I'm willing to bet
that you will not gamble (even game) with someone you do not feel you can beat.
that you will not gamble (even game) with someone you do not feel you can beat.
What's your take on people that won't gamble?
- Thread starter poolplayer2093
- Start date
I respect people who have the guts to really gamble,not just bet when they have the nuts.But ,even if you gamble,if it's not enough to the other player,a lot of times you will hear complaining that they can't concentrate playing for what you want to play for.What makes Efren such a great player is,I've seen him play anyone,for any amount,and enjoy doing it.He was in Ct. for a few days for the Challenge of Champions a few years ago.He was playing anybody,pool or chess.No remarks that he can't play for so little,it didn't matter.I do agree that there should be some type of bet when you play.
Yes I would have to bet alot that poolplayer 2093 rarely gets in a bad game.
my two cents
I know poolplayer fairly well and I know he mixes it up with all kinds of players. Some players he'll gamble with that he's got no chance at beating even. But he'll play and pay for the action, the education, and the experience.
I'm not much for gambling either but I don't mind cheap sets. For me, it brings out the focus in myself and my opponent. It can help offset the costs put into the game. i.e. table time, traveling costs, pool gear, etc... and I never bet more than I'm willing to lose. But that's just me.
I know poolplayer fairly well and I know he mixes it up with all kinds of players. Some players he'll gamble with that he's got no chance at beating even. But he'll play and pay for the action, the education, and the experience.
I'm not much for gambling either but I don't mind cheap sets. For me, it brings out the focus in myself and my opponent. It can help offset the costs put into the game. i.e. table time, traveling costs, pool gear, etc... and I never bet more than I'm willing to lose. But that's just me.
I had my run at it
When I got out of the Army I thot I could play. It was a 'if you're goina play-you gotta pay' mentality at the time.
I played a lot. I mostly lost. I slept outside alot.
Now I don't gamble much. Sometimes I win. Mostly not. Now I sleep inside unless I go camping.
I recently played and lost to Max Eberle and Raphael Martinez in a tournament setting. I won a few games. That works for me.
If asked to gamble-I thank them for considering me -but thank you -no.
When I got out of the Army I thot I could play. It was a 'if you're goina play-you gotta pay' mentality at the time.
I played a lot. I mostly lost. I slept outside alot.
Now I don't gamble much. Sometimes I win. Mostly not. Now I sleep inside unless I go camping.
I recently played and lost to Max Eberle and Raphael Martinez in a tournament setting. I won a few games. That works for me.
If asked to gamble-I thank them for considering me -but thank you -no.
A. I think that they are smarter than me.
B. It's one less person that I can lose money to.
> Doesn't it suck that practically the only way to get into truly competitive games,the kind that bring your tournament performance up,is to put cash on it?
Pool,and maybe the occasional bet on a pro football game,are the only things I put money on. I've only been to casinos a few times,and only once have I even played,although that was on my own dime,and could have set that 100 dollar bill on fire at the time. I put 5.00 in a dollar slot machine,hit it for 800,walked straight to the cashier,only been to one a couple times since for a tournament.
To me,true gambling is walking up and putting your money in something backed up against the wall saying "come get some",like I watched my dad do to the tune of maybe 250k over maybe 10 years. That's not me.
Pool on the other hand,at least in my mind,is only gambling when you (or your opponent) doesn't know what they are getting into,like a "hustle". Only idiots do that.
I know who I can beat,and generally who I can't. There are also certain situations where I honestly have no idea if I can beat a particular person or not. In those cases,I assume I CAN win,and if I decide to offer or accept a wager,to play even,give or take weight,I'm taking a calculated risk,rather than a true gamble....at least the way I see it.
I like the way Bartrum thinks,get up there and FIND OUT.
On the other hand,it wouldn't be much in the way of high-stakes,but if the cash allowed me to do so,I'd be supporting a solid player like Bartrum or someone his speed playing 100 dollar sets,with games on the wire rather than a ball spot (but he'd be too tired to spend it :thumbup
. I'd be doing that just to compete and improve.
It is what it is,and I hate that saying
. Tommy D.
Pool,and maybe the occasional bet on a pro football game,are the only things I put money on. I've only been to casinos a few times,and only once have I even played,although that was on my own dime,and could have set that 100 dollar bill on fire at the time. I put 5.00 in a dollar slot machine,hit it for 800,walked straight to the cashier,only been to one a couple times since for a tournament.
To me,true gambling is walking up and putting your money in something backed up against the wall saying "come get some",like I watched my dad do to the tune of maybe 250k over maybe 10 years. That's not me.
