Am I a nit?

R

Rackin_Zack

Suffering from OCBD
Silver Member
Okay, I was stopped in the pool hall today and there was a guy doing trick shots between playing a friend of mine so I asked him if he wanted to play some. He asked me if I wanted to play for money and I said I'd play something cheap; we agreed on a race to 5 for $20. Even though I don't play for money much I've been wanting to match up more often to try to improve my play under pressure situations.

We play the first set and I win, barely. We play another set and I streak out to a 4-1 lead and with a combination of bad shots on my part and okay playing on his part he came back and beat me 5-4. At this point he tells me that he has to leave shortly and askes if I will play him a race to 7 for $40. I tell him no but I'll play him the same race to 5 for $20. There is the requisite woofing, which I suck at by the way, each of us accusing the othe of trying to "hustle" or whatever. Anyway, I was feeling the nerves a bit for just the $20 and whether he was laying down or not I figured that for $40 with no spot he'd have the nuts against me...lol. I've played $50 sets before and folded like a cheap suit! He ended up declining the game but said he may come back some other time and play some more $20 sets.

Now, I know that a lot of you are going to laugh at me for "being afraid" to play a $40 set, which I realize is still cheap going to 7, but I just didn't feel comfortable playing for the increased amount. After all that, the question I pose to you all is this: Am I a nit that should stick solely to recreational games for no, or very cheap, money or should I continue to play for what I am comfortable, or should I sell all my cues and get out of the game...lol?
 
There's nothing wrong with not playing the guy for $40 a set, to bad for him. If he has to leave "shortly" why is he making it a longer race?
 
Rackin_Zack said:
Okay, I was stopped in the pool hall today and there was a guy doing trick shots between playing a friend of mine so I asked him if he wanted to play some. He asked me if I wanted to play for money and I said I'd play something cheap; we agreed on a race to 5 for $20. Even though I don't play for money much I've been wanting to match up more often to try to improve my play under pressure situations.

We play the first set and I win, barely. We play another set and I streak out to a 4-1 lead and with a combination of bad shots on my part and okay playing on his part he came back and beat me 5-4. At this point he tells me that he has to leave shortly and askes if I will play him a race to 7 for $40. I tell him no but I'll play him the same race to 5 for $20. There is the requisite woofing, which I suck at by the way, each of us accusing the othe of trying to "hustle" or whatever. Anyway, I was feeling the nerves a bit for just the $20 and whether he was laying down or not I figured that for $40 with no spot he'd have the nuts against me...lol. I've played $50 sets before and folded like a cheap suit! He ended up declining the game but said he may come back some other time and play some more $20 sets.

Now, I know that a lot of you are going to laugh at me for "being afraid" to play a $40 set, which I realize is still cheap going to 7, but I just didn't feel comfortable playing for the increased amount. After all that, the question I pose to you all is this: Am I a nit that should stick solely to recreational games for no, or very cheap, money or should I continue to play for what I am comfortable, or should I sell all my cues and get out of the game...lol?
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Personally, i think gambling can help your game but you should ALWAYS play within your means. This isn't your profession nor should it be. This is a game that's supposed to bring enjoyment at the risk of a little misery. The moment you begin to risk more than that, you're heading down a path that can only be bad for you. Besides, if you're just warming up to the guy, there's no need to up the bet. If he wants to earn money, he's going to have to win more sets then you. It's that simple.
 
A "Nit" Would have quit.

Zack - You’re not a nit!
A Nit would have quit after winning the first set just barely.
Always play in your comfort zone and when you decide to raise the bar a little, do it with someone who will play you again regularly. Playing for high steaks is just a matter of conditioning and habit.
Who is the bigger gambler? The fellow playing for $10 a game with a $50 bankroll - OR - The millionaire fellow playing for $10K a game?
99% of the time - When someone calls you a nit - They are either stuck OR feel they have the NUTS.

TY & GL
 
nineballne1 said:
Yes, you are a nit. But, you did the right staying within yourself.
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He is not a nit, he was honest with the guy and if the didn't want to play then don't let the door hit him in the ass. A nit pretends to be a player but is always looking for a lock, he accuses others of not having gamble when he actually has none. Nits are phonies.
 
Rackin_Zack said:
Okay, I was stopped in the pool hall today and there was a guy doing trick shots between playing a friend of mine so I asked him if he wanted to play some. He asked me if I wanted to play for money and I said I'd play something cheap; we agreed on a race to 5 for $20. Even though I don't play for money much I've been wanting to match up more often to try to improve my play under pressure situations.

We play the first set and I win, barely. We play another set and I streak out to a 4-1 lead and with a combination of bad shots on my part and okay playing on his part he came back and beat me 5-4. At this point he tells me that he has to leave shortly and askes if I will play him a race to 7 for $40. I tell him no but I'll play him the same race to 5 for $20. There is the requisite woofing, which I suck at by the way, each of us accusing the othe of trying to "hustle" or whatever. Anyway, I was feeling the nerves a bit for just the $20 and whether he was laying down or not I figured that for $40 with no spot he'd have the nuts against me...lol. I've played $50 sets before and folded like a cheap suit! He ended up declining the game but said he may come back some other time and play some more $20 sets.

