Newer trends vs. "old school"
- Thread starter Maniac
- Start date
I wonder where the 'younger' players learned all these 'moves'?
I've seen players in their 60s and 70s make these 'moves' just as much as the younger players.
Do you really think the young are smart enough to think these 'moves' up all by themselves?
The older players are even worse than the younger about complaining about the 'rules police'. The older players are playing by the rules they made up 40 years ago, or worse yet, 40 minutes ago. I wish I had a nickle for each time one of the Older players would say "I never heard of that rule!!!" and when I asked which rule book they are referring to, they usually reply "that's the way they played when I was learning how to play"
If you want to have a playing environment as quiet as a church, then I suspect you'd better not go to a pool hall, most of them have very loud Jukeboxes, customers that are there for pleasure and entertainment and are very capable of spending $30-$50 every night they come in the place. While you complain about everything.
Even at 64, I need to spend a little more time acting my age and not being so critical about pool players being VERY critical.
I've seen players in their 60s and 70s make these 'moves' just as much as the younger players.
Do you really think the young are smart enough to think these 'moves' up all by themselves?
The older players are even worse than the younger about complaining about the 'rules police'. The older players are playing by the rules they made up 40 years ago, or worse yet, 40 minutes ago. I wish I had a nickle for each time one of the Older players would say "I never heard of that rule!!!" and when I asked which rule book they are referring to, they usually reply "that's the way they played when I was learning how to play"
If you want to have a playing environment as quiet as a church, then I suspect you'd better not go to a pool hall, most of them have very loud Jukeboxes, customers that are there for pleasure and entertainment and are very capable of spending $30-$50 every night they come in the place. While you complain about everything.
Even at 64, I need to spend a little more time acting my age and not being so critical about pool players being VERY critical.
I'm 63 so what do you think? I saw a lot of what you're talking about even when I started playing seriously but not from the serious players, mostly not, anyhowIt's just gotten worse over the years and more prevalent than some people apparently think. I'm glad that there seems to be more and more interest in Straight Pool again and it may make a difference. I don't know, I feel pretty jaded lately, notice very few posts by me in the main forum anymore.
It's nice knowing others here are older than I
I turned 63 last week. Anywho, the lack of respect of the game and all the nefarious activities that interfer with play ''get to me'' and keep me away from the pool room. If you watched the Appleton match on line in Quatar recently where the score was 12-12....when it was Darrens turn to break the final rack, his opponent was prepping and chalking his tip, that was to me, Waaaaaaaaay out of line, but it definitely was a shark, tho not many if any commented about that happening. Since our game is still not considered a sport or a PGA event or something similar, we won't see that respect till that changes, its sad but true. You can go to a skateboard park and see more respect and concern, because its been accepted and seen on TV. Our time is coming where our sport will be rebirthed, and it will happen in our lifetime, I finally feel it, like the feelings at this yrs trade show.
You're 50
??? Better take a close look at your body (for memories sake), because it's soon to take a downhill plunge :sorry:!!!BTW, I'm meeting with a buddy of yours Sunday to buy a cue from him (Willie Speed). Gotta keep supportin' the local cuemakers :thumbup:!!!
Maniac
Playing league, opponent is in the next room playing the slots, not watching the game at all. Felt disrespected too say the least, and he's is one of the best players with a lot of
experience. Our league has a rule that only the players are allowed to discuss the match,
thinking about it I realize that at any point in the game I could have moved any ball and if he hadn't noticed nothing could be said, not that I would do that, but it sure would have been a lesson to him about paying attention.
experience. Our league has a rule that only the players are allowed to discuss the match,
thinking about it I realize that at any point in the game I could have moved any ball and if he hadn't noticed nothing could be said, not that I would do that, but it sure would have been a lesson to him about paying attention.
You're 50
BTW, I'm meeting with a buddy of yours Sunday to buy a cue from him (Willie Speed). Gotta keep supportin' the local cuemakers :thumbup:!!!
Maniac
Be careful of Willie. He cheats. He must since he beats me more times then not. I haven't figured out how, but he must be cheating.
Larry
Does it make me a "young 'un" if I'm only 27?
