Hey Mark Griffin

2016 us open one pocket

2016 us open one pocket

Hi everyone-
Thanks to Lou for telling me about this thread. A lot has happened to Mark Griffin and CSI since last year - but we're still looking for solutions. I've had preliminary talks with several rooms. But holidays, major changes at nationals (hopefully released this weekend), the soon to be released FargoRate system (with new phone all league software and online charts) - having to find new locations for Swanee and USBTC, 3-4 new state tournaments and all new websites. Whew - my staff has been busy!!!

Unfortunately I've been down a lot of this year. I was released from the hospital from double lung transplant the end of May. I'm breathing real good and am very lucky. But I was very weak and mentally challenged (more than usual) - drugs made it hard to concentrate and stay focused (what's new?) Over time it got much better and I'm about 9O% now. But there's been setbacks. This is being written from a Phoenix hospital- I got the flu and that can kill me. I'm good this time and think I'll be in office on Monday.

That was all said for a reason:

We're working on locations- but I'm VERY interested in having it in a proper pool room. This must beheld to CSI standards. We have booked a loser over $5,000 per year. Often 3 times higher. If you add the table transportation of $10,000 and costs of hanging lights (in excess of $8,000) and you have often over $25,000 in losses. Don't forget staff costs either.

The only possible way to continue this event - which is my personal favorite - is in a pool room because it eliminate the major expenses. CSI will add some money, and will provide online support and brackets, an some tournament staff. We will take all entries and guarantee all layouts. This will remain a CSI event. The pool room will need to add money - but they will get big props for doing so. Players need to be sponsors and companies need to help out. Locals will have to volunteer as staff.

So any suggestions please send to me. I will find an answer. There is a potential $10-$15 added from a casino who will also hang lights. Still have table expenses. Location is in Arizona. Might be time to find a more eastern location. There are terms that are NOT going to be negotiable. This events quality and ethics will not be compromised. It will NOT become a world championship until WPA recognizes the game.

Given the time to stimulate interest, the qualifying method has potential - sounds good on paper and costs gobs of hours in proper promotion. Time is expensive too! My experience is that one pocket cultivates a much more honorable player and room owner than other games - do I hope far less hassles.

So if there really is some industry support, please show me. It's been more than I can continue to carry. Bet I am easily way over $200-300,000 loser in last 14-15 years. We need at least $10,000 from outside sources. I want the room to have a chance to not get beat up financially. Same with CSI.

Let's talk - let's make it happen.

Thanks for reading this ridiculously long post. I might be slower - and my best game is now maybe 60% cuz of shakes and eyesight - I still have more passion and less common sense than most of the one pocket community. But I'll be able to regain more passion to play - I really believe that. But I have new priorities. So come work with me and let's not lose the momentum I am proud to have helped maintain.
Contact me with comments questions or commitments - I'll be back in office starting Monday
Mark Griffin
Markg@playcsipool.com
702-835-2000 ( I will not talk to blocked or screen names)
I'm on pacific time

markgriffin said:

Hi everyone-
Thanks to Lou for telling me about this thread. A lot has happened to Mark Griffin and CSI since last year - but we're still looking for solutions. I've had preliminary talks with several rooms. But holidays, major changes at nationals (hopefully released this weekend), the soon to be released FargoRate system (with new phone all league software and online charts) - having to find new locations for Swanee and USBTC, 3-4 new state tournaments and all new websites. Whew - my staff has been busy!!!

Unfortunately I've been down a lot of this year. I was released from the hospital from double lung transplant the end of May. I'm breathing real good and am very lucky. But I was very weak and mentally challenged (more than usual) - drugs made it hard to concentrate and stay focused (what's new?) Over time it got much better and I'm about 9O% now. But there's been setbacks. This is being written from a Phoenix hospital- I got the flu and that can kill me. I'm good this time and think I'll be in office on Monday.

That was all said for a reason:

We're working on locations- but I'm VERY interested in having it in a proper pool room. This must beheld to CSI standards. We have booked a loser over $5,000 per year. Often 3 times higher. If you add the table transportation of $10,000 and costs of hanging lights (in excess of $8,000) and you have often over $25,000 in losses. Don't forget staff costs either.

The only possible way to continue this event - which is my personal favorite - is in a pool room because it eliminate the major expenses. CSI will add some money, and will provide online support and brackets, an some tournament staff. We will take all entries and guarantee all layouts. This will remain a CSI event. The pool room will need to add money - but they will get big props for doing so. Players need to be sponsors and companies need to help out. Locals will have to volunteer as staff.

So any suggestions please send to me. I will find an answer. There is a potential $10-$15 added from a casino who will also hang lights. Still have table expenses. Location is in Arizona. Might be time to find a more eastern location. There are terms that are NOT going to be negotiable. This events quality and ethics will not be compromised. It will NOT become a world championship until WPA recognizes the game.

Given the time to stimulate interest, the qualifying method has potential - sounds good on paper and costs gobs of hours in proper promotion. Time is expensive too! My experience is that one pocket cultivates a much more honorable player and room owner than other games - do I hope far less hassles.

