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Author Topic: Mega Buck, National, and regional tourneys  (Read 1176 times)

Shoutout33

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Mega Buck, National, and regional tourneys
« on: April 27, 2004, 09:22:50 PM »
I finally know how ask this question now. I know it sounds silly, but hear me out. I have been trying to ask you guys and gals on the forums about going to the big tourneys in our country because I want to compete in them, but at the same time, I want to make realistic goals for myself as well.

I want to win, I mean I'd be crazy to go to a tournament not playing to win, but you're talking about bowling against guys who do nothing but bowl and don't even have PBA cards. By that I mean aren't there always the same amount of guys who end up in the top money brackets each year? Also, where do the average and above average guys and gals fit in? I mean, for all intents and purpouses, you might as well call these guys pros.

Now, if it sounds like I'm complaining, believe me when I say I'm not. I just would like to know how things pan out at these events. I'm tired of asking, "Well, how has ABC bowling company faired at these events?". I mean, I'm really starting to understand that it's about what you do on the lanes as a bowler and as a competitor, not about what ball(s) you throw. That's why you're there in the first place, to win, have fun, mabey make some contacts and enjoy you're vacation.

I will be working on my game religiously so I can feel comfortable going to these tourneys and not feel overwhelmed by what's there and who's there so I can make some prize money. I really want to be competitive enough to be able to do this and I know I'm going to be spending some time to reach that goal.

So just like someone wants to make it on the tour as a pro, wouldn't the concept be the same for the everyday leauge bowler who wants to go these big tourneys and make some big money? As always people, thanks in advance.
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When you've moved up, moved back, adjusted left and right, cupped, flattened out, have thrown everyting in your arsenal, and the pins still don't cooperate, just say, "Aw to HELL with it!", and throw the ball!
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Pinbuster

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Re: Mega Buck, National, and regional tourneys
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2004, 03:20:07 PM »
The sweepers tend to be dominated by the professional “amateurs”. To combat this, the high roller tournament and others have instituted rules that limit the number sweepers you can enter depending on how much money you won in them in previous years. Guys like Chris Barnes never won a High Roller but made lots of money in the sweepers.

Most of the top players make their money in the sweepers because as Bob said the main tournament is a cr*p shoot and the money is not very high until you get into the top 8.

The main tournaments have been won by a mixture of types. Renteria (sp) I believe has won a couple of times as a kid from Washington named Williams. I know a couple of winners have been tour players who quit and regained their status, I believe John Gaines (won the Eliminator) and Brad Kraszuki (sp) (won a high roller) both toured as well as others.

The formats have changed some to favor the better bowlers. The high roller started out purely match play with a random draw. Win two matches and get your entry fee back.

But the Eliminator (at least it use to be) each squad was cut in ½ by a one game score until they got down to a reasonable bracket number. The True Amateur Challenge and others have you bowling 2 or 3 game qualifiers before you get into match play. This eliminates a lot of the weaker players.  
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jimensminger

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Re: Mega Buck, National, and regional tourneys
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2004, 03:38:46 PM »
In the Sr High-Roller you have to qualify to get to matchplay. They take the top 10% daily, with the squad leaders seeded to the round of 32. You're right about the Professional Ams,..there's a bunch of them in the Srs. The normal cut for 4 games to make finals is 915-920...The last 4 times I went the shot has been a variation of a gutter to gutter oil, and the length varies every year. Qualifying is Fri-Sat-and Sun(morning), then the single elimination blind draw matchplay...Tues-Wed-Thur has all day long 2 games mini-sweepers,..brackets and high pots galore, Fri and Sat night they usually run two 3 game sweepers, at & and at 10 if they have the entries,..again brackets and high pots...Most of these Mega Tournaments have a website,..www.high-roller.com etc...any questions feel free to ask

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Shoutout33

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Re: Mega Buck, National, and regional tourneys
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2004, 03:59:29 PM »
Ok, I see what you two are saying. The main tourney is one thing, but everyone makes their money in sweepers. Hmmmmm. Hey, in sweepers, don't you still bowl three games or is it where you bowl seven or nine games across so many lanes? How do you have to prepare yourself mentally for this type of format?

What would you recommend as far as someone who wants to become a tourney bowler? There are a few things I plan to do on my end of the spectrum. I plan to get into a sport league and bowl in a local traveling tour held here in the DC Metro area. They have some really good bowlers, scorers (as my coach would say...), and some regional pros. If I can get in the game and stick with it, I feel I'll be good enough to go out there in Reno and win some money.

