Playing pool, chatting with the girl that would never give you chance, inevitable heart break over said girl, going into a state of crippling alcoholism.
Donald discovers the everyday opportunities of math and why math is useful.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use
okmkz · 85 points · Posted at 15:03:12 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Donald in Mathmagic land
Yes! Every time I play pool!
Valdrax · 15 points · Posted at 15:56:46 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Do you hear the song every time you're lining up a shot too?
okmkz · 11 points · Posted at 16:15:37 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
For me it's the narrator counting every bank I make
If you're playing with shitty pool players, maybe.
DasHuhn · 8 points · Posted at 20:24:03 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
If you're playing with shitty pool players, maybe.
I've seen pretty good pool players not able to explain what they're doing to make themselves so much better. My dad is like this - he's pretty fucking good, can't explain it.
Players who can't explain usually have really good cue action. They can drive the cue in a straight line, and can't understand why you can't, but its not something most people can see in others.
[deleted] · 6 points · Posted at 20:37:05 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It's more than that. English is spin, and if you hit the side of the cue to give it English, there is deflection that comes from that. So hitting the ball on the right to give it right English means the line off the cue will also be deflected to the left. There is also drift that occurs where the spin makes the ball slighty (very slightly on most shots but there none the less) curve in the direction of the English. Then, once the cue contacts the object ball, right or left English will "throw" the object ball to the opposite side, so that ball doesn't come off straight.
I get super annoyed when I see these gifs, it's not really useful for anything but one type of shot, the kick shot. If you watch these, it's all the ever show. That's where you bank the cue off a rail first then into an object ball. Plus they always have the object ball right in front of the pocket, which is a pretty easy shot to begin with. While taking a kick shot, any side spin at all on the cue will mean it won't even follow that line.
Cool looking but pointless invention.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 20:22:44 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
it also assumes you'll hit it right in the middle with no spin. It's prediction for this shot was a also wrong - it hit red before blue after predicting a clean hit on blue.
fezzuk · 9 points · Posted at 16:17:33 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Cause she wobbled. Practice makes perfect anyone with a bit of practice can hit straight
fezzuk · -28 points · Posted at 16:55:25 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
go ahead a tell a man who basically grew up in a pub and whos father use to play snooker against jimmy white at his snooker club how you know i don't play pool.
Oh c'mon, it's not THAT hard. I'm objectively shit but can still hit a ball down a snooker table and back up again on a straight line. If someone is genuinely struggling to keep a straight line on a fucking pool table either their cue is warped, the table is unbalanced or they have literally no idea how to hold the cue.
How the hell can someone be expected to get through a game with any sort of enjoyment if they can't even hit the ball straight? It's as fundamental as being able to hit the ball in tennis, or ride a bike in a bike race.
fezzuk · -5 points · Posted at 17:38:25 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Nah its hitting it not straight that is the hard bit.
Wait so I know things just because my parents were good at them? Holy shit, hey guys! Apparently I'm a certified Diesel Mechanic AND a Registered Nurse. And here I was thinking I didn't know shit about those things!
fezzuk · -9 points · Posted at 17:37:59 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Yeah it's a little different than that though isn't it.
It could be but nothing you've said has given any indication that it is. You just said you were in a pub while your dad was good at something. And I pointed out that I was in a hospital AND a garage while my parents were good at something. Based on your logic that should mean that I'm really good at the things they were good at.
fezzuk · -1 points · Posted at 18:07:06 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Fine I personally have spent a lot of time in pubs playing pool from a young age.
Or if it's any better I have a good friend who grew up playing golf with his dad and he's terrible at golf too. What I'm getting at is your statement proves nothing.
fezzuk · -3 points · Posted at 18:05:39 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is why I always play pool slightly buzzed. Enough special skills left to predict the path, plus looser and more relaxed so I screw up less. Sober or drunk and I'm screwed.
DrobUWP · 2 points · Posted at 18:23:57 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
yeah, this could possibly be useful for aiming at a ball across the table, but if you're having trouble lining up a straight shot, you need more help than this.
where it hypothetically seems useful is bank shots, but as soon as the cue ball touches a rail, it's predictions are junk. any spin (even rolling forward due to a straight shot) will throw off the angle.
when I explain putting English on the cue ball to new players I'll demonstrate by hitting a perpendicular shot at the side rail and instead of it bouncing straight back like you'd expect, you can put it in either the center or corner pocket like this
iynque · 88 points · Posted at 16:00:55 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is the kind of thing I want from a Google Glass like device. Augmented reality.
[deleted] · 34 points · Posted at 17:23:49 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I would not recommend playing pool in a bar with that though.
i mean if you're playing seriously in tournaments or maybe with strangers i get it. when i play with my friends we fuck around all the time. sometimes we take each others balls out when the game is getting boring and see if the other person notices.
I get it when you're playing seriously that type of shit will probably end up in a confrontation, but idk, every time i play pool it's just been for fun with my buddies and the atmosphere was never really that serious.
[deleted] · -13 points · Posted at 18:34:17 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
For money or not. Doesnt matter. People dont like it.
Actually, going into a bar generallywith glasses isn't a good idea.
He probably won't be back for a while...I think he mentioned a case in the fridge.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 19:41:32 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
[deleted]
[deleted] · -1 points · Posted at 19:44:07 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
We must go to different bars then. I went with a friend in glasses to a few bars in Berlin and people always gave him so much shit, he stopped wearing them the second night.
[deleted] · 0 points · Posted at 20:05:58 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
[deleted]
[deleted] · 0 points · Posted at 20:11:30 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Well, to be fair then, its less about people having no problem with glasses and more with people having a problem to tell that to a 200 pound marine. Though people would still give you shit in the bars I go to, just more passive-aggressively.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 20:37:44 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
"people don't like it" ... you understand you're discussing a hypothetical scenario that has never occurred yet, right? If there was no money on the line, you'd have to be a loser to get mad at someone using Google Glass to aim in a game a pool. I'd probably rather play that person in pool than someone with foolish opinions like yourself.
[deleted] · 0 points · Posted at 20:39:59 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I had a friend owning google glass and I went to several bars with him and people gave him so much shit, he stopped wearing them after a night out.
Also, as someone works in a bar and see people arguing about every little shit when playing pool, I can guarantee you 100 % they will accuse you of cheating the minute you start playing with glasses.
[deleted] · 0 points · Posted at 20:28:09 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I assume he's referring to the fact that many bars and restaurants banned glass as soon as the first devkits went out over
[deleted] · 3 points · Posted at 20:47:40 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It could also put a dot right on the ball for where to hit it for optimum spin plus have some kind of motion meter to demonstrate exactly how hard to shoot.
Control+F+Google Glass. Found the guy who had the same idea as me. This will without question be implemented into whatever the major augmented reality device ends up being. Nobody would even be able to tell you had it on and it'll basically just tell you where to hit the ball.
Granted, it's not like you could all of a sudden be playing against pros with this thing because 99 percent of people don't know how to add spin to their shot, or aren't sure how hard or soft to hit the ball (Although I'm sure the google glass type device could give you a percentage indicator similar to video games, but it'd still take a whole lot of getting used to and mastering).
Still, when it comes to playing randoms at bars, this is easy money.
I'd love for someone with what you describe to try to play me at a bar for money. Knowing where to aim is the easy part. I'd own his glasses in a heartbeat.
A frictionless vacuum in which each ball is a perfect sphere with a perfect distribution and center of mass, the playing field is a perfectly flat surfance that has no imperfections, and everything is modeled as water for simplicity
Grad school physics takes place largely in that same realm. "Solve the Lagrangian and equations of motion for a double pendulum. Assume massless rods, and neglect air resistance."
Oddly enough, this makes me want to crack open my old mechanics book. It was so cool to be able to solve these problems two different ways (not that I ever attempted a DOUBLE pendulum problem).
Most amateurs still wouldn't pocket balls with this thing because it doesn't account for english, and most people can't hit the cue ball perfectly straight with no side-to-side spin
Wouldn't cheating be getting an advantage your opponent doesn't get? I see nothing wrong with using a table like this for casual play or practicing bank shots. Once you're up to a higher skill level, you shouldn't really need anything like this for anything less than 3 rail banks or extremely well hidden balls.
There's no way, because even the spin depends on how hard you hit it. Next time you play pool, hit a ball directly at a rail with some right English. First very hard, then very soft. The one you hit soft should bounce off the rail and go much wider right.
[deleted] · 0 points · Posted at 19:56:43 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Just because it doesn't get it exact doesn't mean it cannot account for it. It also probably doesn't know the type of stick that is being used, or the type of tip. Both play a very large role in the amount of spin that you get on a ball. Thanks for the pool lesson though, if you're in London we can play a round for the table time.
I wasn't trying to be a dick. I was just saying it can't possibly account for spin with any degree of accuracy due to not being able to measure force. I could see it maybe predicting spin based on an arbitrary standard of force, but that's hardly helpful.
If I ever make it out to London, I'll be sure to let you know. The first pint will be on me.
[deleted] · 3 points · Posted at 20:23:48 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Ha ha, no problem. Didn't take as being rude, but I felt I should represent a bit. Especially if it meant the end game was a good round of pool.
I am sure there are too many variables to make it accurate in general. I do know some players that could make use of it pretty well though.