So if there really is some industry support, please show me. It's been more than I can continue to carry. Bet I am easily way over $200-300,000 loser in last 14-15 years. We need at least $10,000 from outside sources. I want the room to have a chance to not get beat up financially. Same with CSI.

Let's talk - let's make it happen.

Thanks for reading this ridiculously long post. I might be slower - and my best game is now maybe 60% cuz of shakes and eyesight - I still have more passion and less common sense than most of the one pocket community. But I'll be able to regain more passion to play - I really believe that. But I have new priorities. So come work with me and let's not lose the momentum I am proud to have helped maintain.
Contact me with comments questions or commitments - I'll be back in office starting Monday
Mark Griffin
Markg@playcsipool.com
702-835-2000 ( I will not talk to blocked or screen names)
I'm on pacific time

Click to expand...

Thanks for the update Mark and good to hear you seem to be getting your health back!

Jimmy B said:

They reek...

Click to expand...

Are you shure your write that its spelled that weigh?

Ca billiards is back

Ca billiards is back

Hello everyone ,

It's been a long while since I have commented on this site. I have been a little busy with opening and running the new and improved California billiards. Now that things are running smoothly it allows me to concentrate on events for 2016. I talked to mark this morning and expressed my interest in holding the open in our room. I can say that the added money can be done, but the question is will the east coast players make the trip. I am thinking of holding a 10ball tournament in line with holding the open one pocket. I believe this might help convince some people from the east coast to make the trip.

I would love to hear what everyone's thoughts are on the idea or any other ideas that could work.

Either way we will make sure that the 2016 one pocket open will happen!!!

Thanks,
Chris swart

Ca billiards

Ca billiards

gulfportdoc said:

That's great that you're stepping up to the plate, Chris! Is yours the room that is in Fremont?

~Doc

Click to expand...

Yes, moved from mountain view to fremont.

cabilliardclub said:

Hello everyone ,

It's been a long while since I have commented on this site. I have been a little busy with opening and running the new and improved California billiards. Now that things are running smoothly it allows me to concentrate on events for 2016. I talked to mark this morning and expressed my interest in holding the open in our room. I can say that the added money can be done, but the question is will the east coast players make the trip. I am thinking of holding a 10ball tournament in line with holding the open one pocket. I believe this might help convince some people from the east coast to make the trip.

I would love to hear what everyone's thoughts are on the idea or any other ideas that could work.

Either way we will make sure that the 2016 one pocket open will happen!!!

Thanks,
Chris swart

Click to expand...

That sounds fantastic! I would want to come to watch and take photos but for me (and I know some others also), it helps if it is not close to the DCC schedule, because of the hardship of getting away back-to-back. But later spring/summer/fall are at least possible if I don't have some kind of specific conflict.

cabilliardclub said:

Hello everyone ,

It's been a long while since I have commented on this site. I have been a little busy with opening and running the new and improved California billiards. Now that things are running smoothly it allows me to concentrate on events for 2016. I talked to mark this morning and expressed my interest in holding the open in our room. I can say that the added money can be done, but the question is will the east coast players make the trip. I am thinking of holding a 10ball tournament in line with holding the open one pocket. I believe this might help convince some people from the east coast to make the trip.

I would love to hear what everyone's thoughts are on the idea or any other ideas that could work.

Either way we will make sure that the 2016 one pocket open will happen!!!

Thanks,
Chris swart

Click to expand...

the pool world needs more people like you
THANK YOU FOR BEING WILLING TO HOST THE EVENT

cabilliardclub said:

Hello everyone ,

It's been a long while since I have commented on this site. I have been a little busy with opening and running the new and improved California billiards. Now that things are running smoothly it allows me to concentrate on events for 2016. I talked to mark this morning and expressed my interest in holding the open in our room. I can say that the added money can be done, but the question is will the east coast players make the trip. I am thinking of holding a 10ball tournament in line with holding the open one pocket. I believe this might help convince some people from the east coast to make the trip.

I would love to hear what everyone's thoughts are on the idea or any other ideas that could work.

Either way we will make sure that the 2016 one pocket open will happen!!!

Thanks,
Chris swart

Click to expand...

Thanks Chris, thats a great start. It would be great for the us open to be held in your room. good luck

If I'm ever in the area I'll come to Fremont to see you. Thank you for supporting one pocket and pool.

Jim

If this......

If this......

........does happen to happen,be sure to fly into Oakland,not SFO,cheers,Bob

usblues said:

........does happen to happen,be sure to fly into Oakland,not SFO,cheers,Bob

Click to expand...

I was in Livermore over a year ago and drove to North Oakland for some action. It was much faster drive back after midnight

Airport for California Billiards

Airport for California Billiards

San Jose (SJC) is closer to the new California Billiards (located in Fremont) than Oakland or San Francisco airports.

markgriffin said:

Hi everyone-
Thanks to Lou for telling me about this thread. A lot has happened to Mark Griffin and CSI since last year - but we're still looking for solutions. I've had preliminary talks with several rooms. But holidays, major changes at nationals (hopefully released this weekend), the soon to be released FargoRate system (with new phone all league software and online charts) - having to find new locations for Swanee and USBTC, 3-4 new state tournaments and all new websites. Whew - my staff has been busy!!!

