EFREN REYES PLAYING 8 BALL - 10 Tips to Improve Your 8 Ball Game (Free Pool Lessons)

[@FXBilliards]

HEY GANG - Let me know in the comments if you like this type of content. Thanks again for watching.

[@CS-bh4ur]

Yes I like this content. When I tell myself that I’m going to lose against someone I perform so terrible. And when I think positively I just play so much better.

[@gman5051]

I think it’s important..when you see top level players , actually hooking themselves and getting out of line or just flat out miss shots ... it definitely shows how human emotions or pressure to perform.. can truly work for you or against you ..

[@chrisross33]

This was superb commentary! Better than any professional pool announcer could have done. I love watching Efren Reyes and it is even better when having your commentary, that is so spot-on in every comment you make, layered on top. I would definitely encourage you to do many more of these type videos. What a great contrast to show Efren versus Strickland. You couldn't have picked a better match. And the think it was a $200,000 payout. Two thumbs up!

[@scurtin99]

This is such great advice; I've been using these negatives as excuses in my own games (and not just in pool). Get stuck behind the ball it's bad luck, or the 'pool gods', while it's actually my own poor shot. Last Sunday I played 9-ball with a guy who had all this negative body language going on, angry, blaming bad luck, while I was as cool as could be. When I missed a shot I quietly sat down and waited; when my opponent made a good shot I told him 'nice shot'. He was at my level so we both needed 25 points. I won the game 25-10, the most lopsided victory I've had so far. My 'negatives' are going away; I'm improving my play and my attitude. You're not just a good pool instructor, I think you could be a good counselor. Thanks....

[@benhill9257]

It's funny we were going to learn from Efren but learned more of what not to do from Mike lol

[@jarodhines6544]

Just as important

[@psijicassassin7166]

The game taught Mike something as well. Loose lips don't win championships.

[@mikedepasquale7115]

@@psijicassassin7166 He's always had those loose lips. That's why his nick name is "Mike The Mouth Sigel"

[@gordonsmith4039]

I really like that you put the level of importance on the psychological aspects of the game that you do. Far too often overlooked.

[@ralphcarrizales460]

But to notice about the complaining and the whining, and the negative comments puts this training session into a different perspective really great stuff thx

[@zanethind]

My friend taught me how to play pool but Efren is the one that made me love the game

[@tommym1966]

Always thought Mike was incredibly disrespectful with his constant chatter while the opponent is shooting. Kudos to Efren for not getting distracted.

[@FXBilliards]

Yea, I could really do without Mike. I have turned off matches because he would not shut up. I cant imagine actually being there with him in the room.

[@mrnobody3949]

Agreed!

[@brianb.2894]

Hi Bryan. Efren is always about a positive attitude. Smiles an laughs at himself even when he misses. His attitude elevates him and Mikes just drags himself down. In the end, even if you lose, stay positive and enjoy the game. Keep up the good work Bryan. Cheers.👍

[@davidculbertson2830]

The negative comments from an opponent often help to power me right through a rack. I have watched Efren smile through the very best of circumstances, and the very worst. Henry Ford's quote is always in my mind at the table. "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right."

[@robertway5756]

Great quote!

[@harris287]

Bryan, just want to let you know how much your videos are appreciated. You've absolutely helped my game.

[@CFCseventy]

Very good advice mike was spooking himself with the mind games it’s all about being focused

[@retrocute]

Just recently watched this match in full and my goodness, Mike was unstoppable. With his mouth, not his cue

[@DavidWolfensperger]

I always enjoy watching Efren play. Thanks for the commentary.

[@lydiavazquez7749]

One of the best videos yet! I enjoyed that thoroughly. And now it’s imprinted in my head to stop being negative and impatient !!! I don’t want to be like him!!! I’ll be methodical like Efran!😂😂😂 I love it!