It absolutely does not. That would be a dynamic effect on the ball, this is just calculating the angle of the stick from a certain angle on the ball. ANY spin (English) whatsoever would open or close an angle off of a bumper, not to mention a slight amount of squirt (lateral translation off your angle and sometimes even curves (masse)).
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 21:47:26 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It could assume some amout of spin will be imparted based on where contact will be made. Just like a video game, or a physics simulation.
The way you make the claim, it sounds like you know all about it though, so I am not going to argue. If it had bumpers I am sure it would be more difficult.
Well, English is a function of spin on the ball which in turn is a function of the force and surface area of the tip, that is applied to the ball. I reckon that the system could detect lateral orientation off the vertical centerline of the ball and account for that, but it can't account for the amount of force being applied as it happens after the fact.
A ball hit with large force will impart a much greater rotational velocity on the ball than a ball hit in the same area with less force, thus changing the amount of angle off the bumper.
I don't know jack about the system in use but I am an avid pool player and a mechanical engineer. You can imagine that it's a great marriage of interests!
cino237 · 9 points · Posted at 16:04:00 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Exactly. Angles change pretty significantly depending on the speed.
Speed certainly does affect the angle. The harder you hit a rail, the less angle. The cushion compresses and kind of 'grabs' the ball.
Spin has more effect than speed, but they are both a factor.
DrobUWP · -1 points · Posted at 18:28:39 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
one thing you may be overlooking is that even a straight shot has spin. it's just going forward.
any shot that is not spinning directly towards a wall is going to be effected by how it grabs the wall.
its a bit different, but when I explain putting English on the cue ball to new players I like to demonstrate by hitting a perpendicular shot at the side rail and instead of it bouncing straight back like you'd expect, you can put it in either the center or corner pocket like this
you can also hit an angled shot at the rail and get it to bounce off perpendicularly with some spin
Skid some shots into the rail at about a 10 degree angle. Skidding means the ball has (near) zero spin when it hits the rail.
Vary the speed, and you'll see the difference. At low speed, it will come off the rail at (nearly) the same angle. At higher speed, you'll come off at a lesser angle.
DrobUWP · 0 points · Posted at 21:32:17 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
but when it hits the rail, it picks up spin. that's the same effect as of it had an equal and opposite spin before it hit the rail and left with no spin. energy was transferred to the rail.
it's not a simple problem. the change due to contact with the wall is a function of speed, its rotational inertia, the coefficient of friction with the rail, the normal impulse force, etc. and that is in opposition to the theoretical frictionless dynamics result.
if you have the same change in rotation, but double the speed, the effect of the rail impact will be less significant
I think we are agreeing that this 'guide' is not going to be too accurate because you won't get the same results with a soft stroke versus a hard stroke.
You are seemingly taking it a bit further by saying that it isn't the speed that causes the different results, but the different spin that comes from the different speed.
Semantics.
Or, maybe you are saying that this guide works no matter what speed you stroke? I'm not 100% sure.
DrobUWP · 1 points · Posted at 23:23:06 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
more the first point. this guide can only be a gimmick as soon as the rails or English are involved.
the complexity comes because between 2 curved surfaces, the angle θ is not linearly related to how far away from center on the 2nd ball you aim (horizontal distance between the two balls)
[deleted] · 8 points · Posted at 16:58:36 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)*
Not nearly as much as you would think. The speed of the ball directly effects how well the english takes on the table. Hit it too hard and the balls spin wont do anything on that felt. Hit it slower and you will see it dramatically change its course due to the spin of the ball.
[deleted] · 2 points · Posted at 19:17:17 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)*
For most people i am not. Typically hitting it harder means putting inadvertent spin on the ball. Hitting the rail harder will have very little effect on the ball if you are putting no english on it (true centerball and following through).
If you hit it too hard, more than likely you added more spin to the cue ball. If you hit the cue ball dead center at a point the angle wouldn't change.
Go try the shot yourself, the harder you hit the cue center ball, the smaller the angle when it comes off the rail. I'm not talking slamming it, if you have a good stroke you can easily hit the cue center ball and hard enough to change the angle off of the rail. It's the same with hitting softly, it will give you a larger angle off the rail.
I do play pool, not competitively, and in my experience if you hit it hard it is going to add more rotations. More rotations hitting banks will cause it to spin off more.
If you hit it just a hair off, that extra strength is going to add rotations and go a direction you were not expecting.
I do play pool competitively and can tell you you are wrong. You hit a rail with any angle at all and the speed will change how far the rail deflects and springs the ball back thus affecting the angle. Additionally the cue ball will pick up induced spin from the friction of the rail when it strikes it. The speed of the shot will affect how much spin the ball will pick up off the rail and also the angle that induced spin will have on the cue ball as it comes off the rail.
When I say I play competitively I mean I have played tournament pool against at least one hall of fame member and beat him a game or two.
Yes, speed will affect the cue ball, but why? As you hit it harder you are adding rotations which will affect the English of the ball.
The example I see in my head is. If the cue ball and the 8 ball are both even with the 8 ball in the side pocket. I decide to bank off the opposite rail and sink the 8 ball.
If I hit the Cue ball dead center I can roll it there or smash it there.
The issue with speed comes when you want English on the cue ball to set up your next shot. I can tap it and get little movement or stroke it harder to add more English.
I am pretty sure we are all saying the same thing, but I am looking at the core speed of the shot and everyone else is taking about speed in regards to having/not having English on the cue.
If I am wrong I am sorry, but in my experience if you hit a dead ball with no English it shouldn't matter how hard or soft you play the shot.
I understand that that makes sense in your head, and it works great for yahoo pool, but that's not how it works on a table. The speed ABSOLUTELY affects the angle, regardless of spin. This is not a matter of opinion.
This guy gets it. I have played competitive pool for over 10 years.
rb1353 · -3 points · Posted at 16:06:10 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)*
Does it really matter in this context? There isn't really any curving if no English is applied, it's just a straight line, then redirected into another straight line after it hits the wall, speed shouldn't really affect that, right?
Gipedo · 2 points · Posted at 16:10:03 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It does actually matter. The speed at which a ball is hit can alter the angle that it takes when it comes off of a rail. The harder the hit the more acute the angle will be.
fezzuk · 1 points · Posted at 16:19:02 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Well then I guess this would also help teach people to hit smooth and straight. A but problem with beginners is hitting it to hard
rb1353 · 1 points · Posted at 16:56:11 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Ah okay. Well TIL, I'll have to pay more attention to this when I'm playing pool.
It's different on a pool table. I think because the rails are rubber, so being hit at different velocities affects the angle of reflection. It can actually be a very dramatic difference.
Force would be a function of speed. And what do you mean resistance?
1mikeg · 1 points · Posted at 21:30:20 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Well, gravity to start with. And there's the friction created by the felt surface against the surface of the ball.
[deleted] · 2 points · Posted at 21:40:53 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
That would be one of the easiest things to solve if that's your concern. The friction of the felt would be pretty consistent on the same table. I'm sure the people who can afford something like this would have the machine calibrated to that pools unique unknown properties. And gravity is kinda already a known constant, no reason why gravity that never changes would throw a monkey in the wrench. If anything, it can't account for spin or the player's accuracy or speed since it greatly affects the rebound.
1mikeg · 0 points · Posted at 21:58:56 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I'm not saying it's not solvable, I'm just saying it doesn't in its current state.
I see this as a good practice tool for beginners. Just a general understanding how pool physics work. In an actual match, it defeats the purpose of the game...
Over head projector. Not the pool table. I doubt the table is playing any part in tracking any of it.
Still too much moneys.
pizerv · 5 points · Posted at 15:45:49 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Whenever this post shows up it shows how little do many people know about playing pool. It's a tool and hardly levels any playing field. Whenever I meet new people that want to play it never fails that the ones talking about how good they are know so little about the game.
Or the ones who walk up to the table and want to play for money/drinks/etc. when they didn't watch you take a single shot. Almost always trash players. The kind of players that think they're good because they hit a bunch of balls in their basement but don't understand pool strategy at all.
pizerv · 2 points · Posted at 17:58:27 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Never realized how much depth there is to the game before I started regularly playing.
There's strategy to shooting pool?! I'm Irish and just always brought my luck to the table. I couldn't sink anything but I'll be damned if I left you a shot. And if I did go on a run I'd always scratch when trying to sink the 8 ball.
That's strategy right there, right? Defense. Unless I misunderstood you. A lot strategy comes down to cue ball placement. Have an easy shot sitting in the corner pocket? Position yourself such that you can carom off of it and break up a nearby cluster. Like Chess, the better you are the more shots/moves you're planning ahead for. If I have 5 balls I need to put in, is there a good line I can take to put them all in? That's why there's a big jump in quality from crappy bar players who can shoot somewhat straight and sink shots (basement players, as I call them) and players who can control where the cue ball goes after the shot. Very good players have a good idea where the cue ball will go, great players put it exactly where they want it.
mxmr47 · 1 points · Posted at 18:50:33 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
that tool will give you advantage if you're a novice playing against another novice.
A good player will still skin your ass. This just makes it more interesting for the underdog, that's it.
