Chris Bartram-a question

muttley76

muttley76

"Time to GET BUSY...."
Silver Member
Chris, I have long been curious about this, and I think that you might have a really good point of view on this. What is your definition of a professional? I personally don't think that it is just someone who plays for a living, as there are about 10,000 out there, lol. And, with no real unified tour, the waters just seem to be further muddied. So I am really, really curious. What do you consider to be the criteria for being a pro and why? Thanks for any answers.
 
muttley76 said:
Chris, I have long been curious about this, and I think that you might have a really good point of view on this. What is your definition of a professional? I personally don't think that it is just someone who plays for a living, as there are about 10,000 out there, lol. And, with no real unified tour, the waters just seem to be further muddied. So I am really, really curious. What do you consider to be the criteria for being a pro and why? Thanks for any answers.
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Who cares? Just play your hardest!
 
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Questions intended for an audience of one should be handled through private messaage. When you start a thread in the main forum, it is by deifnition, intended for all AZB members.

In men's pool (it seems unlikely you'd be asking Chris for his view of what constitutes a woman pro), there is no such thing as an American pool professional, other than from the standpoint of the Internal Revenue Service, which would consider any person deriving their living primarily from pool as a pool professional.

Given the absence of a formal definition within our sport of an American pool professional, we tend to ascribe the term "pro" to any player capable of competing at world class level, and that makes the matter of who is a pro a matter of opinion.
 
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sjm said:
Questions intended for an audience of one should be handled through private messaage. When you start a thread in the main forum, it is by deifnition, intended for all AZB members.

In men's pool (it seems unlikely you'd be asking Chris for his view of what constitutes a woman pro), there is no such thing as an American pool professional, other than from the standpoint of the Internal Revenue Service, which would consider any person deriving their living primarily from pool as a pool professional.

Given the absence of a formal definition within our sport of an American pool professional, we tend to ascribe the term "pro" to any player capable of competing at world class level, and that makes the matter of who is a pro is a matter of opinion.
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I have no problem with anyone who wishes to voice their opinion. I was simply stating that I am not asking how to turn pro, or any other junk like that. I have personally played for a living for most of my adult life. Having said that, I would never claim to be a pro. I personally have my own views of what does and doesn't make one, but Chris, and his gambler's insight to handicapping the highest level players(in case you haven't noticed, he is usually pretty darn good in his handicapping) would be interesting. Not asking for names, or anything like that, just generalities. As far as the pm, I just hate to pm when I feel like there are a lot of posters here who would find this interesting. But, jmo.
 
muttley76 said:
I have no problem with anyone who wishes to voice their opinion. I was simply stating that I am not asking how to turn pro, or any other junk like that. I have personally played for a living for most of my adult life. Having said that, I would never claim to be a pro. I personally have my own views of what does and doesn't make one, but Chris, and his gambler's insight to handicapping the highest level players(in case you haven't noticed, he is usually pretty darn good in his handicapping) would be interesting. Not asking for names, or anything like that, just generalities. As far as the pm, I just hate to pm when I feel like there are a lot of posters here who would find this interesting. But, jmo.
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Handicapping has no relevance to your question as posed. My sense is that you are interested in learning what constitutes "pro speed"
(which is entirely a matter of opinion) moreso than what constitutes "pro."

Still, like you, I look forward to hearing Chris' take on this.
 
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sjm said:
Handicapping has no relevance to your question as posed. My sense is that you are interested in learning what constitutes "pro speed"
(which is entirely a matter of opinion) moreso than what constitutes "pro."

Still, like you, I look forward to hearing Chris' take on this.
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Actually, I think that handicapping will have quite a bit to do with it, coming from a good player. Not "pro speed" Per Se, but also not looking for the definition of pro. I have access to a dictionary. :) Really, what I am looking for, is more the qualities, such as gambling, tourneys, etc. This is actually more sparked by some recent comments that CB had made in regards to a couple of players. It has very little to do with speed, as there are plenty of guys who can beat, say, the 12 ball ghost that I am sure he might have a different point of view on. Hope this clears up any confusion.
 
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muttley76 said:
Actually, I think that handicapping will have quite a bit to do with it, coming from a good player. Not "pro speed" Per Se, but also not looking for the definition of pro. I have access to a dictionary. :) Really, what I am looking for, is more the qualities, such as gambling, tourneys, etc. This is actually more sparked by some recent comments that CB had made in regards to a couple of players. It has very little to do with speed, as there are plenty of guys who can beat, say, the 12 ball ghost that I am sure he might have a different point of view on. Hope this helps.
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the thing i said about max i was kidding.
you have a good question.
 
real bartram said:
oooops did not mean to submit.
i dont have a good answer.
but i think you have to play my speed at worst.
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So then Larry Price did fit the description of an amateur when he won that last big tournament. That at least settles that argument.
 
Just one more reason pool is not a mainstream sport. There is no major and minor leagues, and the majority of good players seem to want it that way, both men and women. It's not the big reason, it's just one of many reasons along with a seedy rep.

I don't have a problem with seedy, I think it makes the game more colorful to a lot of people. Johnnyt
 
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