Action

master9baller

master9baller

Banned
I play in the Syracuse NY area and am starved for action. Lots of players here who just WILL NOT come off the porch and matchup. I've had a few, but they quit when my game kicks into a higher gear or they've lost enough. I understand if they don't have the bankroll, the game or the mentality to gamble, but it's pathetic.

Just the other day my action quits after four $10 games, bar box 8 ball where I won 4 straight. That lasted for all of 20 minutes. I never hold back (no sandbagging here) and if I'm stroking good it can be pretty one sided. By the same token my worst game can be like an ATM for my opponent.

Earlier that same evening the guy who's always barking at me about how he will "rob me anytime" still won't lockup. We have the same A handicap rating and I am offering the called 8 ball in a bigger money 9 ball set. Just before that evening's weekly tournament starts I take out five $100 bills and put them on the table. I ask him to "please rob me now in a single race to 15". Silence.....

I've been trying to get action by making it known that I'm ready to play anybody I know, wheter giving or getting a spot. There's only a few players locally who give me the 8 ball in handicapped tournaments and I don't need that anyway. The called 8 doesn't come into play much and I want action.

Legitamate action to me isn't two $20 sets and quitting if you're up or down. Either a bigger set for bigger money or just grind it out for hours for at least $40 a set. I'm getting too savy to be screwed over by the hit and run BS that counts for heart around here. I want the spot to be a fair game, then we know who the better player was. The game and the length of time to play need to be established from the start. No shortstopping.

The funny thing to me is that the same players who won't bet more that $20 a game will play $25 a hand games at the casino.

Anyone have any advice on how to cultivate some action? I'm thinking of getting some t shirts printed up "Want Action?".
 
I know how you feel man, if you come to AZ I would give you all the action you could handle and then find you more action. I duke it out with some of the best in the state every month or so. I live about 3 hours away from most of the action or else it would be every weekend. Make sure you try to play better players with them giving you weight, and with a crowded pool hall. If you win you take down the cheese, if you lose, the lesser players see this and feel that you can be be beaten and will take a gamble and play you. Then make up your losses and you can even get ahead for the night. I do this all the time. I try to play better players and it usually goes that I break even or I lose a set or two. Then I go play someone my speed or lower and make up my losses, usually all in the same night. Ofcourse I will always try to make money but I just love action period. So if I lose, it doesnt bother me. The best nights are when i take down a better player, even better than winning the cheese in my opinion.
 
master9baller said:
I play in the Syracuse NY area and am starved for action. Lots of players here who just WILL NOT come off the porch and matchup. I've had a few, but they quit when my game kicks into a higher gear or they've lost enough. I understand if they don't have the bankroll, the game or the mentality to gamble, but it's pathetic.

Just the other day my action quits after four $10 games, bar box 8 ball where I won 4 straight. That lasted for all of 20 minutes. I never hold back (no sandbagging here) and if I'm stroking good it can be pretty one sided. By the same token my worst game can be like an ATM for my opponent.

Earlier that same evening the guy who's always barking at me about how he will "rob me anytime" still won't lockup. We have the same A handicap rating and I am offering the called 8 ball in a bigger money 9 ball set. Just before that evening's weekly tournament starts I take out five $100 bills and put them on the table. I ask him to "please rob me now in a single race to 15". Silence.....

I've been trying to get action by making it known that I'm ready to play anybody I know, wheter giving or getting a spot. There's only a few players locally who give me the 8 ball in handicapped tournaments and I don't need that anyway. The called 8 doesn't come into play much and I want action.

Legitamate action to me isn't two $20 sets and quitting if you're up or down. Either a bigger set for bigger money or just grind it out for hours for at least $40 a set. I'm getting too savy to be screwed over by the hit and run BS that counts for heart around here. I want the spot to be a fair game, then we know who the better player was. The game and the length of time to play need to be established from the start. No shortstopping.

The funny thing to me is that the same players who won't bet more that $20 a game will play $25 a hand games at the casino.

Anyone have any advice on how to cultivate some action? I'm thinking of getting some t shirts printed up "Want Action?".
Click to expand...

Well I think posting this on AZ might be the right move,maybe someone will read it that is wanting the same thing
 
Sounds like you are on the improve or at least underrated...:smile:

IMO, you can't say anything when your opponenet quits you loser.

master9baller said:
I play in the Syracuse NY area and am starved for action. Lots of players here who just WILL NOT come off the porch and matchup. I've had a few, but they quit when my game kicks into a higher gear or they've lost enough. I understand if they don't have the bankroll, the game or the mentality to gamble, but it's pathetic.

