What does it really take to run 820 balls? In part two, John Schmidt and Bob Keller pull back the curtain on the conditions, equipment, routines, and tiny details that made this historic straight pool run possible. This is the laboratory episode. John walks us through the Gold Crown table, legal five-inch pockets, Simonis cloth, Predator Arcos balls, modern chalk, donut rings, polished balls, fatigue mats, Hoka shoes, and even the nutritional routine that helped him feel stronger and fresher than he expected. He makes it clear that in a high-run attempt, nothing is random. Every edge matters.

John also explains why the modern game has changed. He contrasts his 626 attempt years earlier with this run, describing how template-style racking, cleaner equipment, and a better understanding of break shots opened up new possibilities. Bob adds valuable insight on ball-per-inning average, the stat he believes reveals John’s true greatness. Their discussion makes a fascinating point: the high run gets the headlines, but consistency may tell the deeper story.

There is also a wonderful amount of humor here, because this is still John Schmidt. He talks about Bitcoin, COVID, protein powder, chalk skids, and why a 200-ball runner is the only kind of man he wants racking for him when something serious is on the line. By the end of this episode, listeners will understand that 820 was not luck, and it was not magic. It was preparation meeting obsession, with every possible variable pushed in the right direction.

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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.”