Part 2 of our conversation with George Ashby moves from the room to the arena, as George takes us inside the thought process, discipline, and competitive fire required to become a world-class three-cushion player. This is the episode where the game opens up. George explains the importance of scoring average, position play, shot selection, and concentration, giving listeners a rare window into what elite three-cushion really looks like from the player’s chair.

Along the way, he reflects on high runs, the satisfaction of controlled scoring, and the moment he realized that offense — not merely defense — would be the future of the game. He speaks candidly about studying his own matches, identifying weak spots in his concentration, and developing a more aggressive, television-friendly style built around scoring in bunches. It is a fascinating portrait of a player thinking several shots ahead while also thinking years ahead about where the sport itself needed to go.

George also shares the enormous influence of the European masters, including Raymond Ceulemans, Ludo Dielis, Nobuaki Kobayashi, and the systems and stroke variations that transformed his understanding of three-cushion. What he learned from international play forced him to rethink everything: equipment, tempo, speed control, and even how a champion should approach offense.

This episode captures the stretch where talent becomes craft. George is no longer simply a gifted young player from Illinois — he is becoming a student of the world game, measuring himself against the very best, and building the style that would define his championship years. For anyone who loves the deeper strategy of cue sports, this is a master class wrapped inside a life story.

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with Hall of Fame members, world champions, and influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come.

Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.

 Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”