oh my Lord, they would have ran 40 racks in a row each on a race to 11.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

A top player can learn to play well with any equipment; although, there still are advantages to LD shafts: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/low-squirt/#advantages

[@MrKinghuman]

@@DrDaveBilliards just joking doc. Just joking

[@zyxelk7368]

👍

[@basketballspinner]

is this kind of like, Stockfish, analyzing a chess game between Carlsen and Vishy ?? just kidding it is important to strategize, even in pool

[@DrDaveBilliards]

9-ball doesn’t usually have lots of strategy, but 8-ball and one-pocket are full of chess-like strategy.

[@awakenedsoul2638]

I WOULD SAY BOTH OF THEM ARE CARELESS! Siegel, this should have been a sure win for him. For Varner, he lost his concentration a few times specially that last ball 9 ball last shot of the whole match.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed! Top pros like this should not give away so many opportunities.

[@awakenedsoul2638]

@@DrDaveBilliards I agree Professor DR Billiards! They played a bit amateurish.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@awakenedsoul2638 I wouldn't say "amateurish," I would say "uncharacteristic." :)

[@awakenedsoul2638]

@@DrDaveBilliards You mean its an unexpected mistake coming from a professional who is a regular competitor of tournaments. I said amateurish because professionals should not be doing those mistakes but its rare to see them do it. Dr.Dave do you still sell your DVD's?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@awakenedsoul2638 all my DVDs are available here: drdavebilliards.com/ They can also be downloaded or streamed here: drdavebilliards.com/videos/stream/ I hope you enjoy and benefit from my stuff.

[@robkitchen5344]

Barber didn't deserve the luck no matter what he went through to get there.... After all he did go through....he shouldn't have blown that game winner... If anything...he deserved what the big mouth got but I suspect he wouldn't have hammered that last shot like Mr Smug did

[@therealthreadkilla]

The match ball is a bitch no matter how good you are. I am the Cho king......the king of the Cho. One of my little pool sayings. 'TM' LOL

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. The match ball is always the toughest, even when it is practically straight in like Nick's shot.

[@vvvaesthetics]

So basically

[@kurtkensson2059]

Hmmm... it's not like you to be hyperbolic. I'd better check this out!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If you check it out, I think you will agree with my marketing, which is neither hyperbolic nor parabolic. :)

[@kurtkensson2059]

@@DrDaveBilliards Nor is your respect for the game merely symbolic! Thank you for all your work, not just your videos.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@kurtkensson2059 Thank you, and you're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@marvisgalaraga5911]

In reference to Sigel's last scratch shot...was the 45 degree rule not in place back then? It seems it was a "foul" shot to begin with even if he hadn't knocked the cue ball off the table.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

When the CB is frozen to the OB, you are allowed to hit into the CB per the info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/frozen/

[@viruslaki]

most of those shots with last 9ball were a foul? Even if 9ball stayed on the table, that Mikes shot was a foul shot.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@viruslaki Under the WPA “official rules of pool,” you are allowed to hit into a frozen CB since it results in a single clean hit with no push. See the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/frozen/

[@dustincobb5718]

Greatest match of all-time how about the best player ever Harold Worst vs Ronnie Allen/Worst vs Lassiter/Greanleaf vs Mosconi. I thinks it's ridiculous people don't know history anymore.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Is there video available? Do you have a link to share?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

BTW, I later changed my mind. See "GREATEST POOL MATCH of All Time - Reyes vs. Strickland - with the Famous Z-Shot:" kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJnLo5-Zl9OgjqM Enjoy!

[@dustincobb5718]

@@DrDaveBilliards No that's my point the greatest matches we never got to see.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@dustincobb5718 Unfortunately, if we can't see them or don't have detailed accounts of them, we can't judge or compare them very well.

[@dustincobb5718]

@@DrDaveBilliards the z shot was a dumb choice. The foul safety was the best option. Bend off the rail second best option and jump third best option because many don't practice jumping since tournaments are starting to not allow players to jump/use jump cues. Efren got lucky no matter what anyone says he won't make that shot five times in a row.in my opinion.

[@ianrugel1864]

you've got to get yoursel another table. You're just fooling yourself with those bucket pockets.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The pockets are big, but they play much tighter than you might think (with any shot speed). See: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jorEpmmmq5utl7c

[@Rubster760]

First 🤩👍.

[@Rubster760]

What a match with a crazy hill hill ending. Great job on recreating some amazing shots Dr. Dave 🤩👍🔥.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good job being 1st (actually 2nd).

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@Rubster760 I'm glad you liked it. Thanks!

