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kingwang · Apr 25, 2026

SBC said:
Most "pros" do not bet their own.
That is a dynamic that fascinates me.
It must be great to just play for jelly if you win with no risk if you lose.

Imagine being good enough to have backers that will put you in, even when you may not have the best of it. I have had plenty of times with people betting with me, and not getting anything when I win.

It's not always the most fun when you're playing with other people's money on the line. Really just depends on your personality and your relationship with your backers.

336Robin · Apr 25, 2026

JAM said:
Does membership in a U.S. national pool league, where a player competes individually or as part of a team at regional or national levels, prohibit gambling when they are not actively participating in league events?

Of course, gambling on league matches, match fixing, betting on your own league games, or anything that compromises competitive integrity during league events, that a big no-no and should result in a permanent ban.

But I am wondering if private, off-the-clock gambling that has no connection to league events or outcomes should be prohibited or against the rules. Thoughts?

Im sure people that are league players sometimes gamble, but in my opinion that is mostly not so.

I think Pool is growing but not in the direction of anything to do with gambling, but I'm sure some gamble
small at times, but probably not many times.

I don't think leagues could tell their people no gambling on pool period because then there would have to be a penalty
and no league operator wants to remove anyone making them money.

Just my opinion from observation.

rexus31 · Apr 25, 2026

sjm said:
I think the key here is to have one's expectations in place. No matter how hard one practices, how much one wins/bets in action matches, and how much effort a player makes to improve, it is always worth bringing in an expert opinion.

I recall a recent post by JAM noting that Keith had watched the 12-year-old Josh Filler play and knew he was watching a future great. Thorsten Hohmann had said the same of the very young Filler.

Do the top pros see greatness in Colsten? By the age of 18, for example, the future greats can usually comfortably gamble with all but the best 50 players in the world. We now live in a world in which any player not carrying a Fargo of 790+ will be hard pressed to earn a living at pro pool and a Fargo 750 is a long, long way from world class speed. We also live in a world in which expecting to earn a living through action pool alone is probably unrealistic.

Where is Colsten's game relative to those who went on to earn a living at pro pool? Does he play as well at his age as they did at his age? He needs to know if he is going to make the best possible decisions with respect to his path in life.

Not so sure you can compare the European and Asian juniors to American juniors. If I'm not mistaken, most European (Germany included) and Asian countries have government funded federations and development programs because they view it as a legitimate sport. From what I've read, gambling is frowned upon by the Euros so their juniors aren't going out and matching up for decent/big money. Maybe not so much by the Asians? I'd be real curious what became of the juniors that were part of Filler's "class" who weren't skilled enough to compete at the highest level. At the end of the day and as someone else pointed out, this is no different than the 70's and 80's when kids were being taken on the road. The only difference is we have social media now so it's more publicized/scrutinized. IMO, I think it's a bad idea for kids to be heading down the road player/gambling path.

maha · Apr 25, 2026

many pros bet their own. but for big money which few have they look for backers. and some people being naive back people and give up any edge in the bet they may have back to the shooter.

if you have the best of it why would you even let a backer get in on the action and take away money that you should have won.

that only should happen if you are broke and if broke means you cant win on your own money so why should someone put up theirs on you.

Island Drive · Apr 25, 2026

I've head that short rack one pocket handicapped tournament times are working out pretty good.

Cornerman · Apr 25, 2026

maha said:
i dont get it. there is no ego involved you are making a game for money. if you dont like what is offered you turn it down.

i dont know what a TW player is but i supposed its a good one. but it doesnt matter who you bet with make the game right for you or dont play.

funny how in different countries people put their pride or what others think about them over what is the correct thing to do.

Taiwanese

TipWilson · Apr 25, 2026

Third Annual...

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I miss alot · Apr 25, 2026

No longer for sale:

I have a brand new still in the box 58” 29/29 split Becue Natural Born cue with the 12.3 Engage shaft with the white ferrule and the extension set (3” and 8”). 19 onces with the red core medium tip and K2 black leather wrap. On the Becue site this build is $1526. Asking 950 for it all obo (includes shipping). Many references. Thx for looking (pictures below are of the 62” version without the wrap). The 58” with wrap is scheduled to be at my house Wednesday April 29th.

straightline · Apr 25, 2026

bbb said:
Actually, it’s not difficult to have aiming points for the in-between cut angles so actually you can have eight instead of four targets
Still like all aiming systems as you say PJ there is a subjective element

Why limit yourself to discernible fractions? In dialing those oddball hits, you'd have to cut into your control range just to fudge the inbetweeners.
Conversely, with geometric alignment, you can be centralized on every shot and adjust through the full range of the shot.

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Watching top flight players negotiate games for the cheese

Are Pool League Members Allowed to Gamble Outside of League Play?

Are Junior players being set up for a tough life?

Watching top flight players negotiate games for the cheese

Short Rack 8 Ball

Watching top flight players negotiate games for the cheese

1 Pocket - Amar Kang Memorial

Becue Natural 58” with 12.3 engage and extension - NEW

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