How Does a 600+ Rated Player Play? 9 Ball Tournament Match

[@osmondsolomon7478]

Thanks for the discount code buddy. Saved me $78 on my break/jump cue!

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@osmondsolomon7478 awesome! I'm glad it helped

[@osmondsolomon7478]

@@Amateur_Pool Bro, after watching you and your son jump balls, I was super motivated to go buy one. I never had a jump cue before. So that code came at the perfect time. Merry Christmas to my own damn self 😂

[@Amateur_Pool]

@osmondsolomon7478 awesome, bro! Merry Christmas

[@osmondsolomon7478]

@ To you and your family as well, Josh! Hope you break 600 Fargo next year :)

[@chrismiller9326]

Hitting a round ball into a round ball from a tip that’s rounded. And trying to hit it straight. Yeah, pool is definitely hard!!! But that’s why we love it.

[@chadmoore3330]

Josh I HIGHLY recommend getting a lesson! I’m a SL6 in APA 8 ball and I felt I wasn’t improving so I spent a couple hours with a guy better than me. He pointed out a couple things that I was able to implement quickly and I just had the best session of my life!

[@Amateur_Pool]

Thanks for the advice!

[@kickapoo72]

“the balls roll funny for everybody, kiddo” - eddie felson

[@jltsoyowdycjltsoyowdyc1076]

I’ve watched a bunch of your videos and this was one of the best. It was clear this guy knows how to play and forced you to start thinking run out or go home. Kind of reminds me of the level of play against the better players in the old APA days. It’s fun to watch the knock around pokers once in a while, but actually watching players with decent stroke, correct draw control, a snowball chance at contact on a kick etc. is just more fun. Makes sense the guy used to own a pool hall. I suppose he will go on to win this thing, I’ll keep an eye out. Keep up the great videos.

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@jltsoyowdycjltsoyowdyc1076 update.. i think he did end up winning it

[@davidwilliamson2341]

David Matlock was my neighbor growing up Rolla Mo. At 1 time Maybe keith Mcready an Dave were 50 50 on bar table not many pros beat him prime! Learned alot watching him at local pool hall, very few reach that level! Legend David Matlock!

[@davelariviere]

Even though you lost this one it was enjoyable to watch. Thanks for posting these. I like your work!

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@davelariviere thank you

[@NoVowel]

You mentioned about taking lessons. I highly encourage people to seek out a professional and get lessons. I was like you... never had a true lesson and was able to scratch and claw my way to close to 600 Fargo. I was able to schedule two hours with Nick Varner and OMG. He changed so much in my fundamentals and tempo... made a HUGE difference. I'm now over 600 (with a little over 2400 robustness) with some high finishes and tournament wins... and to be quite honest... I'm under-rated now comparing to where my game is at and what my Fargo says. All this is to say... find a professional and schedule some lessons.

[@procrastinator6902]

I'll second this. One of the guys I shoot with has a nephew with a Fargo in the low 700s. Every now and then he comes to visit him and shoots a few racks with us. I asked him one day if he could give me a few tips, and he was more than happy to help. The value I've gotten from his lessons cannot be overstated, especially with my stance/alignment and break shot. I actually feel entirely confident when I go down to take my shots now and don't sit there wondering if I'm going to end up curling my wrist in, dropping my elbow, coming up on the shot, inadvertently tightening my grip, etc., everything just goes smoothly and effortlessly now. My game has absolutely improved by a very large margin since he started working with me.

[@paxconsciente3352]

people around here would rather jump off a bridge than give lessons and allow people to catch up to them i skill despite them ALL have taken lessons when they were young. it's pathetic.

[@9BallBory]

I’ve been needing a new break cue and wanting to get a jump cue. You seem like a good dude who wouldn’t lie for money. So thank you for recommending the raven stuff, I really like the look and I’m gonna trust you on the feel of the jump cue. Gonna grab both for the 499$ sale they have going on and will apply your code.

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@9BallBory thank you! I know that you'll like the jump cue. I haven't tried their break cue yet.

[@fastbreakreport]

Yes you can, I have but they’re all different. Some players get REALLY mad when they miss a shot or drop a game. We got a few 600+ Fargo in our league and if you can edge one game out on them especially if you’re a lower SL you can beat them.

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@fastbreakreport 🤜🤛

[@danalove-q8r]

Fargo 500 to 580 are C to B players 580 to 640 are A players 640-700 are master players. 700 to 760 are short stops. 760 to 840 are the pro"s. These are approximate weak to strong levels I use when trying to figure out a match up. The problem lies once you get into the upper A levels on up. These guys have good days and can string racks together. The short stops are the most dangerous because they can and do beat the lower level pro's on good days. It always just depends who shows up to play, the dog ? or the lion. ( My experience only. )

[@ericduncan6512]

That’s pretty accurate I would say.

[@aydenbyrnes]

Mic sounding great now with those couple tweaks! The windscreen helps a ton as well.

[@devinshannon2995]

I don't know if I've ever seen someone with a 12 to 13 stroke shot routine. So frantic too, but hey he's way better than me. Crazy

[@procrastinator6902]

Yeah I noticed that too and thought it was really odd. I generally take my alignment strokes at the same pace I intend to hit the cue ball, but he had those really crazy fast pre-strokes even on shots that he was shooting softly.