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikedunn2613]

Fantastic summary. It's a crowded field over the years but Efran may have been the best. As others say I learned a lot from Mike as well.

[@jonathangreenberg2362]

Bryan - I always appreciate your work! Your experience plus your knowledge and your ability to communicate have helped me go from a beginning player in 2019 to an intermediate level player in 2021. Your rail shot tutorial is a perfect example. Now I can make most rail shots and am confident about making them. Even though I was already familiar with this "King of the Hill" match, your commentary and insights helped me understand what is going on beneath the surface of the game!

[@hermanlawsontaylor3821]

Thanks for another great video! There’s a lot of good information in this video, but the “player etiquette” point, with actual illustrations, was fantastic! I put Efren in the same class as Willie M. Always a gentleman! More of this format would be great!

[@georgecarlin2879]

Best channel overall in pool and the Game. Thanks, Bryan!

[@MisterEDit1]

Great breakdown. Efren just punching the clock and going to work 💥🎱💥

[@justgotluckygodspeed9878]

Wow!we learned a lot just by merely watching the GOAT! But with commentary..it’s a spoon feeding! Thanks! More power and Godspeed!

[@CS-bh4ur]

God I love Erfrin he’s the best and he’s also so classy, always a good sport even when he loses.

[@kaisaarnio7208]

Nice to hear u speak about the psychological side of the game. Many good things mentioned there

[@waynep823]

That was a very good lesson. I started out like Efren in demeanor and lately resemble Mike's.

[@mack93936]

Thanks for the video, please do one on sharking. I don't like or respect those that use sharking instead of shooting skill, like how mike tried in this match.

[@JeffMartin84]

Love the format. Would love to see some barbox 8 ball done like this as well. Even if it isn't totally high end so that the players don't almost seem perfect.

[@tonyrodriguez2524]

Love it! It's great to watch and learn from Reyes.

[@larrycleary9987]

Great video. I've come to appreciate your take in so many instances that I wouldn't have considered. Also like the fact that all this info in a 20 min video. Dont have to spend an hour+ .Thanks for all you do. It is always well received.

[@nunyabizness9544]

This was a great video Brian. The way you broke down the actions of each player was phenomenal. I am in now way comparing myself to Efren. This game and description of the players is the story of my brother and I. It doesn't matter what the game is he has to be seen and heard. I like to be quiet and focus. Hopefully he will watch this video.

[@zanethind]

Yeah that happens with me and my friend too since he likes to always talk while I don't really like that

[@Frogbillards]

I had seen this video in the past. But with your commentating? It was like watching a whole new match. Thank you for the breakdown. I'm learning that mental breakdown..Is key . I normally roll to tournaments with a Buddy. Him and I work good together ..because it's like the buddy system encouraging each other... Thx FX Billards

[@ronaldsetler6060]

Played mike when we were young and he hasn't changed !!!!!

[@camaroman2205]

Thanks for the video. My wife always goes w me to tourneys or matches. We pick a table to sit at and that’s where she stays. When it my turn to shoot she stays at that table she doesn’t run up to the table I’m playing. And that’s all her doings too. She thinks I don’t do as well if she is front and center and watching me shoot lol.

[@highsoap]

Thank you for your tips on the psychological stuff. This is a rare gem.

[@JulioMartinez-ty5yz]

Great video once again. Bata was freezing Mike, his self deprication finished him off. Thanks time to put the lesson to practice.

[@harlemquijano]

Great video and insight on the GOAT! I hope you do more of these type of vids!

[@bobburrow9524]

A lot to be learned. A real pro.

[@gordonmccann]

Mr.Efren Reyes has been my favourite for many years. Saw him back in the 90's in Toronto in the Dufferin Classic. Nick Varner won the tournament, but Efren put in a good show.

