Billiards: Shady reputation or rewarding game?

[JAM]

Inside, there is no question on which tables the professionals are playing. There is a rapid, consistent clunk of balls falling into pockets, a sound speaks to an era when pool halls were more common. A crowd of players are lining up and taking their shots. Some are only keeping score, waiting their turn, like the large man in a Guns N' Roses tour tee who is old enough to have purchased it from a concert.

Here's a fun read about Bailey's Sports Bar in West Knoxville. It emphasizes how pool is a beautiful game with a social experience attached to it. It is true that pool is a great way to meet people when out and about. You communicate with your partner and/or opponent when shooting pool.

The APA seems to be appearing in the press a lot, and in this article, it mentions that Jim, an APA player, shares a few tips about how to become proficient.

His fellow player, Joel, says "Don't be cheap." Joel advised. "Get your own equipment." While playing with the house's cue sticks might be fine for a casual game, if you want to get serious about pool, the best thing to do is buy your own stick.

It's nice to see pool written about in a positive manner. Here's the link from the Tennessee Journalist: Simple Tips to Help Improve Your Game. [Retrieved 4 May 2011]

 

[Ktown D]

I believe I know both of the people referenced in this article, one of them for sure...........

It is nice to read something positive about pool somewhere besides industry magazines.

 

[9BallPaul]

Inside, there is no question on which tables the professionals are playing. There is a rapid, consistent clunk of balls falling into pockets, a sound speaks to an era when pool halls were more common. A crowd of players are lining up and taking their shots. Some are only keeping score, waiting their turn, like the large man in a Guns N' Roses tour tee who is old enough to have purchased it from a concert.

Here's a fun read about Bailey's Sports Bar in West Knoxville. It emphasizes how pool is a beautiful game with a social experience attached to it. It is true that pool is a great way to meet people when out and about. You communicate with your partner and/or opponent when shooting pool.

The APA seems to be appearing in the press a lot, and in this article, it mentions that Jim, an APA player, shares a few tips about how to become proficient.

His fellow player, Joel, says "Don't be cheap." Joel advised. "Get your own equipment." While playing with the house's cue sticks might be fine for a casual game, if you want to get serious about pool, the best thing to do is buy your own stick.

It's nice to see pool written about in a positive manner. Here's the link from the Tennessee Journalist: Simple Tips to Help Improve Your Game. [Retrieved 4 May 2011]

Love that illustration. I've actually witnessed that happen in a couple of notorious rooms.

To answer the question -- shady rep or great game -- I'd say both.

 

[Bigkahuna]

I know this is a great game that requires a depth of knowledge and skill to be good or great. It is also a game that can be played at any age and at any level even with competitors of varying levels using handicaps.

At the same time it has a reputation of drugs, drunks and gambling. Don't believe me go before your city council and try to get a pool hall approved in a downtown area. Your going to hear public perception.