Now, I know that a lot of you are going to laugh at me for "being afraid" to play a $40 set, which I realize is still cheap going to 7, but I just didn't feel comfortable playing for the increased amount. After all that, the question I pose to you all is this: Am I a nit that should stick solely to recreational games for no, or very cheap, money or should I continue to play for what I am comfortable, or should I sell all my cues and get out of the game...lol?
Click to expand...

Gambling is a personal issue. My feeling is that anyone who doesn't have fun betting is wasting their time. Why gamble if it's no fun? The players who are playing because they need money or want to win money are having no fun, they are just working.

On the other hand, Zack, you should consider working your way up to stakes that present a reasonable facsimile of what you can afford to bet. Judging by what you spend on cues, $5 a game or $20 sets are below your league. I would consider working my way up to stakes that will attract reasonable interest, minimum at least $10 a game and $50 sets (races to 9, not 7) and still be in the recreational category. Determine what you are willing to bet, willing to lose, and stick with it.

Like I said, don't bother if it's no fun. But it can be a lot of fun, especially if you draw a crowd watching.

Chris
 
I dont think you are a nit. Do what OHB said play with a guy you know and can trust to play on a regular basis and play for $50-$100 sets then when this other guy comes back in and says lets play for $40/set you will have no problem with it cause it wont seem like your playing for that much after you have played for a higher amount. I dont think this was clear but oh well I aint going to change it now!!
 
Playing within your comfort zone is just smart. Alot of players who gamble try to raise the bets out of the confort zone of those they are playing in order to weaken the opponents game. I myself have been beating people soundly only to have them attempt to raise the stakes in an effort to bring me out of my comfort zone and weaken my game so that they would then have a chance. Never let your opponent put you under the gun or leave your comfort zone under their terms when playing for money. If you knew you would not shoot as well for $40 then it is best not to play for the $40.
 
I agree with everyone.

Play withint your comfort zone. As your skill increases, so will your comfort zone; pretty sure you won't mind playing a $40 set and then your comfort zone will have expanded by nothing else than the level of your game improving. Then you'll be doing $100 sets and beyond.

Push yourself but don't force it.
 
Rackin_Zack said:
Okay, I was stopped in the pool hall today and there was a guy doing trick shots between playing a friend of mine so I asked him if he wanted to play some. He asked me if I wanted to play for money and I said I'd play something cheap; we agreed on a race to 5 for $20. Even though I don't play for money much I've been wanting to match up more often to try to improve my play under pressure situations.

We play the first set and I win, barely. We play another set and I streak out to a 4-1 lead and with a combination of bad shots on my part and okay playing on his part he came back and beat me 5-4. At this point he tells me that he has to leave shortly and askes if I will play him a race to 7 for $40. I tell him no but I'll play him the same race to 5 for $20. There is the requisite woofing, which I suck at by the way, each of us accusing the othe of trying to "hustle" or whatever. Anyway, I was feeling the nerves a bit for just the $20 and whether he was laying down or not I figured that for $40 with no spot he'd have the nuts against me...lol. I've played $50 sets before and folded like a cheap suit! He ended up declining the game but said he may come back some other time and play some more $20 sets.

Now, I know that a lot of you are going to laugh at me for "being afraid" to play a $40 set, which I realize is still cheap going to 7, but I just didn't feel comfortable playing for the increased amount. After all that, the question I pose to you all is this: Am I a nit that should stick solely to recreational games for no, or very cheap, money or should I continue to play for what I am comfortable, or should I sell all my cues and get out of the game...lol?
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Zack, You did the right thing. I think part of the psychology of gambling is maintaining "control" of the game. You stuck to what YOU wanted to gamble for, and if he wanted to play he would have to play for YOUR amount.

I've known GREAT players who I thought were, or could act like the biggest Nits. I was gambling with a guy around here in VA named Pookie (Asian guy, I'm sure many of you know him or have heard of him). He's a phenomenal player and gambler (with a big mouth). About two years ago he was spotting me the 7 for races to 5 for $50. We played three sets...and he was up 2 sets. He then spotted me 40 points in a game to 100 Straight pool for $100 a game. Now..I had about $500 more on me, and I was willing to lose it all. I liked playing Pookie, and was learning a little bit. Well, I was a better straight pool player then he realized. I was up 80 to zip before he got up to the plate....and all of the sudden he couldn't shut up. He started woofing while I'm shooting...."Let's jack it up!! Bet $200....."...on and on and on. Remember this is WHILE I'm shooting and close to winning. Well, it angers and rattles me because he was acting and playing like a champion when he was winning at 9 ball (of course, right). He wasn't torturing me, giving me the 7..but he was outshooting the spot. Anyhow, after he gets up we shoot back and forth..and he beats me 100 to like 83. I pull out my money (so he sees I have more than just 1 bullet to shoot at him), pay him and quit. The way he acted was being a NIT in my book. If he was a gentlemen I would have gladly lost it all.

