Can You Be a Nice Pool Player?

Fast Lenny

Fast Lenny

Faster Than You...
Silver Member
I am just curious about what peoples thoughts are on this.I am a pretty nice guy,good sportsmanship and whatnot.Since I moved to AZ about 10 months ago I have noticed alot of poor sportsmanship, 2 times I had guys not even shake my hand after they lost.I just dont get it,tonight I took 2nd in a tourney and the person I played had poor sportsmanship,there was definately gamesmanship considering I was playing good safes and then told I was lucky and pulling them out of my ass,what gives?I told my friend that I think when we go out to tourneys or are gambling I just have to be downright mean and nasty with people,torment and torture them so I just dont beat them on the table but off the table.I think alot of people feel weak at times with their game or just want any edge they can get,I just want to have fun and play,win or lose shake hands and give compliments when they are deserved.

My friend says he doesnt think I could be mean,that I will want to but when I get out there I will stay quiet and shake hands because its my nature to be decent.I told him if I brought my gamesmanship out and got in my opponents head it would bring me up a ball and give it time and we will be like alot of players I have met out here.You figured in the NY area there would be more poor sports and little psyhological tactics but this place tops it by far.What are your opinions on this?,do you do these things or are you Mr. Nice Guy when you play and a gentleman with respect for the game and your opponent?
 
Pool is like that, man. Another reason that our sport gets bad press. There are a lot of assholes out there. Do me a favor and please don't drop down to their level and act like that.
MULLY
 
It has been said that "Pool is a gentleman's game".

However, most of the pool-playing populace learned to play the game in less than gentlemanly environments. Back here in the islands, many the times that kids skipped school to favor poolhalls instead. Such activities do not promote positive learning values and behavior.

Though there may be a$$h0|es that show a nasty air on the table, which is brought about by a less-refined upbringing, atleast it is not the predominant conduct.

Then there are those who may not seem nice, but aren't that bad either. They didn't come to make friends nor make enemies, just too concentrated on the game.

There has been no internationally & detailed defined set of conduct for poolplayers. At best, in tournaments atleast, most will just try to behave as best as they can.
 
Fast Lenny said:
I am just curious about what peoples thoughts are on this.I am a pretty nice guy,good sportsmanship and whatnot.Since I moved to AZ about 10 months ago I have noticed alot of poor sportsmanship, 2 times I had guys not even shake my hand after they lost.I just dont get it,tonight I took 2nd in a tourney and the person I played had poor sportsmanship,there was definately gamesmanship considering I was playing good safes and then told I was lucky and pulling them out of my ass,what gives?I told my friend that I think when we go out to tourneys or are gambling I just have to be downright mean and nasty with people,torment and torture them so I just dont beat them on the table but off the table.I think alot of people feel weak at times with their game or just want any edge they can get,I just want to have fun and play,win or lose shake hands and give compliments when they are deserved.

My friend says he doesnt think I could be mean,that I will want to but when I get out there I will stay quiet and shake hands because its my nature to be decent.I told him if I brought my gamesmanship out and got in my opponents head it would bring me up a ball and give it time and we will be like alot of players I have met out here.You figured in the NY area there would be more poor sports and little psyhological tactics but this place tops it by far.What are your opinions on this?,do you do these things or are you Mr. Nice Guy when you play and a gentleman with respect for the game and your opponent?
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Lenny,

You are trying to conduct yourself in the proper manner. You just happen to be an avid pool fan,and as such, you hope for an ideal scenario. As you mature, you will realize there are a--holes in all walks of life, not just pool. Don't worry about those uneducated, misguided souls. Just maintain your outlook on life and you'll be fine :wink:

Dick

PS People are the same everywhere, you will find that to be true as you gain milage.
 
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Bottom line, be true to yourself. Just because someone is being an ass, doesn't mean you have to be one too. You have to live with yourself, and so do they. I feel sorry for the a-holes, they have condemned themselves to miserable existences.
 
jay helfert said:
Bottom line, be true to yourself. Just because someone is being an ass, doesn't mean you have to be one too. You have to live with yourself, and so do they. I feel sorry for the a-holes, they have condemned themselves to miserable existences.
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What the Hell are you doing up at this hour, and what makes you think you know anything about pool ?
 
jay helfert said:
Bottom line, be true to yourself. Just because someone is being an ass, doesn't mean you have to be one too. You have to live with yourself, and so do they. I feel sorry for the a-holes, they have condemned themselves to miserable existences.
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Duplicate post.
 
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i've always been impressed with the snooker world's sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct. a lot of pool players would do well to emulate that.

Fast Lenny, be who you are and it sounds like you're a good guy. we don't need more assholes in this world!
 
Fast Lenny you observations about some of the people playing pool in Arizona is right on there are a lot of BAD SPORTS in the Arizona tournament scene. Ignore them.
 
You sound just like me, I have always been nice even when the other player is being an arse, actually I think it bothers them even more if you beat them and are being nice in the process.

You can never go wrong taking the high road.
 
Fast Lenny said:
I am just curious about what peoples thoughts are on this.I am a pretty nice guy,good sportsmanship and whatnot.Since I moved to AZ about 10 months ago I have noticed alot of poor sportsmanship, 2 times I had guys not even shake my hand after they lost.I just dont get it,tonight I took 2nd in a tourney and the person I played had poor sportsmanship,there was definately gamesmanship considering I was playing good safes and then told I was lucky and pulling them out of my ass,what gives?I told my friend that I think when we go out to tourneys or are gambling I just have to be downright mean and nasty with people,torment and torture them so I just dont beat them on the table but off the table.I think alot of people feel weak at times with their game or just want any edge they can get,I just want to have fun and play,win or lose shake hands and give compliments when they are deserved.

