Dear Gentle Readers,
Since the most I’ve ever wagered on a game of pool is a drink, and since nobody in the known universe would consider placing even that pittance at risk on me, I’m probably well-qualified to opine on the subject.
My first reaction to this question was … easy peasy … the player has nothing to lose, and a lot to gain. Yet, that little voice we all hear (you do know that voice, don’t you?) told me to reassess my assumption.
(Naturally the stakehorse has a few considerations of his own before entering the fray:
> Trust. Of course.
> Confidence. Natch.
> Timeline. One-off or long term project?)
As with so much in life, I believe the question of pressure comes down to relationships.
If it’s Mr. S. Horse’s first flutter with Mr. Player, I imagine the pressure to prevail falls squarely upon the player. Probably true for the next couple of ventures as well.
The backer can, presumably, afford the loss; the player doesn’t want to squander the trust. Nor the future opportunities. Nor the negative peer appraisal.
If, after several contests, the relationship continues, I believe the player can relax a bit -- comfortable with the financial contract, optimistic regarding the long-term relationship, and reasonably upbeat about his backer-vetted chances to win -- all without those nagging ‘how do I explain this to the wife if I lose the money?’ questions.
Shining a precision spotlight into the demimonde of pool is my life,
Sunny
Since the most I’ve ever wagered on a game of pool is a drink, and since nobody in the known universe would consider placing even that pittance at risk on me, I’m probably well-qualified to opine on the subject.
My first reaction to this question was … easy peasy … the player has nothing to lose, and a lot to gain. Yet, that little voice we all hear (you do know that voice, don’t you?) told me to reassess my assumption.
(Naturally the stakehorse has a few considerations of his own before entering the fray:
> Trust. Of course.
> Confidence. Natch.
> Timeline. One-off or long term project?)
As with so much in life, I believe the question of pressure comes down to relationships.
If it’s Mr. S. Horse’s first flutter with Mr. Player, I imagine the pressure to prevail falls squarely upon the player. Probably true for the next couple of ventures as well.
The backer can, presumably, afford the loss; the player doesn’t want to squander the trust. Nor the future opportunities. Nor the negative peer appraisal.
If, after several contests, the relationship continues, I believe the player can relax a bit -- comfortable with the financial contract, optimistic regarding the long-term relationship, and reasonably upbeat about his backer-vetted chances to win -- all without those nagging ‘how do I explain this to the wife if I lose the money?’ questions.
Shining a precision spotlight into the demimonde of pool is my life,
Sunny