Not to change the subject, but what is everyone's opinion on that? I have no problem and enjoy a good woofing session. BUT, if you're in the game...shut up. Right? I would never start asking someone rudely to JACK IT UP while we're in the middle of a game/set/etc...whatever we are betting on. I'd like to consider myself not a "high-roller" but a gentleman gambler. I like gambling, but I don't have to. I've never once gambled with Don Purdy and we've had fun. Just most of the time, I don't like playing people if we're not wagering something. I'd rather practice by myself. Some folks though are entertaining enough (Don P.) that it's fun to play around whether you're matching up or not.
 
You are not a nit, but, instead, are a gambler with discipline.

Every action bet you make at the pool table is an investment. You reckoned that, because of your personal history, this wasn't a good time to invest $40, and it's your opinion that counts.

Others have told you how to toughen yourself up to the point that you'll be comfortable playing those stakes, but unti you are ready, don't force it.
 
Rackin_Zack said:
There is the requisite woofing, which I suck at by the way,

Am I a nit that should stick solely to recreational games for no, or very cheap, money or should I continue to play for what I am comfortable,
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First things first...become more adept at woofing and matching up. You won't be afraid to play for $40 or more if you have the edge like every casino does on every game out there. You might suck at push-outs, kicking, or whatever...but you better learn to not suck at negotiating. All kinds of ways and styles to do it, pick a few and get good at it. YOU have to control the situation...not the other guy.

I don't think you'll play for "no" money any longer...you've crossed the line and the taste of it will have you wanting more and to see what your limitations are. You'll get used to it.
 
Rackin_Zack said:
. . . . .Am I a nit that should stick solely to recreational games for no, or very cheap, money or should I continue to play for what I am comfortable, or should I sell all my cues and get out of the game...lol?
Click to expand...
Sell, man! I'll give you $500 for the ER with the scrimshaw that's in progress. You have to throw in some Gerda H joint protectors though! :p
Scott
 
I'm afraid to respond what I really think about this.

Oh, I'm not talking about if Zack is a nit or not. Your not.
 
Rackin_Zack said:
Now, I know that a lot of you are going to laugh at me for "being afraid" to play a $40 set, which I realize is still cheap going to 7, but I just didn't feel comfortable playing for the increased amount. After all that, the question I pose to you all is this: Am I a nit that should stick solely to recreational games for no, or very cheap, money or should I continue to play for what I am comfortable, or should I sell all my cues and get out of the game...lol?
Click to expand...


I see ZERO REASON to laugh at you, as apparently you did not FEEL GOOD about the situation, and were getting a message to saying NO.

If it does not feel good to you, do not do it.
 
No you’re not a nit. Did he call you a nit?

Something you might consider in the future is a compromise. After he asks for a race to 7 for 40, say something like, since you are leaving soon how about one race to 6 for 30.

Rick
 
CaptainJR said:
I'm afraid to respond what I really think about this.

Oh, I'm not talking about if Zack is a nit or not. Your not.
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go ahead......its a public forum.....air it out. seriously.

nope zack, you're not a nit.

a nit would be like in the other thread, the guy who said he could make that jump shot........told me to bring my money, and when myself and a few other people stepped up the plate......turned and ran. that would be a nit.

VAP
 
Rackin_Zack said:
Now, I know that a lot of you are going to laugh at me for "being afraid" to play a $40 set, which I realize is still cheap going to 7, but I just didn't feel comfortable playing for the increased amount. After all that, the question I pose to you all is this: Am I a nit that should stick solely to recreational games for no, or very cheap, money or should I continue to play for what I am comfortable, or should I sell all my cues and get out of the game...lol?
Click to expand...

Maybe my opinion doesn't count because I don't gamble, but here it is any way. To me it is simple, I don't gamble because I don't enjoy gambling. If you enjoy gambling for 20 bucks a set, but not for 40 bucks a set, then you shouldn't gamble for 40 bucks a set. It's a game meant to bring enjoyment to the participants, if it isn't doing that then it is a waste of time. I think for some people the enjoyment is in the pool alone, for others in the gambling alone, and for others, maybe most, it is in a combination of the pool and the gambling. You sound like you're in the 3rd set of people, but you shouldn't ever cross the threshold where playing is no longer enjoyable.
Also the scenario you describes sounds like he was trying to scam you, unless you were positive you'd have at least a 50-50 chance at 40 a set you did the right thing.
As far as all that woofing goes, I just think it is juvenile and unneccessary. I'd have just let him woof to his heart's content like some damn car salesman, and then after he was all done with that silly shit said "not interested". That said, when I see somebody like Keith McCready woofing, that's entertaining!
 
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