Slim Limpy
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Are All Local Tournaments Like Funeral Marches?
- Thread starter Slim Limpy
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I don't play in tournaments on a regular basis, but I've been in both the "funeral march" kind and the care-free interaction kind. I like to talk pool, so I favor the laid-back local tourneys where you know most of the entrants and you respectfully interact with them when playing. By "respectfully", I mean no talking when your opponent is down on his/her shot, no criticizing their shooting, etc. Just a little harmless talk about the game in general, or the choices you made in the one you are playing, etc.
I've seen tournaments, pro and amateur, where it looked like NOBODY was having a good time :sorry:.
Maniac
I've seen tournaments, pro and amateur, where it looked like NOBODY was having a good time :sorry:.
Maniac
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Well I can say thw town I live in has had a Thursday night, $20 entry tournament running for the last 10+ years. The tournament itself is structured much like you said here with the same 10 guys taking turns keeping the money. It probably took me about 3 years before I was able to place in one and after playing almost every week for about 7 or 8 years I have managed to place 3rd a handful of times but 1st only once.
In regards to your "funeral march" tournament ours is nothing like that. Maybe its because the town is not that big but all the players know eachother quite well and the talking/jibber-jabber is plentiful.
Its a great night out with old friends as far as I'm concerned.
In regards to your "funeral march" tournament ours is nothing like that. Maybe its because the town is not that big but all the players know eachother quite well and the talking/jibber-jabber is plentiful.
Its a great night out with old friends as far as I'm concerned.
Its the money, to most bar tournament players, winning $75.00-150, is big money, they play like its the US Open, there there for them and they want the money. $ 10-20 entry is alot and they dont want to give it away, they want to try really hard and win. I gave up bar tournaments because it was taken so seriouse around here, Swelled heads because the local hot shots beat a low short stop and are talking about it for a month. If you are looking to better your game, start at the local level tournaments and watch the guys that win more than others, you will learn alot........... everyone has to put in the dues.................OTB
I guess it pretty much depends where you're playing. When I go to Master's out in queens (NYC), there's nothing but camaraderie. Most of these guys are just waiting for the newest fish to walk in the door, but during tournament play, everyone has a blast with the joking around, kicking back with either beer, or coffee in their hands all night. The matches are taken pretty serious with the etiquette and professionalism, but we all still have a good time.
For example. The field is extremely tough to whenever a pro comes down to the city, they make a pit-stop at this tourney. I play there to get my face kicked in for the most part. Idea being that eventually I'll learn from mistakes and whatever anyone teaches me to be a much better shooter. Anywayz, so I get killed and get frustrated at my game and how I play. But I can't leave the pool hall without someone cracking a joke to cheer me up, or a pep talk, or something. A lot of these guys have their hearts in the right place. You just gotta find a nice place to shoot that can both further your game as well as have decent people around you that don't walk around like drones.
Good luck with the search.
For example. The field is extremely tough to whenever a pro comes down to the city, they make a pit-stop at this tourney. I play there to get my face kicked in for the most part. Idea being that eventually I'll learn from mistakes and whatever anyone teaches me to be a much better shooter. Anywayz, so I get killed and get frustrated at my game and how I play. But I can't leave the pool hall without someone cracking a joke to cheer me up, or a pep talk, or something. A lot of these guys have their hearts in the right place. You just gotta find a nice place to shoot that can both further your game as well as have decent people around you that don't walk around like drones.
Good luck with the search.
We're not just in a recession economy wise, but also socially wise.
You're seeing the depression of human social skills before your very eyes.
I know exactly what you mean btw and it's what has turned me off of local tourneys. There's one thing about being determined to play hard and that's that you have to know when to lighten up in some spots with a smile and a quick laugh with the opponent... people just don't have that skill anymore or maybe they just don't....care.
It pretty obvious you are at the wrong tournament.
This is a tournament for pool players who want to play a pool tournament.
You want a social event - find one to your liking.
