John Schmidt w/Bob Keller - Part 5 (The Finish at 820: The Near Miss, the Nerve, and the Legacy)

The final episode brings the drama home. With the number climbing, the pressure building, and history within reach, John Schmidt and Bob Keller take us through the closing stages of the 820 run and the decisions that still linger in the mind afterward. This is where the discussion turns to the final racks, the unconventional moments, the nerve required to keep going, and the emotional reality of coming so close to even bigger numbers. John reflects on the shots he would and would not choose in match play, the calm that comes from having lived in these positions before, and the strange mix of satisfaction and agony that can follow a run of this magnitude.

Bob adds an invaluable witness perspective, including how he tracked the run, how they used simple visual markers to measure progress, and when it became obvious that something special was unfolding. Together, they show that the late stages of a great run are not just about execution. They are about trust, rhythm, composure, and the ability to keep your decision-making intact while the number grows heavier with every rack.

The result is a fitting finale to a remarkable series. It is part postgame, part confession, part masterclass, and part love letter to straight pool itself. Above all, it captures what Legends of the Cue does best: preserving the stories behind the shots, in the voices of the people who lived them.

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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 Cu...