Different ways players call their pockets

Billy_Bob

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I get a kick out of the different ways players call their pockets. Sometimes players call their pocket (same) several times before shooting. And it seems that if a pocket is called more than once by a player who is thinking about what to shoot, he will miss the shot - guaranteed.

Like...

The match is hill/hill. The player at the table has no easy shot. He studies the table for quite a while...

Then he takes his cue, bangs his tip firmly on the corner pocket and says [with a voice of authority] "12 in the corner!", but then he studies the table a bit more...

Then he takes his cue, bangs his tip *more* firmly on the corner pocket and says [with a *louder* voice of authority] "12 in the corner!!!". (This time he really means it!) Then he shoots and misses.

Or...

The match is hill/hill. The player at the table has no easy shot. He studies the table for exactly two seconds and says "I'll play the 12 in the corner" [and points to the corner with his cue]. Then he shoots and makes his shot.

Calling shots list...
I'll play the 12 in the corner (points with cue stick at corner).
I'll try the 12 in the corner.
12 in the corner.
I guess the 12 in the corner, but I won't make it.
Up there (does not point anywhere).
All the way down.
In the side (bank shot and does not point to which side).

More?
 
BB, if its a freindly game I usually point the stick or pat the pocket. If a lot of kibbles n bits is involved I call it at least twice. :)
 
Not knowing much about the culture you're playing in, I'd have to say that MOST missed shots in a call-shot game happen when the player verbally calls his shot. This has much to do with the gentleman's call rule. See, when I play straight-pool, I can go an entire game without making a single verbal call simply because most of my shots are assumed. The only time I'm going to verbally call a shot is when there might be a question as to which pocket and/or ball I'm attempting (ie., bank shots, caroms & combinations). This would inherently mean that if I make a verbal call, I am announcing that the outcome of my next shot my not be obvious to my opponent and hence, an added level of difficulty is likely involved.

In the scenario you describe, I get the feeling that this player is indecisive which can commonly lead to a missed shot. When a player announces his shot, gets down and fires away, it shows he's made up his mind and is no longer considering his options. By getting up and reexamining the table and making a second verbal call, the player is suggesting there may be a lack of commitment to the shot. On the otherhand, it should be pointed out that some of the world's greatest players (ie., Nick Varner, Jim Rempe, Johnny Archer) have been known to pull out of their stance, reexamine a situation, change their minds a couple of times, only to get down and execute perfectly. The player needs to have an awareness as to what they're going through at that moment. The very best only act when they know they've made a commitment to the shot.


Jude M. Rosenstock
 
Generally I don't call obvious shots. But with some players, who like to call a foul at every opportunity, I'll call each and every shot. (Not a compliment as to what I think about my opponent when I am calling each and every shot...)
 
Billy_Bob said:
I get a kick out of the different ways players call their pockets. Sometimes players call their pocket (same) several times before shooting. And it seems that if a pocket is called more than once by a player who is thinking about what to shoot, he will miss the shot - guaranteed.

Like...

The match is hill/hill. The player at the table has no easy shot. He studies the table for quite a while...

Then he takes his cue, bangs his tip firmly on the corner pocket and says [with a voice of authority] "12 in the corner!", but then he studies the table a bit more...

Then he takes his cue, bangs his tip *more* firmly on the corner pocket and says [with a *louder* voice of authority] "12 in the corner!!!". (This time he really means it!) Then he shoots and misses.

Or...

The match is hill/hill. The player at the table has no easy shot. He studies the table for exactly two seconds and says "I'll play the 12 in the corner" [and points to the corner with his cue]. Then he shoots and makes his shot.

Calling shots list...
I'll play the 12 in the corner (points with cue stick at corner).
I'll try the 12 in the corner.
12 in the corner.
I guess the 12 in the corner, but I won't make it.
Up there (does not point anywhere).
All the way down.
In the side (bank shot and does not point to which side).

More?

I like the one when the player calls out "stright in" and he has to cut it 3 feet !!!
 
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