The texting thing gets me too. Though I have been known to do it myself when my opponent decides to take a few minutes to grab a drink or reload the juke box. But the first thing I do when I walk into the pool hall (or library or classroom or anywhere else that it might be distracting to someone else) is turn off the damn ringer. It's not that difficult! And if you're expecting a text or call then you can check your phone on your own time.
I agree with most of you on the music being too loud. Even when it's a great song I don't want to be going deaf playing pool. Though the worst is when a group of teenagers (now I really feel old!) comes in and blasts every techno and rap song on the juke box! Gah!
They also tend to swear excessively. Not that I'm against swearing...sometimes it just needs to be done...but don't do it in public! Or at the very least use your inside voice.
The texting thing gets me too. Though I have been known to do it myself when my opponent decides to take a few minutes to grab a drink or reload the juke box. But the first thing I do when I walk into the pool hall (or library or classroom or anywhere else that it might be distracting to someone else) is turn off the damn ringer. It's not that difficult! And if you're expecting a text or call then you can check your phone on your own time.
I agree with most of you on the music being too loud. Even when it's a great song I don't want to be going deaf playing pool. Though the worst is when a group of teenagers (now I really feel old!) comes in and blasts every techno and rap song on the juke box! Gah!
They also tend to swear excessively. Not that I'm against swearing...sometimes it just needs to be done...but don't do it in public! Or at the very least use your inside voice.
Everyone loves a long, multi-quoted reply, so here's mine 
From my last bottle:
Flavors: ripe plums with a touch of spice
Enjoy: with antipasto, good times & great friends
Now that we have accompaniment for our cheese you will have to forgive me for not following the rules or replying to this as I’m not yet 50+. I try my best to sit and be still during an opponent’s turn but in a safety exchange of one-pocket I don’t often find the time to get there and settle before I need to be at the table again. Playing other games mind you, I do my best to stay out of the way and expect the same in return.
I wonder about the, “Chalking after you miss” peeve as they obviously know they are not going to shoot again. But that might be nothing more than either a post-shot routine (instead of pre) that is hard to break, or simply an unconscious behavior. I understand it’s rude and annoying, but thankfully I have my own chalk so I’ll never steal one from the rail.
I think I learned these manners of table etiquette from RSB to be honest. While I’ve played pool for most of my life none of it was really structured and the habits you picked up from your friends seemed perfectly normal. When some of the posters created these types of threads it was an eye-opener for me as to how many things I did that really irked other players. I think these threads should be revisited every once in a while as new lurkers see them and hopefully understand the “shoulds” and “should-nots” of pool room behavior.
Those damned kids sure do get around, they were just on mine. Lil’ bastards. I think for my 40th birthday that’s a shirt I’ll have to have made for me.
I ignore my phone during a game, picking it up only once we rack or during a player break. I’m interested in what goes on between the rails, otherwise I’d be at home. If people get annoyed that I’m slow to respond to texts sometimes it’s simply a part of me they will have to live with. Pool is more important than some inane chat about why the other texter couldn’t be at the pool hall talking to me in person. Quietly. Not during the other player’s inning. Without giant hand gestures that distract other players.
I have a bad habit of helping people get into this sport. I refer them to a friend who owns a store where they can find cues, tools, and swag in general. One of the first things I tell them when they get their first cue is never to eat and then touch their cue. It gets food and oils onto the wrap, into the table’s cloth, and on the rails. I found the easiest way to reinforce this idea is to make it personal to them, if I can show them it will ruin their new cue they are more likely to listen than showing them my white wrap that is still white.
As far cleaning up the act, it’s up to each person. When you laugh alongside someone, even on the forum, who thinks that a hereto unnamed unstable male professional pool player is funny and good for pool because they draw crowds (for example) you encourage them to act the same way. They pass it on to their friends and so forth. The buck has to stop somewhere.
If you would rather text, go do that instead. It’s probably cheaper at home at any rate. None of these are excuses for losing, this thread is about respect for other people. Not “rspct”, or w/e. If you find yourself feeling everyone is, “out to get you”, or a need to defend your game by calling etiquette an “excuse” you probably haven’t played beyond a local bar with a Ram-Shot.