Pool on the other hand,at least in my mind,is only gambling when you (or your opponent) doesn't know what they are getting into,like a "hustle". Only idiots do that.
I know who I can beat,and generally who I can't. There are also certain situations where I honestly have no idea if I can beat a particular person or not. In those cases,I assume I CAN win,and if I decide to offer or accept a wager,to play even,give or take weight,I'm taking a calculated risk,rather than a true gamble....at least the way I see it.
I like the way Bartrum thinks,get up there and FIND OUT.
On the other hand,it wouldn't be much in the way of high-stakes,but if the cash allowed me to do so,I'd be supporting a solid player like Bartrum or someone his speed playing 100 dollar sets,with games on the wire rather than a ball spot (but he'd be too tired to spend it :thumbup
. I'd be doing that just to compete and improve. It is what it is,and I hate that saying
. Tommy D.
Pool a century ago was a sport for wealthy people. Overall it has devolved over the years to a sport for the middle class and not more an entertainment for the lower income people of society. Gambling is less because the demographics are predominately poor to middle class at best. That is how it seems in the midwest. Not saying that is everyone who plays pool. Just the largest segment.
Well Fast Eddie. Since you're such a gambler come on down and we'll find you more action than you can shake your wallet at.
Posts like the original post annoy the piss out of me. It seems like some newbie trying to measure his stick. Real gamblers don't piss and moan about the non gamblers. As Jay previously mentioned. I know plenty of gentleman players as well that would take you for your shoelaces if they gambled pool. Most of these people either do it for the enjoyment of the game or simply can't afford to be extravagant.
Until I got a little more serious about pool I didn't realize what a little money meant to some people. I played tournaments for fun and enjoyment and to simply get better at the game. Later on I realized some of the guys I was knocking out of the tourneys were playing for dinner. They were great players but playing under pressure I had never experienced. There are a lot of very talented pool players out there that have either had some bad rolls in life or simply don't have the skill set to hold down a real job. Either way, its not any of our business to judge why they don't want to gamble or they just drink water.
The guys that deserve the criticism are the ones like what I assume the OP is. Likes to bet heavy when they have the nuts, but won't give you a get even game once they're up.
Posts like the original post annoy the piss out of me. It seems like some newbie trying to measure his stick. Real gamblers don't piss and moan about the non gamblers. As Jay previously mentioned. I know plenty of gentleman players as well that would take you for your shoelaces if they gambled pool. Most of these people either do it for the enjoyment of the game or simply can't afford to be extravagant.
Until I got a little more serious about pool I didn't realize what a little money meant to some people. I played tournaments for fun and enjoyment and to simply get better at the game. Later on I realized some of the guys I was knocking out of the tourneys were playing for dinner. They were great players but playing under pressure I had never experienced. There are a lot of very talented pool players out there that have either had some bad rolls in life or simply don't have the skill set to hold down a real job. Either way, its not any of our business to judge why they don't want to gamble or they just drink water.
The guys that deserve the criticism are the ones like what I assume the OP is. Likes to bet heavy when they have the nuts, but won't give you a get even game once they're up.
you may be right, but make the announcement that anyone who does gamble, please dont return. You can then start opening your business at 9 pm and the rent on the building seems much higher!
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is there a point here??
Why not checkers? Or maybe lawn darts? If your going to pick a game Chris doesn't play, at least make it comical.
I dont gamble with anyone I don't know well, and even then i do it small (table time etc).
When i was 5 years old, my grandfathers friend died from a brain hemorrhage that was caused by having the butt of a pool cue jabbed into the back of his head. It was during a fight over payoffs where he and my grandfather used to play for money. My grandfather had a beautiful old Brunswick from the early 20s in his house, but he never played again. He let me shoot on it, and his friends played on it, but he refused to play. He would give me pointers verbally but that was it.
Something like that leaves a bad taste in your mouth. I make enough money to live on just fine, and while I dont mind losing some of it, it isnt worth the aggravation of collecting OR the trouble some people will start if they are losing.
I play better for the green, but I get this fix playing in tournaments or occasionally playing someone for small cash that i know is much stronger than I am. I see it as paying for lessons.
I also dont mind playing with anyone who is respectful and loves the game. If they are after free advice and want to know what I was thinking on a shot, I LOVE to talk strategy with them. IMO not enough people are willing to be students of the game.
I just dropped a guy from a cash league team we had because he didn't like anyone giving him any advice and would blame me for a loss when I suggested a safety play. Never mind that he thought aggressively going for a 3 rail shot was the better option...