[@soriano278]

Nick Varner is as lucky as Efren in this match.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The better you are, the luckier you get.

[@StavroginNikolai]

Nick should have lost that match like 5 times.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

And Mike should have won it like 5 times!!!

[@joneslaakso]

That pc thing was just.. Unnesseccary. Better times back then.

[@joebottini1743]

His video, his decision. He makes great content; I think he deserves a little freedom to do as he likes.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@joebottini1743 I thought the non-PC stuff was worthy of inclusion ... not to make a political statement ... but because it was funny.

[@joneslaakso]

@@joebottini1743 I know. I really like his videos, but seems like that pc thing has To be everywhere nowdays.

[@joneslaakso]

@@DrDaveBilliards it was fresh 😀 great video once again.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it (except for the PC stuff).

[@sjang816]

Greatest match, worst ending

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. The ending was terrible, but I'm glad Nick got the victory. He certainly deserved it with his heroic comeback despite dogging the easy 9 in the side.

[@sjang816]

@@DrDaveBilliards I guess it had to end like that. A 'normal' comeback from down 2-9 would just be ehh. Nick definitely deserved the win and I love the fact sigel was probably complaining he didn't get an open shot

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@sjang816 "The Mouth" had something to say about everything, good or bad.

[@sjang816]

@@DrDaveBilliards I can't take a whole sigel match. He's the biggest yenta pool has ever seen. And his pronunciation of 'efrum' drives me crazy. Also Tony 'rowbulls' instead of 'ro bless'

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@sjang816 Mike was definitely a "character" in his heyday.

[@cryptonator1988]

Nick varner must have horrible breathe for as much gum as he chews lol..

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Actually, his breath must be delightful with all the gum he chews. :)

[@cryptonator1988]

@@DrDaveBilliards true could go either way.

[@cryptonator1988]

I think it just helps him focus like a nervous habit how some folks bite there finger nails.. im guessing nick Varners is chewing gum.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@cryptonator1988 Agreed. I think it helped keep him relaxed.

[@hustlr23]

In my humble opinion these guys are not as good as the top pro's you see these days. In just this one match I counted more than a few positional errors each. They come in way too steep to the line of the ball, or just completely lose control of the cue ball all together. When you watch the top pro's of today you rarely see any sloppy cue ball mistakes or even banks.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

This is probably debatable. I suspect the "older generation" would disagree and favor Reyes, Strickland, Varner, Sigel at their best against any top player today. Unfortunately, it is an impossible theory to test.

[@proudbirther1998]

Not the Greatest match. Varner missing the easy 9 ruined an otherwise great comeback. The end sucked too with the foul and concession. It was definitely memorable for the wrong reasons.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. That's why I changed the title to "The Most Shocking Match of All Time." FYI, here's "The Greatest Match of All Time:" kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJnLo5-Zl9OgjqM

[@ChickenBoo1989]

Varner is the one pro pool player i hate watching. Not because of his playing ability but due to him chewing gum in a match with his mouth open so off putting.

[@zacharysherry2910]

(My father in law dropping taco 🔔 out of his mouth) 😖

[@ericpoolguysimpson2954]

Second

[@DrDaveBilliards]

How could you let Reuben beat you? I hope you enjoy the video.

[@ericpoolguysimpson2954]

@@DrDaveBilliards i just landed and was getting into my car! Im so sad :(

[@DrDaveBilliards]

When do you think the next RDS 100 Live Stream tournament might happen?

[@ericpoolguysimpson2954]

@@DrDaveBilliards most likely in 2 weeks time. I am too busy on the road with little down time. I do have the first 2 people matched together to start the next challenge! Anytime after the 18th at this time!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@ericpoolguysimpson2954 Sounds good. I look forward to watching.

[@rafaelvillamor9702]

I actually hate it when people trying to be POLITICALLY CORRECT. That Political correction only serve WOKE CRY BABIES!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

What did you think is “politically correct” in the video?

[@vvvaesthetics]

You aren't varner

[@DrDaveBilliards]

No question about that. He is one of the greatest who ever played. I'm just an instructor.

[@heremansmarc]

Grimacing too much... Not strong at all in today standards... Their cueing is horrible...

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I don't agree with the "not strong" part, but fundamentals have definitely improved in players over the years.

[@TheGunit272]

It's not the greatest match if the greatest player Efren Reyes is not in it. Nice try.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I changed the title to "The Most Shocking Match of All Time." Here's the "Greatest Match" with Efren: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJnLo5-Zl9OgjqM

[@TheGunit272]

@@DrDaveBilliards this proves to me without a doubt... You really ARE the smartest man in pool!!