PS: When people ask me "plz" because it's shorter than "please", I tell them "no" because it's shorter than "yes".
I am 59 years of age. I grew up when pool was "sort of" a gentlemans game. Things have changed.
In my past, you sat in your chair, your were still, and you were quiet. I miss that. I still do it that way, but I wish the gesture was reciprocal.
When a shooter misses a shot, they not only stand at the table far too long after the balls have stopped rolling, but they have the audacity to pick up the chalk and stand there and chalk their cue before heading to the chair. WTF???
Maniac (already dining on a little cheese with his whine :grin
From my last bottle:
Flavors: ripe plums with a touch of spice
Enjoy: with antipasto, good times & great friends
Now that we have accompaniment for our cheese you will have to forgive me for not following the rules or replying to this as I’m not yet 50+. I try my best to sit and be still during an opponent’s turn but in a safety exchange of one-pocket I don’t often find the time to get there and settle before I need to be at the table again. Playing other games mind you, I do my best to stay out of the way and expect the same in return.
I wonder about the, “Chalking after you miss” peeve as they obviously know they are not going to shoot again. But that might be nothing more than either a post-shot routine (instead of pre) that is hard to break, or simply an unconscious behavior. I understand it’s rude and annoying, but thankfully I have my own chalk so I’ll never steal one from the rail.
I think I learned these manners of table etiquette from RSB to be honest. While I’ve played pool for most of my life none of it was really structured and the habits you picked up from your friends seemed perfectly normal. When some of the posters created these types of threads it was an eye-opener for me as to how many things I did that really irked other players. I think these threads should be revisited every once in a while as new lurkers see them and hopefully understand the “shoulds” and “should-nots” of pool room behavior.
Those damned kids sure do get around, they were just on mine. Lil’ bastards. I think for my 40th birthday that’s a shirt I’ll have to have made for me.
I ignore my phone during a game, picking it up only once we rack or during a player break. I’m interested in what goes on between the rails, otherwise I’d be at home. If people get annoyed that I’m slow to respond to texts sometimes it’s simply a part of me they will have to live with. Pool is more important than some inane chat about why the other texter couldn’t be at the pool hall talking to me in person. Quietly. Not during the other player’s inning. Without giant hand gestures that distract other players.
I have a bad habit of helping people get into this sport. I refer them to a friend who owns a store where they can find cues, tools, and swag in general. One of the first things I tell them when they get their first cue is never to eat and then touch their cue. It gets food and oils onto the wrap, into the table’s cloth, and on the rails. I found the easiest way to reinforce this idea is to make it personal to them, if I can show them it will ruin their new cue they are more likely to listen than showing them my white wrap that is still white.
As far cleaning up the act, it’s up to each person. When you laugh alongside someone, even on the forum, who thinks that a hereto unnamed unstable male professional pool player is funny and good for pool because they draw crowds (for example) you encourage them to act the same way. They pass it on to their friends and so forth. The buck has to stop somewhere.
If you would rather text, go do that instead. It’s probably cheaper at home at any rate. None of these are excuses for losing, this thread is about respect for other people. Not “rspct”, or w/e. If you find yourself feeling everyone is, “out to get you”, or a need to defend your game by calling etiquette an “excuse” you probably haven’t played beyond a local bar with a Ram-Shot.
PS: When people ask me "plz" because it's shorter than "please", I tell them "no" because it's shorter than "yes".
ThePoolkillers
Banned
OK I have to say I'm far, far from 50s (I'm kinda a representative of those younger crowds you mentioned), but I agree with some of your points. For example, other players and people around the table should do their best to bother the shooter as little as possible. However, I have to say I'm against pool being a "gentleman's game" anymore. Nothing personal, it's just my opinion. There's nothing wrong with players wearing a headset while playing. If they prefer playing that way, I don't see why anybody should be offended. After all, it's their choice. Other unnecessary formalities should be avoided just as well. We only need to keep an eye on actions which decrease the quality of the game itself (the situation on the table). Also, there's no reason for players to "apologize" for getting probablity shots, which you called "lucky shots". Of course, boosting with it as it's an aiming skill is just stupid and wrong, but a smart player knows how to take advantage of probabilty. Some players I know, as well as I, incorporated the probability in our play styles, and when those shots prove successful, we would just feel retarded to apologize. For those who disagree with this post, you should know I didn't mean to offend anyone, as this is just my personal opinion.
