Opponents with headphones

[owll]

How do you get your opponents attention to let them know you are going to push out?

Are you rolling the cue ball straight at the one on your push shot? (ya, might want to get there attention there) (not likely)

Are you rolling the cue ball to difficult spot (no where near one) where one ball can be hit but shot is difficult to make? (say 'push' and shoot, he knows its a rollout even if he doesnt hear you)

I've played many matches (against A players) where we are both wearing headphones, and there has never even once been a problem because of headphones.

Im starting to think this headphone post is divided up by skill level. Lower level players don't like them, higher level players dont care about them.

 

[WoodyMPW]

Im starting to think this headphone post is divided up by skill level. Lower level players don't like them, higher level players dont care about them.

Probably more of a divide based on age.

 

[nine_ball6970]

How do you get your opponents attention to let them know you are going to push out?

Are you rolling the cue ball straight at the one on your push shot? (ya, might want to get there attention there) (not likely)

Are you rolling the cue ball to difficult spot (no where near one) where one ball can be hit but shot is difficult to make? (say 'push' and shoot, he knows its a rollout even if he doesnt hear you)

I've played many matches (against A players) where we are both wearing headphones, and there has never even once been a problem because of headphones.

Im starting to think this headphone post is divided up by skill level. Lower level players don't like them, higher level players dont care about them.

You assume you are playing someone who is paying attention. What if they are not watching the table after you break? Have you ever had someone walk up to you and ask if it was ball in hand because they just did not watch you shoot?

I don't think skill level should have much to do with respect for your opponent. If you and all of your opponents wear headphones then cool.

Would you be ok with your opponent talking on their phone while you shoot? What about while they shoot?

Should people be allowed to wear headphones in US Open or other major tournaments?

 

[BeiberLvr]

I was under the impression people wore headphones because they are bothered by small things, This in turns bothers the people who are not wearing headphones because they have to deal with the people wearing headphones.

Maybe they wear headphones because they like a certain style of music.

It couldn’t be that simple.

 

[Michael Andros]

Maybe they wear headphones because they like a certain style of music.

It couldn’t be that simple.

Anyone can listen to any type music that want via headphones, just not playing pool with me. And for me, it isn't a matter of it being a small thing or a big thing, It's a simple matter of courtesy and by extension, respect.

 

[nine_ball6970]

Maybe they wear headphones because they like a certain style of music.

It couldn’t be that simple.

If it is that simple they can use one earphone and have the other one out. I know some people who do that and I have zero issue with it.

I want my opponent to be able to communicate with me if needed and expect the same from them without it turning into an ordeal.

I also know people who play the music so loud on their headphones that I can hear it as well. I feel that is different from what is playing on the jukebox. Maybe I am just weird.

 

[BeiberLvr]

Anyone can listen to any type music that want via headphones, just not playing pool with me. And for me, it isn't a matter of it being a small thing or a big thing, It's a simple matter of courtesy and by extension, respect.

I can assure you that if you and I ever played, and I happened to have my earbuds in, it wouldn't be to disrespect you.

I can't think of anyone that would wear their headphones just to disrespect their opponent.

 

[BeiberLvr]

If it is that simple they can use one earphone and have the other one out. I know some people who do that and I have zero issue with it.

That's an option.

I want my opponent to be able to communicate with me if needed and expect the same from them without it turning into an ordeal.

We've already established the only reasons you would need to communicate with your opponent would be:

1. Tell them they are on 2 fouls.
2. Tell them you need someone to watch a hit.

In a race to 7. Exactly how often are either of those situations coming up? Enough to warrant being upset over the effort it takes to get someone's attention? Nah.

I also know people who play the music so loud on their headphones that I can hear it as well. I feel that is different from what is playing on the jukebox. Maybe I am just weird.

Haven't run across that myself, but I suppose it could happen. Still wouldn't bother me though.

 

[Meucciplayer]

I can assure you that if you and I ever played, and I happened to have my earbuds in, it wouldn't be to disrespect you.

I can't think of anyone that would wear their headphones just to disrespect their opponent.

Well, it is not so much a matter of what YOU mean it to be. It is more of a thing how it is received when the opponent is obviously distracted (which in my experience is mostly the case with people wearing headphones.

When I was younger there used to be stuff like the once famous "Walkman" and before that there were other devices like the bulky headphones with an internal radio. But I have never seen a pool player back then wearing those devices during gameplay. It would not even have crossed people's minds. Common courtesy - I suppose - prohibited the thought.

