Fargo 500 Pool Journey: When Realism Meets Resolve

Fargo 500 Pool Journey: “That Could Take Years...” — A Respectful Reality Check

Todd Rowitz is our BCA league operator—one of the most respected, attentive, and supportive organizers around. He’s seen hundreds of players come and go, watched skill levels evolve, and knows the landscape better than anyone. When I first shared that I was aiming for a Fargo rating of 500, Todd offered a realistic reply: “Fargo 500 is extremely difficult.”

On the road to Las Vegas 2026

A few weeks later, after analyzing my match results and running estimates of the Fargo Rate algorithm with help from my AI assistant, I revised the goal to something more short-term—Fargo 400 by February. Todd kindly responded again: “Even 400 could take a couple of years.”

That wasn’t criticism. That was insight. And he wasn’t wrong—he was describing the average Fargo 500 pool journey.

Fargo 500 Pool Journey: The Difference Between Average and Obsession

Most players improve gradually: A few hours a week. An occasional tournament. No coach. No system. That’s the average journey—and Todd was absolutely right to frame it that way.

But I’m not taking an average path.

Here’s what my Fargo 500 pool journey looks like:

• 20-25 hours/week of structured solo practice

• Studying good pool books and coaching videos

• Personal coaching with billiards legend Jerry Briesath (currently on hold for summer)

• A 12-hour intensive session with Dr. Dave planned for August

• Daily drills: working on stroke, stroke, stroke, plus accurate aim and precision cue ball control

• Runout pattern study at the end of every practice

• Spreadsheets tracking every match, rating estimate, and opponent

• Studying pool like a science: videos, books, physics, psychology
  

At age 91, I don’t have time to wait years to get better. I’m treating this like flight school: clear benchmarks, consistent feedback, and a commitment to excellence.

Fargo 500 Pool Journey: Respecting Realism Without Limiting the Mindset

This post isn’t a rebuttal—it’s a tribute to Todd's wisdom, and a show of appreciation for him being willing to make realistic comments.

Todd’s message reminded me of something I’ve practiced throughout my life: If I want an uncommon outcome, I have to take an uncommon approach.

I dropped out of high school to work in the Detroit factories, but finally envisioned something better and began setting goals. I joined the Army, earned my GED, and eventually became a Pan Am captain flying Boeing 747s around the world. That wasn’t supposed to happen either.

Now, in my 90s, I’ve set a goal that most wouldn’t dare: After starting to play pool in September 2023, setting a goal to reach Fargo 500 in competitive pool. (Revised to 400 by February 2026) Whether I hit it this year, next year, or beyond—it’s the effort and structure that count.

If I can encourage someone else—especially a fellow senior—to take on a challenge that seems out of reach, I’ve already succeeded.

Closing Reflection

The Fargo 500 pool journey isn’t just a rating chase. It’s a mindset. A discipline. A joy.

Even if it takes five years, I’ll keep going—because the journey itself is the reward.

Thank you, Todd, for the dose of realism. It reminded me why I’m choosing the hard way… again.