9 ft tables only for action... what would you do?
- Thread starter twilight
- Start date
Great thread. I'm glad to read some of the good responses.
If it's got 8 ft. tables available for you to do your drills and you know there are people waiting to use the 9 ft. for action, be a sport, for Pete's sake, and give up the table! It seems obvious that in that hall, the nine footers are considered to be the action tables. Why put salt in the game?
In my limited but instructive experience in traveling to pool halls in different parts of the country, I've learned that being a nice guy and conforming to the written and unwritten rules of the territory will go a long, long way! The way you interact with the local players will often make the difference between steered into good action or being cut up.
Remember that you do plan to return to this pool room at least once every three months for some time, and you may play for money in the future. Your actions will determine whether this room is a home away from home for you, or a nest of vipers scheming up new scams to separate you from your cash the next time you come through.
In my limited but instructive experience in traveling to pool halls in different parts of the country, I've learned that being a nice guy and conforming to the written and unwritten rules of the territory will go a long, long way! The way you interact with the local players will often make the difference between steered into good action or being cut up.
Remember that you do plan to return to this pool room at least once every three months for some time, and you may play for money in the future. Your actions will determine whether this room is a home away from home for you, or a nest of vipers scheming up new scams to separate you from your cash the next time you come through.
Pinocchio said:
That's been my experience as well. Usually five or ten bucks will get you on the table you want without pissing anyone off. I've never offered to pay their time, but that's a good idea as well (as long as you don't end up paying $50 for a table just so you can play some $20 sets, LOL).
Aaron
It depends on the action. If the action was $5 a game, I think they could play that on the 8 ft tables. If they wanted to bet some 3 figure action +, I would have given up the table for sure. I wouldnt even have wanted a little jelly like table time paid if I was beating the balls around for nothing and they wanted the table to play an ahead session for a dime.
The house can solve this problem by posting signs above the 2 nine foot tables that say "House Table" or "Reserved Table" etc. That tells all players that the table is reserved for action games and they can move you to another table should they need this one.
The house can solve this problem by posting signs above the 2 nine foot tables that say "House Table" or "Reserved Table" etc. That tells all players that the table is reserved for action games and they can move you to another table should they need this one.
Twilight, you have as much right to the 9' tables as anyone else. If the owner/manager of the room didn't want to rent it too you, you wouldn't be there. You are paying his bills as much as anyone else. Players can easily gamble on the other tables too.
On the other hand, you aren't making any friends. For the sake of public relations, you may want to give up the table to someone asking politely. Hang around a little and talk to some of the regulars. You will make yourself known and make a few friends.
In the end, the choice is yours, not theirs.
On the other hand, you aren't making any friends. For the sake of public relations, you may want to give up the table to someone asking politely. Hang around a little and talk to some of the regulars. You will make yourself known and make a few friends.
In the end, the choice is yours, not theirs.
I'd tell them that if they want the table they will have to buy the table from you. Maybe for $20 or so. If they are wanting to play that bad for money they should not have a problem shelling out $10/ea to you for that chance at each others money.
What would piss me off is if I let them have the table for nothing being nice and they started playing races to 9 for $5/set. They would be spending more on table time than they were bringing in.
What would piss me off is if I let them have the table for nothing being nice and they started playing races to 9 for $5/set. They would be spending more on table time than they were bringing in.
Sublease the table for 2-3 times normal rates! If they don't like it, next time they'll show up earlier.
If they are not offering to pay your time and buy you a beer, there is no reason to give up the table. And if they do make such an offer, you should still not feel any obligation to move. Giving up a nine footer to practice on an eight footer is like leaving a brothel to play with a rubber doll. Gambling should not garner special privileges.
Good Rolls,
Rasta
If they are not offering to pay your time and buy you a beer, there is no reason to give up the table. And if they do make such an offer, you should still not feel any obligation to move. Giving up a nine footer to practice on an eight footer is like leaving a brothel to play with a rubber doll. Gambling should not garner special privileges.
Good Rolls,
Rasta
VIProfessor said:
It's them putting salt in the game, not him. They offer to pay table time if they want to play on it... not complain when he doesn't move from the table he's been playing on for hours already with no offer of compensation. That's just polite.
have them pay your time, than watch
Hierovision said:
I have no problem with him being compensated for the table, and I would cerntainly have offered it, but where I come from, and I suspect in that pool hall also, action games always have precedence on the table. There's no way that I'm gonna hold two players up from getting in the box when there's a reasonable alternative. Even though the other table is an 8-footer, it still makes sense to get out of the way, particularly since you haven't established yourself in that room. Why contribute to unnecessary friction? Perhaps it's an old school thing, but I believe in the code. Never get in the way of someone else's action.
I think you're right about them having precedence... I would move too but I would make sure I got something out of it... either a quick game with one of them for the table or them paying table time. Anything is better than nothing.
The COULD have just asked politely if you'd give the table up. It sounds like they sorta did and you knew what they were saying but didnt want to play along. You made the decision that you had a right to stay there if you wanted it.
You can be an asshole (that's what they are calling you) or you can be a pool player that understands the unwritten rules. Be who you want to be.
When I'm practicing I don't want anybody around anyway. I'd prefer the tables in the rear. I sure as hell wouldn't take up the good table where matches are played. Pool players don't do that!
You can be an asshole (that's what they are calling you) or you can be a pool player that understands the unwritten rules. Be who you want to be.
