Shy but wants to play

skiergirl55 said:

Hi, my name is Bonni and I'm an addict.

I've been playing since November and I've got a problem. Aside from the fact that I don't get enough practice, I've moved to a new town and I don't feel comfortable walking into a bar alone and challenging a table yet. I'm just not a seasoned player and I'm still learning the fundamentals.

I've read books, watched videos, and I am keenly interested in playing in a tournament someday. I try to play at least 10 hours a week.

I spent 10 1/2 hours solid playing Thursday when I met a nice guy who just wanted to shoot pool, too. The bar closed or I would have still been there. I'm self conscious as an older woman (50's) and one who isn't all that good at the sport yet.

How do I get over the fear of playing in a strange place alone? It may seem stupid, but it stops me from going out to practice quite a bit.

Click to expand...

It's just a game there girl :smile: challenge a table, put your quarters up, have fun... or just sit, watch and learn. Be careful out there... :wink:

td

as long as it is a nice and safe place, GO!!! there is nothing to be nervous about when it comes to pool.

another option is to inquire about leagues.

shy

Find you an APA team in the area and join the World's Largest Pool League. You will meet a lot of great people, get better and have a great time.

Ctwitty said:

Find you an APA team in the area and join the World's Largest Pool League. You will meet a lot of great people, get better and have a great time.

Click to expand...

actually, if you have a choice, go with TAP. :thumbup:

skiergirl55 said:

Hi, my name is Bonni and I'm an addict.

I've been playing since November and I've got a problem. Aside from the fact that I don't get enough practice, I've moved to a new town and I don't feel comfortable walking into a bar alone and challenging a table yet. I'm just not a seasoned player and I'm still learning the fundamentals.

I've read books, watched videos, and I am keenly interested in playing in a tournament someday. I try to play at least 10 hours a week.

I spent 10 1/2 hours solid playing Thursday when I met a nice guy who just wanted to shoot pool, too. The bar closed or I would have still been there. I'm self conscious as an older woman (50's) and one who isn't all that good at the sport yet.

How do I get over the fear of playing in a strange place alone? It may seem stupid, but it stops me from going out to practice quite a bit.

Click to expand...

I try to get in early...around 5-6pm, if possible. Tables are generally unplayed at that point, and you can throw some quarters in a practice. Eventually, you will get a challenger...go with it...even if you get beat, it will be a valuable lesson, and you get to learn something about that player...log it into your mental Rolodex for future reference.

Also..try and find one place initially to frequent. This will help with the discomfort of a new environment...before long, you will feel more relaxed and the regulars there will begin to recognize and accept you. At that point, start to check the bulletin board for any flyers concerning local weekly tourneys...a terrific way to improve your game and meet other pool addicts! Oh, btw, there are still men out there that have issues playing women players...especially losing to them. Just remember that it's THEIR problem, not yours...and don't take any crap!

Lisa ======> old broad too!

I agree with the suggestion to get involved with a league. You will meet a lot of other players, most of whom were right where you are at one time. As you get to know other players, your comfort level will become much greater.

Steve

skiergirl55 said:

Hi, my name is Bonni and I'm an addict.

I've been playing since November and I've got a problem. Aside from the fact that I don't get enough practice, I've moved to a new town and I don't feel comfortable walking into a bar alone and challenging a table yet. I'm just not a seasoned player and I'm still learning the fundamentals.

I've read books, watched videos, and I am keenly interested in playing in a tournament someday. I try to play at least 10 hours a week.

I spent 10 1/2 hours solid playing Thursday when I met a nice guy who just wanted to shoot pool, too. The bar closed or I would have still been there. I'm self conscious as an older woman (50's) and one who isn't all that good at the sport yet.

How do I get over the fear of playing in a strange place alone? It may seem stupid, but it stops me from going out to practice quite a bit.

Click to expand...

Hello Bonni, and welcome to the forum. You seem like a level headed woman blessed with common sense. If you fear going because of geography ie....bad location, high crime area, too many Aholes lookin to notch their bedpost......then I would suggest you relocate your practice sessions to a " billiards parlor" rather than a bar. If this is not possible, then get a girlfriend or two to join you, safety in numbers ya know!

