I will try to keep this observation as brief as possible, but it won't be easy. I have a lot of spare time these days, so I hope you find it interesting. We all share a love for the various games of pool, or else why would we be here? First, let me break down the obvious differences between pool, (regardless of a particular game) and every other sport/game played anywhere in the world.
Games only come in two varieties..competitive, and non-competitive, and we all know the difference. Games/sports that are physically competitive include, football, baseball, basketball, tennis, etc. Games/sports that are non-competitive, are golf, bowling, darts, and of course pool. These games are only reliant on how you, yourself perform. Your opponent(s) have no control over anything you do, or fail to do.
The game of pool is unique, in that there is some control over the mix of defense and offense, that will effect the outcome most of the time. Like any game played with round (or oblong) balls..rolls or bounces, may quite often determine the outcome. No way to ever change that.
The point I am trying to make, is that is why we were attracted to the game in the first place. It is very difficult to become proficient at it, without investing a lot of time and practice. This is the challenge that attracted us to pool. We don't have to be physically bigger, or stronger, to prevail..we just have to be smarter, and play better than our opponent(s).
The one big problem with our game, is the fact that we have too many different games, rules, table sizes etc. It almost takes a written contract before play can commence. By far, the most popular and accepted game is 8ball. Other games may require more skill, but specializing in them opens yet another can of worms, when it comes to matching up. or tournaments.
I guess the message I am trying to convey, is this. In order to bring pool out of the doldrums, we need to do as the Brit's have done with snooker. Their success is obvious. There is only one game, one set of rules, and one size table. We also have NO much needed governing body. The BCA is a farce!
Until we find a way to present an exciting, interesting product for the viewing public, pool is destined to languish as an 'also ran' in popularity, even though millions enjoy it every day. If you recall, Mike Sigel advised the con man Trudeau, to use 8ball as his single game for the IPT, and he at least got pool noticed.
I think one pocket, is the best game played on a pool table. But, I am realistic enough to know, it will never be a popular spectator game. So what the heck, there are a lot worse games than 8ball..and everyone, especially 'Joe Six-pack', already knows how its played!
If we haven't already ruined our chances, by some questionable poor decisions, (ie; dumps etc.) maybe there is still time to bring some quality, high dollar sponsors into pool..Lets hope so!
Games only come in two varieties..competitive, and non-competitive, and we all know the difference. Games/sports that are physically competitive include, football, baseball, basketball, tennis, etc. Games/sports that are non-competitive, are golf, bowling, darts, and of course pool. These games are only reliant on how you, yourself perform. Your opponent(s) have no control over anything you do, or fail to do.
The game of pool is unique, in that there is some control over the mix of defense and offense, that will effect the outcome most of the time. Like any game played with round (or oblong) balls..rolls or bounces, may quite often determine the outcome. No way to ever change that.
The point I am trying to make, is that is why we were attracted to the game in the first place. It is very difficult to become proficient at it, without investing a lot of time and practice. This is the challenge that attracted us to pool. We don't have to be physically bigger, or stronger, to prevail..we just have to be smarter, and play better than our opponent(s).
The one big problem with our game, is the fact that we have too many different games, rules, table sizes etc. It almost takes a written contract before play can commence. By far, the most popular and accepted game is 8ball. Other games may require more skill, but specializing in them opens yet another can of worms, when it comes to matching up. or tournaments.
I guess the message I am trying to convey, is this. In order to bring pool out of the doldrums, we need to do as the Brit's have done with snooker. Their success is obvious. There is only one game, one set of rules, and one size table. We also have NO much needed governing body. The BCA is a farce!
Until we find a way to present an exciting, interesting product for the viewing public, pool is destined to languish as an 'also ran' in popularity, even though millions enjoy it every day. If you recall, Mike Sigel advised the con man Trudeau, to use 8ball as his single game for the IPT, and he at least got pool noticed.
I think one pocket, is the best game played on a pool table. But, I am realistic enough to know, it will never be a popular spectator game. So what the heck, there are a lot worse games than 8ball..and everyone, especially 'Joe Six-pack', already knows how its played!
If we haven't already ruined our chances, by some questionable poor decisions, (ie; dumps etc.) maybe there is still time to bring some quality, high dollar sponsors into pool..Lets hope so!
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