Just the other day my action quits after four $10 games, bar box 8 ball where I won 4 straight. That lasted for all of 20 minutes. I never hold back (no sandbagging here) and if I'm stroking good it can be pretty one sided. By the same token my worst game can be like an ATM for my opponent.

Earlier that same evening the guy who's always barking at me about how he will "rob me anytime" still won't lockup. We have the same A handicap rating and I am offering the called 8 ball in a bigger money 9 ball set. Just before that evening's weekly tournament starts I take out five $100 bills and put them on the table. I ask him to "please rob me now in a single race to 15". Silence.....

I've been trying to get action by making it known that I'm ready to play anybody I know, wheter giving or getting a spot. There's only a few players locally who give me the 8 ball in handicapped tournaments and I don't need that anyway. The called 8 doesn't come into play much and I want action.

Legitamate action to me isn't two $20 sets and quitting if you're up or down. Either a bigger set for bigger money or just grind it out for hours for at least $40 a set. I'm getting too savy to be screwed over by the hit and run BS that counts for heart around here. I want the spot to be a fair game, then we know who the better player was. The game and the length of time to play need to be established from the start. No shortstopping.

The funny thing to me is that the same players who won't bet more that $20 a game will play $25 a hand games at the casino.

Anyone have any advice on how to cultivate some action? I'm thinking of getting some t shirts printed up "Want Action?".
Click to expand...
 
Sounds like the OP from AZ has the attitude I'm looking for. A rare find to be sure.

I don't mind losing, but I hate when I don't play my best and lose, regardless of the dollar amount.

To me the money is just a measurement of one's sucess and reinforcement of the need to play my best. It only sharpens my focus and keeps my attention. For others it's just a distraction, their mental game declines when the money is on the line.

The biggest problem locally is too few players and not much money in circulation. I'll be out again tonight trolling the waters and see what bites.
 
Black-Balled said:
Sounds like you are on the improve or at least underrated...:smile:

IMO, you can't say anything when your opponenet quits you loser.
Click to expand...

No doubt a bit of both. I work at my game alot, have practice tables at home, GCI and Valley ZD5.

I get what you say about opponents quitting me a loser being a compliment. But ask for more weight, breaks, hell even double or nothing and I'll bite. Just seems rare anymore to see anyone who wants to lock up.

There's a few lower rated guys who say they want to improve, well competition is the answer my friends. I'll give them the same spot or better that I do in handicapped tournaments. We're taking about the 7 out, maybe a 5 game to 7 race, whatever it takes.

I recall years ago that my biggest motivation to improve was wanting to play better players, compete and even win. Now that I am one of the better local players, there's almost nobody who wants to call me out. I guess what I'm getting at is that my playing abilities are well known to local players. I'm no worldbeater, but no slouch either. Certainly nobody to be that afraid of when the spots are correct.
 
I've been there...Obviously, if you want to get better then you gotta get into a bigger fish tank!

Try hanging out/ playing some of the folks the speed of Grau/ Deschaine for a while so you can feel how the folks you are picking on do.

When you get toasted with the 7 and then don't adjust to the 7& last3...or the 6...you won't feel you are wrong at all!

How do I really feel? Pool sure is a silly thing to know how to do!

master9baller said:
No doubt a bit of both. I work at my game alot, have practice tables at home, GCI and Valley ZD5.

I get what you say about opponents quitting me a loser being a compliment. But ask for more weight, breaks, hell even double or nothing and I'll bite. Just seems rare anymore to see anyone who wants to lock up.

There's a few lower rated guys who say they want to improve, well competition is the answer my friends. I'll give them the same spot or better that I do in handicapped tournaments. We're taking about the 7 out, maybe a 5 game to 7 race, whatever it takes.

I recall years ago that my biggest motivation to improve was wanting to play better players, compete and even win. Now that I am one of the better local players, there's almost nobody who wants to call me out. I guess what I'm getting at is that my playing abilities are well known to local players. I'm no worldbeater, but no slouch either. Certainly nobody to be that afraid of when the spots are correct.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Black-Balled said:
I've been there...Obviously, if you want to get better then you gotta get into a bigger fish tank!