Also, could you guys explain what you mean by the big tourneys being a crap shoot? My coach said the same exact thing, so now I'm getting a little nervous about the whole ordeal. Thanks again.
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When you've moved up, moved back, adjusted left and right, cupped, flattened out, have thrown everyting in your arsenal, and the pins still don't cooperate, just say, "Aw to HELL with it!", and throw the ball!
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jimensminger

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Re: Mega Buck, National, and regional tourneys
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2004, 04:08:10 PM »
the mini-sweepers in the Sr is 2 games, and in the evening 3 games, 2 game sweepers with 9 man brackets...game 1, 1-2-3 bowl each other, 4-5-6 bowl each other, 7-8-9 bowl each other. game 2 the first game winners bowl, all 3 get payed 80-25-15, 15 dollar entry. total action all day, never stops...
The crap shoot is the single elimination, you can shoot 172 and win,..or 248 and loose...ya never know.....
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Pinbuster

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Re: Mega Buck, National, and regional tourneys
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2004, 04:15:38 PM »
Most sweepers are generally 2 or 3 games on different pairs. You have the find the shot and hit it hard because it will generally take 450+ for two games to cash and I’ve seen it take 550+ to win.

Most of the tournaments final rounds are head to head match play, 1 game.

When bowling on tough shots breaks often make the difference in these matches.

I’ve watched several high rollers. You see everything. You see bowlers winning with 140’s and loosing with 220’s. But most of the matches (at least early) are nail biters of 180 to 170. Many times you see a bowler carry a Brooklyn or trip out a nose hit split to win. Or you may see a seemingly good shot leave a solid 8 or worse a 4-9 split. I’ve seen bowlers throw 6 in a row with half being crossovers. I’ve seen bowlers needing 5 pins to win flag the head pin going away and get 3 by simply tugging the ball 2 or 3 boards.

In a one game match anyone can beat anyone. I might win 3 out of 10 from Walter Ray but he would kill me in average for the 10.

For prep, bowl on sport shots, work on your spare game, bowl local tournaments that are sweepers and/or head to head matches.
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janderson

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Re: Mega Buck, National, and regional tourneys
« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2004, 04:55:31 PM »
quote:
But the Eliminator (at least it use to be) each squad was cut in ½ by a one game score until they got down to a reasonable bracket number.


This is the way many of the big-pot mini-eliminatrs are set up as well.  At any given moment you're trying to beat half of the field - and in match play the "field" is 2: you and your opponent.

As far as a "crap shoot" goes, here's one explanation.  The big money tournaments naturally draw a large number of entries.  The simple law of averages will dictate that at least one or two bowlers are going to be "on" or "hot".  That's what you're trying to do - stay hot enough long enough to grab some cash.  Look at the guy who shot the 858 in this year's ABC nationals.  Does the guy shoot 800 every time out?  No.  He got hot at the right time and place.  And as PinBuster noted, there are times when luck can play a large factor.

If you want to become a good tournament bowler, start bowling tournaments.  Get accustomed to bowling for money and learn how to deal with the pressure.  Also, become a better bowler - and by this, I don't mean learn to carry a higher average.  You'll need to be versatile.  Learn to comfortably and consistently play deep inside, deep outside, and tight straighter lines.  Your fundamentals should be sound.  You'll need to be consistent.  Learn to take the lane conditions out of play by shooting straight at all of your spares.  So so often, spares are the difference between a check and no check.  Get your mental game razor sharp.  Pressure should be a minimum and the passion to perform well and win should be paramount.  

More than anything, take it from someone who has "been there, do things in a step-ladder type order.  Start by bowling some local tournaments with lower ($50 or less) entry fees.  Once you start placing (in top 5 or 10) and winning in those, take the next step up by entering some bigger tournaments or tournament associations with moderate ($50-150) entry fees.  Once you start placing and winning in those, you're ready to step up to the big boys.  Believe me, if you're not winning when entering a $10 tournament against the local yocals, you're not ready to challenge the big boys at the big tournaments.
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pin-chaser

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Re: Mega Buck, National, and regional tourneys
« Reply #7 on: April 28, 2004, 07:31:30 PM »
I echo janderson. obtain consistant success on each level before progressing to the next. There is so much to learn and trying to learn them at the wrong level will not provide confidence you need. Take your time. Be methodical in all aspects of your bowling and you will achieve the desired results.
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Shoutout33

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Re: Mega Buck, National, and regional tourneys
« Reply #8 on: April 29, 2004, 11:40:48 AM »
Whoa! Man, so much knowledge...so little time. Hey fellas, thanks some much for the replies. It truly mean a lot to me. Some of you may already know this, but for those who don't, I plan to do the Visionary Test Staff program to get my equipment. (Starting from scratch...) I have the ABS Kangaroo leathers already (man I love these shoes...) so all I need to do now is get my equipment.

I have someone who will coach me and he also is sort of a mentor as well. He's willing to teach me as long as I'm willing to learn. I'll be 34 this year and I'd like to have my equipment by the beginning of this fall season. I'd like to do two leagues: 1.)My sport leauge (competitive) 2.) Mixed league (with my fiance to have fun, build confidence in my game, and bring her into the game so she'll understand what I'm trying to do.)

Once again thanks for all of your help and I'll do my best to keep you all up to date on what's going on. Peace love and trip fours ya'll!
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When you've moved up, moved back, adjusted left and right, cupped, flattened out, have thrown everyting in your arsenal, and the pins still don't cooperate, just say, "Aw to HELL with it!", and throw the ball!
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