To each his own. life is short so live is the way you want. If someone isn't bothering you directly then leave them to live their life as they want - gambler or not.
When i was 5 years old, my grandfathers friend died from a brain hemorrhage that was caused by having the butt of a pool cue jabbed into the back of his head. It was during a fight over payoffs where he and my grandfather used to play for money. My grandfather had a beautiful old Brunswick from the early 20s in his house, but he never played again. He let me shoot on it, and his friends played on it, but he refused to play. He would give me pointers verbally but that was it.
Something like that leaves a bad taste in your mouth. I make enough money to live on just fine, and while I dont mind losing some of it, it isnt worth the aggravation of collecting OR the trouble some people will start if they are losing.
I play better for the green, but I get this fix playing in tournaments or occasionally playing someone for small cash that i know is much stronger than I am. I see it as paying for lessons.
I also dont mind playing with anyone who is respectful and loves the game. If they are after free advice and want to know what I was thinking on a shot, I LOVE to talk strategy with them. IMO not enough people are willing to be students of the game.
I just dropped a guy from a cash league team we had because he didn't like anyone giving him any advice and would blame me for a loss when I suggested a safety play. Never mind that he thought aggressively going for a 3 rail shot was the better option...
To each his own. life is short so live is the way you want. If someone isn't bothering you directly then leave them to live their life as they want - gambler or not.
How is that different from anytime in the last 50-60 years? Some people are just going to "sit around" in the pool room. That's life...get used to it! Just because people won't gamble does not make them a "nit". There are many perfectly justifiable reasons not to gamble (having a family to feed is just one of them). FTR, I am not against playing pool for money, and I think playing for time is a great idea (I think it's one way to make yourself perform at your peak). I am against playing for much money, when it becomes your only reason to play. Then you've lost sight of what the game is about, imo.
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
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Exactly my thoughts. I could have written this quoted post myself.
And.....poolplayer2093, I ain't goin' the f*ck home, and you can't make me :nanner:!!!
Maniac
For one reason or another there's a lot less gambling go on today in poolrooms. Maybe it's by choice or necessity. I don't know the answer.
Tournament play and league play probably have a lot to do with it.
If you don't like the way things are in your poolroom find another place to play or accept the way things are in the room. Calling them out isn't going to get them to play you. If there in there all day long and not spending a dime it's up to the owner of the room to deal with these people.
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http://tommcgonaglerightoncue.com
Tournament play and league play probably have a lot to do with it.
If you don't like the way things are in your poolroom find another place to play or accept the way things are in the room. Calling them out isn't going to get them to play you. If there in there all day long and not spending a dime it's up to the owner of the room to deal with these people.
________________________________
http://tommcgonaglerightoncue.com
I recall in the 1970, the late 1970 at North Hollywood Billiards, when the Ponies were running at Hollywood Park, and Santa Anita the Hustlers, and Roadies would show up.
Also an armada of rail birds would also show up nightly, the room was two or three times more smokey than normal, sale of cold drink (coke, pepsi, 7-up, etc) went up.
But another think happened many of the social players paid their tab for tables rented by the hour. They too join the rail birds to watch the gamblers.
When the ponies quit running, this for the most part return to a normal operation.
I agree with this 100% -
I like to gamble on pool. I have played for small money and played for decent money - I have won my share and lost plenty.
But I have to say that rarely do I see pool gambling happening without conflict and negative vibes.
I have seen people start out with friendly barking and mild insults and watched it degenerate into people wanting to fight. I have been on the receiving end of threats and violence when people realized that they couldn't win. Not because I was hustling but because they thought they were hustling me.
I have been in situations gambling with dangerous people. People who weren't particularly dangerous to me but the type that could be involved in violence within seconds at any time.
I wouldn't ever call someone a nit who doesn't want to play for money or who just wants to play for small stakes.
I think that this is an appropriate time to retell Allen Hopkins' story about playing for $5 a game.
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As told to me by Allen;
Allen and a greenhorn backer went on the road together. One night Allen got into a game with someone for $5 a game. Allen kept winning and the bet kept increasing until they had won around $5000.
The next night they went to a different pool room and Allen once again got into a low stakes $5 a game match.
In between one of the games the backer asks Allen why he is playing for such low stakes when they won $5000 the night before.
Allen replies, "We haven't made the room rent today."
And there you go, no bet is "too small". As my good friend Gunter Hopfinger was fond of reminding me, any PROFIT is GOOD profit.