[deleted] · 2 points · Posted at 15:50:38 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
"Skin your ass" seems a bit excessive in this context.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 21:45:43 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Not even. Unless you can pull off 100% accurate shots on the exact spot you need to hit with 0 spin and dead center on the cue, there's no way this would help you. The speed at which the ball travels greatly affects the rebound angle, so even if you managed a perfect placement, the force would need to also be mastered depending on the shot. And at that point, you're pretty much skilled enough that you'll know how to get the angles you want without this device that is accurate to maybe 1 or 2 rebounds max for any shot less than 100% perfect. If you can utilize this machine to give you any degree of accuracy, you'll already be at a level where you won't need this machine.
Honestly I don't think this would offer any advantage beyond just learning how to play. Yes it's somewhat helpful for lining up shots but no more than a laser sight on a pistol vs. an optical sight. Also, it assumes a center strike on the cue ball and no rotation and tells you where the cue ball will go after impact. Anywhere beyond beginner level you tell the cue ball where after impact based on where you strike it.
That being said, it doesn't look like this tech is too far from accomplishing that.
As someone who's life is comprised of about 1/3 work, 1/3 sleep, and 1/3 playing pool, I can say that this will never be completely accurate. When hitting a rail several factors come into play. Ball speed, spin, deflection, ball rotation, etc.
Xyloft · 1 points · Posted at 16:00:11 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I assume there is a top mounted camera (probably a hacked xbox connect) that can detect the pool cue and white ball and can project the line. next to the camera is probably a normal projector. since the camera is fixed, the pool table edges can be fixed in the program. still guessing.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 16:02:23 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This can't be a real thing. How does it know how much force you're going to use, or where on the ball the cue will strike?
mxmr47 · 2 points · Posted at 18:58:53 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
it just calculate the angles of a center hit to the white ball, not force or spin wich affects a lot.
Just about every top-level comment made hours before yours, and just about every other comment in this thread, have said the same thing as you.
banda92 · 1 points · Posted at 17:25:05 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Talk about leveling the playing field
Szos · 1 points · Posted at 17:28:35 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
On a perfect table calculating the angle is fairly trivial, but accounting for the unevenness of the cushion, as well as English is what would throw this off.
I imagine it's an overhead projector like those ones in the mall for "puddles"? I'm guessing it notices where the outer circle is broken to determine what to project.
DrobUWP · 1 points · Posted at 18:22:32 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
sorry, but this may be useful for aiming at a ball across the table, but if you're having trouble lining up a straight shot, you need more help than this.
where it hypothetically seems useful is bank shots, but as soon as the cue ball touches a rail, it's predictions are junk. any spin (even rolling forward due to a straight shot) will throw off the angle.
when I explain putting English on the cue ball to new players I'll demonstrate by hitting a perpendicular shot at the side rail and instead of it bouncing straight back like you'd expect, you can put it in either the center or corner pocket like this
You know, if you were to pair this with specialized lenses that let you see a specific light spectrum, and make the light/laser whatever, be in that spectrum. It would be so easy to fucking hustle people.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 21:04:38 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is, of course, assuming I already know proper pool technique. For me it's kinda like baseball: if I don't miss the ball 3 times in a row I'm calling it good.
This is only valuable if you hit the ball with ZERO English (sidespin), AKA never. If you are the type of person who can hit the ball with no sidespin each time, then you don't need this.
I mean it's a good visual training aid for beginners, but it's pretty high end tech for something that can be learned during a few casual knock arounds.
elkayem · 1 points · Posted at 21:40:26 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
So it's like yahoo pool? Now anyone can be good at pool?
bitNine · 1 points · Posted at 21:54:59 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Better title: "Pool table that takes all of the fun out of a game of billiards."
Imtroll · 1 points · Posted at 22:36:57 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is really cool but the ball won't always go where your aiming it based on stick position alone.
There's spin, possible bumper damage, forward roll or backward roll, slipping, possible damage to the apholstry. Then of course there is table lean.
I mean its a really cool concept and the geometry lesson is neat but there's so many things that go into a proper pool shot.
I imagine there's a few pool experts on this website who would be willing to go further into detail about this. I am however scared that they will since I'm calling it pool instead of billiards.
I guess that would help a beginner our. But don't you think one learns a bit more by trial and error? This solution doesn't really offer that much room for errors.
Xyloft · 2 points · Posted at 16:23:25 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
yup. this is the first thing i though of. It's pretty easy to shoot down the center of the pool table, but give it enough english that the ball comes back to you but in the pocket. conversely, it's really hard to shoot across the length of a pool table, holding the cue in place and have the ball touch your pool cue tip on the return.
If you're a good player you should know the result of 90% of your shots. Very few times do you just chuck it out there hoping for the best. This table wouldn't even help me that much and I only have 5-6 years of experience.
How? Seems to me like this would be used as a practice table. Help you learn how to accurately predict the angle you have to hit it. No one would actually use this during play.
[deleted] · -1 points · Posted at 15:51:15 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
That's not very impressive. It doesn't look at the incident angle of the cue on the cue ball, leading to mis-shots like you see in the video. The prediction was that she'd only hit the blue ball, but she hit both.
Saved comment
vrsick06 · 265 points · Posted at 13:37:44 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Reminds me of playing pool on Yahoo instant messenger.
tdotbay · 18 points · Posted at 16:28:51 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
hours wasted there
iamaiamscat · 45 points · Posted at 15:50:28 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Virtual pool, peasant.
N4N4KI · 7 points · Posted at 16:03:33 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I remember this feature in Jimmy White's 'Whirlwind' Snooker.
lordsysop · 1 points · Posted at 11:28:53 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
C64?
N4N4KI · 1 points · Posted at 11:30:01 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
Atari STE
mangletron · 7 points · Posted at 18:35:21 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I used spend hours playing yahoo pool in the early 2000s
HCJohnson · 4 points · Posted at 23:24:49 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Playing pool, chatting with the girl that would never give you chance, inevitable heart break over said girl, going into a state of crippling alcoholism.
Man I loved Yahoo! Pool.
_just_blue_myself · 2 points · Posted at 23:58:41 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I actually met my ex husband in yahoo pool.
HCJohnson · 2 points · Posted at 00:45:24 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
I think I just met my ex wife in a Reddit conversation. How you doing?
_just_blue_myself · 2 points · Posted at 01:29:37 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
I'm already someone's future ex wife that they met on reddit. I should probably stop meeting dudes in chat rooms.
SilverNeptune · -4 points · Posted at 18:59:33 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Cool
andsoitgoes42 · 3 points · Posted at 17:21:18 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)*
Shit, this reminds me of pool on the NES, which I still sucked at regardless of anything I tried.
[deleted] · 3 points · Posted at 17:52:31 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Oh lord, that's how I first learned web design. Editing our lobby's myleague tournament page.
cmoarbutts · 3 points · Posted at 19:21:49 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
GG
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 20:27:35 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
AMG the feels.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 20:47:50 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
"Aimer!"
Valdrax · 803 points · Posted at 14:12:19 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
That assumes I can slide the stick in a straight line w/o wobbling.
I mean, I already know exactly what shot I'm supposed to make to do what I want. I did watch Donald in Mathmagic Land
[1] as a kid.[1]
Donald Duck - Mathmagic Land
Donald discovers the everyday opportunities of math and why math is useful.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use
okmkz · 85 points · Posted at 15:03:12 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Yes! Every time I play pool!
Valdrax · 15 points · Posted at 15:56:46 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Do you hear the song every time you're lining up a shot too?
okmkz · 11 points · Posted at 16:15:37 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
For me it's the narrator counting every bank I make
golfer_ninja · 3 points · Posted at 18:58:59 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I'll never un-hear Donald's "One and a half!"
JaktheAce · 2 points · Posted at 19:46:31 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
You should post that in /r/billiards
[deleted] · 67 points · Posted at 16:06:53 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)*
[deleted]
[deleted] · 16 points · Posted at 18:08:11 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
[deleted]
smashsenpai · 8 points · Posted at 18:17:29 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Give the ball some what?
[deleted] · 27 points · Posted at 18:28:30 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
[deleted]
smashsenpai · 4 points · Posted at 19:30:44 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Huh. TIL. Casual pool in college teaches you nothing.
bethecorreiasbidet · 17 points · Posted at 19:41:38 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
If you're playing with shitty pool players, maybe.
DasHuhn · 8 points · Posted at 20:24:03 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I've seen pretty good pool players not able to explain what they're doing to make themselves so much better. My dad is like this - he's pretty fucking good, can't explain it.
Citystarrz · 9 points · Posted at 20:44:30 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Players who can't explain usually have really good cue action. They can drive the cue in a straight line, and can't understand why you can't, but its not something most people can see in others.
[deleted] · 6 points · Posted at 20:37:05 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It's more than that. English is spin, and if you hit the side of the cue to give it English, there is deflection that comes from that. So hitting the ball on the right to give it right English means the line off the cue will also be deflected to the left. There is also drift that occurs where the spin makes the ball slighty (very slightly on most shots but there none the less) curve in the direction of the English. Then, once the cue contacts the object ball, right or left English will "throw" the object ball to the opposite side, so that ball doesn't come off straight.
I get super annoyed when I see these gifs, it's not really useful for anything but one type of shot, the kick shot. If you watch these, it's all the ever show. That's where you bank the cue off a rail first then into an object ball. Plus they always have the object ball right in front of the pocket, which is a pretty easy shot to begin with. While taking a kick shot, any side spin at all on the cue will mean it won't even follow that line.