If your fears are socially based,....ie....fear of meeting new people, uncomfortable in social situations.....then it is perfectly normal and just requires time and familiarity. Joining a league is excellent advice.

ridewiththewind said:

I try to get in early...around 5-6pm, if possible. Tables are generally unplayed at that point, and you can throw some quarters in a practice. Eventually, you will get a challenger...go with it...even if you get beat, it will be a valuable lesson, and you get to learn something about that player...log it into your mental Rolodex for future reference.

Also..try and find one place initially to frequent. This will help with the discomfort of a new environment...before long, you will feel more relaxed and the regulars there will begin to recognize and accept you. At that point, start to check the bulletin board for any flyers concerning local weekly tourneys...a terrific way to improve your game and meet other pool addicts! Oh, btw, there are still men out there that have issues playing women players...especially losing to them. Just remember that it's THEIR problem, not yours...and don't take any crap!

Lisa ======> old broad too!

Click to expand...

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that quite probably most men LIKE to play women players, and most men have issues with losing to
ANYONE!!! :wink:

td

grindz said:

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that quite probably most men LIKE to play women players, and most men have issues with losing to
ANYONE!!! :wink:

td

Click to expand...

I have had some serious garbage pulled on me while playing. I used to keep quiet about it...but no more. I had one guy call me some rather unfriendly names because I had the audacity to ask where the 8 ball was going, after he refused to call a pocket, and told me..."it's going in which ever hole it goes in"....NOT! Another called a combo, stroked the shot so poorly, that the lead ball in the combo missed the pocket altogether, but the 2nd ball back (suited) did pocket...and he then tried to claim he intended that shot!...NOT! And this isn't even the half of it.

Think what you will, but until you are on the receiving end of this type of behavior, all the while being called a b*tch or worse...then you have no clue.

Lisa

Welcome to the game, and the forum.

If there is a pool hall in your area you might try going there to practice. You can get a table by yourself, keep it as long as you want, and not have anyone bothering you.

skiergirl55 said:

Hi, my name is Bonni and I'm an addict.

I've been playing since November and I've got a problem. Aside from the fact that I don't get enough practice, I've moved to a new town and I don't feel comfortable walking into a bar alone and challenging a table yet. I'm just not a seasoned player and I'm still learning the fundamentals.

I've read books, watched videos, and I am keenly interested in playing in a tournament someday. I try to play at least 10 hours a week.

I spent 10 1/2 hours solid playing Thursday when I met a nice guy who just wanted to shoot pool, too. The bar closed or I would have still been there. I'm self conscious as an older woman (50's) and one who isn't all that good at the sport yet.

How do I get over the fear of playing in a strange place alone? It may seem stupid, but it stops me from going out to practice quite a bit.

Click to expand...

I absolutely love the fact you have taken up the game! Welcome to the family! You find that pool players indeed are a family that enjoy the game and the company of others that share the same passion. The suggestion of joining a league in your area is a fantastic one. Right now leagues are winding down to their conclusions on the season.

My suggestion is to call a league coordinator in the area. Let them know that you are a beginner and would like to watch some matches in action. They should be able to guide you to a local establishment. Then as Ridelikethewind suggested get there early and play till they come in to play their match. Then ask questions of the players themselves!

Spokane is a big enough town to have a pool hall. Try that instead of bars, you are more likely to find people willing to play and help you with your game.

skiergirl55 said:

Thanks for the quick replies! I just found this site in January and then moved and haven't had time to come back and post.

I tried the APA league route........they are full up until a new session opens in May. I have idle time. What is TAP?

Do people who don't play well enter into tournament play? I am under the impression that it's for good shooters only. Like I said, I'm still learning.

Lisa, nice to meet you! You're absolutely right about some of the men. Most of them don't want to shoot pool with you and just want you off 'their' table as quickly as possible. It's humiliating to have one or two chances at the table and then be done. What will I learn that way?

