Efren Reyes TEACHES the Kid what TRUST Really Is

Efren Reyes, known as the Magician in the world of billiards, is not just a phenomenal pool player; he is also a man rich in wisdom and life lessons. His understanding of trust, particularly in the competitive arena of professional sports, extends beyond mere game tactics. It was during a seemingly mundane exhibition match in a bustling city in Southeast Asia where Efren's true teaching moment unfolded, a moment that would leave an indelible mark on a young prodigy referred to here as "the Kid."

The Kid was a rising star in the world of billiards, barely sixteen, with a sharp eye and a burning passion for the game. Having won multiple junior championships, he had the raw talent and the potential to be one of the greats. However, what he lacked was experience — the kind of seasoned understanding of the game that only comes with time and exposure to the best. That's where Efren came into the picture.

The exhibition was set in a grand hall filled with enthusiastic spectators, the air thick with anticipation. The Kid had been looking forward to this day with a mix of excitement and nervousness. To him, playing against Efren wasn’t just an honor; it was a dream. Efren, with his gentle demeanor and a knowing smile, approached the Kid before the match. They exchanged a few words, and Efren’s eyes gleamed with kindness. He said, “Today isn’t just about playing; it’s about understanding the heart of the game.”

As the match commenced, the Kid was initially all about flaunting his skills, potting balls with precision, and building a lead against the veteran. The crowd was in awe of his prowess, whispering about how this young player was dominating the legend. However, Efren remained unfazed, his expression serene, as if he knew something the Kid didn’t.

Midway through the match, the dynamics subtly shifted. Efren started weaving his magic, his shots becoming more strategic, each stroke teaching the audience and his opponent a lesson in finesse. The Kid, focused intensely on the game, began to feel the pressure. His initial lead started to diminish as Efren caught up, round after round.

It was then that the pivotal moment of the match, and perhaps the most critical lesson for the Kid, took place. Efren was faced with a tricky shot, one that could potentially give him the lead. He lined up, aimed, and then paused, looking over at the Kid. With a soft voice audible only to his young opponent, Efren said, “Trust the table, trust your cue, but most importantly, trust yourself.”

He took the shot and missed, deliberately. The room gasped. The Kid, puzzled, looked at Efren. The Magician simply nodded towards the table, a silent cue for the Kid to take his turn. Here, Efren taught the Kid that trust wasn’t just about believing in one's ability to win; it was about trusting the process, the learning, and the growth that comes from every shot, whether a victory or a miss.

Taking his turn, the Kid felt a shift within him. His approach changed from trying to prove himself to understanding the depth of what he was part of. He played the rest of the match not just to win, but to learn and to honor the trust Efren had in him to figure out the lessons on his own. Though the Kid won that match, the score was trivial compared to the realization he came to.

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After the match, as the crowd dispersed, Efren pulled the Kid aside. He shared his thoughts on the essence of trust in billiards, which mirrored life itself. "In this game, like in life, you’ll make many shots, and you’ll miss many. Each time, trust that you’ll learn something new. Trust in others to teach you and in yourself to learn. That’s how you grow, not just as a player but as a person."

Years later, the Kid, now a seasoned player himself, often recounted that day as the turning point in his career and life. Efren’s lesson on trust helped him navigate not only the countless tables he played on but also the more complex challenges of life.

In teaching the Kid what trust really is, Efren Reyes did more than instruct on the strategies of pool; he imparted a life philosophy. Trust, as Efren showed, is foundational — in billiards, as in life. It’s about more than just believing in victory; it’s about trusting in the journey, in oneself, and in the wisdom passed down from those who have walked the path before.