[@johnburke8174]

Nice commentary, useful, thanks,

[@dilynsmitty7412]

Thank you FX! I love your Pool Lessons videos, your explanations that part about your mindset. I forgot how much it impacts your game, always keep a positive mindset. (I'm a bowler but haven't bowled since Covid hit turned 21 in March and been playing pool ever since and recently bought myself a Players cue. In bowling mental game is huge, definitely some correlation between the two sports)

[@manueljarabajr]

Very well said.

[@tommyt5805]

Great video. I watch every Piece of footage I can find of Bata playing he is an inspiration. You’re absolutely right that mike takes him self out of the game. I play with guys that do that ALL the time. I’ll hear a five going against and five and is getting his ass handed to him, right away the negative talk will start “ this guy isn’t a five he must be a six”. Drives me crazy. Anyway I love the context of this video. like I said before I watch hours upon hours of Bata shooting and for you to be breaking it down like this is extremely helpful. Thank you for what you do. I feel guilty and must admit in the clutches of the pandemic with no places to play or practice pool I got away from watching a lot of your videos , I am the kind of guy that needs to watch your video and other peoples videos and get out right away and practice what I’m seeing. as you know APA is back in full session so I now start back to watching videos again and I’m very happy about that. Again thank you for what you do it’s much appreciated and you are also one of my inspiration when it comes to shooting pool. You are an excellent player. I think I could take you a couple of games though.. LOL

[@johnsutton2034]

Brian, I'm getting to the party late but congratulations on a phenomenal pice. Kevin McKale the ex Boston Celtic great and NBA Hall of Famer once said " you're never as good as you when you're playing your best and never as bad as you look when your playing your worst". Mike is an all-time great which wasn't apparent when Efren put him on his lap 😂However, as you so vividly pointed out Mike brutalized himself mentally while sitting and at the table. Consequently, he lost to two people, the Magician and Mr Mikey. Your commentary confirmed everything I concluded while watching this match recently. Thank you for taking the time to go beyond the surface and peel back the mental layers responible for anyone being the best they can be!

[@curtarnold6715]

Content like this is always helpful. Keep up the great work! I'm sure there are many people who know it but after a while they forget about it and lose focus. Maybe getting too comfortable and begin hearing comments from others, then start missing. For me, it can be difficult at times staying focused on the table when there are people watching me and commenting on my shots... good and bad. Even the good comments can distract you if you let it. Hearing them and you start getting over confident then make a bad shot. I'm getting better at staying focused, learning to let a bad shot go right then instead of dwelling on it. Thnx Brian. Can't wait for another video.

[@tonyrodriguez2524]

This is a great video to improve one's game. Love the rules and each time I watch this video, I learn something new.

[@dannyc8875]

Happy i found this channel. Genuinely good stuff. THX.

[@barryjohnston2535]

Great common sense points and some that were done to me, and I couldn’t understand what they were doing. Thank you.

[@thecollageman3290]

Efrens sort touch is beautiful

[@petestarks4223]

Great assessment Brian! Thanks!

[@FXBilliards]

My pleasure!

[@Robert-ln7yt]

Great insight to the difference of two great players in the same match. Learn from others not just our own experience. Ve happy to play the game we love. Enjoy it because we can. Eyes on the table. Keep our opponent in the chair. Thanks for the video.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bob062]

I liked what you said about how not to get upset or at least don't show by announcing it. If I'm racking and I tell this to my daughter alot...rack with a "smile "!! I've learned to control my attitude tremendously with ok..it is what it is and I can still do this. If not ..get em next time. It wasn't meant to be yet. It all good !!

[@mikepokora4835]

Wow another great awesome video. This is got to be in the top 5 fx billiards videos. I do this and my game goes into the toilet.. thx for the help fx.

[@scambodia147]

As usual great stuff,looking forward to the sharking episode,

[@darrellmccall6100]

Vivian Villerael talks a lot too. I think it is a strategy to calm the nerves. Efren is a once in a lifetime talent . It’s hard to describe how good he is.

