2 questions about pool halls

pmata814

pmata814

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
1. When people go to pool halls (assuming you go by yourself) is there a chance of finding a game just for fun? Or is pretty much everyone there looking to gamble? I'm a beginner so I have no interest in gambling but would really like to start playing against actual opponents. Which leads to my other question...

2. How good do you have to be to enter a pool hall without people laughing at you :) ?

I played some in my early 20's and on and off for 6 mos or so in the last 2 yrs. I've been practicing diligently, on my home table, every day for the last 3 mos but I barely got to the point where I can beat the 3ball ghost and give the 4ball ghost a run for his money :D So I feel very apprehensive about walking into a pool hall at my level. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thx!

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I suspect that there are many at a pool hall that are on the same level of play. I doubt anybody will laugh at you, if so, I would have a crowd laughing at me. Go have fun and meet new people, don't worry about the other stuff.
 
In my experience there is almost always a few players that are just looking to play!The gamblers are not the masses they're the minority.We all started somewhere so don't worry about not being a run out player,they're the minority also.
 
Weekly tournaments and league nights are great times to meet people who play for fun. You don't have to join the league. It's just a good night to meet people.

Larry
 
the main thing is try not to look intimidated and just ask to play. what's the worst they can say, no i don't play unless i'm gambling? just say no thanks and ask around. keep and eye on those that tell u that, and see how they play. pool rooms are notorious for having people that can't play a lick but still like to gamble. make friends with the gate keeper (bartender, room owner, or the guy that charges you for time. they usually can point u in the right direction. everyone starts somewhere. the main thing is have fun.
 
You can definitely find people to just play for fun. The idea that most pool players are gamblers is a myth that came from movies like the hustler etc. ...most pool is played for fun, gamblers are a minority. It can be uncomfortable walking up to a stranger and asking to play but in my experience, 99% of the time they say yes and it's good times.

Don't worry about your skill level either, lots of times it's just guys with their girlfriends or groups of kids, they are no threat to the 3 ball ghost and the good players aren't fazed by seeing a beginner. The beginners are part of the normal everyday atmosphere in any pool hall. In any case, going out and playing pool is the only cure for being a noob :D
 
pmata814 said:
1. When people go to pool halls (assuming you go by yourself) is there a chance of finding a game just for fun? Or is pretty much everyone there looking to gamble? I'm a beginner so I have no interest in gambling but would really like to start playing against actual opponents. Which leads to my other question...

2. How good do you have to be to enter a pool hall without people laughing at you :) ?

I played some in my early 20's and on and off for 6 mos or so in the last 2 yrs. I've been practicing diligently, on my home table, every day for the last 3 mos but I barely got to the point where I can beat the 3ball ghost and give the 4ball ghost a run for his money :D So I feel very apprehensive about walking into a pool hall at my level. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thx!

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Click to expand...

Let them laugh at you...just be honest about your skill level.
You will find that lots of people will offer help also.

...and join a league...a beginner is always welcome.
 
pt109 said:
Let them laugh at you...just be honest about your skill level.
You will find that lots of people will offer help also.

...and join a league...a beginner is always welcome.
Click to expand...

and if its an apa league a beginner is a highly sought after commodity so that they can post a team.
 
I find it to be just the opposite. MOST people, when asked by a stranger if they "want to play some", will decline because they don't want to gamble. It's not hard to tell, imo. I always say, "would you care to split time? I'm just looking for someone to play with." Frequently the answer is "Sure!"

pmata...Don't be intimidated because you don't feel like you play well enough. Get out there and just play your best. You win some and you lose some! In the end, it's only a game. :D

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

thintowin said:
the main thing is try not to look intimidated and just ask to play. what's the worst they can say, no i don't play unless i'm gambling? .
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Should be no problem finding a game for fun, just pick one of the nits hanging around on his 10th free coffee refill and offer to pay the time.