Cool looking but pointless invention.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 20:22:44 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I took an actual college class and we covered it.
thewiseguy13 · 8 points · Posted at 18:37:24 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Give the ball some second language skills. A ball that is well rounded will interact with the other balls better.
Edit: a word
Bazuka125 · 2 points · Posted at 23:11:30 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
English
2ofSorts · 8 points · Posted at 16:02:51 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Dear god, thank you for linking. I just watched it again with such nostalgia
CleganeForHighSepton · 33 points · Posted at 15:59:01 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
it also assumes you'll hit it right in the middle with no spin. It's prediction for this shot was a also wrong - it hit red before blue after predicting a clean hit on blue.
fezzuk · 9 points · Posted at 16:17:33 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Cause she wobbled. Practice makes perfect anyone with a bit of practice can hit straight
cracksmack85 · 14 points · Posted at 16:52:46 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
wanna know how i know you don't play pool?
xL02DzD24G0NzSL4Y32x · 4 points · Posted at 20:38:37 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Id like to know
fezzuk · -28 points · Posted at 16:55:25 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
go ahead a tell a man who basically grew up in a pub and whos father use to play snooker against jimmy white at his snooker club how you know i don't play pool.
Stewdabaker2013 · 3 points · Posted at 16:57:45 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I think we call those "jokes"
fezzuk · -16 points · Posted at 17:00:11 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
im still missing the part with the funny bit?
ap66crush · 11 points · Posted at 17:32:25 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I dunno. I can't say the word snooker without smiling a bit.
Blue2501 · 1 points · Posted at 00:15:41 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
Snooker? I just met 'er!
latenightchaos · -3 points · Posted at 19:28:57 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Your reaction x'D
I_am_not_Doug · 1 points · Posted at 17:09:50 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
You said a bit of practice, but you just described a lot of practice
[deleted] · 4 points · Posted at 17:19:52 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
[deleted]
AsDevilsRun · 2 points · Posted at 17:53:32 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It's an eighth of a byte.
Vexingvexnar · 1 points · Posted at 20:01:07 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
That's not a lot. That's only a bit
fezzuk · 0 points · Posted at 17:37:19 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Hitting the ball straight is the first thing you should be learning, it's not hitting the ball straight that takes a lot of practice.
t-jon · 0 points · Posted at 18:21:18 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Because your father was always to busy getting drunk and playing snooker with Jimmy White to play pool with you..?
fezzuk · -1 points · Posted at 18:42:57 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
thats a little to close to the truth for comfort lol
[deleted] · -1 points · Posted at 17:04:59 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
[deleted]
[deleted] · 2 points · Posted at 18:03:31 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
what about some Hungarian? (NSFW)
http://imgur.com/2wtkstG
Trum-y-Ddysgl · 3 points · Posted at 17:56:02 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Oh c'mon, it's not THAT hard. I'm objectively shit but can still hit a ball down a snooker table and back up again on a straight line. If someone is genuinely struggling to keep a straight line on a fucking pool table either their cue is warped, the table is unbalanced or they have literally no idea how to hold the cue.
How the hell can someone be expected to get through a game with any sort of enjoyment if they can't even hit the ball straight? It's as fundamental as being able to hit the ball in tennis, or ride a bike in a bike race.
fezzuk · -5 points · Posted at 17:38:25 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Nah its hitting it not straight that is the hard bit.
Bleedthebeat · -3 points · Posted at 17:29:03 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Wait so I know things just because my parents were good at them? Holy shit, hey guys! Apparently I'm a certified Diesel Mechanic AND a Registered Nurse. And here I was thinking I didn't know shit about those things!
fezzuk · -9 points · Posted at 17:37:59 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Yeah it's a little different than that though isn't it.
Bleedthebeat · 5 points · Posted at 17:44:28 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It could be but nothing you've said has given any indication that it is. You just said you were in a pub while your dad was good at something. And I pointed out that I was in a hospital AND a garage while my parents were good at something. Based on your logic that should mean that I'm really good at the things they were good at.
fezzuk · -1 points · Posted at 18:07:06 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Fine I personally have spent a lot of time in pubs playing pool from a young age.
Bleedthebeat · 2 points · Posted at 17:46:46 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Or if it's any better I have a good friend who grew up playing golf with his dad and he's terrible at golf too. What I'm getting at is your statement proves nothing.
fezzuk · -3 points · Posted at 18:05:39 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It proves at least I play
Carl_GordonJenkins · 5 points · Posted at 18:46:17 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I only had Van Hammersly.
[deleted] · 2 points · Posted at 18:53:59 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
One of my all time favorite MR SHOW sketches. Judy Judy Judy!
loveyourground · 3 points · Posted at 18:05:31 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Things I forgot existed until right now, holy shit.
TheRumpletiltskin · 3 points · Posted at 18:33:37 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Donald Duck just taught me how to play pool...
[deleted] · 3 points · Posted at 19:03:45 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Thank you for the video! I learned so much, I didnt even notice how long it was until it ended!
ericflat · 3 points · Posted at 19:28:10 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Damn, as a non-native speaker I can't really understand what Donald is saying. Is it easy for native speakers?
trustworthyboyscout · 1 points · Posted at 20:41:22 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
That's kind of the point of Donald Duck. It's hard for English speakers, and I'd assume near-impossible for ESL people.
Valdrax · 1 points · Posted at 21:05:16 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Mostly. I think it helps that many of us hear him as children.
savor_today · 3 points · Posted at 16:12:29 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Your comment just had a grown man watching cartoons in bed.. Smiling. Not bad! Much better than hearing about politics like I was sigh
Gawd_Awful · 2 points · Posted at 21:06:04 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Oh thank you! I watched this briefly as a kid and remember the pool part but couldn't remember the details. I think of it every time I play pool.
amanitus · 2 points · Posted at 00:41:28 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
It looks like the guy fucked up in the original video. It looks like he was trying to sink just one of the balls.
s0v3r1gn · 2 points · Posted at 16:56:48 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is why I always play pool slightly buzzed. Enough special skills left to predict the path, plus looser and more relaxed so I screw up less. Sober or drunk and I'm screwed.
RedWhiteAndJew · 1 points · Posted at 17:08:43 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Baldwin Curve is the term You're looking for.
DrobUWP · 2 points · Posted at 18:23:57 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
yeah, this could possibly be useful for aiming at a ball across the table, but if you're having trouble lining up a straight shot, you need more help than this.
where it hypothetically seems useful is bank shots, but as soon as the cue ball touches a rail, it's predictions are junk. any spin (even rolling forward due to a straight shot) will throw off the angle.
when I explain putting English on the cue ball to new players I'll demonstrate by hitting a perpendicular shot at the side rail and instead of it bouncing straight back like you'd expect, you can put it in either the center or corner pocket like this
iynque · 88 points · Posted at 16:00:55 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is the kind of thing I want from a Google Glass like device. Augmented reality.
[deleted] · 34 points · Posted at 17:23:49 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I would not recommend playing pool in a bar with that though.
dingus_bringus · 1 points · Posted at 18:26:56 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
why
[deleted] · 44 points · Posted at 18:29:21 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
People will accuse you of cheating and break your glasses.
dingus_bringus · 15 points · Posted at 18:31:41 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
oh, you meant for money, i get it.
DRUNK_CYCLIST · 2 points · Posted at 22:18:53 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
or just because its shady and cheating.
dingus_bringus · 0 points · Posted at 06:15:02 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
i mean if you're playing seriously in tournaments or maybe with strangers i get it. when i play with my friends we fuck around all the time. sometimes we take each others balls out when the game is getting boring and see if the other person notices.
I get it when you're playing seriously that type of shit will probably end up in a confrontation, but idk, every time i play pool it's just been for fun with my buddies and the atmosphere was never really that serious.
[deleted] · -13 points · Posted at 18:34:17 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
For money or not. Doesnt matter. People dont like it.
Actually, going into a bar generallywith glasses isn't a good idea.
Birmingham_Danny · 25 points · Posted at 19:08:16 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Can confirm. Most bars have glasses already.
CreamedJesus · 5 points · Posted at 19:13:53 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Ah, the old Reddit glass-a-roo.
algernonishbee · 6 points · Posted at 19:29:17 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Hold my beer, I'm going in!
MeretrixDeBabylone · 9 points · Posted at 19:51:18 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Do you guys think he's coming back? Fuck it, I'm drinking his beer.
sc0ttynepas · 2 points · Posted at 20:22:34 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)*
In Bird Person culture this is considered a dick move.
TheDudeRhodes · 2 points · Posted at 20:52:00 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
He probably won't be back for a while...I think he mentioned a case in the fridge.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 19:41:32 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
[deleted]
[deleted] · -1 points · Posted at 19:44:07 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
We must go to different bars then. I went with a friend in glasses to a few bars in Berlin and people always gave him so much shit, he stopped wearing them the second night.
