Just looking for some advice from some that have been there and may want to shed some light on the situation. How do you guy's handle being in a room where everybody in the room is looking to see you fail or lose. They may tag team you, shark you while you play others, dog your game, etc. I've been playing in a new room and the "regular's" don't seem to like that I'm in the room. I light up the tables more than anyone else in the room and pay my dues practicing to improve my game. I'm seeing good results and now it seems like the room has decided to put a target on my back. Seems like a stupid problem and I can usually tolerate it or avoid drama but after about a year it seems like I have to admit its starting to get to the point where its getting to me. Any advice?
Hostile Conditions
- Thread starter gsxr750rr
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Not quite sure what you mean by putting a target on your back. Could you elaborate?
It's taken me years to teach my g/f that she shouldn't root against me all the time. Starts to get to me after a while. Sometimes I thought I'd make her pay her own way here or there and tell her I couldn't because I lost her dinner money.
That sucks! You do find this a lot though where regulars aren't very welcoming to new faces.
My advice would be to keep yourself to yourself, play your game and don't take what ever bait they may throw at you. I've never experienced much hostility for that length of time, its usually been when I've been playing one of 'their' guys at 'their' pool hall. Normally I block out the verbal abuse and let my game do the talking. After the match I'm never seeing these guys again so I just laugh it off. Well played for putting up with it for so long, but if I were you, I'd look for a new place to play.
My advice would be to keep yourself to yourself, play your game and don't take what ever bait they may throw at you. I've never experienced much hostility for that length of time, its usually been when I've been playing one of 'their' guys at 'their' pool hall. Normally I block out the verbal abuse and let my game do the talking. After the match I'm never seeing these guys again so I just laugh it off. Well played for putting up with it for so long, but if I were you, I'd look for a new place to play.
Reminds me of an old song ... "Move Over Old Dog 'cause the New Dog's Movin' In"
I suspect they may be jealous of your talents. Something that's been around
since time began. I had that same problem at HT Sacramento as a "newbie".
Hopefully they, and their attitudes, will turn in your favor.
I suspect they may be jealous of your talents. Something that's been around
since time began. I had that same problem at HT Sacramento as a "newbie".
Hopefully they, and their attitudes, will turn in your favor.
When you say you "light up the tables more than anyone else in the room"
what do you mean exactly?
To be honest it sounds kind of cocky. If that's your personality,
if you actually go in there acting and talking cocky, then you are begging for trouble.
With the right group or in the right region it's ok to be a little chirpy,
but in other places it might make sense to close the beak
I've never been in a pool hall where players just automatically hate you for being good at pool.
Usually it takes two to cause drama.
what do you mean exactly?
To be honest it sounds kind of cocky. If that's your personality,
if you actually go in there acting and talking cocky, then you are begging for trouble.
With the right group or in the right region it's ok to be a little chirpy,
but in other places it might make sense to close the beak
I've never been in a pool hall where players just automatically hate you for being good at pool.
Usually it takes two to cause drama.
I gave my wife the credit card and everything was fine after that...
(ways out...)
I moved to a table in the corner away from everyone and generally out of earshot and near the back restroom. If there was any contact they had to initiate it and I wouldn't gamble with them (I don't anyways). I managed to show up at different time of the day too, that kept me away from some of the regulars. After a while I was just a normal part of the decor. One other thing, If you're carrying a $2000 custom when you first go in there in your Justice or JB case and you draw out your cue like a pirate taking out a sword to kidnap a fair maiden, then you're kind of asking for trouble. If you're not really trying to fit in then you won't fit in. When you become part of the background no one will care what kind of equipment you have, but until then a low profile is highly advised
(ways out...)
I moved to a table in the corner away from everyone and generally out of earshot and near the back restroom. If there was any contact they had to initiate it and I wouldn't gamble with them (I don't anyways). I managed to show up at different time of the day too, that kept me away from some of the regulars. After a while I was just a normal part of the decor. One other thing, If you're carrying a $2000 custom when you first go in there in your Justice or JB case and you draw out your cue like a pirate taking out a sword to kidnap a fair maiden, then you're kind of asking for trouble. If you're not really trying to fit in then you won't fit in. When you become part of the background no one will care what kind of equipment you have, but until then a low profile is highly advised
See what happens when you assume.
By lighting up the tables, maybe he means that he is an electrician.
But I doubt it.
By lighting up the tables, maybe he means that he is an electrician.
But I doubt it.
At the end of a game or match I would say "All that practice is finally paying off" with a big warm smile, say good game or match and move on. I would not change pool halls unless they are really getting to you. I to am cocky a little bit. It's just part of the game. My two favorite things to say are show me what you got or I know I can beat this guy if somebody can give me some money to play him. If a person plays well they have my respect and I let them know it.
Good luck my friend. Keep shooting well.