When I'm practicing I don't want anybody around anyway. I'd prefer the tables in the rear. I sure as hell wouldn't take up the good table where matches are played. Pool players don't do that!
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I would give up the table. Since they are in short supply with only 2 9-footers I would graciously allow them the table. But NOT if they tried to bully me or make any comments that were rude. Then they can go play on the eight footers.
Any time I have ever wanted a table that someone else was on I always offer to pay their table time up to that point.
Any time I have ever wanted a table that someone else was on I always offer to pay their table time up to that point.
I wouldn't hesitate to give up the table if I was asked in a polite way. Action is what pool is about. It creates the enviroment that all of us pool enthusiust love. On many, many occasions I have even given up my action for larger action. Luckily in the room that I frequent it is an unwritten rule that everyone knows.
Faced this situation Sunday, sans the dollars part.....got their early to get on a 9 footer to practice straight (hadn't played in years).....started at 2pm when they opened, regulars started showing around 4pm.....they all sort of started "gathering" around the table, and I could tell I was in their spot.....then one of them noticed I was practicing straight, and asked if I wanted to play....shook hands, met some of the guys, played a couple of them, got some good tips and reminder on rules, and will probably go back this week....
If they would have asked to use the table because they always play there, I could have practiced on an 8 - they are regulars and I can respect that. If there wasn't an open table and they were playing for little to no action, they would need to beat me to take it over, but I'd try to watch and get along. If it was strong money, I'd give up the table as I'm in the same place as you - game isn't there and I don't just wanna donate
If they would have asked to use the table because they always play there, I could have practiced on an 8 - they are regulars and I can respect that. If there wasn't an open table and they were playing for little to no action, they would need to beat me to take it over, but I'd try to watch and get along. If it was strong money, I'd give up the table as I'm in the same place as you - game isn't there and I don't just wanna donate
Nice thread!
Mainly I would not give up a table, simply because someone is trying to bully me off the table. That sux. And it has happened to me. I stood my ground and now they don't even bother asking.... they know the answer.
The pool hall owner was not only surprised, but also was glad I stood my ground, he was tired of them bullying people off tables.
However, at another pool hall, there is a money table (not a written rule) and I would give up that. It's simple, the table is only mainly for money games (btw, it is designated as that as well), and even if I was renting it.... it would not be fair to them if I hogged it. There are other tables.... however, if all tables are full, I would do my best to finish in a respectable timely manner.
In your sitution I probably would have given up the table if the table has been designated as the money table, if not, u had a right. Moreover, the pool hall owner should let u know or them know what the deal is and hopefully u all together can come to a reasonable compromise.... we are adult here.
I have to admit I am split on this one.twilight said:
Mainly I would not give up a table, simply because someone is trying to bully me off the table. That sux. And it has happened to me. I stood my ground and now they don't even bother asking.... they know the answer.
The pool hall owner was not only surprised, but also was glad I stood my ground, he was tired of them bullying people off tables.
However, at another pool hall, there is a money table (not a written rule) and I would give up that. It's simple, the table is only mainly for money games (btw, it is designated as that as well), and even if I was renting it.... it would not be fair to them if I hogged it. There are other tables.... however, if all tables are full, I would do my best to finish in a respectable timely manner.
In your sitution I probably would have given up the table if the table has been designated as the money table, if not, u had a right. Moreover, the pool hall owner should let u know or them know what the deal is and hopefully u all together can come to a reasonable compromise.... we are adult here.
Seems like I'm with the common concensus here. Out of courtesy, I always give up the table I'm on for action, especialy if I'm just practicing. I never ask for or expect anything in return, but often people will pay my table time, as a reciprocation of courtesy. If I am on the other side of it, I always ask very politely, and if they agree, I pay the table time, and offer to buy them a drink. I do check with the counter first to make sure they don't have $80 in table time.
This seems to be a pretty common way to operate in most of the pool halls I've been in throughout the country. You certainly have every right to keep the table, but it will not make you any friends. If you can go with the flow, and not alienate anyone, you might get to know some of the players and have more fun when you're there. I've made some lasting friendships in poolhalls that I visit only once or twice a year, and it makes playing there much more enjoyable. Just my two cents.
This seems to be a pretty common way to operate in most of the pool halls I've been in throughout the country. You certainly have every right to keep the table, but it will not make you any friends. If you can go with the flow, and not alienate anyone, you might get to know some of the players and have more fun when you're there. I've made some lasting friendships in poolhalls that I visit only once or twice a year, and it makes playing there much more enjoyable. Just my two cents.
you're right
I have spoken to room owners about situations like yours. They would much rather have people like you than the other guys. The gamblers spend time off the clock argueing about which game, how much, what is the spot. They buy nothing. They are there for a short time. They want a flat rate and free practice and free coffee. Customers like you pay full price and buy food and drinks. Its a generous offer to give up the table, but you have a right to it. Keep practicing and don't get into all the gambling crap. Play for the enjoyment.
I have spoken to room owners about situations like yours. They would much rather have people like you than the other guys. The gamblers spend time off the clock argueing about which game, how much, what is the spot. They buy nothing. They are there for a short time. They want a flat rate and free practice and free coffee. Customers like you pay full price and buy food and drinks. Its a generous offer to give up the table, but you have a right to it. Keep practicing and don't get into all the gambling crap. Play for the enjoyment.