[@stkyricesf1]

Excellent video and information, especially for rookie like me.Thanks

[@edwinbenjamin144]

Good stuff. Thanks FX nothing but good stuff much appreciated.

[@FXBilliards]

You bet

[@JerryLee..]

The commentary in this video has a lot of nuggets! Thanks for posting this timeless video and commentary! #MambaMentality

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bassist41]

Great teaching commentary!

[@ralphcarrizales460]

Great stuff brian,never really put the attention in a game such as you did with this video but now since you explained it in detail maybe I should do the same,I saw this game awhile back but just saw Seagal get a severe a_ _ whipping 😂😂

[@jahbrake9791]

Really great video! Keep doing these Bryan

[@georgedennis2112]

Hi Bryan. Great comments on this challenging match. I have the entire match (2 sets) on my fav billiards list. Good pic. QA

[@rjp2295]

Appreciate your videos... Thank you as always...... I'm curious, if you don't mind me asking, where are you located?

[@FXBilliards]

I’m in the Pennsylvania New Jersey Delaware tri-state area

[@allgood6760]

Efren plays Chess.. so I think that helps👍

[@bobzack9750]

Great video of the greatest, thanks for the insight.

[@vincentcoppola9832]

I watched this match a while ago and my impression was that Sigel had two problems. First, that hadn't prepared himself to play. He looked like he hadn't picked up a cue in six months. Second, that he knew he was upprepared and was convinced he was going to lose and that is what all the negative talk was about.

[@wallacelambert9308]

Mike Siegel talks and acts like that in every game whether he's prepared or not. Watch the game between Mike Siegel and Earl Strickland. Earl Strickland actually wore noise canceling headphones to the match and who can blame him

[@OffGridMadMan]

I'm English and have played a lot of snooker and pool on English tables. Both have very tight pockets relative to American tables. No disrespect meant but have any of these 9-ball guys ever played snooker or pool on an English table? I'd love to know how they got on. Thanks for all your videos, I'v taken something valuable from every one I'v seen 👍

[@FXBilliards]

A lot of pool players, especially Efrain have put in time on snooker tables. I’ve even messed around on one, but they are hard to find in the states. Most elite pool players can adept rapidly to snooker. It’s also not about the size of the pockets, but the size of the pockets relative to the size of the balls.

[@OffGridMadMan]

@@FXBilliards no offence but I'v never seen an elite American-table pool player transition to snooker with any success. Its not so much the relative size between ball and pocket, its the fact that if you go anywhere near the cushion on a pot, it ain't going in. Plus the table has a much larger surface area as you'll know. I'm not hating on pool players or pool, it's my favourite game by a mile! But when I watch 9-ball I often wonder how they ever miss. But of course, tactically, I'm not adept as it's such a rarely played game over here in comparison to 8-ball and snooker. I hope you take my comments in good spirit, I'm not trying to argue about anything 🙌

[@psijicassassin7166]

@@OffGridMadMan No offence but don't let your nationalistic pride make you think that you blokes are better players just because the dimensions of your balls and tables are different. Your mentality reduces game variety into a pissing contest. Snooker and 9-ball are apples and oranges mate. We don't care who shoots sharper or who makes an easier transition to the other game. The fact that no top-class players cared to build a career in both disciplines shows you how much respect and dedication they have for their respective games. The fact remains that whoever was good at both games was never top-notch in either. Ask Steve Davis who tried his hand at 9-ball. We all know how that turned out.

[@drick2659]

Steve Davis is a great player but he ran into a brick wall when he met Efren

[@Bahamaspete]

Loved this video. Great work bro.

[@randomthoughts765]

When the prize is higher Reyes concentration is also on another level

[@Blinkerson55]

Thank you Brian.

