androd
Verified Member
Despite his undeniable contributions on paper, to me, Eddie Robin is not an ambassador of the game and will never get my vote, here's why...
Then he drops it on me in no uncertain terms... "You have absolutely no business playing one pocket."
I'll never forget that moment, ever. I felt completely crushed.
He goes on to tell me, if you can't run 100 balls playing straight pool and can't make at least 8 out of 10 spot shots, don't even bother playing the game. He seemed almost annoyed that I'd bought his book and was talking to him right now. It was awful, and the tone didn't change until I hung up the phone.
What was supposed to be an enlightening Q&A between an eager student of the game and a knowledgeable ambassador, turned into an abrupt slap in the face. He offered no further advice, espoused on about the state of pool and the hardships of having to sell his book to make a living, and cut our call short because it wasn't worth it to waste the time trying to help someone learn the game who has no business playing it.
I've since gone on to learn the game via lessons, advice, or grinding with some of my area's best players. I developed and run a successful 1p cash league in my area, bringing the game to new players every session. I've studied (and will continue to study) the great authors, players, and commentators available to me but I will never forget that moment.
To this very day, I cannot get down on a spot shot without thinking about him. In my mind, no real ambassador of this great game would do what he did to me that day. He will not earn my vote, for what little that's worth.
That sounds like all the things I've heard about him !