Since the Coltrain road story went over so well, I'm sure you guys can appreciate this one.
In around 1991? I was a regional manager for a time critical courier service. I handled about four states, NC, SC, Tenn, and parts of VA. Well, right across the NC line into SC, I got wind of a bar where the owner had just won around $10,000 from a fellow player getting the 5,7 and the break on the bartable. My "friend" was itching to take the guy down. Let's call him Al. John, my "friend", had not outrun the nuts. He gave me a pretty good line on the guy and off I went.
It was a Wednesday night around 6:00 when I went into the bar with full Brooks Brothers appeal. Tie and all. I took a little cheap case with my player's cue and my favorite shaft. I laid it on the bar. After 6-7 beers, the local crowd started matching up. $5 a game nineball, $2 and $2 on the other table. I get pretty loud and get offers from Ted and Ron. I accept from Ron and play just terrible. I lose $40 at $5 a game. I commence to drink proclaiming I'd be back "tomorrow night. I play better sober."
Thursday night... same routine. This time I lose to Ted around $50, then another $20 to Ron. I probably had 10-12 Natural Lights. This is pretty normal for me, by the way. Al was watching and laughing the whole time. Picture it. Tie getting in the way as I shoot them into the rail playing only "area" position.
"I'll be back tomorrow night when I get paid. I don't take it very serious for this kind of cheese. I'm only in town for one more day; but, it's payday."
"You mean payday for us." Al just laughed at Ron's little punch at me. I drank two more and headed for the hotel.
I went to work the next day just itching to get to the "spot." 6:00 o'clock and I took my little case and laid my tie beside it. Fifteen minutes later, and the guys arrive.
"You ready?" I asked.
"Hell yeah." In unison from the two. They couldn't wait to jump on the fish.
"I have two grand, how about $300 a game? Let's get it on. Now I warn you. I've only had three beers and now I have money. I may play four balls better."
Al, Ron, and Ted didn't know what to think. Here was easy cash. Anyway, Al jumped up and said, "How about $400 a game, Mr. Moneyman?"
I put the poker "thought look" on, and reluctantly agreed.
"I don't know how you play, though. Screw it, let's play."
Well, the line was right on. I play very close to John, and he was giving up the world to Al. I was playing even. The guy never broke and run out one time. Not once. Nineball on the barbox and he didn't break and run once! I would get out of line a little and bank safe occasionally. Bottom line was $3200. Oh yeah, there was a hot lady (redhead. I just love me a redhead) at the bar. After getting paid, I offered a late dinner. She obliged. And well. Back to the pool part.
As I was leaving, Al wasn't even mad at all.
"You got me. Tell John he only got part of it back. Next time I need some fair weight."
I punched back at Ron and Ted on the way out. "You guys take care. I've enjoyed your company."
Gosh, those were the good ol' days. Once again, I'm happy to be alive.
In around 1991? I was a regional manager for a time critical courier service. I handled about four states, NC, SC, Tenn, and parts of VA. Well, right across the NC line into SC, I got wind of a bar where the owner had just won around $10,000 from a fellow player getting the 5,7 and the break on the bartable. My "friend" was itching to take the guy down. Let's call him Al. John, my "friend", had not outrun the nuts. He gave me a pretty good line on the guy and off I went.
It was a Wednesday night around 6:00 when I went into the bar with full Brooks Brothers appeal. Tie and all. I took a little cheap case with my player's cue and my favorite shaft. I laid it on the bar. After 6-7 beers, the local crowd started matching up. $5 a game nineball, $2 and $2 on the other table. I get pretty loud and get offers from Ted and Ron. I accept from Ron and play just terrible. I lose $40 at $5 a game. I commence to drink proclaiming I'd be back "tomorrow night. I play better sober."
Thursday night... same routine. This time I lose to Ted around $50, then another $20 to Ron. I probably had 10-12 Natural Lights. This is pretty normal for me, by the way. Al was watching and laughing the whole time. Picture it. Tie getting in the way as I shoot them into the rail playing only "area" position.
"I'll be back tomorrow night when I get paid. I don't take it very serious for this kind of cheese. I'm only in town for one more day; but, it's payday."
"You mean payday for us." Al just laughed at Ron's little punch at me. I drank two more and headed for the hotel.
I went to work the next day just itching to get to the "spot." 6:00 o'clock and I took my little case and laid my tie beside it. Fifteen minutes later, and the guys arrive.
"You ready?" I asked.
"Hell yeah." In unison from the two. They couldn't wait to jump on the fish.
"I have two grand, how about $300 a game? Let's get it on. Now I warn you. I've only had three beers and now I have money. I may play four balls better."
Al, Ron, and Ted didn't know what to think. Here was easy cash. Anyway, Al jumped up and said, "How about $400 a game, Mr. Moneyman?"
I put the poker "thought look" on, and reluctantly agreed.
"I don't know how you play, though. Screw it, let's play."
Well, the line was right on. I play very close to John, and he was giving up the world to Al. I was playing even. The guy never broke and run out one time. Not once. Nineball on the barbox and he didn't break and run once! I would get out of line a little and bank safe occasionally. Bottom line was $3200. Oh yeah, there was a hot lady (redhead. I just love me a redhead) at the bar. After getting paid, I offered a late dinner. She obliged. And well. Back to the pool part.
As I was leaving, Al wasn't even mad at all.
"You got me. Tell John he only got part of it back. Next time I need some fair weight."
I punched back at Ron and Ted on the way out. "You guys take care. I've enjoyed your company."
Gosh, those were the good ol' days. Once again, I'm happy to be alive.