[@GabeM_13]

Oh hell... can't wait to get home and watch this one!!

[@procrastinator6902]

Raven and that Vietnamese brand that gets advertised all over the place (Rhino) both seem to make some really solid products for the price. I recently bought the Rhino CF break shaft to replace my warped and cracked Stinger shaft, and I have been very impressed. Upgraded the tip on it but honestly, you can keep the stock one on and still get a great break.

[@Amateur_Pool]

@procrastinator6902 I've got a raven break cue on the way. I'm excited to try it out. I'm loving the jump cue though

[@procrastinator6902]

@Amateur_Pool Yeah I was just looking at those. 20% is a pretty awesome discount and I've been wanting to get a dedicated jump cue that isn't just a broken down section of my break cue. May have to jump on that

[@RodneyEstes-z1c]

Every time I watch your videos, I'm drinking Yuengling Lager. Try it sometime.

[@Amateur_Pool]

@RodneyEstes-z1c I love yuengling. They don't sell it here in Michigan, but I grab some everytime in out of state. Was drinking it last Wednesday during our live.

[@brandonbrown9041]

It’s tough playing a tournament when you aren’t playing your best but it’s those games that build mental toughness or it can cripple you. Just have to go through it.

[@Amateur_Pool]

For sure!

[@johnmccullough8856]

I use a raven 12.4 playing shaft with a taom fusion tip, and I was very impressed with how close it was to my buddies synergy shaft

[@jamesfry7521]

Great job guys better luck next time bro

[@antoniog9814]

Thanks for correcting the mic issue. You're coming in now 5x5 on both ears.

[@Amateur_Pool]

@antoniog9814 great! Thanks

[@austinhyer]

21:43 Yes!! When im shooting bad the gods get against me!

[@fubufb420]

So true... Shoot bad and the opponent gets all the rollz.... 😢😢😂 I shoot good and get nothing but safetys..😂😂😂

[@kenmuch2522]

Yes, it seems that is the way it is, the guy shoots at the corner and misses 2 rails back to the same pocket, after you missed a hanger.

[@CenterMASSé]

Seems like when I’m playing bad my opponent gets all the good rolls. Drives me nuts!

[@RodneyEstes-z1c]

You might walk funny, but I stagger fine! LOL

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@RodneyEstes-z1c lol

[@pizzaman108801]

Over cutting a ball when you're hooked doesn't mean he had enough to make it lol it means he hit it thin.... and hitting it thin = more than likely hooked hitting it fat or thick means he had enough to make it.

[@wdiddy1]

Tom's feathering stresses me out lol.

[@fedup7416]

I agree, I don't think it helps his overall cuing.

[@mossa_avenue]

Hello Josh, at 14:45 where you say he overcut it, he couldn't see the ball. If he could he would have hit it differently. Think of the angles.

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@mossa_avenue thanks!

[@losoj30]

I like the sound of that mic.. Edit: 'I had to jack up my stick to make that shot'😂😂😂

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@losoj30 lol

[@balboia21]

He hits soooo hard!

[@9BallBory]

His pre stroke looks like he’s hitting t hard, he has a smooth and good stroke most of the time.

[@davidlebrun5520]

Game 3 you said that bc he over cut the 4 ball, he was able to make it. BUT, if he could only see a little bit of the 4, he would ONLY be able to over cut it without a slight masse

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@davidlebrun5520 you're right

[@davidlebrun5520]

@ also, we all have those days. We know the game and what to do but can’t shoot a lick😩🤣

[@christopherbrock4673]

I have noticed more often bad shots have bad leaves good shots missed have good leaves

[@jamescathcart4762]

Tommy has a big table stroke on a bar table. Must be nice to play 600 pool.

[@steviej1995]

I have been playing pool for around 28 years. I don't understand Fargo ratings. I very very rarely play tournaments. I play with my daughters husband when I'm home. He is a "Master" in APA, whatever that means. Can you explain Fargo ratings?

[@Amateur_Pool]

The higher the rating, the better the player. Top pros are typically 800 or better. Novices are usually around the 3-400 range.

[@fedup7416]

how big are these tables?

[@Amateur_Pool]

7ft

[@BoodaJ]

[@Amateur_Pool]

Assassin!! 😁

[@ponch-vs4uc]

Its a family channel Josh😂😂😂

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@ponch-vs4uc I know, I know.. 😞 lol

[@Bluehorseshoe4]

My name is also Josh and I’m also obsessed with pool!

[@Amateur_Pool]

Not a bad name to have! lol

[@kriswood1354]

I agree that the bad rolls just keep coming when your having an off day shooting. Just gotta grind it out and suck it up.

[@daviddeslauriers7268]

When you’re not playing well the frame of mind goes too.

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

There was no 600 pool played in this video.

