On the lag, I never wish my opponent good luck. That is the dumbest remark I’ve ever heard in competitive play.
Yeah, like I really want my opponent to beat me by being lucky. I intend to win, even if I don’t. So all I say is simple.
Play your best……and I mean it too. I want their best game which only means my victory is more meaningful to me.
If I win a match, I merely say….I look forward to when when we can play again. It all comes down to this approach.
Pool is a game of honor where players can and should call fouls on themselves that otherwise might go unnoticed.
So as honorable persons, your approach to competition should be this. WIN WITH GRACE & LOSE WITH DIGNITY.
Always remain a graceful winner with your opponent and don’t demean your adversary’s victory being petulant or complaining. Don’t moan over the bad rolls you suffered, BIH fouls or OBs your adversary slopped in. You lost…own it.
My stepdad pounded that belief all the time when I was a young teen learning to play pool. My opponent didn’t do a thing to cause me to miss a shot? Indeed, he can make it a very hard shot to attempt but I’m responsible for missing the shot.
At the start of a match, wish your opponent plays their best but never wish them good luck. If you were playing poker and your had to show your cards against another player for the biggest pot of the night, are you really stupid enough to
wish them good luck before showing their hand. Don’t say something just to say something and try to make it pertinent.