Dropping league for a season?

Cdryden

Cdryden

Pool Addict
Silver Member
I have been considering dropping league next session and only playing in tournaments for awhile. I think I am on the verge of getting burned out on the league play for now and I need to play new people in a different setting. Nothing against leagues, it's just that I think it's time for a chance.

In my town it is almost impossible to get any kind of money game. Those that are willing want the stone cold nuts and those that aren't willing can hardly be talked into a game for bragging rights alone.

So I figure that travelling to a couple of tournaments a month will help me advance more than playing the same old people in the same old game. Has anyone else tried this? What do you suggest?

BTW, if anyone has a line on any tournaments in Missouri or western Illinois, weekly or otherwise I'd appreciate the heads up. I'll probably be playing (tournaments) mostly in and around St. Louis and in Quincy Ill. some too.
 
I think your making a good move here!!! I would not be surprised if you're playing one or two balls better by next year... Throw in a couple of lessons while ur at it
 
Cdryden said:
I have been considering dropping league next session and only playing in tournaments for awhile. I think I am on the verge of getting burned out on the league play for now and I need to play new people in a different setting. Nothing against leagues, it's just that I think it's time for a chance.

In my town it is almost impossible to get any kind of money game. Those that are willing want the stone cold nuts and those that aren't willing can hardly be talked into a game for bragging rights alone.

So I figure that travelling to a couple of tournaments a month will help me advance more than playing the same old people in the same old game. Has anyone else tried this? What do you suggest?

BTW, if anyone has a line on any tournaments in Missouri or western Illinois, weekly or otherwise I'd appreciate the heads up. I'll probably be playing (tournaments) mostly in and around St. Louis and in Quincy Ill. some too.
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You can't get any games in the St. Louis area? I thought there was just a thread recently about a bunch of killers in that area?

I know what you mean about leagues though? I can't bring my killer instinct to all games/opponents. I have a friend that can, which is a skill I wish I had. I know all the people in my leagues and play them appropriately (ie weaker players I won't generally play a stone cold safety on, but may do 2 way shots).

So maybe you are right in taking a year off and do the tourney thing. Hope it works for you.
 
for the past 2 or 3 weeks I have been thinking along the same lines.......for now I have changed one night a week to another pool hall......different people and better food.....only downside for me is too much country music but......if it were not for the straight pool on sunday I would play in the 10 ball tournament later in the day which I might still do if I can get the 14,1 game started earlier. let us know how this works out for you. good luck in the tournament play. :thumbup:
 
Diamond69 said:
You can't get any games in the St. Louis area? I thought there was just a thread recently about a bunch of killers in that area?

I know what you mean about leagues though? I can't bring my killer instinct to all games/opponents. I have a friend that can, which is a skill I wish I had. I know all the people in my leagues and play them appropriately (ie weaker players I won't generally play a stone cold safety on, but may do 2 way shots).

So maybe you are right in taking a year off and do the tourney thing. Hope it works for you.
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I don't live in the St louis area. I'm about a hour and a half north of there. I was meaning that if I went to tournaments I would be mainly playing there.
 
Cdryden said:
I have been considering dropping league next session and only playing in tournaments for awhile. I think I am on the verge of getting burned out on the league play for now and I need to play new people in a different setting. Nothing against leagues, it's just that I think it's time for a chance.

In my town it is almost impossible to get any kind of money game. Those that are willing want the stone cold nuts and those that aren't willing can hardly be talked into a game for bragging rights alone.

So I figure that travelling to a couple of tournaments a month will help me advance more than playing the same old people in the same old game. Has anyone else tried this? What do you suggest?

BTW, if anyone has a line on any tournaments in Missouri or western Illinois, weekly or otherwise I'd appreciate the heads up. I'll probably be playing (tournaments) mostly in and around St. Louis and in Quincy Ill. some too.
Click to expand...

I have found I no longer have the desire to endure the long waits tournament play requires. I love to play pool and spending 80% of a day waiting (any day, waiting for anything) doesn't satisfy me. By the time it's time to play I seem not to care any more no matter how enthused I was when I left the house. Sad to say but there's just nothing like a long gambling session with a worthy opponent.

JC
 
I have thought about it myself, but we have no tournaments to speak of around here.

I would likely be a bit crazy after a short while. If I miss a week or two, it drives me nuts (ok, its a short putt, not a long drive)
 
This is exactly where I'm at right now. I mean its like you're reading my mind. I figure that I only play 4-5 really competitive matches each league session. The rest are just fooling around. The other downside is that I find myself taking score more than shooting, which means I am enduring too many hours of watching really sloppy pool. Not good for my game. I can't wait for the session to end so I can try to find some really competitive match ups. I am married with a young son and only get so much time to play and I think that time would be better served away from league pool.
Chris
 
i quit league myself

but first i played for over 40 years, yes i got my first league trophy in 1967 in downey, ca playing for a small beer bar called the argyle. just decided to hang it up, been to vegas 15 - 20 times and i just got burned out. i still play 4 -5 times a week at home, and a few buddies come over for one pocket, as i still love to play.
 
Wright Shot said:
This is exactly where I'm at right now. I mean its like you're reading my mind. I figure that I only play 4-5 really competitive matches each league session. The rest are just fooling around. The other downside is that I find myself taking score more than shooting, which means I am enduring too many hours of watching really sloppy pool. Not good for my game. I can't wait for the session to end so I can try to find some really competitive match ups. I am married with a young son and only get so much time to play and I think that time would be better served away from league pool.
Chris
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I know what you mean about balancing your time between pool and family. I got to do the same thing. The tournament days are long but as it is right now I spend at least 6 hours every week on league. My wife has a hard time understanding why anyone would want to spend a whole Saturday playing pool but is ok with me doing it for the most part as long as she gets a few weekends to spend with me as well.