[@dryclimateutah]

I'll give you some outside perspective :) I noticed in this match you were missing a lot of balls. If you stop missing balls, I think it will help improve your game. I call it the don't miss strategy. It's helped a lot of pool players play better. :) J/K

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@dryclimateutah lmaooooo... great strategy. I'm going to try it out! Lol

[@kevinintricate3883]

one thing i learned in this video was.. YOU cant beat a 600 fargo..

[@Amateur_Pool]

Lol

[@nicoberrios3722]

***DRINKING GAME (IMPOSSIBLE EDITION) - Take one shot every time you hear, "Ya know".

[@Amateur_Pool]

Lol.. alcohol poisoning

[@kenmuch2522]

Nice safety 😅

[@ryan199948]

It sounded like you were commenting on my match last week. 🤦‍♂️

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@ryan199948 lol

[@jonathanjamison5611]

You just need to buckle up!! 😂

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@jonathanjamison5611 ya, I think that's it! Buckle "up" and start practicing more.

[@BoodaJ]

Guess who is now a member!! Work on my emoji 🤣😂 I need an assassin emoji is it to much to ask for 😂

[@Amateur_Pool]

I got you! I'll have an assassin emoji before our Wed live...

[@RodneyEstes-z1c]

Hi Josh, I'm the first to "Like" again!

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@RodneyEstes-z1c 🤜🤛

[@robertvasquez1845]

I just never understood the jack hammer stroke. You should have won. Once again. He gave you how many games now, Lil Timmy?

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@robertvasquez1845 I know.. I haven't been playing my best lately.

[@jayl8034]

Lil Timmy & I havin' chicken tenders with a beer. You do what I do against better players,(sometimes). You wanna get a jump on him, so you get a bit anxious. Rushed shots and bad position puts you behind. Hope you calm down & bring ya real game. Maybe 1 out of 50 😂

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@jayl8034 I think you're right. I need to settle down and pay my normal game

[@tralfazy]

You are playing better now. Your new mic sounds good but not when you lean back. It looks like a retro device. Did little Timmy tell you to lean towards the mic? That's not a great idea if you like your back mucksels.

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@tralfazy lol.. I never follow advice from little Timmy

[@edric_munster5531]

That jabby pre stroke is awful by your opponent. Watch the pros and they are so smooth! You have some jerky stroke on some of your shots too? Were you trying to copy him?

[@9BallBory]

Pre stroke speed has nothing to do with your actual stroke, his actual stroke is smooth like it should be. Him and Josh are both also not pros, they are continually learning the game. You are in fact not a pro and if you video recorded yourself I could find many massive awful things you do in your game. Welcome to the life of amateur pool.

[@edric_munster5531]

@9BallBory watch his head during his pre stroke and think about all that movement, and if you think that doesn't matter, it does. I've made this adjust in the last year, and it has made a big difference. I got plenty of holes in my game. I encourage others to speak up. How else do you or can you improve????? Watch Slate Billiard Club episode #17 about being smooth!

[@9BallBory]

@@edric_munster5531brother he isn’t a pro, we all have movement. Like I said the speed at which your pre stroke is meaningless if his actual stroke is smooth, he has good timing. He’s an amateur just like us. There is no “pool 101” video, there are only recommendations that you can follow to maybe help your style of play. The best player in the last 2 decades aka SvB has one of the most advised against strokes yet he’s maybe the goat.

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

Slow & Smooth beats fast & jerky every day of the week. This type of stroke is not what people should emulate. The front and rear pause r a necessity to play good, consistent pool.

[@Spec2lose]

Whats your fargo at these days Josh?

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@Spec2lose around 540

[@austinhyer]

shame, if youre ever in the pittsburgh area ill teach you how to be a losing APA 6

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@austinhyer lol... I know how to lose already!

[@douglasbyrd7412]

Test

[@nickjones1619]

600 on meth

[@Amateur_Pool]

@nickjones1619 lol... you don't gotta tell everyone your on meth 🤣.. j/king

[@AdamMarr]

Right? Not taking anything away from his game, he's a decent shot, but I don't think I've ever seen such a spastic warm up stroke

[@9BallBory]

It’s sad the KZbin pool community has a lot of just pure haters. It’s pool, a 600 is simply a very good amateur. That guy looks to shoot at around a 600 level and on this day he may not have shot at his best. Thats pool, a Fargo is a rating you will never shoot at exactly, if you’re a 600 some days you may shoot like a 550. That’s part of pool. I would bet money the guy is better than you so move on little Timmy.

[@9BallBory]

@@AdamMarr A warmup stroke speed isn’t something that has anything to do with your actual stroke. He’s got a very fast warm up and then immediately switches to a smooth good stroke when he strikes the ball.

[@AdamMarr]

​@@9BallBorynever said it was. But I play 600+ brackets when Fargo restricted, and while I've seen plenty of strange strokes on guys much better than me, we have a local 700 who you would think is a 400 if you only watched his stroke, never seen anything quite so aggressive. Generally warm up is for settling in, making sure your alignment and tip position is solid. Not sure what he's getting out of that shake weight arm pump, but if it works for him, more power to him. It's honestly all I could pay attention to when he was shooting.

[@ponch-vs4uc]

Shame on you Josh indeed!🫣🫣🫣

[@Amateur_Pool]

@@ponch-vs4uc lol