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As a tournament player, Bugs only played
in a handful of tournaments -- mostly well after his prime
years. Like other black players, Bugs was barred
from tournament play until the color barrier was finally lifted
in 1967. By then he was already established as a top after
hours player, and he showed little interest in what he
called the "sociable" tournaments, except as an
opportunity to challenge the gathered players in head-to-head
match ups. His highest tournament finishes in One Pocket
were:
- Won the 1994 McDermott All-Stars One Pocket
- 2nd place, 1992 Lexington All-Stars One Pocket
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As an After Hours player however, Bugs
matched up with virtually all of the greatest One Pocket
and Banks players of his time, and in that elite
company he is held in the very highest esteem. He was known
to show up at tournaments -- even Johnston City -- and offer
to play the winner, in some cases even offering a little handicap!
Despite
his intimidating size (over six feet tall), he has always
had an easy going manner around the table, with never a complaint
about the equipment. At the table however, his unmatched killer
instinct and ability to "get out from nowhere",
no matter how high the stakes, made him one of the most intimidating
One Pocket and Banks players ever.
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Although not known as a teacher as such, Bugs
has certainly inspired many, many players with his very strong
play, his aggresive banking style, and his poise and character
as a player and a person.
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