Unfortunately I've been down a lot of this year. I was released from the hospital from double lung transplant the end of May. I'm breathing real good and am very lucky. But I was very weak and mentally challenged (more than usual) - drugs made it hard to concentrate and stay focused (what's new?) Over time it got much better and I'm about 9O% now. But there's been setbacks. This is being written from a Phoenix hospital- I got the flu and that can kill me. I'm good this time and think I'll be in office on Monday.

That was all said for a reason:

We're working on locations- but I'm VERY interested in having it in a proper pool room. This must beheld to CSI standards. We have booked a loser over $5,000 per year. Often 3 times higher. If you add the table transportation of $10,000 and costs of hanging lights (in excess of $8,000) and you have often over $25,000 in losses. Don't forget staff costs either.

The only possible way to continue this event - which is my personal favorite - is in a pool room because it eliminate the major expenses. CSI will add some money, and will provide online support and brackets, an some tournament staff. We will take all entries and guarantee all layouts. This will remain a CSI event. The pool room will need to add money - but they will get big props for doing so. Players need to be sponsors and companies need to help out. Locals will have to volunteer as staff.

So any suggestions please send to me. I will find an answer. There is a potential $10-$15 added from a casino who will also hang lights. Still have table expenses. Location is in Arizona. Might be time to find a more eastern location. There are terms that are NOT going to be negotiable. This events quality and ethics will not be compromised. It will NOT become a world championship until WPA recognizes the game.

Given the time to stimulate interest, the qualifying method has potential - sounds good on paper and costs gobs of hours in proper promotion. Time is expensive too! My experience is that one pocket cultivates a much more honorable player and room owner than other games - do I hope far less hassles.

So if there really is some industry support, please show me. It's been more than I can continue to carry. Bet I am easily way over $200-300,000 loser in last 14-15 years. We need at least $10,000 from outside sources. I want the room to have a chance to not get beat up financially. Same with CSI.

Let's talk - let's make it happen.

Thanks for reading this ridiculously long post. I might be slower - and my best game is now maybe 60% cuz of shakes and eyesight - I still have more passion and less common sense than most of the one pocket community. But I'll be able to regain more passion to play - I really believe that. But I have new priorities. So come work with me and let's not lose the momentum I am proud to have helped maintain.
Contact me with comments questions or commitments - I'll be back in office starting Monday
Mark Griffin
Markg@playcsipool.com
702-835-2000 ( I will not talk to blocked or screen names)
I'm on pacific time

Click to expand...

Get well Mark, your health is number one.

cabilliardclub said:

Hello everyone ,

It's been a long while since I have commented on this site. I have been a little busy with opening and running the new and improved California billiards. Now that things are running smoothly it allows me to concentrate on events for 2016. I talked to mark this morning and expressed my interest in holding the open in our room. I can say that the added money can be done, but the question is will the east coast players make the trip. I am thinking of holding a 10ball tournament in line with holding the open one pocket. I believe this might help convince some people from the east coast to make the trip.

I would love to hear what everyone's thoughts are on the idea or any other ideas that could work.

Either way we will make sure that the 2016 one pocket open will happen!!!

Thanks,
Chris swart

Click to expand...

Thumbs up for you Chris and really hope you are able to make it happen.

It should be noted that California Billiards has already been involved with the US Open One Pocket -- via qualifier tournaments.

The California Billiard Club is a first class operation and Chris (the owner) loves pool and pool players. How is that for a winning combination? I have played at Chris's room in Mountain View several times over the years and although I haven't been to its new location in Fremont, I've heard it's super. Count me in for any one pocket tournament held there.

LSJohn said:

No table cost except routine cloth change; massive drink sales; good food sales, and the kicker, 100-150 entrants to a double elim race-to-9 bar box 9-ball at $.75/game. He adds $1000 to 1P and $4000 to 9 ball.

It's profitable, but take away the quarters in the bar boxes and put the whole $5000 added on 1P and he might have a loser.... but not much. His staff scores massive tips, and, whatever it might be worth to him, his Olathe, KS room is known nationally, and he personally knows at least half the 100 top players in country.

If a room didn't have alcohol and food, or enough tables, or bar box tourney along side, totally different picture.

Click to expand...

Plus the biggest thing is Dan owns the building.

Teacherman said:

Here you go....

Room Owner: Richard Schenck
Room: Teachers Billiards
Location: St Louis

I have 4 9' Diamonds. I'm guessing Greg Sullivan would work with me for 2 or 4 more.
I can host and I can stream

I will add $5000.

Click to expand...

Mark G - in St Louis makes a lot of sense. Keep airfare to this airport from just about anywhere. And lots of top one pocket players in the Midwest region that could drive in for the event.

Hope you are getting better and when reading this are now out of the hospital.

Maybe Mark can work it out to hold the US open in 2 locations at the same time since St Louis makes sense for the East and Fremont for the West. The 2 winners could meet up for a classic final. I am sure both locations would draw really well.