If you want to learn a long-pip game this is the rubber to use. 837 is very easy to master. 837 has excellent control for a long-pip, and has enough spin to generate very tough backspin chop. 837 is NOT very deceptive, it can hit a knuckle ball for some deception but it otherwise is very predictable. 837 handles serve reception great, a light block or chop will send most spinney serves back. Block vs. topspin can be open or closed; the open shots will bounce high so make them deep.