[@shader26]

Probably hard to barely get even a chance, with such a great player, but (and I’ve seen snooker greats do this) if you love the game you would have to admire the opponents shooting. I learned early on, I can’t do a damn thing when the opponent is shooting. I hope he misses, but when I see a beautiful shot, get inspired. When it’s my turn I still want to see beautiful shots. When I used to start being an accountant in my head, worrying about the score (in straight pool or snooker) I would tend to not do as well. Just wanting to see great shots helps a lot.

[@ronmucci3331]

Yes, Efren, walk softly and have all your knowledge prepared and you handle yourself with great respect. Good job my friend!

[@sergeykhachaturov9397]

Not to mention Mike hasn’t played for 10,15 years prior to this match!. Me personally I already don’t expect much, so whatever results I do accomplish I’m a happy guy

[@albertkyle7589]

Great job l needed that

[@davidnorman6887]

Efren has won half a million on Sigel, Strickland meltdowns.

[@trumpsturn4733]

FX - your observations and suggestions are superior! Details re audience involvement, lighting on the table vs lighting in the room (causing the need for your eyes to readjust, if you look away) have not always been so obvious to me, especially if I am playing somewhere other than my home environment. The negativity that MS displays, has always been on my radar, but the specificity that you highlight is astoundingly accurate and helpful. I am a mind reader, and Mike's wife had been saying, in her mind "Mike, you really sound like a whining bltch who is menstruating. Shut up, deal with the pain, and act like a grown woman!" Superior video and analysis! Thank you for taking the time to provide this to your grateful audience! CS

[@thecollageman3290]

great advice

[@jamesmarze9850]

Great video!!!

[@LaMarBias]

Hey Bryan are you going to Vegas in September 2021?

[@FXBilliards]

I will not be going to Vegas in September, this year. But I will be there next year.

[@LaMarBias]

@@FXBilliards I plan on being there again next year looking forward to a selfie

[@fixitrod4969]

Up next... Earl Strickland 😆

[@TonyUrryMakes]

lol

[@TonyUrryMakes]

This was the first time I had seen Sigel play when I saw this a few years ago. From the start it was clear he was going to lose. The unbearable whining was the only thing that distracted me from the quality of Efren's play. I wondered why everyone said Sigel was a great player. I certainly saw no evidence of it in this match. Later when I would watch Strickland play, another insufferable ass, at least he had some great shots and vision. Sigel, by this time, not so much. And yeah - to answer your question - I like this content. If nothing else it gives a diplomatic voice to my irritation with Mr. Sigel,

[@akhil7110]

agreed, segal seems to be getting up from the shot too early, cue flying all over, almost making rookie mistakes. Probably would be eaten alive by today's greats like boening and mika

[@briansullivan9487]

Well done

[@kb3170]

[@GarrethandPipa]

I don't think I am to much older than you.... but the "chatter" was once a real part of a game. It was used to get into your opponent head. It just happens that mike and earl was a forward face of that toolset. Both in the TV billards were top of the world for a time but there were guys who made big money. They didn't believe the TV hype but go to Houston and stumble into them and losing 100k happened far more then the "pros" are willing to admit. Folks hate the "chattert so much because it works. You don't have to talk mad shit for it to have a visible effect. It can be as simple as "that was a bad leave" followed by "now your even more out of line". In reality they may have shot both perfectly. All pool players with half a brain are concerned with what they don't know... if you can get grain of doubt it can and has taken people a long way. The down side the guy who is getting divorced, just fired and his dog was hit by a car. Him meeting you at 2am with a 45 in the parking lot will eventually happen. It is usually the tough guy that end up actually catching a bullet over wiser heads.

[@zanethind]

Efren may not be the best breaker but damn his skill is amazing

[@deograthiaskakooza177]

I was wondering why I loose games when my friends are around

[@hank6887]

Mike isn't as bad as Earl , that guy is nuts , but a good pool player in the first order .