Dale
I agree. it would be nice for peaches and cupcakes....hell it would just be nice to have a dam tournament for that matter....we got one of the best every quarter but thats it! and I'm usually offshore.......
To the OP.....
So you don't win in the $25 tourney? You got a few diff choices..... you can quit and go find something else more to your likeing, you can just keep doing what your doing and not grow, or you could be a big boy and listen to your complaints/work them out by praticing and doing the things it would take for you to GIVE YOURSELF A CHANCE.....
You sound like you have no hope partner....and Imop there is, you at least care enough to complain (tho i completely understand...its hard being around lame mutts)....if you quit shortchanging yourself and really put the work in...my man you will kick ass. If you don't your going to stay the puppy.....
woof,
-Grey Ghost-
In Milwaukee, at one of the major local pool halls, they hold Thursday and Saturday night tournaments on and off seasonally. I think around $20-25 entry and greens fees. Don't really know what the payouts are, since there's no way my skill level (B level league player) would allow me to ever come close to winning, so I've never even looked.
Then why enter if you feel like you have no chance or shot at winning it???
There are about 20 or so main upper level B and A level players (slightly above or below in terms of individual skill levels) who continuously play in and support these tournaments. When a level B player like me enters they give a 6 win / 4 win handicap or thereabouts. There's no way a B level player is going to win 4 games against these guys normally. The last time I enterered my opponent ran 3 tables, got a 9-ball break and I shot a total of 5 times over 6 games (and hit two nice safeties). So that pretty much eliminates fresh new blood from entering these tournaments on a regular basis. However, I believe and agree with the organizers that the odds should fall in favor of the regular players, since they are the ones who consistently support the tournament.
Being a "B" player you should give the "A's" a hard time if not win!! Sure its tough but thats what its all about!!! Im a SOLID B to Low Level A and i get my ass handed to me when i play in the big tourneys but i go down swinging if i do lose!!! They EARN their win against me!!! Thats the game and you gain experience and knowledge that you couldnt get unless you GAMBLE with this squad!!!
Plus your getting spotted so you shouldnt complain in the least.. Hell if an A gave me 2 games i would be happy as a pig in SH**!!!
What amazes me even more though is that these tournaments (these are probably not league players for the most part) are like entering a funeral march. It's like watching Zombies play pool. There is little, if no interaction between players, practically no socializing, and only on occasion do you see a player even sipping a beer or drink. I don't think I've seen anyone at these tournaments have a good belly-laugh ever.
When you play SERIOUS pool you dont socialize with your opponent. Do you see Archer and Morris yucking it up with each other during match play?? No of course not but like it was said earlier in this thread i think that your apporach to this TYPE of tournament is ill-suited for your liking. Personally when im in the heat of battle i ignore my GIRLFRIEND (she knows better but understands :lol
but if your looking to have a great time and joke around when SERIOUS pool is being played then this isnt your bag. Some big events its a foul to talk to your opponent if it doesnt invole the game (ruling) in itself.
I do want to mention I take my pool very seriously. Have only been at it for three years, but I play two or more hours most everyday at home. It's just that I enjoy displaying the limited skills I have more than I do just winning.
If your that serious about pool than take that SERIOUS approach to these A players and take your lumps!!! I know many people that were up and coming that got their Ass handed to them by the top players for YEARS before they started to give it back. I only beat my teacher once in 5 years at any game we ever played... When i lived in SF i played in the toughest tournament on the west coast for 3 years and came in 2nd and 3rd once out of countless tournaments paying $20 a throw. Best part of that story.. Most of the time that i lost in those events i was either 2 and out or won a couple and was eliminated.. But those players that killed me on the table maybe me the player i am today and if i ever see them again ill thank them for smashing me and humbling my game and giving me that thrist and drive to better my game!!
In fact, while on vacation, I went to a tournament in Europe where Jamine Oschuan was playing. Someone asked me if I ever played Snooker with Jasmine before? I said, "Snooker?" "Almost killer her!!!"