I think the initial post of this thread related to two players playing each other in a match or competition or something of similar nature. As for all you comments they too are correct. Being around the newer style rooms and Bars with bar tables and Cocktails, they create and go after whats currently accepted, and accepting those conditions are Normal for Non-Players and most surviving room owners, as Many don't care or percieve pool as any different than playing a game of ping pong.
The gentlemans game you talk about was the foundation of our game, and at one point in time, Willie Mosconi was the highest paid athlete in the world when he was on Brunswicks payroll. Back then those players wore suits and portrayed our game in a way it ''demanded'' respect, and got it, nowadays society here has socially deterioated to a point, that Many could care less about Anything, unless it benefits them and them alone. I remember yrs ago when I first heard the expression, ''I only take care of #1 (meaning yourself). Nowadays that attitude is Very prevalant in All aspects of society. I call it the political ''trickle down effect''. I always wonder if many politicians when they were raised were told by their parents, ''don't ever compromise'', as the current climate worldwide seems to have endorsed that thinking, and in turn NOTHING ever gets done.
Dana, I'm going to have to scarf this! I'm dying to use it on a certain sales guy at work who TXT-emails me all the time, puts the entire request in the "Subject" line of the email (the message body itself is completely blank), and uses these truncated words devoid of vowels. I'm just going to have to say "no" to all his request, because "no" is shorter than "yes."
Love it!
-Sean
ThePoolkillers
Banned
I know when this game was founded, players were wearing suits and being "gentlemen"
However, pool hasn't deteriorated in the modern era. It has evolved. It's much more practical and emphasizes functionality, leaving behind the old conservative principles and formalities. What you said about general selfishness nowadays is true, but I never claimed that it's a good thing, especially in pool. I stand for prosperity of this game, and that can only be done through constant improvements. Some conservatives, on the other hand, are doing their best to ignore simple logic and keep pool in the dark.Next week, bring in a Tesla coil, a power supply, and set it up. Invite your friends over to see some magic fireworks. Press a button, and presto, no electronic device in a couple hundred feet will be operating.
On second thought, you might want to back your car up to the back of the building, set off the Tesla coil, and then go park normally......
Respect is to be earned..
I don't text at the table, or wear headphones for that matter, but if I needed to text or take a call, I'd make you wait,, there wouldn't be nothing you could do, but wait until I was done with my call or text anyway, If you was to run your mouth about it , Id set you straight by any means necessary ..
A emergency on your part doesn't constitute as one on my behalf.
PS, I can hold my own in life ,as well as at the table,, there isn't nothing I'd tell you in this forum ,that I wouldn't tell you to your face.. I'm fully willing to back my words up on any ground.. Regardless of your creed, size or reputation,, I will hold my own !!!
Your complaining about frivolous peeves , makes you look as if you're no more than a relic whose time has past him by.. Is it that your jealous of those whose prime is at hand, when yours has diminished ?!?!
You get respect if you earn it !!!!!
You don't get it off me, just cause you're older in age, you must prove you're worth respecting ,before I'll treat you with respect..
That respect your elders doesn't mean jack to me,, especially when alot of the older guys I came across are narrow minded ,and think they know it all, until they're proven wrong.. Then they get all flustered, and there lips seal shut when they're face to face with adversity..
When its a forum setting there mouths run a million miles per minute, in reality ,not all, but a big amount of them are chumps..
It boils down to this...........
If you give me respect ,I'll give respect in return,, if you don't ,then you'll get what you get...
Play your game, and that's it,, dont worry about someone texting, or wearing headphones, its not your place to care ..
Us younger guys don't complain when you oldies run to the rest room to p!ss every 5 minutes, because your bladder is to thin to hold liquid any longer than that @ your fragile age..
