SPM Writers Area

I had the pleasure to interview Sam Rullo, TAP (the Association for Pool) founder and owner of the Laurel Highlands division in PA, and the Sales Director for TAP Corporate, where he handles all the contracts for new licensees throughout the US. Sam got his start in billiards when he visited a local bar with his dad at age 10. That started a love affair with pool that has not abated in the many years since. As a teen, he would play at the local bowling alley. He’s from wester

Pool history includes plenty of examples of grander tournaments but few were as colorful as those in Johnston City. I have been thinking a lot lately about the famous 1960s Johnston City tournaments, especially given the recent selection of tournament founders George and Paulie Jansco for posthumous induction into the Billiard Congress Hall of Fame.  The colorful tournaments in Southern Illinois were among the most celebrated in pool — both for the quality of play there, but

Frauenberger and Watson Wow on Poison Lone Star Tour Kevin Frauenberger defeated Steve Lenz, 5-4, in the final set of the 90-player, amateur 9-ball division, securing his first-ever win on the Poison Lone Star Billiards Tour. In the 85-player, open 9-ball division, Jacob Watson captured his second, open title, overwhelming Alex Calderone in the final set, 6-3. On July 6th-7th, 2019, Tour title sponsor, Poison by Predator Cues, sponsors Cyclop Pool Balls, APA of North Harris C

It wasn’t that long ago a few players were using headphones during practice, and even fewer were using them while playing league or during a local tournament. However, in recent months there has been a striking upswing in use. It appears that more players are seeing a benefit to their game by blocking out peripheral noise and getting into the “zone.” Upon asking several players who wear headphones about the benefits, the consensus is they have better focus, they are less lik

Mafia Mike’s pool hall is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google — but I rate it a 5.  It’s a small place, but has a big feel at 2700 square feet, with six 7 ft Valley tables — which are open and rented at $6 an hour, rather than coin operated, dollar a game.   They have 5 smoke filters spinning above — charcoal filtered — mounted in the ceiling that look like space age ceiling fans. They are very effective it appears;  “You can sit here in the back of the bar and look up to the

I am truly impressed and amazed by this 12-year old’s list of accomplishments that it gives me hope that the sport is alive and well. Coached and motivated by his father, takes lessons from a billiard author and instructor and is sponsored by one of the biggest names in the industry, this young man is destined to be on a short list of the nation’s top players. Charlie Marshall Jr.’s accomplishments: First and currently the only junior player sponsored by Predator® Products, W

As you are reading this, the 2015 Super Billiards Expo — held in Oaks, Pennsylvania — has come and gone. If you were there, you are going to relate to this article in a big way. For those who did not attend, you will be reading this with anticipation for next year. What is the Super Billiards Expo? In a nutshell, if it is related to the sport of billiards, it will be under the roof. It ran in conjunction with the TAP League’s “Rally in the Valley” tournament, with multiple di

In 2014, I was playing in a preliminary round for the US Amateur Championships. I’m not afraid to say that it was not one of my best showings on a pool table. Yes, I played just fine, but my attitude and the stress got the best of me in my last match. My opponent and myself were both making comments after missed shots or getting bad rolls. To say the least, it just was not working out for either of us. Everything was fine in my head, until one of the spectators decided to chi

What if you could play a match any time you wanted to? What if you could play any player you wanted, regardless of ratings? Well now you can! (More on that in a minute). If you’re a player, or billiards hall owner, this concept is the next level. Sneaky Pete Mafia asked me to interview Ron Hoffman, of ProPool.com. He is the guy you’ll be thanking. Here’s the scoop. Ron decided to bring the digital age together with tournament play, by creating The Virtual Tournament Director,