AHAHAHHAHA!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:
Btw this is strictly my opinion but i do stick with what i said. I just think that the possibly this type of tournament your playing in might be TOO serious for you but if (like you said) are serious than take that leap. Take your lumps and give those guys hell!!! Let them know that your a threat and you never give in or that they have a lock wit you. Punish them for every mistake they make!!! Your a force that can do damage to them if they mess up or give you a chance.. STEP UP!!! Give em hell!!! :angry:
Oh and... Good luck :wink:
Then why enter if you feel like you have no chance or shot at winning it???
There are about 20 or so main upper level B and A level players (slightly above or below in terms of individual skill levels) who continuously play in and support these tournaments. When a level B player like me enters they give a 6 win / 4 win handicap or thereabouts. There's no way a B level player is going to win 4 games against these guys normally. The last time I enterered my opponent ran 3 tables, got a 9-ball break and I shot a total of 5 times over 6 games (and hit two nice safeties). So that pretty much eliminates fresh new blood from entering these tournaments on a regular basis. However, I believe and agree with the organizers that the odds should fall in favor of the regular players, since they are the ones who consistently support the tournament.
Being a "B" player you should give the "A's" a hard time if not win!! Sure its tough but thats what its all about!!! Im a SOLID B to Low Level A and i get my ass handed to me when i play in the big tourneys but i go down swinging if i do lose!!! They EARN their win against me!!! Thats the game and you gain experience and knowledge that you couldnt get unless you GAMBLE with this squad!!!
Plus your getting spotted so you shouldnt complain in the least.. Hell if an A gave me 2 games i would be happy as a pig in SH**!!!
What amazes me even more though is that these tournaments (these are probably not league players for the most part) are like entering a funeral march. It's like watching Zombies play pool. There is little, if no interaction between players, practically no socializing, and only on occasion do you see a player even sipping a beer or drink. I don't think I've seen anyone at these tournaments have a good belly-laugh ever.
When you play SERIOUS pool you dont socialize with your opponent. Do you see Archer and Morris yucking it up with each other during match play?? No of course not but like it was said earlier in this thread i think that your apporach to this TYPE of tournament is ill-suited for your liking. Personally when im in the heat of battle i ignore my GIRLFRIEND (she knows better but understands :lol
but if your looking to have a great time and joke around when SERIOUS pool is being played then this isnt your bag. Some big events its a foul to talk to your opponent if it doesnt invole the game (ruling) in itself.I do want to mention I take my pool very seriously. Have only been at it for three years, but I play two or more hours most everyday at home. It's just that I enjoy displaying the limited skills I have more than I do just winning.
If your that serious about pool than take that SERIOUS approach to these A players and take your lumps!!! I know many people that were up and coming that got their Ass handed to them by the top players for YEARS before they started to give it back. I only beat my teacher once in 5 years at any game we ever played... When i lived in SF i played in the toughest tournament on the west coast for 3 years and came in 2nd and 3rd once out of countless tournaments paying $20 a throw. Best part of that story.. Most of the time that i lost in those events i was either 2 and out or won a couple and was eliminated.. But those players that killed me on the table maybe me the player i am today and if i ever see them again ill thank them for smashing me and humbling my game and giving me that thrist and drive to better my game!!
In fact, while on vacation, I went to a tournament in Europe where Jamine Oschuan was playing. Someone asked me if I ever played Snooker with Jasmine before? I said, "Snooker?" "Almost killer her!!!"
AHAHAHHAHA!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:
Btw this is strictly my opinion but i do stick with what i said. I just think that the possibly this type of tournament your playing in might be TOO serious for you but if (like you said) are serious than take that leap. Take your lumps and give those guys hell!!! Let them know that your a threat and you never give in or that they have a lock wit you. Punish them for every mistake they make!!! Your a force that can do damage to them if they mess up or give you a chance.. STEP UP!!! Give em hell!!! :angry:
Oh and... Good luck :wink:
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Obviously
You are looking for more of a bar tournament than a Pool room tournament where everyone is drinking, gabbing, and joking around. We call those, Hacker tournaments.
