Jorge - my recollection of the prior USBC statements was that there was NOT going to be the same pattern release broadcast in 2015 that there had been in the past.

ps - what's going on with this site ? no response to you in more than 48 hours ??

Per the "2015 USBC Open Championships - El Paso, TX" Facebook page, they will be releasing the pattern 1-2 days prior to the event.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/482715161831580/

not much response because it seems to be a bit different this year.
the guy who was partly responsible for the patterns, Eric Pierson was relieved of pattern design duties this year.
he used to be in the kick-off show
im not sure who is the decision maker(s) this year, but 1 thing is for sure, they want higher scores, just look at what happened last year

we're right on your heels on 3/17 and 3/18 although Lord knows what 3/18 will be like after tex-mex st. patty's night

The teams that go later to the tournament will always have an advantage.

They can practice on the pattern longer, set up their equipment, setup their team strategy, and their spies at the tournament will feed them information on what factors are scoring the best.

But I believe the bowlers in the first month of the tournament are treated like second class citizens.

I know the USBC will claim they are still tweaking the pattern, but I would bet that in Arlington team USA has been practicing on essentially the tournament pattern for several months.

The patterns should have been released a month ago giving everyone an opportunity to practice on the pattern.

Maybe virtually none of the early participants would avail themselves to that chance but at least they would have it.

I do agree with some of your sentiments.  But, even so.  The cream will always rise to the top.  Do you honestly think if a team of random "scratch" bowlers from any league is going to have a good chance of popping off a 3400+ if they had practiced?  Most of the teams on top are going to be former PBA members, people from Team USA, or staff guys from the industry (Vise, Turbo, ball companies).  Most people that have 220 THS averages at their home centers could get to 3200 or so.  Every so often we get a guy like a Matt McNiel that will show up and have a good year (or in his case 3).  But even he isnt just some house 220 league bowler.  Thats because the average 220 league guy still cant hit the same two board area at the arrows for more than 2 or 3 shots at a time. 

I may get flamed for some of my comments and that is fine.  But I base this on what I see.  There are guys in my league that average 220 that one ball only gets to 10 at the breakpoint and the next shot gets to 5-6 and both shots strike.  Take away that area; they instantly become 195-200 average bowlers.  NOW....take those people and put them on a shot with a 2.5:1 ratio shot.  No way they shoot 3000 let alone 3400+.

Bottom line............no matter how much practice someone gets; the best will always be at the top of the standings.

Quote from: Pinbuster on March 03, 2015, 10:41:17 AM

The teams that go later to the tournament will always have an advantage.

They can practice on the pattern longer, set up their equipment, setup their team strategy, and their spies at the tournament will feed them information on what factors are scoring the best.

But I believe the bowlers in the first month of the tournament are treated like second class citizens.

I know the USBC will claim they are still tweaking the pattern, but I would bet that in Arlington team USA has been practicing on essentially the tournament pattern for several months.

The patterns should have been released a month ago giving everyone an opportunity to practice on the pattern.

Maybe virtually none of the early participants would avail themselves to that chance but at least they would have it.

I do agree with some of your sentiments.  But, even so.  The cream will always rise to the top.  Do you honestly think if a team of random "scratch" bowlers from any league is going to have a good chance of popping off a 3400+ if they had practiced?  Most of the teams on top are going to be former PBA members, people from Team USA, or staff guys from the industry (Vise, Turbo, ball companies).  Most people that have 220 THS averages at their home centers could get to 3200 or so.  Every so often we get a guy like a Matt McNiel that will show up and have a good year (or in his case 3).  But even he isnt just some house 220 league bowler.  Thats because the average 220 league guy still cant hit the same two board area at the arrows for more than 2 or 3 shots at a time. 

I may get flamed for some of my comments and that is fine.  But I base this on what I see.  There are guys in my league that average 220 that one ball only gets to 10 at the breakpoint and the next shot gets to 5-6 and both shots strike.  Take away that area; they instantly become 195-200 average bowlers.  NOW....take those people and put them on a shot with a 2.5:1 ratio shot.  No way they shoot 3000 let alone 3400+.

Bottom line............no matter how much practice someone gets; the best will always be at the top of the standings.

Very true. Most 220 average bowler I've seen usually shoot in the low 500's or less at the Open. What the House shot giveth, the Sport shot taketh away!

And you would still get beat even if you practiced on the pattern.  The guys that are at the top every year are just plain better bowlers.