[@gman5051]

Tell me what’s going on here today ... ! 🤣 that’s gotta be embarrassing to world class players ... Thanks for sharing Bryan

[@schoolboy6633]

I Loved it, Sigel was a SORE Loser & trying to explain WHY he lost All those $$$'s to his backers! Lol

[@FXBilliards]

The guys he was crying too we’re both X champions there’s no way they backed him against Efron. He was clearly an underdog to anyone who had even heard of Efren at the time. I’m pretty sure Mike’s wife would’ve bet against him.

[@schoolboy6633]

@@FXBilliards Thanks Bryan I'm Sure you know you're talking about, Appreciate all the videos & info about pool playing!

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

Mike talked himself out of this game,, doubt is a killer.

[@harmoniousmonkey]

Negativity like emotion will always sell you out.

[@Mrphilharmonic]

Segal is always crying instead of refocusing on his own game and making the most of opportunities. Segal should try and copy Steve Davis’ example - ice cool, no emotion, no weakness, ruthless!

[@alexandermuller4664]

Be quite and relaxed is the key even if you struggle. Mike Siegel was far away from this and he showed his personality in a bad way to the audience and other pro players who were there and they realized this.

[@ronmueller3074]

I always bring My Girlfriend. She is quite always. She is My Cheerleader .Win or Loose

[@danielbass1234]

Thank you sir for the great video and information. IT"S GREAT to NOT HEAR MIKE THE MOUTH TALK. what a waste on good energy !

[@jonormika5030]

How come Sigel lifts his stick so often? Man what a bad habit

[@78raarons]

IPT is where I became a Joe Rogan fan. & Also realized that pool players are broke.

[@Kevin-mm6xm]

This is Mikes schtick. Definition: a usually comic or repetitious performance or routine. Not only is he a world class pool player, this also sets him apart from other world class players such as Efren and others and adds another dimension to his marketability. Annoying, sometimes. Interesting, always...:)

[@FXBilliards]

Gotcha

[@ThePrufessa]

Going to Vegas next week for USAPL ten ball nationals. I needed this for inspiration!

[@ThePrufessa]

Oh....I misread the title. I thought it said they were paying 10 ball. I've seen this before. Mike was getting crappy rolls in almost every shot.

[@FXBilliards]

Have fun!

[@davidnorman6887]

This match is the best example of whiner Mike Sigel psyching himself out from the git go. His great career would be recognized as Top 5 all time IF he had been able to bear down in the latter part of his career. Talking supposedly helps him shed nerves. His talent was so big, a quiet, all business Sigel would have had guys folding left and right. Sigel and Strickland talked themselves out of some big wins. Elite talent, weak demeanor.

[@FXBilliards]

David you sound like me. I’m always asking how great could this or that person be, with just a slightly better personality. Think of the thousands of dollars in endorsements these guys missed over the last 30 years.

[@davidnorman6887]

@@FXBilliards Sigel and Strickland COULD be have been the foundation under the US Pool house. Now, with a massive gap between SVB and every other American, the US Pool legacy becomes weaker and weaker every day. 4 of 5 players under 40 likely don't even know who Mike Sigel was. What a missed opportunity, endorsements and otherwise. Love your videos.

[@sheilamclaughlin963]

In his day Siegel was as one of the very best, he won more top tournaments than eferin, eferin was the top money player

[@malakingdude]

Mike turned into a bit of a panicking crybaby in this one. Don't blame him bc he got butt kicked. Came back with a great sporting try but he talked too much and got cold from long dissertations between shots... too long for a pro pool game and felt embarrassingly uncomfortable to witness. My wife didn't understand the game and it's strategies until I got my Filipinoyoung sweet lady watching Efran. They are so proud of him and his name a household word there.

[@0ldCat]

Mike "the Mouth" Sigal. Too much mouthing, not enough ball play. He talked himself into a dead end. Can't do that against the likes of ER. Efren deservedly won that set and the next, to take home the $$$. One would think Mike had learned something from his past endeavors, which are quite illustrious. But he didn't. 🤭