Dominant game depends on pool hall, why?

thyme3421

thyme3421

Playing since 1.1.05..ish
Silver Member
Around my area there are 3 or 4 pool halls that I go to regularly.
The ONLY games I ever see played there are either 8 or 9 ball.

I was recently referred to a place about 45 minutes out of the way to get a new tip put on my cue. I walked in and it was like walking into a dream.
Even though it was noon my first impression was "So this is what a real pool hall is supposed to be like."

The name is "Red Shoes Billiards" just west of Downtown Chicago.

Point of this thread is that out of all the halls I've ever been to... it's pretty much always 8 or 9 ball.
At red shoes I didn't see a single table with an 8 or 9 game in progress. Everyone was playing Bank pool, 1 Pocket, Rotation or 14.1

it was a beautiful thing I tell ya

In the other places I attempt to introduce bank 1 pocket or straight pool and it doesn't go over well for whatever reason.


I'm curious what establishes a dominance of certain games in certain pool halls? Why is this place all "classic" games, where as the other halls are 8 and 9 ball?

What do you guys think?
 
The dominant game in my pool hall in Maine growing up was 14.1. Hell i think that it still is. I personally hate the game.
 
Depends on what the room offers. We have a dedicated table for one pocket. We have two three cushion tables, a snooker table, a 7 foot bar box, a 8 foot bar box and the rest 9 foot tables. By having a big selection people can try out new games or just watch others play them. It informs them without overwhelming them (the bangers) which eventually entices them to try it out sometime. We have even had bumper pool in the past..lol. I have seen a lot more straight pool in my room in the past couple years just due to a few regulars playing it. Usually a One Pocket/9 ball/ 8 Ball room. Several regular short rack banks players too. Pretty proud at the diversity of our room, in more ways than one.
 
Well

I travel all the time, and take my cues with me. Its better than just sitting in hotel room.

Anyway, it also has to do with the area. I am in Vermont training, and it is nothing but bar box 8 ball. I suggested 9 ball and ugh, and they havent even seen 1 pocket.

Banks and 9 ball in the South. APA has introduced more and more to 8 ball but still not so much.

I was in Virginia one time, Guys and Dolls? and during the day the whole place was 1 pocket.

JMO

ken
 
So you like Red Shoes, eh?

Middle of the day and there was action??

Weekday or Weekend?

They are mainly a one pocket and banks joint, but John Lavin has been sponsoring a straight pool league there for many years. I've been in it about 4 or so.

The place is undergoing a makeover. Bar and kitchen in the back. he's going to put a few 7 footers in for leagues. Hopefully, the ambience won't change too much. Should be complete in about a month. I think he's going to do something to kick off the grand reopening. Don't know what yet. Stay tuned.
 
dmgwalsh said:
So you like Red Shoes, eh?

Middle of the day and there was action??

Weekday or Weekend?

They are mainly a one pocket and banks joint, but John Lavin has been sponsoring a straight pool league there for many years. I've been in it about 4 or so.

The place is undergoing a makeover. Bar and kitchen in the back. he's going to put a few 7 footers in for leagues. Hopefully, the ambience won't change too much. Should be complete in about a month. I think he's going to do something to kick off the grand reopening. Don't know what yet. Stay tuned.
Click to expand...

I didn't write it in... but I went down around noon on a sunday... then came back a day or 2 later around midnight.
Only 2 of the 3 tables to the right had lights on. The first table you'd run into when you walk in the front door had a 1hole game going... some kids were playing on 1 table towards the back corner. But there was a good amount of rail-birds watching a bank game between John Z. and some guy.

It was really nice to see people interested in games other than 9 ball and 7 ball.
In my opinion, those 2 are the most boring games to watch. Especially when watching a pro match... if they make something on the break and have a shot on the 1, I fast forward to the next break because I know they're out. Even if there are problems on the table. 7ball and 10ball are just as bad.
/rant
 
Ken_4fun said:
...I was in Virginia one time, Guys and Dolls? and during the day the whole place was 1 pocket.

JMO

ken
Click to expand...

One-pocket is still very popular in Virginia/D.C./Maryland area. Most of the so-called "action" players I know in the D.C. area would prefer to play one-pocket, rather than 8-, 9-, or 10-ball. :)


JAM
 
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