I have run into the exact scenario the OP is feeling, at least the random rules and inferior opponents. Something that really inspired me was a combination of wanting to torture the local folk by holding the table for as long as I could and wanting to help these "bangers" understand the game and improve their own skill.
I would measure my improvement by how long I could hold the table. Some times someone would want to play for $5 or for drinks and it would turn out to be a financially enjoyable evening but that was never the goal. The goal was getting out enjoying the game and the company of other people enjoying the game as well. Not many of people actively go out to enjoy pool so I try to embrace everyone who finds the game interesting.
8-ball is an equalizing game of course. Pool is about execution, and the only competitor we truly have is our self. As it has been stated earlier, letting others pay for practice is great! One of the most rewarding aspects of pool is actually showing the players who have some form of ambition some fundamentals so they can eventually become a worthy foe. You will be surprised the bond that can develop between "student" and "coach". They will always respect you and appreciate the enhanced joy they have by being a “better player”
I will never forget walking into bars when I first turned 21 and not knowing anyone, and then putting my quarters on the table and promptly running the table all night. Since I had been exposed to the game at 9 yrs old I was pretty likely the best player in any bar I walked into for miles around. Since the stronger players all drove to the city half an hour away.
I have made many a great companion with my pool connections. All of my best friends, my fiance, all from pool either directly or indirectly. The social impact of this game has influenced my life much more than the enjoyment from any satisfaction that occurred directly from the white sphere!
My suggestion is if you are in fact a “C” player, and you want to improve your skill, grab a few books if you don’t already have them, 99 critical shots, the 8 ball bible, and the pleasure of small motions. Reading these books took me from a “C” player to a strong “B”. They will help your practice feel organized and more efficient so when you have opponents, you won’t feel your practice time is being compromised (at least not as much). As ctyhntr saying you would be a high 6 or 7 is probably a bit off. I would say a high 5 or a 6, 7’s typically would be considered “B” players and above.
One last note, having your own table isn’t always the greatest. Yes it is nice to be able to hit some at the house, but after a while it is nice to have an opponent, an audience, and just some fellowship. I just got a table a few months ago (shown in my avatar) and I probably play as much away from home as I do at home. It seems like there is always something else that needs to be done at home so it is difficult relax and play.
Good luck to all finding enjoyment in everything that we do!
I would measure my improvement by how long I could hold the table. Some times someone would want to play for $5 or for drinks and it would turn out to be a financially enjoyable evening but that was never the goal. The goal was getting out enjoying the game and the company of other people enjoying the game as well. Not many of people actively go out to enjoy pool so I try to embrace everyone who finds the game interesting.
8-ball is an equalizing game of course. Pool is about execution, and the only competitor we truly have is our self. As it has been stated earlier, letting others pay for practice is great! One of the most rewarding aspects of pool is actually showing the players who have some form of ambition some fundamentals so they can eventually become a worthy foe. You will be surprised the bond that can develop between "student" and "coach". They will always respect you and appreciate the enhanced joy they have by being a “better player”
I will never forget walking into bars when I first turned 21 and not knowing anyone, and then putting my quarters on the table and promptly running the table all night. Since I had been exposed to the game at 9 yrs old I was pretty likely the best player in any bar I walked into for miles around. Since the stronger players all drove to the city half an hour away.
I have made many a great companion with my pool connections. All of my best friends, my fiance, all from pool either directly or indirectly. The social impact of this game has influenced my life much more than the enjoyment from any satisfaction that occurred directly from the white sphere!
My suggestion is if you are in fact a “C” player, and you want to improve your skill, grab a few books if you don’t already have them, 99 critical shots, the 8 ball bible, and the pleasure of small motions. Reading these books took me from a “C” player to a strong “B”. They will help your practice feel organized and more efficient so when you have opponents, you won’t feel your practice time is being compromised (at least not as much). As ctyhntr saying you would be a high 6 or 7 is probably a bit off. I would say a high 5 or a 6, 7’s typically would be considered “B” players and above.
One last note, having your own table isn’t always the greatest. Yes it is nice to be able to hit some at the house, but after a while it is nice to have an opponent, an audience, and just some fellowship. I just got a table a few months ago (shown in my avatar) and I probably play as much away from home as I do at home. It seems like there is always something else that needs to be done at home so it is difficult relax and play.
Good luck to all finding enjoyment in everything that we do!