BTW, to think people will laugh at you is to assume anyone will even be paying attention. Pool rooms are filled with bangers just out to have a good time. No one gives them a second look unless they are abusing the equipment or being rude. I've been around a while and I've yet to see a rail gather around a couple of bangers to watch lousy pool (unless they're hot girls of course). But if your self conscious about it just take a table in the corner away from the rail.

These days it's tougher finding a money game than it is a friendly social one.
 
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At "Hanks" on a Saturday or Sunday there are usually 8 or so regulars and we all play for fun. Now all of us seem to be above your skill level but if you were playing next to me I would not laugh or make fun of you.I might even help you out if you asked.
I play at a pretty high level in pool but when I used to golf I was not very good but I still went out there and banged the ball around the course.
 
pmata814 said:
1. When people go to pool halls (assuming you go by yourself) is there a chance of finding a game just for fun? Or is pretty much everyone there looking to gamble? I'm a beginner so I have no interest in gambling but would really like to start playing against actual opponents. Which leads to my other question...

2. How good do you have to be to enter a pool hall without people laughing at you :) ?

I played some in my early 20's and on and off for 6 mos or so in the last 2 yrs. I've been practicing diligently, on my home table, every day for the last 3 mos but I barely got to the point where I can beat the 3ball ghost and give the 4ball ghost a run for his money :D So I feel very apprehensive about walking into a pool hall at my level. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thx!

Sent from my BlackBerry 9780 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE
if you can find someone to split time
obviously thats best for you
since you arent ready to gamble
being willing to PLAY FOR THE TIME
might get you playing against people you cant win against but might be willing to help you since they realize they have practice time for free
jmho
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pmata814 said:
1

2. How good do you have to be to enter a pool hall without people laughing at you :) ?



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dont worry nobody laughs at you
the players IGNORE YOU once they see your level
 
As one of the top players in my pool room I will gladly play you for fun if I think you are seriously trying to improve your game. If I notice you practicing by yourself and playing others to improve your game I have no problem playing with you and giving you some pointers. But if you have been drinking and never practice alone, I will decline, but I will decline to play nicely, so ask anyways.

I may be a high level player at pool, but there are times when I am the beginner at something and the tables are reversed.

Doesn't hurt to ask.

You can always befriend a regular at the pool hall and find out who likes to play for fun. Not everyone wants to gamble.
 
EVERYONE started out not knowing how to have a run over two or three balls. Just go to a pool room and
try to lock up with someone who is a little better than you...and pay attention to what they are doing
( how they shoot balls in and get shape on the next ball etc. ). And while the other player is shooting imagine
what you would do in a situation. If that player shoots something different you can say "nice shot,
I thought I would play it like...It will help you out a lot.

But getting in a league is by far the best method to getting better and meet people you'll WANT
to shoot with...PLUS you have people helping you get better! The social dynamic of league play opens up
so many ways of getting better. And playing under pressure will greatly improve you skills!!

Good luck!
smiley-big_thumbs_up.gif

.
 
smahalko said:
But getting in a league is by far the best method to getting better...
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Interesting statement, and in bold/italics. :D

Let's see, I'd take practice, matching up, instruction, tournaments, and studying professional players competing over league for getting better. League is fun but playing 4 or 5 games one night a week is not my idea of being "by far the best method to getting better".

But that's just me, and I play league.
 
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Anyone that would laugh at a relative beginner probably isn't close to being as good as they think they are.

Go out for league nights to watch. You'd be surprised at how many times a team will end up needing a spare for the night. Make yourself available.
Even if its at a higher level than which you normally play, it will make you a much better player to mix it up. You'll end up meeting some people that you can approach at the hall on other nights.
 
DogsPlayingPool said:
Interesting statement, and in bold/italics. :D
Click to expand...

laughing.gif


I had the pleasure of a few friends ( who were WAY better than me ) that basically
took me under their wings and showed me how to shoot and get better. One of whom
got me into shooting straight pool. Now there's a game that will help you improve too!!
 
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