Try hanging out/ playing some of the folks the speed of Grau/ Deschaine for a while so you can feel how the folks you are picking on do.

When you get toasted with the 7 and then don't adjust to the 7& last3...or the 6...you won't feel you are wrong at all!

How do I really feel? Pool sure is a silly thing to know how to do!
Click to expand...

Dave Grau used to play in our pool hall in the weekly tournament, eventually banned for being just plain phenomenal. He was giving me the 7out and beating me then. I'd love to play him now, but certainly need some real weight still. The issue with guys his speed of course is with winner breaks they often run 4-6 packs and control the table well, leaving any opponent little chance of winning the race.

Never played Dechaine, but have watched him at events a few times. Very flashy and skilled, the kind of player that I like to watch.

Again, I'm not a worldbeater, just a guy with a cue looking to mix it up.

Last night played for 3 hours, and came out paying $5 in table time after breaking even gambling. This would be no way to make a living for sure, but I had opportunities.
 
Looks like I had you clocked just right!

Fine then, I'll bite. You got action!

Come to DC and I will play you for that $5 you are carrying around;)
 
Rich D

Not sure he plays much lately, I've heard his name for years, but couldn't pick him out of a lineup. I've never seen him play, but heard he's got a great game. He doesn't play in tournaments, so I don't know his speed, probably AA1 or better.

I got a few new guys that want to play, probably not for the amounts I do, but it's something. And that isn't $5 Mr. ball buster.

It takes heart, game and bankroll. Who's got it??
 
It sounds like your game has evolved to the point where you are ready for one of those epic jaunts around the country that every top player seems to have, hitting as many pool halls as you can, telling each and every person you meet that you are the best player in their town and you want to play for ___________ (fill in the blank). Just drive everywhere and as I always recommend to the roadies, visit Louisiana. There is always action to be had there and it's easy. (That's what they call New Orleans -"THE BIG EASY". :D
JoeyA
 
biggame said:
What about Rich Difulio?
Click to expand...

Rich has a wife and kids. Last time I spoke with him, he had no interest in playing pool. Found out what is really important in life. Salute'

Incidentally, Dave Grau used to play in our weekly tournaments as well. Dave's improved a lot over the last two years. Helped me as well. Patience my friend, patience.

Lyn
 
You gotta love this site, everything from soup to nuts (Mr. BB). To you sir I would say meet half way someday, for real money, til then just another dog a barking on the porch.

I've been playing more barbox 8 ball, just to break the monotony. There's good payouts in barbox tournaments anyway.

Also playing straight pool, ran 86 after 3 weeks of playing. I got some really nice straight pool DVD's, Harriman's run, Smith's run, and some old stuff from Grady and others. I like the element of concentration it requires, just wish I could play that out as well. Not many players doing that really. I'll probably joint the league next fall.

Tonight's the weekly 9 ball tournament. Hopefully somebody will go at least $40 a set. Maybe my barbox friend will play $10 a game. Our 10 ball in almost $1,000. So hope springs eternal.
 
JoeyA said:
It sounds like your game has evolved to the point where you are ready for one of those epic jaunts around the country that every top player seems to have, hitting as many pool halls as you can, telling each and every person you meet that you are the best player in their town and you want to play for ___________ (fill in the blank). Just drive everywhere and as I always recommend to the roadies, visit Louisiana. There is always action to be had there and it's easy. (That's what they call New Orleans -"THE BIG EASY". :D
JoeyA
Click to expand...
My god Thank you Joey! I thought it was just me. I was actually getting physically sick. If only i had the oppurtunity to just watch the prowess of the "master9baller"
 
You play...

You play one pocket? How high do you bet? Every time I'm in Syracuse everybody sits there like the 3 monkeys.
 
master9baller said:
You gotta love this site, everything from soup to nuts (Mr. BB). To you sir I would say meet half way someday, for real money, til then just another dog a barking on the porch...hope springs eternal.
Click to expand...
Pshaw! Pick on people who play pool, pal!

You feel like the big fish, do you? It is a big World out there...
 
Alright Mr. BB it's a truce. Life's too short to argue with anonymous personas.

Only a few one pocket players here in Syracuse and yes they don't play for sqadouch!

Got a few nibbles from this thread. Possibly some games when the Joss Turning Stone event comes to town in August or in Amsterdam.

Last night playing $10 a game 9 ball, played horrible, but it paid for my tournament fees plus a little.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top