Does playing Pool with Families or Friends mess up your real game??

billiardshot

billiardshot

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Does playing Pool with Families or Friends mess up your real game??
In my opinion Yes. Because I don't want them not to enjoy the game!
But it cause me a little mental break down. Special when we go to a bar to play.
 
I think its okay on occasion. Doing it for years and then later getting in the grease may cost you the ability to bear down when its a tough match.
Been struggling now and the grease can be slick.
 
I once read that a player should have three regular playing partners:

One should be substantially better than you,
one should play at the same speed, and
one should be substantially below your speed.

Each of the three offers different learning opportunities, even the last one. It can be hard to bring your best game even when your A-game isn't strictly necessary to win.
 
I had three speeds, now the speeds are slow, crawl, and glacier.

First speed was dates and friends. I enjoy knocking balls around so it isn't a strain.

Second speed is local players and local hustlers. It was generally understood that unless the table was an absolute road map I would give them a shot or two.

Third speed, somebody with the smell of a road player just came through the door. Sharpen the knives, it's feeding time! In the local bar it was understood I got first crack at strangers with cue cases. Left blood everywhere when it was just strangers from the rich side of town but also led to battles that were pure fun! I figured I could beat anyone that tried to beard me in my den and I was mostly right. That didn't mean it was always easy.

Hu
 
I guess it depends on the goal. I practice with my wife every week using APA scoring. She plays as a two, I play as a 7, and she wins a decent amount.

If she wasn't on my team I'd probably go easier on her, but that's not the goal right now.
 
I have not read the replies, but my three cents worth is
If you go to a bar to play pool with family, you are there to have fun, not prove how good you are and not looking for action
So you try lots of ridiculous shots. You probably will make a couple and they’ll go Ooo and ahhhh
You let them shoot and have fun
Should not mess up your game at all
Jmho
Icbw
 
bbb said:
you are there to have fun, not prove how good you are and not looking for
Click to expand...
Well wait a minute now.
I was on an out of town grocery store remodel with uh let's see maybe 8 of us on the crew with carpenters and laborers and a Superintendent. So the first night after work. I played the Superintendent for the first round. I had bragged uh significantly with my co workers and told them that, ^I could Play."
So I broke and ran to the 8 and hooked myself accidentally. The crew was laughing and encouraging our Superintendent with, "Well at least you will get to shoot." No He didn't, I called it and kicked it. Just had to prove that I wasn't full of Sh**. 🤷‍♂️
 
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gregcantrall said:
Well wait a minute now.
I was on an out of town grocery store remodel with uh let's see maybe 8 of us on the crew with carpenters and laborers and a Superintendent. So the first night after work. I played the Superintendent for the first round. I had bragged uh significantly with my co workers and told them that, ^I could Play."
So I broke and ran to the 8 and hooked myself accidentally. The crew was laughing and encouraging our Superintendent with, "Well at least you will get to shoot." No He didn't, I called it and kicked it. Just had to prove that I wasn't full of Sh**. 🤷‍♂️
Click to expand...
you had something to prove after bragging
you were not with family to have fun
 
gregcantrall said:
Well wait a minute now.
I was on an out of town grocery store remodel with uh let's see maybe 8 of us on the crew with carpenters and laborers and a Superintendent. So the first night after work. I played the Superintendent for the first round. I had bragged uh significantly with my co workers and told them that, ^I could Play."
So I broke and ran to the 8 and hooked myself accidentally. The crew was laughing and encouraging our Superintendent with, "Well at least you will get to shoot." No He didn't, I called it and kicked it. Just had to prove that I wasn't full of Sh**. 🤷‍♂️
Click to expand...
I was playing at a popular bar years ago. I was on the 8 but the cb was hooked in a corner pocket. The 8 was frozen to the short rail about 8" from the corner pocket at the other end of the table. I kicked to the side pocket with running english and sank the 8. I heard "Oh my God" from someone watching. lol That was the last shot of the night... bar closed.
 
skogstokig said:
i play opposite handed on those occasions, and think it's a good tip as it's more useful than a generous handicap
Click to expand...
Definitely the time to practice a handy skill to have.
You don't have to be lights-out good with your opposite hand to play the occasional near the side rail shot that you can't reach with your normal hand.
Quickly switch and play the shot as if it's no big deal.
Often your opponent can't do that. Makes you better than him!
 
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