I have no idea what kind of pool rooms most of you grew up in and don't care.
My comments are that "messing with somebody's head" was routine where I played. Opponents talked on your shots, said things like "I think the dog is coming out on him", "this one will be a real character builder", or actions like getting their money out and ready to drop in the pocket when you're lining up on the case ball, standing in the line of the shot, letting out a loud "burp" at a pressure moment, it was endless.
Danny Jones told us kids to remember....."If a guy is a talker, he's also a listener". Give it right back to him.
I played Mizerak 8 Ball at one of his exhibitions and he was constantly running his mouth and trying to rattle me. I plodded along like the old tortoise I am and broke about even. (the crowd hated him). Then on one of the last games he was down on a critical shot and I cracked out with "don't dog". He missed the ball a foot...........and he was FURIOUS.
Started talking about the 'show was about him" etc. etc. etc. I told him, you got back what you dished out Mister Pool Champion man.
I also played Mosconi at one of his exhibitions and he was nothing but class and professional all the way. He beat my brains out for 2 dollars and a Coca-Cola. Never did any of the smart mouth stuff. What I didn't know until much later was that when I wasn't looking he quietly gave the two dollars back to my girlfriend.
That man had more style in his little finger than most players have in their whole body.