The tournaments I play at are cordial, we joke around some usually before and after the tournament, and I see a lot of friends, but when the tournament is going on, we play.
You see, tournaments are not fun when you have someone hold up the tournament 30 minutes for each match they play because they are talking to someone, or even because someone is an exceptionally slow shooter.
Or one of the players wanders off to God knows where and doesn't show for match when they are suppose to play.
Or maybe you just don't know anyone, and are wanting to get acquainted.
You are looking for more of a bar tournament than a Pool room tournament where everyone is drinking, gabbing, and joking around. We call those, Hacker tournaments.
The tournaments I play at are cordial, we joke around some usually before and after the tournament, and I see a lot of friends, but when the tournament is going on, we play.
You see, tournaments are not fun when you have someone hold up the tournament 30 minutes for each match they play because they are talking to someone, or even because someone is an exceptionally slow shooter.
Or one of the players wanders off to God knows where and doesn't show for match when they are suppose to play.
Or maybe you just don't know anyone, and are wanting to get acquainted.
Tournaments/Fun Time
League nights are the time to cut up, joke around and have good laughs, but in tournaments it's time to get serious, you don't have to walk around like a sombie, but joke around between matches.
When I play tournaments I'm playing to win the damn thing, and nothing less, we can party after it's over!
David Harcrow
League nights are the time to cut up, joke around and have good laughs, but in tournaments it's time to get serious, you don't have to walk around like a sombie, but joke around between matches.
When I play tournaments I'm playing to win the damn thing, and nothing less, we can party after it's over!
David Harcrow
Here is where you lose me. You say you take your pool seriously but the rest of your post says otherwise. You enjoy displaying your skills more than winning? You don't take it seriously, then, by some standards.
I don't get the Jasmin thing, either.
Hang in there
Its a different kind of vibe that you will get used to. Its serious, plain and simple. I think I know which tourneys your talking about and your handicap will be lowered if you're struggling.
Some of those zombies have been doing this for a long time. They will actually open up a little bit before or after the tourney.
Its a different kind of vibe that you will get used to. Its serious, plain and simple. I think I know which tourneys your talking about and your handicap will be lowered if you're struggling.
Some of those zombies have been doing this for a long time. They will actually open up a little bit before or after the tourney.
Slim Limpy
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I feel for ya, Slim, I do. I worked second shift most of my working life but the pool room opened at 11 am, so......
I've always wanted to win, it was the whole idea behind learning and I have a hard time identifying with people {usually league players} who don't care so much about winning. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed hanging out at the room and being around the other players, laughing it up, just bullshitting, whatever. But, when I hit the table, I was all business and that business was winning, not just getting better. When I moved South and began being around a LOT of people who did not take the game as seriously as I did, it hurt my game, my killer instinct, etc.
Be glad you've got a job, even if it's second shift. You never know what will happen, I got unexpected chances to go to first and passed many of them up, finally. I got laid off in October of 2004, permanently in January of 2005. I went to school for three years and got a degree in Industrial Electronics and Automated Manufacturing and never got another job. Now, all the playing I do is at home and I'm glad I've got a table to play one but it ain't no way the same thing.
Hang tough!
I've always wanted to win, it was the whole idea behind learning and I have a hard time identifying with people {usually league players} who don't care so much about winning. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed hanging out at the room and being around the other players, laughing it up, just bullshitting, whatever. But, when I hit the table, I was all business and that business was winning, not just getting better. When I moved South and began being around a LOT of people who did not take the game as seriously as I did, it hurt my game, my killer instinct, etc.
Be glad you've got a job, even if it's second shift. You never know what will happen, I got unexpected chances to go to first and passed many of them up, finally. I got laid off in October of 2004, permanently in January of 2005. I went to school for three years and got a degree in Industrial Electronics and Automated Manufacturing and never got another job. Now, all the playing I do is at home and I'm glad I've got a table to play one but it ain't no way the same thing.
Hang tough!