Or they hit on you and I don't find that appealing at all. I'm there to play, not find a dance partner. Note to those guys: Go dancing if that's what you want, but don't think for one minute I'm not serious about my game just because I wear a bra.

There is a place I like really well......it's clean and quiet....I've been there a few times with friends. The problem is that my friends are not addicted and once a month is good for them. I want it every day. I dream about pool.:lovies:

I'll try to get over my shyness and get out more. Today is another day, yes?

Oh, and the pool hall opens at 4, and is $8 an hour. I can't afford it.

Click to expand...

Name of League: NW TAP
Licensee ID Number: 72
Owners Name: James Edward Hobbs III
Counties: King and Pierce
Email: tap-league@msn.com
Web Site:
Phone: (253) 249-8832
Fax:
Cell Phone: (206) 372-1667
Other Contacts:

I don't know about in your area, but in many places pool halls have special rates in the daytime, i.e., $5 from open until 7 PM or some such. Earlier in the day you're less likely to run into the wrong crowd.

Welcome to the forum and best of luck to you.

skiergirl55 said:

There is a place I like really well......it's clean and quiet....I've been there a few times with friends. The problem is that my friends are not addicted and once a month is good for them. I want it every day. I dream about pool.:lovies:

Click to expand...

If you have found a place you like, talk to the owner and share with them what you shared with us. You love pool and would like to meet others that feel the same. There's a good chance they can introduce you to the "right" people that would love to meet you. In turn they would be able to introduce you around. I think this will take sting out of going up to strangers - you would only have to go up to one, the bar owner. The rest would be through introductions.

Once you're in the network, they will suggest leagues, tournament, etc that you would feel comfortable to play in.

Welcome to the forum and the "addicts" club! .

dave

1. Given the number of hours you practice by yourself, you might consider buying a used pool table for home to practice on if you have room. Would save you a lot of $ in the long run versus $8/hr at pool hall or $1/game at bars. Would try Craigslist. Since you don't know what's good and need to get someone to set it up -- would suggest you find a mover in the area and take your time to select something (e.g., a quick check will give people like http://spokane.craigslist.org/for/1658077897.html). Again, I'll repeat myself, plan to shop around a bunch and walk away until you get to know what's out there. It's easy to buy something but hard to get it set up right and hard to get rid of. And, if you know someone in advance that can move it for you, you can close a good deal fast when it comes along.

2. Need to eventually play against others. Like chess you can only do so much by yourself and pool is a game to play against other opponents. Just go for it like many have suggested above.

3. For now go and watch league play and tournament play in your area and get your face known. While you may not be good yet, in the long run your enthusiasm for the game will be evident and will eventually win you respect from anyone who appreciates the game. Show up early and try to play with others before the real action begins. And, if you stay and watch the action, you will learn a lot about strategy and position routes by watching the best players (try to guess what it is they will do and watch their form compared to the lesser players).

4. Join a league next year if you can get on a team. Again the best way is to get your face known, make friends and let your natural enthusiasm for the game show.

5. In the early hours in a bar before the action heats up, consider playing doubles (8-ball) when there is another weaker player (i.e., your speed) to play on the other team. For example, if you get to know a good player and become friends with them and a couple comes in (and the woman doesn't usually play), see if you can talk the woman into playing doubles with her guy. If not, kick back and enjoy watching the others play and chat it up with the woman when you're not playing (i.e., waiting to play). Or, play with the woman on another table, if available.

Good luck with your new addiction and hope you find plenty of new friends to play with along the way. But, as others have said, be careful and take friend(s) along with you whenever you can get them to go with you (they don't have to play).

Hi Bonni! Welcome aboard!! i have to agree if you can get to a pool hall might be easier to practice, without being worried about rushing off the table. $8 an hour is a bit much ( thats what my pool hall charges) around here bar tables are $1 per game so if you wanna play a while it really adds up!! might end up working out better to play in a pool hall rather than the bar incase u want to stay longer? Just a suggestion. I dont know how much the bar tables are by you! enjoy the game and the boards!!

Heather