Let ppl live how they want,, if it isn't directly effecting you, then you shouldn't care..
If the music to loud ,get earplugs.. If your opponent chalks while your approaching the table,if it aint your chalk, then let them chalk..
Its 2012, not 1950 ,,your hay days have pass, so now you complain how the worlds changed, cause you cant do anything at your age but complain..
Like it or not ,that's the way of the world old timer,, and you can cry about it until you're blue in the face,, that still wont change the New world,, we are your future ,love it ,or hate it..
:yikes: :wave3: :yeah: k: :joyful: :clapping: :dance: 
oke: :yes:
I don't text at the table, or wear headphones for that matter, but if I needed to text or take a call, I'd make you wait,, there wouldn't be nothing you could do, but wait until I was done with my call or text anyway, If you was to run your mouth about it , Id set you straight by any means necessary ..
A emergency on your part doesn't constitute as one on my behalf.
PS, I can hold my own in life ,as well as at the table,, there isn't nothing I'd tell you in this forum ,that I wouldn't tell you to your face.. I'm fully willing to back my words up on any ground.. Regardless of your creed, size or reputation,, I will hold my own !!!
Your complaining about frivolous peeves , makes you look as if you're no more than a relic whose time has past him by.. Is it that your jealous of those whose prime is at hand, when yours has diminished ?!?!
You get respect if you earn it !!!!!
You don't get it off me, just cause you're older in age, you must prove you're worth respecting ,before I'll treat you with respect..
That respect your elders doesn't mean jack to me,, especially when alot of the older guys I came across are narrow minded ,and think they know it all, until they're proven wrong.. Then they get all flustered, and there lips seal shut when they're face to face with adversity..
When its a forum setting there mouths run a million miles per minute, in reality ,not all, but a big amount of them are chumps..
It boils down to this...........
If you give me respect ,I'll give respect in return,, if you don't ,then you'll get what you get...
Play your game, and that's it,, dont worry about someone texting, or wearing headphones, its not your place to care ..
Us younger guys don't complain when you oldies run to the rest room to p!ss every 5 minutes, because your bladder is to thin to hold liquid any longer than that @ your fragile age..
Let ppl live how they want,, if it isn't directly effecting you, then you shouldn't care..
If the music to loud ,get earplugs.. If your opponent chalks while your approaching the table,if it aint your chalk, then let them chalk..
Its 2012, not 1950 ,,your hay days have pass, so now you complain how the worlds changed, cause you cant do anything at your age but complain..
Like it or not ,that's the way of the world old timer,, and you can cry about it until you're blue in the face,, that still wont change the New world,, we are your future ,love it ,or hate it..
:yikes: :wave3: :yeah: k: :joyful: :clapping: :dance: oke: :yes:
Don't challenge me like this, Mitch, for I would build one and do this. (Used to build Tesla coils and Van de Graaff generators in high school, because I was fascinated by high voltage. Even built an EMP [electromagnetic pulse] generator that would knock-out electronics 20 meters in any direction.)
I don't usually have the time to do such "for funsies" projects, but if something bugs me enough... :grin-devilish:
-Sean
Banks
Banned
Well, wouldn't Jerry Springer be proud. If I've got to tell you something twice at the table because you've got your headphones too loud or if I've got to wait for your "important" phone call asking mom what's for dinner, I'll just rerack them and ask the next person to step up. I've got a friend that pulls that crap and it doesn't fly with me. There's a reason it's call "yound, dumb and full of #$%", and it's not because older generations are "out of touch".
It's called being an inconsiderate *****. Either that, or just too ****ing stupid to know any better. Take your pick.
"Set you straight by any means necessary".. Well, maybe it's both of the above.
"Banks" Sorry your fossilized ego got bruised, Truth hurts. :grin:
"Ghosst" since you sided with the oldsmobiles to a degree , I figured you belonged in the used car lot.
"Ghosst" since you sided with the oldsmobiles to a degree , I figured you belonged in the used car lot.
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It's such a sad truth that I'm short, fat, hairy, and old. But I can use my beard to soak up the beer when it leaks out of my sippy cup.