Did you ever feel embarassed...

[hang-the-9]

Uh, before or after the bet?

Not betting, just shooting around. Had the room manager introduce me to a guy, who was talking about his table at home. He could not get a 3-ball run together, and basically snuck out of the room in an hour, have not seen him back there.

 

[hang-the-9]

^ You're probably one of these people to a lot of players.

I'm not.

You bet, any A player that is playing at an average level can beat me most of the time.

 

[leehayes]

for the other person when someone asks to play with you and they can't win a single game? Or when people from work say "I play pool too", and the only position they know is missionary? I start to avoid eye contact and try to miss more . I had a guy walk into a room talking about his table at home, blah blah blah, I think he won one game because I hung up the game winner. Then I had to pretend to understand that his table plays different and it's OK, yes the table is tough, it rolls too fast, the lights are not as bright, chalk is the wrong color for you that what your mommy bought. I hate feeling like I'm showing off, and when your oponent is helpless I can feel the guy thinking "what did I get into and how do I get out of it", that makes me feel terrible for knowing how to play. Maybe I'm just too nice.

Funny...when I'm embarrassed seems the shoe is on the other foot...I have times where it seems I forget how to shoot.
But the other day I did feel sorry for a guy because I was in the zone like never before. Played a league match in 9 ball and only missed two shots. Perfect position on every shot...but I wasn't embarrassed.

 

[cubc]

I was in a situation where this girl knew I played well from hearsay and hyped me up to her friends. Then when they were at the pool hall one night seen me and invited me over to play cut throat with them. Now before I shot she was still saying how "amazing" i can play and all that.

So I thought to myself I better shoot the lights out for all shes talking or I'll look like a fool. So I ran out every single game, they got pissed, she got upset, and I ended up going to play alone again. She came up later and said I humiliated her in front of her friends by making her look like she sucks on the table. Apparently in her mind she could play...

So I realize now it was a lose lose. Play great and get hated on, or play bad and get laughed at for supposedly being good and sucking.

I now avoid social pool unless someone says they play 9 ball and are good, they have a table etc. etc. Usually they're no good but at least I feel justified by playing all out.

League or other pool buddies I dont hold back. I do sometimes try more difficult shots in less serious situations for "practice" but thats it.

 

[Patrick53212]

I am with you on the playing with your weaker hand. I do that as well. I play left-handed quite a bit with players that I know cannot play very well. It helps my game as I often use my left hand as opposed to using a bridge. I have had players ranked much higher than I comment on how confidently I play with my left. I simply reply that I practice full games left-handed. I have even managed table runs left-handed on several occasions.

 

[catpool9]

for the other person when someone asks to play with you and they can't win a single game? Or when people from work say "I play pool too", and the only position they know is missionary? I start to avoid eye contact and try to miss more . I had a guy walk into a room talking about his table at home, blah blah blah, I think he won one game because I hung up the game winner. Then I had to pretend to understand that his table plays different and it's OK, yes the table is tough, it rolls too fast, the lights are not as bright, chalk is the wrong color for you that what your mommy bought. I hate feeling like I'm showing off, and when your oponent is helpless I can feel the guy thinking "what did I get into and how do I get out of it", that makes me feel terrible for knowing how to play. Maybe I'm just too nice.

I've never felt bad or embarassed for playing good pool,..ever!

I play wide-open on everyone, my wide-open speed may be a crawl sometimes, but i'm going all out.

David Harcrow

 

[BRKNRUN]

Yes...And I paid for at as well.

I did my normal routine when I get an actual opportunity to play...I ran home after work...did the spend time with wife and kids thing...scarfed down some food so I could make the 30 minute drive in 20 minutes get to the pool room in time for the tournament.

Played my first round match...I had to win 6 games to my opponents 3.

Played horrible the first game and took about 6 innings to finish one rack...I realized the person I was playing had no clue what they were doing..(did not even know the rules) I (knew) I was going to win this match because this person was lucky just to make any shot...I fell into stroke and started runing racks...break and run....break play safe run out...etc....I was up 5-0 and started feeling bad for this person as I was running out the ducks in the (should have been) last rack...Due to my lack of attention I over ran shape a bit and then dogged a still easy shot on the 8 ball.

I jarred the 8 in the pocket, and the 9 was a hanger as well right by the side pocket...The person made the 8 and I gave them the hanger 9...This person then proceeded to break in the 9-ball....Then almost broke the 9 in again but it hung on by the corner pocket...I watched (seemingly in slow motion) the 1-ball hit the point of the side pocket and banked back toward the 9-ball and stopped within close proximity....Of course that 1-ball was shot toward the 9...was going to miss the 9 altogether until it was re-directed by another near by ball...

Nice Match......On to the LOSER bracket...all becuse I let a little "guilt" creep into my head... LOL