My friend says he doesnt think I could be mean,that I will want to but when I get out there I will stay quiet and shake hands because its my nature to be decent.I told him if I brought my gamesmanship out and got in my opponents head it would bring me up a ball and give it time and we will be like alot of players I have met out here.You figured in the NY area there would be more poor sports and little psyhological tactics but this place tops it by far.What are your opinions on this?,do you do these things or are you Mr. Nice Guy when you play and a gentleman with respect for the game and your opponent?
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YOU SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D:D:D:D

BVal
 
I had a similar situation a week and a half ago - playing in a little tournament. We were hill-hill if I recall - at the very least, my opponent was on the hill - my break, playing 8-ball. I go for the second-row hit - my break is a little off, and the cue-ball jumps off the table. The eight ball rolls into a side pocket, so it's a loss for me.

What does he do? He gives a little fist pump with a "yes!" and then walks away. Not only does he celebrate my misfortune, he doesn't even bother to shake my hand.

The thing about pool, I think, it it is a very ego-centric game. I've lost count of the guys I've met who let their egos ride herd over common sense. Folks who think they're a LOT better than they are, who "can't believe it!" when they lose - and they have all the evidence in the world right under their noses that they aren't - including league handicaps that are not the maximum. There's one guy I'm thinking of now, who I bump into now and again in little local tournaments - he's an APA 5, but every time he loses, it's not his fault - it's something else.

I like to think that I can recognize this potential in myself - the potential to puff myself up mentally - and that I can compensate for it to a certain degree. Not 100% - I wish! But I do recognize that I am not the shiznit, that I am nowhere NEAR the shiznit, that I have a long way to go yet with my game. But I *am* getting better... :D

But getting back on the topic - I think it's ego. That and simply being pissed that they lost and disgusted with themselves, and letting their emotions get the better of them. I would guess that if those same players who walked away without shaking hands were approached a little while later, when their emotions have had a bit of time to relax, most would shake your hand and apologize for their prior behavior.
 
I don't think it's just Arizona Lenny. You alway have those hot heads out there. We've probably both run into the same people. But if you look around, you'll see many more positive people than the non-handshakers.

You have to have an appreciation for the game to show it respect. That is why we are on here writing about pool, and streaming your video for others, and why I took on azpoolscene.com. We love the game! I haven't met too many nasty arrogant asses that actually love the game. But there are a few.

When I get back into town, we'll have to get some games in.
 
plays well with others...

I'll take your notion a step further to say that RESPECT and MANNERS in general society are on a fast decline. It just happens to stand out more in a focused situation like a pool tournament. When someone acts like that, they're doing it out of frustration for their own weaknesses. There is no need to lower yourself to that level.
 
I've been in the same situation. No matter what though, I make it a point to shake the person's hand and say something. If they're going to be a$$holes, then they're going to do it regardless. But I want other people to know that I conduct myself in a certain manner, regardless of the situation.
 
always some "win at all costs" people

There are always some win at all costs people from the most minor preschool athlete's parents to the highest levels of sports. Pool will always have a few with that attitude and the associated poor behavior. Perhaps all individual sports attract these types more than team sports also, just a thought of mine not verified.

Anyway, I recommend continuing to be a nice guy and sportsman. It impresses most people and it really annoys the nasty folks when you beat them and act nice while doing it so it is a win/win thing. Plus being nasty will distract from your game and you will play worse. As others have said, best to be true to yourself.

Hu
 
jay helfert said:
Bottom line, be true to yourself. Just because someone is being an ass, doesn't mean you have to be one too. You have to live with yourself, and so do they. I feel sorry for the a-holes, they have condemned themselves to miserable existences.
Click to expand...

That statement by Jay needs to be repeated. Print it, put it on your fridge and read it every few days.

Though some consider this Kitch, I find it beautiful,

Desiderata
by
Max Ermin


Go placidly amid the noise & haste,
& remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & bitter; for always there will be greater & lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
 
Fast Lenny said:
I am just curious about what peoples thoughts are on this.I am a pretty nice guy,good sportsmanship and whatnot.Since I moved to AZ about 10 months ago I have noticed alot of poor sportsmanship, 2 times I had guys not even shake my hand after they lost.I just dont get it,tonight I took 2nd in a tourney and the person I played had poor sportsmanship,there was definately gamesmanship considering I was playing good safes and then told I was lucky and pulling them out of my ass,what gives?I told my friend that I think when we go out to tourneys or are gambling I just have to be downright mean and nasty with people,torment and torture them so I just dont beat them on the table but off the table.I think alot of people feel weak at times with their game or just want any edge they can get,I just want to have fun and play,win or lose shake hands and give compliments when they are deserved.

My friend says he doesnt think I could be mean,that I will want to but when I get out there I will stay quiet and shake hands because its my nature to be decent.I told him if I brought my gamesmanship out and got in my opponents head it would bring me up a ball and give it time and we will be like alot of players I have met out here.You figured in the NY area there would be more poor sports and little psyhological tactics but this place tops it by far.What are your opinions on this?,do you do these things or are you Mr. Nice Guy when you play and a gentleman with respect for the game and your opponent?
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An older gentleman that has been around gambling his life told me "George, your a nice guy" I'm thinking he's bragging on me "but it take an asshole to be a pool player." He also told me "People aren't born assholes, people make people assholes." Two statements I will never forget!
 
Fast Lenny mentioned the Hand Shake, I personally do not like to shake hands with stranger, as I have some arthritis.

But if I send someone to the loosers bracket, or I alway say good luck, or maybe I will see you in the finals.

Like I said I do not like to shake, as some people have grip like a VISE, and when I get the Vise Grip it can really mess me up for days.
 
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