Good luck my friend. Keep shooting well.
by "lighting up the tables" I mean that I practice about 8 hours a day. I came into this room with a sneaky pete and didn't speak to a single soul, rented a table by myself and I've never barked at anyone nor have I asked someone to play for money. I've been asked and accepted but never been the first one to bring it up I've never spoken about matches I've won or lost after they've been over, when asked I always say I lucked out and got the roll's and the score doesn't reflect how well my opponent played and that anyone can beat anyone any day. That's the way I was taught coming up in rooms. I'm actually quite the opposite of cocky. I personally don't like those that are, unless they've earned that right.
By "lighting up the tables", I took him to mean that he puts in more table time than they do.
What age group are you and the others in? Have they tried to strike up any conversations with you that you blew off? Or vice-versa? Do they gamble and you don't? Try and find some common ground with them to "fit in" at least enough that you are accepted there. You don't have to be friends with them, just try and get accepted. Other choice is to flat out ask them what there problem is with you. But, depending on how you ask that, it could lead to a fight.
What age group are you and the others in? Have they tried to strike up any conversations with you that you blew off? Or vice-versa? Do they gamble and you don't? Try and find some common ground with them to "fit in" at least enough that you are accepted there. You don't have to be friends with them, just try and get accepted. Other choice is to flat out ask them what there problem is with you. But, depending on how you ask that, it could lead to a fight.
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Some people will always hate you for no apparent reason and vice versa, that happens to everyone.
If someone is sharking you confront them. If that don't help then try to block it out, you will have to learn it anyways in your pool playing career.
If there are any tournaments in that pool room try to play in them or try to join a league if they have any. Try to talk to regulars there, not just pool but a lot of other different things.
Buy your opponent, or whoever dislikes you a beer and chat them up. You'll be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn't like getting a free beer or having their time paid for them.
I naturally tend to make friends with most anyone I meet playing pool, except if they immediately come of as a D-bag with a huge ego. Maybe you haven't tried to connect with anyone there and this is what they notice. Do you play in their tournaments, or just money games?
I naturally tend to make friends with most anyone I meet playing pool, except if they immediately come of as a D-bag with a huge ego. Maybe you haven't tried to connect with anyone there and this is what they notice. Do you play in their tournaments, or just money games?
Also good advice. See, AZ can be a nice place....
That is the most positive way of seeing it Neil.
I would have taken it that by Lighting Up a table, he was saying that he was that much better than anyone else in the room.
Obviously by his post above yours, I was wrong. So, most likely just jealousy on their part.
If someone is Sharking you, I would take a quick break from shooting, stand up off my shot, turn and look the guy in the eyes, smile and say, "That shit doesn't work with me Buddy".
He knows that he isn't being that discrete, you are onto him and any further sharking just makes him look the fool.
If the fools persist, just absolutely don't show them that they are getting to you, even if it does deep down, don't let on. They will eventually tire of their fools game and be onto someone or something else shortly there after.
I would have taken it that by Lighting Up a table, he was saying that he was that much better than anyone else in the room.
Obviously by his post above yours, I was wrong. So, most likely just jealousy on their part.
If someone is Sharking you, I would take a quick break from shooting, stand up off my shot, turn and look the guy in the eyes, smile and say, "That shit doesn't work with me Buddy".
He knows that he isn't being that discrete, you are onto him and any further sharking just makes him look the fool.
If the fools persist, just absolutely don't show them that they are getting to you, even if it does deep down, don't let on. They will eventually tire of their fools game and be onto someone or something else shortly there after.
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This is just one viewpoint. Tough advice is man up and don't be a door mat or don't let that stuff bother you. Softer advice, do you want friends or money? Figure out to fit in instead of prove yourself.
Some can interpret confidence as cockiness....depends how you carry yourself as a person. Also, some need to feel superior and the only way they can is put someone else down. The new guy can be an easy target, especially if quiet, reserved, confident, or somehow viewed as superior.
Age and maturity can impact this greatly....for both parties.
Just one of my rambling viewpoints...
Some can interpret confidence as cockiness....depends how you carry yourself as a person. Also, some need to feel superior and the only way they can is put someone else down. The new guy can be an easy target, especially if quiet, reserved, confident, or somehow viewed as superior.
Age and maturity can impact this greatly....for both parties.
Just one of my rambling viewpoints...
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Wear headphones. This will help you focus when you are playing. Sharking probably will not be a problem anymore.
LOL, I didn't even see his post when I made mine. Either I was slow in posting it, or I just flat out missed his post.
There is a saying that, " A game is only game if two people play"! So, once you confront anyone you are a part of the game and it only escalates. Some on the rail love attetion because it is theonly way they can contrigute to waht is going on. Learn to ignore them and not give them any credit whatsoever. They will go away in not time.