[deleted] · 0 points · Posted at 20:05:58 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
[deleted]
[deleted] · 0 points · Posted at 20:11:30 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Well, to be fair then, its less about people having no problem with glasses and more with people having a problem to tell that to a 200 pound marine. Though people would still give you shit in the bars I go to, just more passive-aggressively.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 20:37:44 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
"people don't like it" ... you understand you're discussing a hypothetical scenario that has never occurred yet, right? If there was no money on the line, you'd have to be a loser to get mad at someone using Google Glass to aim in a game a pool. I'd probably rather play that person in pool than someone with foolish opinions like yourself.
[deleted] · 0 points · Posted at 20:39:59 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I had a friend owning google glass and I went to several bars with him and people gave him so much shit, he stopped wearing them after a night out.
Also, as someone works in a bar and see people arguing about every little shit when playing pool, I can guarantee you 100 % they will accuse you of cheating the minute you start playing with glasses.
Elaborate_vm_hoax · 3 points · Posted at 20:16:34 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
If you do well, sure. Chances are if you need something like this you're going to suck.
Delsana · 0 points · Posted at 23:25:14 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Yay I can sue! America loves to give me so many options to sue them!
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 23:34:14 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Lol, good luck with finding & suing a random guy in a bar where everybody hates you.
Delsana · 0 points · Posted at 23:48:40 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
So you're saying to sue everyone for obstruction? Man this just gets better.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 23:50:14 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Good luck suing people for obstruction who "dont remember anything because they drank to much, weren't looking, didn't pay attention etc. pp."
Delsana · 0 points · Posted at 00:21:18 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
Law suits against the ignorant! Yes!
[deleted] · 2 points · Posted at 07:54:19 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
i am sure it would work
Delsana · 1 points · Posted at 09:43:27 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
Yup, and I'll fund it with my winnings using this pool table in the tournaments.
rebelspyder · 1 points · Posted at 03:09:17 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
because playing with electronic assistance means you have no gramba. And when you say someone is a coward someone gets stabbed in the heart.
[deleted] · 0 points · Posted at 20:28:09 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I assume he's referring to the fact that many bars and restaurants banned glass as soon as the first devkits went out over
[deleted] · 3 points · Posted at 20:47:40 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It could also put a dot right on the ball for where to hit it for optimum spin plus have some kind of motion meter to demonstrate exactly how hard to shoot.
ReppinDaBurgh · -5 points · Posted at 16:54:19 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Control+F+Google Glass. Found the guy who had the same idea as me. This will without question be implemented into whatever the major augmented reality device ends up being. Nobody would even be able to tell you had it on and it'll basically just tell you where to hit the ball.
Granted, it's not like you could all of a sudden be playing against pros with this thing because 99 percent of people don't know how to add spin to their shot, or aren't sure how hard or soft to hit the ball (Although I'm sure the google glass type device could give you a percentage indicator similar to video games, but it'd still take a whole lot of getting used to and mastering).
Still, when it comes to playing randoms at bars, this is easy money.
Dr_Hibbert_Voice · 1 points · Posted at 20:43:57 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I'd love for someone with what you describe to try to play me at a bar for money. Knowing where to aim is the easy part. I'd own his glasses in a heartbeat.
ReppinDaBurgh · 2 points · Posted at 21:54:34 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Yeah except 90 percent of the people playing at a bar are trash unless you're at a pool hall or at a bar that is having pool night or some shit.
I'm terrible at pool and play drunk every time I go out and win damn near half the time. I can't even hit a bank shot unless I get extremely lucky.
I know for a fact this type of device would increase my win rate dramatically.
Mirrba · 52 points · Posted at 14:06:53 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I would still manage to suck at it.
jsveiga · 50 points · Posted at 14:29:20 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I'd like to see it predicting the trajectories of the other balls, after they're hit by the first one.
dconman2 · 75 points · Posted at 17:11:24 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is one of those things where they would be very easy to calculate... in the world that high-school physics takes place in.
Altiondsols · 48 points · Posted at 18:09:47 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
A frictionless vacuum in which each ball is a perfect sphere with a perfect distribution and center of mass, the playing field is a perfectly flat surfance that has no imperfections, and everything is modeled as water for simplicity
PM_ME_YOUR_SPUDS · 18 points · Posted at 18:33:52 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Grad school physics takes place largely in that same realm. "Solve the Lagrangian and equations of motion for a double pendulum. Assume massless rods, and neglect air resistance."
(Good luck on that one by the way)
mud_punch · 2 points · Posted at 22:36:46 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Oddly enough, this makes me want to crack open my old mechanics book. It was so cool to be able to solve these problems two different ways (not that I ever attempted a DOUBLE pendulum problem).
LoveTheBriefcase · 2 points · Posted at 18:13:41 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
i think theyd miscalculate for side
Dr_Hibbert_Voice · 5 points · Posted at 20:45:53 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Easy to do purely geometrically, but I doubt the accuracy would be useful on a real-world level. at least not yet.
Akitz · 1 points · Posted at 01:46:16 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
I don't think it ever will be, it's just not practical. The way you strike the ball has too much of an unpredictable effect.
hippo_lives_matter · 89 points · Posted at 14:15:00 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Seems a little like cheating...
gtmustang · 58 points · Posted at 16:13:35 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Not if your opponent is blind.
chaoshavok · 38 points · Posted at 16:19:52 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Especially if your opponent is blind
usm_teufelhund · 10 points · Posted at 18:09:20 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I think playing an opponent that's blind is a bit unfair to begin with.
Loki1106 · 5 points · Posted at 19:31:49 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
"Oh damn dude you sunk the 8 for the 12th time, that'll be $40"
myrpou · 0 points · Posted at 19:35:54 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It's ok I'm deaf.
blurri · 11 points · Posted at 18:25:00 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Not if you can't make that cue ball go exactly where those lines are pointing. Proper strokes are one of the hardest parts about billiards.
SCUMDOG_MILLIONAIRE · 7 points · Posted at 18:28:59 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Most amateurs still wouldn't pocket balls with this thing because it doesn't account for english, and most people can't hit the cue ball perfectly straight with no side-to-side spin
hippo_lives_matter · 1 points · Posted at 18:31:58 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Cheating doesn't mean you automatically get it, cheating is giving an advantage which this does...
MeretrixDeBabylone · 12 points · Posted at 19:49:15 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Wouldn't cheating be getting an advantage your opponent doesn't get? I see nothing wrong with using a table like this for casual play or practicing bank shots. Once you're up to a higher skill level, you shouldn't really need anything like this for anything less than 3 rail banks or extremely well hidden balls.
Gap4life · 1 points · Posted at 17:39:09 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)*
I think it's supposed to be for practice.... I mean... that bitch cheating!hippo_lives_matter · 0 points · Posted at 17:46:14 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Don't go getting all logical on me
autisticface · 22 points · Posted at 14:53:41 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Got that Quantum Leap tech.
traveler_ · 10 points · Posted at 17:32:57 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Now there's a reference I was wondering if anybody else would make.
Scalby · 9 points · Posted at 18:48:23 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I came here to MAKE this reference. How do you think I feel? Oh man. I mean. Oh boy.
[deleted] · 4 points · Posted at 04:58:03 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
I came here to make the same reference and bingo bango bongo, it's already here
f365legend · 5 points · Posted at 19:15:22 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Ziggy
pishiver · 2 points · Posted at 22:34:21 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Immediately the first thing I thought of.
soomuchcoffee · 35 points · Posted at 15:43:16 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
How does it predict how hard you'll hit it?
[deleted] · 56 points · Posted at 16:05:46 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It also doesn't account for spin and deflection.
[deleted] · -4 points · Posted at 17:51:03 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It might account for spin.
MeretrixDeBabylone · 9 points · Posted at 19:54:29 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
There's no way, because even the spin depends on how hard you hit it. Next time you play pool, hit a ball directly at a rail with some right English. First very hard, then very soft. The one you hit soft should bounce off the rail and go much wider right.
[deleted] · 0 points · Posted at 19:56:43 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Just because it doesn't get it exact doesn't mean it cannot account for it. It also probably doesn't know the type of stick that is being used, or the type of tip. Both play a very large role in the amount of spin that you get on a ball. Thanks for the pool lesson though, if you're in London we can play a round for the table time.
MeretrixDeBabylone · 8 points · Posted at 20:18:23 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I wasn't trying to be a dick. I was just saying it can't possibly account for spin with any degree of accuracy due to not being able to measure force. I could see it maybe predicting spin based on an arbitrary standard of force, but that's hardly helpful.
If I ever make it out to London, I'll be sure to let you know. The first pint will be on me.
[deleted] · 3 points · Posted at 20:23:48 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Ha ha, no problem. Didn't take as being rude, but I felt I should represent a bit. Especially if it meant the end game was a good round of pool.
I am sure there are too many variables to make it accurate in general. I do know some players that could make use of it pretty well though.
MeretrixDeBabylone · 5 points · Posted at 20:26:26 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Oh yeah, I agree. It would have helped me a ton in the beginning, and probably still occasionally. Definitely a cool learning tool.
hateboss · 2 points · Posted at 21:34:25 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It absolutely does not. That would be a dynamic effect on the ball, this is just calculating the angle of the stick from a certain angle on the ball. ANY spin (English) whatsoever would open or close an angle off of a bumper, not to mention a slight amount of squirt (lateral translation off your angle and sometimes even curves (masse)).
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 21:47:26 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It could assume some amout of spin will be imparted based on where contact will be made. Just like a video game, or a physics simulation.