What is going to be next? People wearing Google Glass or 3D virtual reality devices because they find the pool hall surroundings unbearable? Sheesh, why do people have to have constant media exposure everywhere they go? It is horrible enough that we can't enjoy snooker or pool matches without some (visitor) fools who can't turn off their phones. Recently I attended a funeral and even there one of those things went off. The owner even had the nerve to (shortly) answer the call. Something is wrong with a lot of people IMHO.

 

[alstl]

How do you get your opponents attention to let them know you are going to push out?

Are you rolling the cue ball straight at the one on your push shot? (ya, might want to get there attention there) (not likely)

Are you rolling the cue ball to difficult spot (no where near one) where one ball can be hit but shot is difficult to make? (say 'push' and shoot, he knows its a rollout even if he doesnt hear you)

I've played many matches (against A players) where we are both wearing headphones, and there has never even once been a problem because of headphones.

Im starting to think this headphone post is divided up by skill level. Lower level players don't like them, higher level players dont care about them.

I suspect you are right.

 

[Meucciplayer]

I suspect you are right.

Certainly not. In my local club and in the pool halls downtown most of the really great players dislike headphones, texting and all that. It is almost entirely an age phenomenon. Very few people over 30-35 yrs. use headphones - actually most of them share my opinion and dislike or even hate them.

OTOH there are quite a few bangers wearing headphones and texting/surfing 24/7.

 

[plyittothetbone]

I may wear them depending on the situation:

I "always" ask my challenger if they mind. If they say yes, I do not wear them.

I play same speed with or without them. But, if my challenger starts talking to me while I'm stroking at balls I either call them on it or pull the ear phones out. One is no more disrespectful than the other.

It's bad enough to "have" to deal with some dip chit moving....i.e. scratching his nose, fiddling with phone, cue....etc...etc...only when in line with my shot-line. Do I really "have" to "hear" his BS too?

I'm as old fashioned as anyone on here, guarantee that. But, like most old fashion folks, I will only take so much BS.

Bottom line:

Nothing I like more than a respectful game of 1-hole, str8 pool, 10 ball......etc..etc... where BOTH players are comfortable and can give their best effort. But when one of them starts making sharking moves.........moving, talking....etc.... in ways that are obvious to everyone around them, well, IMO it is ok at that point to pull out ear phones so you can at least combat part of their childish antics.

Rake

TAP TAP TAP. could not have said it better myself.

I am of the mind that if we are playing I want you to play your best game and beat you because I outplayed you not because I outsharked you.

Personally I wear them more than I don't. If I am in the mood to just jam out to music and choose to I will. Don't like it? Don't play me. That is fine too. I am just as content hitting balls by myself. I play the same with em or without em.

 

[nine_ball6970]

I really don't care if a player wears them or not during practice.

Do the people who think wearing them is fine believe it is fine in all forms of competition? Tournaments, gambling and league?

Here they are banned in some tournaments. I am not sure I have ever seen someone use them during league. Gambling it should be up to the players involved.

 

[alstl]

Fully agreed.. why should I have to go to the extra trouble of getting someone's attention, make me work harder?

LOL - should Van Boening have to forfeit all his U S Open championships because he turns his hearing aid off when he plays?

 

[Black-Balled]

LOL - should Van Boening have to forfeit all his U S Open championships because he turns his hearing aid off when he plays?

I think the context is completely different.

One is a federally protected matter, the other is headphones.

 

[nine_ball6970]

LOL - should Van Boening have to forfeit all his U S Open championships because he turns his hearing aid off when he plays?

Strickland has said it gives Shane an unfair advantage. That comment led Earl to wearing ear muffs during their TAR match. Earl massacred him.

 

[eihi]

The younger generation loves their electronics.
It doesn't bother me, though it's nice if they leave one ear bud out. I haven't ever played with headphones while playing against someone, might be nice?

 

[alstl]

I think the context is completely different.

One is a federally protected matter, the other is headphones.

The reason Shane turns off his hearing aid is the same as why people wear headphones.

 

[Black-Balled]

The reason Shane turns off his hearing aid is the same as why people wear headphones.

I find the situations very different.

 

[Meucciplayer]

The reason Shane turns off his hearing aid is the same as why people wear headphones.

Yep, different reason and Shane really can't hear. Thus he has those earphones and people who are in the same situation tell me those hearing aids can be quite a pita. For example in restaurants and bars with lots of background noise. I don't even want to imagine having to wear those.