To be honest, I don't even really care so much if I win or not. I just want the challenge and to do something different for awhile. Don't get me wrong, I would like to win every tournament that I play in but it's not my only reason for being there. I hope to play in the Missouri 9 ball open next February if they have it. I think it will be a good experience for the most part, again I don't expect to win but I do want to show up with my A game and maybe place in the money. And who knows, in a game like 9 ball anything can happen. I have been able to string several racks together on occasion and anyone who can do that has a shot, even if it is a slim one.
 
Chris,

Feel the same as you from time to time. Found when I withdrew from weekly league play, my eight ball play slipped. The five or six games per match in APA and four per match in BCA/ACS twice a week was keeping my game sharp. When I did go to tournament play, I felt comfortable playing.

Cut back to one night per week each for this Summer. Can already see my pattern play slipping. See it just like 14.1. If you don't play regularly, even the most basic patterns disappear! Might run a few racks but only because I'm making shots not because I was choosing the correct balls.

Find your balance point. Stick with it. Like Efren said, "pool is not life or death".

Lyn
 
I have had a hard time quitting league pool. I have a wife and 2 kids. When I don't have a set plan to go play, I typically miss out due to other family duties. Playing one night per week is WAY better than playing one pool tournament every couple of months and getting knocked out in 2 because you haven't spent the right amount of time on the table. I would recommend keeping your one night per week, just don't play league. Make it practice night and spend the same amount of time you would be out anyway practicing or playing some money games.
 
I know what the burn out feeling is. Last year I had one team and played Scotch with my wife.

I'm one of the 4 extras that are on our League committee so when teams are starting out, I help them find players. I placed one player and decided to hop on board as a spare until the captain or myself could find a full time player. That turned out as another night for me.

Got called up fairly regular for a spare on a Monday team.

Practicing at least one night a week and a regular 9 Ball Tourney on Saturdays.

So I had every night and a sat taken care of.

Just finished up an 8 week Spring fun league for team and Scotch.

Kind of glad thats its over until Sept. I'm pretty lucky that my wife plays 2 nights a week and likes to get rid of me for all the others.

I have Sunday off and even then, there is the odd tourney.

Me thinking that cutting back a tad this year might be a good idea too. Probably save a little money as well.

Also gained a ton of weight thanks to beer and our home bar having a food special on every night. Everything from Za, ribs, wings etc.
 
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You have Rack Daddy's in Quincy. 9 ball tournament.

One in Millersburg, missouri just outside Columbia. I think their tournament is bi monthly. Missouri Bar and Grill.

In St. Peter's, Missouri, Teachers Billiards is a $15 weekly Saturday tournament. Tables are open. 100% payback.
 
I'm channeling Dr. Phil today...

Do what makes you happy... but here is what I don't understand from your post. It sounds like you are already near or at the top of your league with only a couple of players that even give you an interesting match up. How is getting better, through tournaments or whatever, going to make your league more enjoyable?

Taking a break may be a good thing if you are burned out but just be prepared for the possibility that you don't want to go back.

Craig
 
cyork2 said:
I'm channeling Dr. Phil today...

Do what makes you happy... but here is what I don't understand from your post. It sounds like you are already near or at the top of your league with only a couple of players that even give you an interesting match up. How is getting better, through tournaments or whatever, going to make your league more enjoyable?

Taking a break may be a good thing if you are burned out but just be prepared for the possibility that you don't want to go back.

Craig
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Good question. My goal to improve isn't necessarily aimed at doing better at league. Actually I use league to improve my game as well. So, now that I have plateaued in league and feel like I need a change I am thinking that some tournaments may be that welcome change that i need.
 
klockdoc said:
You have Rack Daddy's in Quincy. 9 ball tournament.

One in Millersburg, missouri just outside Columbia. I think their tournament is bi monthly. Missouri Bar and Grill.

In St. Peter's, Missouri, Teachers Billiards is a $15 weekly Saturday tournament. Tables are open. 100% payback.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, I plan on checking all these out.
 
Cdryden said:
I have been considering dropping league next session and only playing in tournaments for awhile. I think I am on the verge of getting burned out on the league play for now and I need to play new people in a different setting. Nothing against leagues, it's just that I think it's time for a chance.

In my town it is almost impossible to get any kind of money game. Those that are willing want the stone cold nuts and those that aren't willing can hardly be talked into a game for bragging rights alone.

So I figure that travelling to a couple of tournaments a month will help me advance more than playing the same old people in the same old game. Has anyone else tried this? What do you suggest?

BTW, if anyone has a line on any tournaments in Missouri or western Illinois, weekly or otherwise I'd appreciate the heads up. I'll probably be playing (tournaments) mostly in and around St. Louis and in Quincy Ill. some too.
Click to expand...

Mo River Pub and Pool in Columbia, Mo (Millersburg) has a monthly 9 ball tournament. Been around 40 players, as much as 60 usually at least 250 added. Russel Pace, Bill Young, Steve Boucher, The Evans brothers, Justin Bergman (if at least 500 added) have all come down for our tournaments.

Next tournament is Saturday, July 13th. 9 Ball race to 6 (for times sake), Calcutta, Signups end at 11am. Played on 9 Diamond 7 footers, 2 nine footers also in the room. $30 entry I believe. 10 ball break and run pot that's nearing 20 dollars a ball (don't quote me, I think that's what its close to.)
 
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