The way you make the claim, it sounds like you know all about it though, so I am not going to argue. If it had bumpers I am sure it would be more difficult.
hateboss · 1 points · Posted at 21:53:32 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Well, English is a function of spin on the ball which in turn is a function of the force and surface area of the tip, that is applied to the ball. I reckon that the system could detect lateral orientation off the vertical centerline of the ball and account for that, but it can't account for the amount of force being applied as it happens after the fact.
A ball hit with large force will impart a much greater rotational velocity on the ball than a ball hit in the same area with less force, thus changing the amount of angle off the bumper.
I don't know jack about the system in use but I am an avid pool player and a mechanical engineer. You can imagine that it's a great marriage of interests!
cino237 · 9 points · Posted at 16:04:00 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Exactly. Angles change pretty significantly depending on the speed.
flunkmeister · 5 points · Posted at 19:43:33 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)*
A lot of players don't understand this (based on the comments here).
Here is a demo. And the opposite.
vorpib · -11 points · Posted at 16:17:11 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Speed wouldn't change the angle, spin would
[deleted] · 12 points · Posted at 18:06:43 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Lol the people upvoting u obviously haven't played enough pool
flunkmeister · 25 points · Posted at 16:58:43 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Speed certainly does affect the angle. The harder you hit a rail, the less angle. The cushion compresses and kind of 'grabs' the ball.
Spin has more effect than speed, but they are both a factor.
DrobUWP · -1 points · Posted at 18:28:39 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
one thing you may be overlooking is that even a straight shot has spin. it's just going forward.
any shot that is not spinning directly towards a wall is going to be effected by how it grabs the wall.
its a bit different, but when I explain putting English on the cue ball to new players I like to demonstrate by hitting a perpendicular shot at the side rail and instead of it bouncing straight back like you'd expect, you can put it in either the center or corner pocket like this
you can also hit an angled shot at the rail and get it to bounce off perpendicularly with some spin
flunkmeister · 2 points · Posted at 18:35:01 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Skid some shots into the rail at about a 10 degree angle. Skidding means the ball has (near) zero spin when it hits the rail.
Vary the speed, and you'll see the difference. At low speed, it will come off the rail at (nearly) the same angle. At higher speed, you'll come off at a lesser angle.
DrobUWP · 0 points · Posted at 21:32:17 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
but when it hits the rail, it picks up spin. that's the same effect as of it had an equal and opposite spin before it hit the rail and left with no spin. energy was transferred to the rail.
it's not a simple problem. the change due to contact with the wall is a function of speed, its rotational inertia, the coefficient of friction with the rail, the normal impulse force, etc. and that is in opposition to the theoretical frictionless dynamics result.
if you have the same change in rotation, but double the speed, the effect of the rail impact will be less significant
(nice little side spin English example for people following along.)
flunkmeister · 1 points · Posted at 23:07:44 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I think we are agreeing that this 'guide' is not going to be too accurate because you won't get the same results with a soft stroke versus a hard stroke.
You are seemingly taking it a bit further by saying that it isn't the speed that causes the different results, but the different spin that comes from the different speed.
Semantics.
Or, maybe you are saying that this guide works no matter what speed you stroke? I'm not 100% sure.
DrobUWP · 1 points · Posted at 23:23:06 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
more the first point. this guide can only be a gimmick as soon as the rails or English are involved.
though I guess it wouldn't be too hard to try and get the reaction for the 2nd ball right. I think a lot of people don't realize that the 2nd ball will travel along a line drawn through the center of the two balls at contact.
the complexity comes because between 2 curved surfaces, the angle θ is not linearly related to how far away from center on the 2nd ball you aim (horizontal distance between the two balls)
[deleted] · 8 points · Posted at 16:58:36 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)*
[deleted]
lilbeerman · -1 points · Posted at 19:11:54 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Not nearly as much as you would think. The speed of the ball directly effects how well the english takes on the table. Hit it too hard and the balls spin wont do anything on that felt. Hit it slower and you will see it dramatically change its course due to the spin of the ball.
[deleted] · 2 points · Posted at 19:17:17 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)*
[deleted]
lilbeerman · -1 points · Posted at 19:29:49 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
For most people i am not. Typically hitting it harder means putting inadvertent spin on the ball. Hitting the rail harder will have very little effect on the ball if you are putting no english on it (true centerball and following through).
DrSpagetti · -3 points · Posted at 17:38:43 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
English please
xfyre101 · 1 points · Posted at 18:31:31 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
EXACTLY!
bucketofsteam · -6 points · Posted at 16:09:52 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
spin is actually what would change the angle a lot more than speed, in fact speed would barely change the angle at all in this situation.
WIBeerFan · 4 points · Posted at 17:30:02 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Speed on bank shots is critical. You can have a shot lined up perfectly for a medium stroke, hit it too hard, and completely miss.
Puckfan21 · -4 points · Posted at 17:47:59 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
If you hit it too hard, more than likely you added more spin to the cue ball. If you hit the cue ball dead center at a point the angle wouldn't change.
WIBeerFan · 5 points · Posted at 17:54:31 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Go try the shot yourself, the harder you hit the cue center ball, the smaller the angle when it comes off the rail. I'm not talking slamming it, if you have a good stroke you can easily hit the cue center ball and hard enough to change the angle off of the rail. It's the same with hitting softly, it will give you a larger angle off the rail.
Puckfan21 · -4 points · Posted at 18:00:13 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I do play pool, not competitively, and in my experience if you hit it hard it is going to add more rotations. More rotations hitting banks will cause it to spin off more.
If you hit it just a hair off, that extra strength is going to add rotations and go a direction you were not expecting.
OozeNAahz · 7 points · Posted at 19:10:44 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I do play pool competitively and can tell you you are wrong. You hit a rail with any angle at all and the speed will change how far the rail deflects and springs the ball back thus affecting the angle. Additionally the cue ball will pick up induced spin from the friction of the rail when it strikes it. The speed of the shot will affect how much spin the ball will pick up off the rail and also the angle that induced spin will have on the cue ball as it comes off the rail.
When I say I play competitively I mean I have played tournament pool against at least one hall of fame member and beat him a game or two.
Dr_Hibbert_Voice · 3 points · Posted at 20:47:55 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Lot of kids in here who clearly think a game or two a week drunk at a bar makes them an expert.
LogicalFallacy77 · 3 points · Posted at 18:48:50 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
You must not play pool. Longtime player here, for years at the tournament level. Speed can greatly affect how a ball comes off the rail.
Puckfan21 · -1 points · Posted at 18:58:32 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
You're right I am lying /s
Yes, speed will affect the cue ball, but why? As you hit it harder you are adding rotations which will affect the English of the ball.
The example I see in my head is. If the cue ball and the 8 ball are both even with the 8 ball in the side pocket. I decide to bank off the opposite rail and sink the 8 ball.
If I hit the Cue ball dead center I can roll it there or smash it there.
The issue with speed comes when you want English on the cue ball to set up your next shot. I can tap it and get little movement or stroke it harder to add more English.
I am pretty sure we are all saying the same thing, but I am looking at the core speed of the shot and everyone else is taking about speed in regards to having/not having English on the cue.
If I am wrong I am sorry, but in my experience if you hit a dead ball with no English it shouldn't matter how hard or soft you play the shot.
Dr_Hibbert_Voice · 3 points · Posted at 20:49:52 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I understand that that makes sense in your head, and it works great for yahoo pool, but that's not how it works on a table. The speed ABSOLUTELY affects the angle, regardless of spin. This is not a matter of opinion.
Puckfan21 · 1 points · Posted at 20:55:11 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Glad everyone has been condescending. Like I said I dont play competitively just with buddies on the weekends.
Another user has already pointed out the part of the equation that I was not thinking about, but thank you for contributing.
lilbeerman · -1 points · Posted at 19:13:08 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This guy gets it. I have played competitive pool for over 10 years.
rb1353 · -3 points · Posted at 16:06:10 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)*
Does it really matter in this context? There isn't really any curving if no English is applied, it's just a straight line, then redirected into another straight line after it hits the wall, speed shouldn't really affect that, right?
Gipedo · 2 points · Posted at 16:10:03 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It does actually matter. The speed at which a ball is hit can alter the angle that it takes when it comes off of a rail. The harder the hit the more acute the angle will be.
fezzuk · 1 points · Posted at 16:19:02 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Well then I guess this would also help teach people to hit smooth and straight. A but problem with beginners is hitting it to hard
rb1353 · 1 points · Posted at 16:56:11 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Ah okay. Well TIL, I'll have to pay more attention to this when I'm playing pool.
dolemite- · 0 points · Posted at 16:28:00 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I thought the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection regardless of speed. Spin and where the cue strikes the ball would affect things.
ReadyThePies · 6 points · Posted at 16:35:20 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It's different on a pool table. I think because the rails are rubber, so being hit at different velocities affects the angle of reflection. It can actually be a very dramatic difference.
drunkpitbull · 6 points · Posted at 19:06:25 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
For those interested in the source: https://youtu.be/hlp1gf4uRGE
Lo_Key · 5 points · Posted at 15:30:33 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Reminds me of virtuapool. Thing is though, it doesn't account for speed.
