Playing Off The Rail: A Pool Hustler's Journey (Book Review)

If your bookshelf resembles mine, there are at least a dozen books on the game of billiards on it. Most of them are filled with table diagrams or psychological insights into the game. These are great for improving your game, but they don't do much for you when you want entertainment. Sure, you can pop in The Hustler of The Color of Money in your DVD player for the umpteenth time. But what if you want a great story of what it's really like being a pool hustler on the road (without having to watch Paul Newman's thumbs being broken) ? Then you need to get a copy of Playing Off The Rail: A Pool Hustler's Journey by David McCumber.

McCumber is a talented SF Bay Area writer turned pool stakehorse for the purpose of experiencing what most of us just dream about: going on the road. The story follows him and his player as they hustle their way across the United States and Canada. Their journey is filled with moments of glory, grit, and a few dangerous scrapes as they encounter a cast of characters ranging from Johnny Archer to a myriad of small town hustlers eager to earn a few bucks from unsuspecting players. One thing soon becomes apparent which is that the life of a hustler is grueling and oftentimes unglamorous, offering cheap hotel rooms and sometimes even cheaper hustles. McCumber illustrates these frustrations with perfect clarity, but doesn't drag the reader down with the details. Witty banter and biting sarcasm between the two companions are enough to make you smile and keep reading to find out what happens to them in the next town. Their next game is always a surprise and can range from a high brow Canadian snooker club to a US national tournament. The fact that the author is also an avid pool player himself is critical, so just the important details about the games and the hustling nuances filter through.

This book is a great read that reveals a glimpse into the road hustler's life without having to leave your local pool hall. If there's one lesson to be learned, it is that being a good hustler doesn't just take talent and a knack for gamblng, it takes heart. I suppose Walter Tevis said the same thing, but sometimes you need a second opinion.

I got my copy from:Amazon.com

Joe Porper 2x2 Signature Cue Case (Product Review)

I recently got two new cues and needed a case for them. My requirements were: something discreet (not too flashy, not too bulky), something that would secure 2 butts and 2 shafts and something not too pricey (under $150).

I looked at hard box (suitcase) type cases first because I like the neat design. Unfortunately, a lot of these look (and are) cheap. Not all of them are bad though. The nicest one I found is the Lucasi 2x2 which has great construction. Since actual specs for these cases is hard to find, I guesstimated the dimensions to hold 4 cue halves in a line was going to be too bulky for my taste (requirement one: discreet). I felt a soft "pouch" case was another alternative, but it didn't offer enough protection (requirement two: secure). So, my only choice was to get a "tube" style case which are currently in vogue. Despite today's popularity of cue cases with lots of studs, rivets, zippers, engraving and hand tooled leather "bling", I wanted something more understated but still functional.

After looking at cases ranging in price from bargain $50 to custom $700+ exotic designs, I opted to get the "Porper 2x2 Signature Cue Case" which is vinyl with a hard foam core. The internal tubes are tapered to fit two butts and two shafts snugly. I personally prefer this over other tube cases that let your cue jostle around, even if the tubes are padded. The cross section is square, so it looks like smaller than conventional 2x2 oval tube cases. Sewn into the case are two generous pockets which are useful to keep a cloth, wallet, cell phone and your favorite tip tool with room to spare. It has a handle which conveniently locks down the shoulder strap when you want to carry rather than wear it.

My only gripes about this case are that the lid is hard foam and since I use join protectors, the cue extends even higher inside so securing the lid is a very snug fit. I was afraid of scratching the cue finish, but the foam seems to "break in" enough not to cause any harm. My other gripe is the form of the pockets - they're sewn in as neat rectangles, but because they are made of pliable vinyl, they morph to odd shapes toward the top. Fortunately, they're still soft enough that if you fill them up, they find their intended rectangular shape. It's a minor aesthetic issue that is easily remedied.

The list price is $78 for the case and I got mine off eBay for around $50. I wouldn't mind paying full price because this case looks neither cheap nor flashy and it protects my new cues. For my current needs, it's the perfect case.

Check out this case and others at www.porper.com