1989?
I hear of a really great spot in Greenville, SC called the Star Lounge. Kind of rough, loud, and only three Valleys. My kind of joint.
I make my way there and sit at the bar. These two guys are playing for $20 a set, race to five. I was in a tie and told the bartender I was only there for two days. I asked him what these guys were playing (they were playing nineball). I watched and watched. One guy ended up a buck up. So, I asked if he wanted to play some for fun. "We don't play for fun, son. Looks like you have a little money, how about race to seven for $50?" "Sure, I'll try that niner game."
Literally every third ball, I would ask him which to shoot, but staying in line. I win 7-5. He plays another. 7-4. I was laughing inside. Well, he quits and the place was at a standstill for about an hour. So, I told him I was gonna go to the hotel and get my cue in case anybody wanted to play some eight ball later that night. I leave.
Well, when I return, I have changed clothes and have cue in hand. My guy is killing this older guy who was playing with a Schon. I even remember thinking "why would a guy have a $500 dollar cue and get beat by this guy." Well, the Schon guy quits down a buck. So, I ask if I could try my guy from earlier. Mr. Schon jumps in. "How about playing me some?" "Sure. Race to nine for $100?" "No, how about twenty a game?"
Let it rip. And rip it did. I'm kicking and jumping like a bronco. No open shots until I'm down $140. I couldn't believe it. I finally win a game and break dry. Uh-oh, now I'm down $200. I'm done. "How much you win Red?" asked the bartender. I couldn't figure this one out. I was young at the time. Young enough to wear a Hustlin' shirt. Well, anyway, I'd been playing Fountain Inn Red. I needed at least the seven and the break back then. And it might not have been enough. For those who don't know Red, he used to play Cliff even in most anything. Renowned in these parts for his hustle.
Anyway, the getter got got. Sucked, but I learned. Staged and "show" sets arent' always what they seem. Used them a few times myself down the road.
I hear of a really great spot in Greenville, SC called the Star Lounge. Kind of rough, loud, and only three Valleys. My kind of joint.
I make my way there and sit at the bar. These two guys are playing for $20 a set, race to five. I was in a tie and told the bartender I was only there for two days. I asked him what these guys were playing (they were playing nineball). I watched and watched. One guy ended up a buck up. So, I asked if he wanted to play some for fun. "We don't play for fun, son. Looks like you have a little money, how about race to seven for $50?" "Sure, I'll try that niner game."
Literally every third ball, I would ask him which to shoot, but staying in line. I win 7-5. He plays another. 7-4. I was laughing inside. Well, he quits and the place was at a standstill for about an hour. So, I told him I was gonna go to the hotel and get my cue in case anybody wanted to play some eight ball later that night. I leave.
Well, when I return, I have changed clothes and have cue in hand. My guy is killing this older guy who was playing with a Schon. I even remember thinking "why would a guy have a $500 dollar cue and get beat by this guy." Well, the Schon guy quits down a buck. So, I ask if I could try my guy from earlier. Mr. Schon jumps in. "How about playing me some?" "Sure. Race to nine for $100?" "No, how about twenty a game?"
Let it rip. And rip it did. I'm kicking and jumping like a bronco. No open shots until I'm down $140. I couldn't believe it. I finally win a game and break dry. Uh-oh, now I'm down $200. I'm done. "How much you win Red?" asked the bartender. I couldn't figure this one out. I was young at the time. Young enough to wear a Hustlin' shirt. Well, anyway, I'd been playing Fountain Inn Red. I needed at least the seven and the break back then. And it might not have been enough. For those who don't know Red, he used to play Cliff even in most anything. Renowned in these parts for his hustle.
Anyway, the getter got got. Sucked, but I learned. Staged and "show" sets arent' always what they seem. Used them a few times myself down the road.
And there would be new versions every 18 months or so. :frown:
As long as you can walk away from it that is!
