2005 SW US ProAms

[Master Roshambollah]

It's that time of year again;  the 2005 SW US ProAms will be held at Roshambo Winery on June 4, 2005.  For complete info, including the Press Release, check the Roshambo Winery web site.

Having competed in this tournament for the last two years (prior to my retirement) I have some definite ProAm specific advice for both newcomers as well as ProAm veterans.  This information has been hard-won, but having retired I have no need to jealously horde my secrets.

-First, and perhaps most importantly, it should be remembered that the ProAms use the two prime shoot (one, two, throw) instead of the International Standard three prime shoot (one, two, three, throw.)  It can not be stressed often or loudly enough that the way one trains is the way one will play.  The first year I competed, I inadvertently threw rock on several occasions, because I was used to playing three prime (in other words, my "third" prime was correctly called as a rock by the refs.)  

I would encourage anyone competing in the SW US ProAms to begin training with the two prime shoot immediately.  I have found that training in this manner for the ProAms does not impair one's ability in other three prime tournaments, so long as one is not in training for both simultaneously.  

The two prime shoot is different in many ways.  It allows less time for thought during the prime, which means that players used to the three prime will have to be on their toes.  Also, with the overall priming time for the tournament down 33% as compared to the three prime shoot, there will be less time between matches.  Stay rested, and keep a cool head.

-Speaking of keeping a cool head, one should remember that the ProAms are held out of doors on the gorgeous grounds of Roshambo Winery.  Though it's not as hot as the Burning Man Open, one should still plan ahead.  Wear a suitable sunblock and stay hydrated.  The usual suggestion to wear a hat during competition applies double here.  

-Of all supposed performance enhancing products (including ginseng, beta blockers, HGH, Red Bull and, if your name is Garth Breaks, cough syrup,) only wine produced by Roshambo Winery has shown a serial correlation with improved tournament play.  This may vary according to the individual.  As with many "smart drugs" a dose that is too high can conceivably be detrimental.  These are boundaries to be judged experientially by players and their trainers.

-The ProAms are the only mainstream RPS event that allows younger players to compete.  Try to avoid getting matched up against a ten year old in the first round.  If you win you'll be seen as a bully.  And if you lose...well, just ask Urbanus.

-Those inclined towards money games will find them behind the barrel houses.  

-The burrito van: JUST SAY YES.

[Midnight Rider]

Well, I've got to run to keep from hiding,
And I'm bound to keep on riding.
And I've got one more silver dollar,
But I'm not gonna let them catch me, no,
Not gonna let 'em catch the Midnight Rider.

And I don't own the clothes I'm wearing,
And the road goes on forever,
And I've got one more silver dollar,
But I'm not gonna let them catch me, no
Not gonna let 'em catch the Midnight Rider.

And I've gone by the point of caring,
Some old bed I'll soon be sharing,
And I've got one more silver dollar,
But I'm not gonna let 'em catch me, no
Not gonna let them catch the Midnight Rider.