[paco1076]

Just thought I would start a little something to find out how long everyone has been shooting and what games they play.

I have been playing about 10 years and mainly play 8 ball, but I do play some 9 ball every once in a while for position practice.

Take care all,
Craig

[pooh]

Hi Craig,

Three years here, if you call what I do shoot. :-o

[TryingHard]

I played quite a bit in the '70s when my parents had a pool table, until it became a clothes folding table (I was too lazy to clear it off).

Then I started playing again in 1990, here and there (bought my first real cue at that time). Then I joined a bar league here in northern Minnesota in 1998. Played once a week during the winter, and practiced at the bar most Sunday nights.

I didn't really start shooting until I bought a table in 2001. I practice a fair amount now.

I, too, play mostly 8 ball, and I also play 9 ball (against myself, mostly) for position practice. When I get in a slump, I start shooting straight pool just to get back in the swing of putting the balls into the pocket.

What books helped you alll the most? Mine, so far, was "The Science of Pocket Billiards" by Jack Koehler.

[JeffMarek]

I got my first cue (Meucci) as a birthday present last August, so...I have been 'shooting' for 8 months now. The community college here in Lansing offers Pool Class and counts for 1 credit! Besides that I normally enter (and haven't won) two local bar tournaments a week. I'm seeing progress and hope to reach that milestone soon.

''99 Critical Shots in Pool" was a great practice book. The more types you master the better you are. When I practice by myself I find it hard to practice specific things, I usually end up just potting balls. The book helped to cure this.

[Hazer]

About 4-5 months. I've known my college had a pool hall since last year, and I never got around to really checking it out, until a few months ago when some friends of mine convinced me to play, and I've been practicing a lot.

My first pay check of the summer is most definitely going towards a cue.

[paco1076]

Very cool! I find pool to be both relaxing and exciting depending on what night it is. It is a great sport.

[Beachbum]

ive been playing for about a year..
still not that good

[seymore15074]

I've been playing seriously and in pool halls only (no bars) for the last 7 years or so. I took a 2 year break, so more like 5, I guess.

I play 9-ball. Straight Pool and One Pocket are the only other games that I'll play.

[Demondrew]

Playing for a long time, but seriously for about 3 years. I play straight pool, rotation, 8-ball, 9-ball and I would rather watch grass grow than play 1-pocket.

[codycox]

i no u guys are all older than me but im 12 playing for about 4 years and u guys might say that i suck but i can beet most adults :-o and i can play position oh and i play anything nine ball or eight

[TheProphet]

I started shooting when I was a teeanager * decades ago -- then gave up the game. Now I'm looking to get started again...

The Prophet

[grobar]

around 5 years here - but mostly casual

[gian323]

On and off for about 3 years. But honestly, it could be much longer.

[Drew]

I picked up a cue about a year and a half ago and I haven't put it down yet. I play every day for about 6 hours or so. But I really wish I never started. I got kicked out of school. I can't hold a job. I don't do anything but play. But I can definitely hold my own at the table.

[grobar]

how long is one question, but how fast you progress is a totlally different question[quote]

[Pelican]

Started in the 9th grade. Would cut the last two classes and a buddy and I would slip up town to the pool hall. Back then, 1958, the game of choice was rotation. 10 cents a rack.

Pel

[missy]

I've been shooting for 16yrs. Took a 9yr break when my kids were born. (priorities) But back in the game shooting seriously for the last 4-5 yrs. Haven't tried the tournaments yet, been on league for 3 yrs. I love to shoot so I'll play anything.

[bigbopper]

I've been playing since a teenager and am now 40. Never put a lot of time in or practiced much. Love to play and have a few beers. Shoot OK, apa 5 which is about average.

[headmuses]

Been shooting pool as a recreational pass time since I was in my teens, starting mostly with snooker on a 6X12, then on to 8-ball, (over 30 years ago) and in the past 10 years I have taken it more seriously playing in 8-Ball League's two nights a week and practicing 2 nights a week. So the Readers Digest answer is 40 years, and I still dont know shite about the game

Headmuses