1mikeg · 0 points · Posted at 15:49:48 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Or force, or resistance.
ahappyhotdog · 2 points · Posted at 21:19:37 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Force would be a function of speed. And what do you mean resistance?
1mikeg · 1 points · Posted at 21:30:20 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Well, gravity to start with. And there's the friction created by the felt surface against the surface of the ball.
[deleted] · 2 points · Posted at 21:40:53 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
That would be one of the easiest things to solve if that's your concern. The friction of the felt would be pretty consistent on the same table. I'm sure the people who can afford something like this would have the machine calibrated to that pools unique unknown properties. And gravity is kinda already a known constant, no reason why gravity that never changes would throw a monkey in the wrench. If anything, it can't account for spin or the player's accuracy or speed since it greatly affects the rebound.
1mikeg · 0 points · Posted at 21:58:56 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I'm not saying it's not solvable, I'm just saying it doesn't in its current state.
tabasaur · 5 points · Posted at 16:44:22 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I see this as a good practice tool for beginners. Just a general understanding how pool physics work. In an actual match, it defeats the purpose of the game...
ColdSunnyMorning · 4 points · Posted at 17:08:56 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Here's their Facebook page.
goddammitgary · 10 points · Posted at 16:05:49 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It's cool. But kind of defeats the purpose. Although I already know what shot I'm SUPPOSED to take... I just need to actually do it.
zipped6 · 3 points · Posted at 17:02:49 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
"Tracks... will go" This thing predicts the future?
mxmr47 · 0 points · Posted at 18:53:35 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
"pool table that calculates the angle..."
[deleted] · 3 points · Posted at 17:08:06 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
doesn't account for english. still pretty cool.
WinterFreshershist · 3 points · Posted at 18:42:22 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Over head projector. Not the pool table. I doubt the table is playing any part in tracking any of it.
Still too much moneys.
pizerv · 5 points · Posted at 15:45:49 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Whenever this post shows up it shows how little do many people know about playing pool. It's a tool and hardly levels any playing field. Whenever I meet new people that want to play it never fails that the ones talking about how good they are know so little about the game.
schmittc · 4 points · Posted at 17:32:23 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Or the ones who walk up to the table and want to play for money/drinks/etc. when they didn't watch you take a single shot. Almost always trash players. The kind of players that think they're good because they hit a bunch of balls in their basement but don't understand pool strategy at all.
pizerv · 2 points · Posted at 17:58:27 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Never realized how much depth there is to the game before I started regularly playing.
Quick1711 · 1 points · Posted at 20:44:23 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
There's strategy to shooting pool?! I'm Irish and just always brought my luck to the table. I couldn't sink anything but I'll be damned if I left you a shot. And if I did go on a run I'd always scratch when trying to sink the 8 ball.
schmittc · 1 points · Posted at 22:33:07 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
That's strategy right there, right? Defense. Unless I misunderstood you. A lot strategy comes down to cue ball placement. Have an easy shot sitting in the corner pocket? Position yourself such that you can carom off of it and break up a nearby cluster. Like Chess, the better you are the more shots/moves you're planning ahead for. If I have 5 balls I need to put in, is there a good line I can take to put them all in? That's why there's a big jump in quality from crappy bar players who can shoot somewhat straight and sink shots (basement players, as I call them) and players who can control where the cue ball goes after the shot. Very good players have a good idea where the cue ball will go, great players put it exactly where they want it.
mxmr47 · 1 points · Posted at 18:50:33 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
that tool will give you advantage if you're a novice playing against another novice.
iamsofired · 2 points · Posted at 15:58:08 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
8ballpoolmultiplyer on miniclip is awesome
Dan007121 · 2 points · Posted at 18:43:33 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Ohh good. I needed a 400th different posting of this gif to understand the concept.
[deleted] · 2 points · Posted at 23:21:07 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
For people too lazy to learn how to play and develop some skill. Cool tech but...
Feldew · 2 points · Posted at 12:39:56 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
Yeah, this is like bowling with the bumpers on. Lame.
GlobalMessenger · 3 points · Posted at 13:16:41 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Talk about leveling the playing field
JimmyJamesincorp · 19 points · Posted at 13:53:54 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
A good player will still skin your ass. This just makes it more interesting for the underdog, that's it.
[deleted] · 2 points · Posted at 15:50:38 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
"Skin your ass" seems a bit excessive in this context.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 21:45:43 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Not even. Unless you can pull off 100% accurate shots on the exact spot you need to hit with 0 spin and dead center on the cue, there's no way this would help you. The speed at which the ball travels greatly affects the rebound angle, so even if you managed a perfect placement, the force would need to also be mastered depending on the shot. And at that point, you're pretty much skilled enough that you'll know how to get the angles you want without this device that is accurate to maybe 1 or 2 rebounds max for any shot less than 100% perfect. If you can utilize this machine to give you any degree of accuracy, you'll already be at a level where you won't need this machine.
DoctorMcAstronaut · 5 points · Posted at 16:38:05 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Honestly I don't think this would offer any advantage beyond just learning how to play. Yes it's somewhat helpful for lining up shots but no more than a laser sight on a pistol vs. an optical sight. Also, it assumes a center strike on the cue ball and no rotation and tells you where the cue ball will go after impact. Anywhere beyond beginner level you tell the cue ball where after impact based on where you strike it.
That being said, it doesn't look like this tech is too far from accomplishing that.
Sub116610 · 2 points · Posted at 15:58:07 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Ruins it.
furatail · 2 points · Posted at 17:28:28 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Big deal, my Nintendo could do that.
KTMduke125 · 2 points · Posted at 17:51:12 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
surely this destroys everything fun to do with pool
mxmr47 · 1 points · Posted at 19:01:39 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
At mid/high levels that tool wouldnt change the winner
KTMduke125 · 0 points · Posted at 19:06:59 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
right but it'll destroy the casual game at the local.
dirtyduo · 2 points · Posted at 19:18:03 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
As someone who's life is comprised of about 1/3 work, 1/3 sleep, and 1/3 playing pool, I can say that this will never be completely accurate. When hitting a rail several factors come into play. Ball speed, spin, deflection, ball rotation, etc.
bury_the_boy · 2 points · Posted at 20:01:24 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
how many times is this goddamn table going to be on the front page
dodgetimes2 · 1 points · Posted at 15:45:20 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Reminds me of the laser grid putter in Caddyshack 2.
DaBigPapi · 1 points · Posted at 15:52:37 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Can anyone ELI5 how this works?
Xyloft · 1 points · Posted at 16:00:11 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I assume there is a top mounted camera (probably a hacked xbox connect) that can detect the pool cue and white ball and can project the line. next to the camera is probably a normal projector. since the camera is fixed, the pool table edges can be fixed in the program. still guessing.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 16:02:23 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This can't be a real thing. How does it know how much force you're going to use, or where on the ball the cue will strike?
mxmr47 · 2 points · Posted at 18:58:53 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
it just calculate the angles of a center hit to the white ball, not force or spin wich affects a lot.
leejoness · 1 points · Posted at 16:04:43 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Yahoo pool hax
breadnbutterr · 1 points · Posted at 16:20:26 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
8ballpool_irl
tdotbay · 1 points · Posted at 16:28:32 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
How much are one of these bad boys ?
topredditgeek · 1 points · Posted at 16:31:32 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It's just like playing yahoo pool.
epic-cholo-bus · 1 points · Posted at 16:40:32 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Just as neat as the last time this was posted...
cappo40 · 1 points · Posted at 16:48:22 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Me playing pool on Pogo.com, and even with the guides, I still suck at it
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 16:58:47 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
[deleted]
Policeman333 · 1 points · Posted at 17:50:06 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Just about every top-level comment made hours before yours, and just about every other comment in this thread, have said the same thing as you.
banda92 · 1 points · Posted at 17:25:05 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Talk about leveling the playing field
Szos · 1 points · Posted at 17:28:35 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
On a perfect table calculating the angle is fairly trivial, but accounting for the unevenness of the cushion, as well as English is what would throw this off.
RelyOnIrony · 1 points · Posted at 17:30:52 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
And she's still knocks in both balls...
GarMan · 1 points · Posted at 17:39:55 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I can't find it, but I distinctly remember an episode of Knight Rider where K.I.T.T explains how cool maths is by showing a kid how to understand pool
qualityproduct · 1 points · Posted at 17:40:38 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Now if I can get this tech but only visible through my sunglasses, I'd finally be able to win some money.
alrightiwillbite · 1 points · Posted at 17:56:58 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Pool buddy
BassSounds · 1 points · Posted at 17:57:06 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Where can I buy this (projector) ?
I imagine it's an overhead projector like those ones in the mall for "puddles"? I'm guessing it notices where the outer circle is broken to determine what to project.
pointe31 · 1 points · Posted at 18:09:31 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Old school yahoo pool rushes to my mind.
PessimisticPuppet · 1 points · Posted at 18:11:49 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Technology sucks the fun out of everything.
betternewbusiness · 1 points · Posted at 18:21:37 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
No real skill needed for this game anymore I see.
Fredelini · 1 points · Posted at 18:21:46 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Just like 8 Ball Pool on Miniclip hehe !
DrobUWP · 1 points · Posted at 18:22:32 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
sorry, but this may be useful for aiming at a ball across the table, but if you're having trouble lining up a straight shot, you need more help than this.
where it hypothetically seems useful is bank shots, but as soon as the cue ball touches a rail, it's predictions are junk. any spin (even rolling forward due to a straight shot) will throw off the angle.
when I explain putting English on the cue ball to new players I'll demonstrate by hitting a perpendicular shot at the side rail and instead of it bouncing straight back like you'd expect, you can put it in either the center or corner pocket like this
iamaiamscat · 1 points · Posted at 18:22:36 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
What the f, half you people are like "It can't predict how hard! It doesn't account for spin! You have to hit it straight!". "OMG what good is this!"
Well no shit those are the assumptions.
It's just showing you if you hit it perfectly straight where the ball should go. It teaches you the angles you need to use.
tadwook · 1 points · Posted at 18:24:35 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
please take my money
Fuglypump · 1 points · Posted at 18:24:56 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Now just make it so that only people with special glasses can see it.
RemnantHelmet · 1 points · Posted at 18:25:48 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
That removes half the skill of the game
richardec · 1 points · Posted at 18:26:28 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Was this inspired by Quantum Leap?
redditeyedoc · 1 points · Posted at 18:30:51 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
What about the english
livemau5 · 1 points · Posted at 18:39:15 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I own a projector, webcam, and pool table. How do I set this up in my own home?
Ennion · 1 points · Posted at 18:39:39 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Don't add English to the ball.
jawa-pawnshop · 1 points · Posted at 18:49:12 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I have a feeling this is only for the basic angles and can't take into account things like English on the ball...
kevonicus · 1 points · Posted at 18:50:47 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Now let's track where this blatant repost will go.
GoldenGonzo · 1 points · Posted at 19:10:27 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It's not actually the table itself. It's a light/laser system that is suspended from above. It can be installed on any preexisting table.
Oh_Skiller · 1 points · Posted at 19:36:22 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
So basically taking most of the skill out of billiards. Good job technology, good job
jameskoss · 1 points · Posted at 19:44:25 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
We,re going to need more elaborate pool tables for this, otherwise it just ruins the whole point of the game..
Anglaceandwhiskey · 1 points · Posted at 19:46:48 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I'm pretty sure that is basically just Yahoo Pool.
joelthezombie15 · 1 points · Posted at 19:57:55 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
So what's the point of playing pool then?
devilsrevolver · 1 points · Posted at 20:06:07 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
You know, if you were to pair this with specialized lenses that let you see a specific light spectrum, and make the light/laser whatever, be in that spectrum. It would be so easy to fucking hustle people.
gamepopper · 1 points · Posted at 20:08:18 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It's just like those old snooker games I used to play...
reeoreeo · 1 points · Posted at 20:15:19 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Two words: Quantum Leap
Sameoo · 1 points · Posted at 20:21:55 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
That defeats the purpose of the game
nerolyk · 1 points · Posted at 20:31:17 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
yahoo pool reborn
Citystarrz · 1 points · Posted at 20:42:00 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
What about playing side on a shot?
Jay794 · 1 points · Posted at 20:42:48 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is called cheating
niko_khl · 1 points · Posted at 20:44:53 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
miniclip pool comes to life
Peytons_Man_Thing · 1 points · Posted at 20:45:52 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I'm gonna repost this in a month and get that karma!
onlyacynicalman · 1 points · Posted at 20:55:02 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Get a few more sensors on the stick to approximate for jump shots with a dotted line and spin with some curves. Then I'll be satisfied.
___AhPuch___ · 1 points · Posted at 21:01:02 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This ruins pool.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 21:04:38 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is, of course, assuming I already know proper pool technique. For me it's kinda like baseball: if I don't miss the ball 3 times in a row I'm calling it good.
Seccedonien · 1 points · Posted at 21:08:46 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I shall astonish the table every time by not getting the ball to the point it predicted it should go to.
Dash_O_Cunt · 1 points · Posted at 21:17:47 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
That is just cheating
hateboss · 1 points · Posted at 21:32:25 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is only valuable if you hit the ball with ZERO English (sidespin), AKA never. If you are the type of person who can hit the ball with no sidespin each time, then you don't need this.
I mean it's a good visual training aid for beginners, but it's pretty high end tech for something that can be learned during a few casual knock arounds.
elkayem · 1 points · Posted at 21:40:26 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
So it's like yahoo pool? Now anyone can be good at pool?
bitNine · 1 points · Posted at 21:54:59 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
THAT'S CHEATING!
Now, where can I buy one?
divineslasher · 1 points · Posted at 22:08:30 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Press F to pay respects.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 22:15:29 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
so. soon this won't require any skill.
Xellith · 1 points · Posted at 22:18:38 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
It's like that episode of quantum leap!
DankoJones84 · 1 points · Posted at 22:32:17 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Yahoo pool IRL. Such cheating.
bcity20 · 1 points · Posted at 22:57:07 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
peggle?
jimmythest · 1 points · Posted at 23:18:22 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Straight out of that episode of quantum leap
Delsana · 1 points · Posted at 23:24:41 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I have decided I can play pool now! I shall become the best!
JeffreyLevay · 1 points · Posted at 23:39:13 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Reminds me of playing pool on Yahoo instant messenger.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 01:28:42 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
I just started watching Firefly and could have sworn this table was featured.
es84 · 1 points · Posted at 02:17:13 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
Somehow I'd still be shitty at pool with a table like this.
Animagi27 · 1 points · Posted at 13:23:07 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Now every kid in IT class is going to be a world pool champion. Damn it.
ey_bb_wan_sum_fuk · 1 points · Posted at 15:50:49 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Cue ball speed, left/right/top/bottom english, and the mechanics of the stroke will all affect the way the balls come off the rail.
This ain't nothing but a cute toy.
_Connor · 1 points · Posted at 15:58:44 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This literally kills the basic premise of billiards....
Chase_P · 1 points · Posted at 16:31:47 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This gif has been reposted so many times...
Throwthiswatchaway · 1 points · Posted at 16:35:06 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Coming to you live from 2013
Flemtality · 1 points · Posted at 17:28:06 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Better title: "Pool table that takes all of the fun out of a game of billiards."
Imtroll · 1 points · Posted at 22:36:57 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
This is really cool but the ball won't always go where your aiming it based on stick position alone.
There's spin, possible bumper damage, forward roll or backward roll, slipping, possible damage to the apholstry. Then of course there is table lean.
I mean its a really cool concept and the geometry lesson is neat but there's so many things that go into a proper pool shot.
I imagine there's a few pool experts on this website who would be willing to go further into detail about this. I am however scared that they will since I'm calling it pool instead of billiards.
/r/billiards
[deleted] · -7 points · Posted at 14:01:36 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)*
[deleted]
bundlesofjoy · 3 points · Posted at 14:34:37 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
My guess is it's probably a learning tool.
tenshiyo · 1 points · Posted at 16:41:27 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I guess that would help a beginner our. But don't you think one learns a bit more by trial and error? This solution doesn't really offer that much room for errors.
bundlesofjoy · 1 points · Posted at 17:18:03 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I agree, but some people can't visualize angles very well. I feel like using this for a few weeks would probably help someone with that issue.
decoy321 · 5 points · Posted at 14:16:50 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Hardly. It doesn't look like it takes into account English.
[deleted] · 7 points · Posted at 14:54:09 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I think no matter what language you speak it's going to be helpful.
decoy321 · 5 points · Posted at 14:58:37 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
http://i.imgur.com/sPwgpLj.gifv
Xyloft · 2 points · Posted at 16:23:25 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
yup. this is the first thing i though of. It's pretty easy to shoot down the center of the pool table, but give it enough english that the ball comes back to you but in the pocket. conversely, it's really hard to shoot across the length of a pool table, holding the cue in place and have the ball touch your pool cue tip on the return.
bennyh6813 · 1 points · Posted at 15:39:15 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
If you're a good player you should know the result of 90% of your shots. Very few times do you just chuck it out there hoping for the best. This table wouldn't even help me that much and I only have 5-6 years of experience.
notafairhero · 0 points · Posted at 19:36:33 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
you say pool, this is all I can think about. http://img.pixfans.com/2008/05/pocket-gal.jpg
SwordfshII · 0 points · Posted at 20:14:33 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Take my money!
Dehalo · 0 points · Posted at 16:52:59 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Cheater
molohunt · 0 points · Posted at 01:04:05 on January 27, 2016 · (Permalink)
they made yahoo pool in real life holy shit
T-Torx · -3 points · Posted at 15:46:31 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
I see we are still in the process of making everyone dumber.
SoylentGreenMuffins · 1 points · Posted at 16:42:01 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
How? Seems to me like this would be used as a practice table. Help you learn how to accurately predict the angle you have to hit it. No one would actually use this during play.
[deleted] · -1 points · Posted at 15:51:15 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
Have you seen Idiocracy?
MinusIons · 1 points · Posted at 16:33:53 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
http://i.imgur.com/DlkEtqy.gif
ERRORMONSTER · -1 points · Posted at 16:31:46 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
That's not very impressive. It doesn't look at the incident angle of the cue on the cue ball, leading to mis-shots like you see in the video. The prediction was that she'd only hit the blue ball, but she hit both.
FatGreasyPackersFan · -13 points · Posted at 13:43:44 on January 26, 2016 · (Permalink)
/r/repost
/r/shitpost