Etiquette - A List for Beginners

JasonS

JasonS

jason-sadler.com
Silver Member
I was sitting around taking a break from working on one of my websites and spare some of my vision (yet here I am still stuck to the screen) and an idea ran through my head... Let's make an official unofficial list of etiquette! Maybe it could be just a bit of fun to let out some of our pet peeves, but who knows? Perhaps we could make a standard list owners of pool rooms and whatnot could stick next to their "No Whining" signs at the least.

Regardless of whether or not a list is just a bit of a laugh, I believe a basic list could be beneficial to new players because good etiquette really sets the tone of the match and maybe even the entire night. I say "basic list" because many things fall under morals and ethics, which is an entirely different subject.

I'll begin with a few things I practice when playing/entering a match:

  • Know the rules before you play. The standardized rules can be found online at http://www.bca-pool.com/play/tournaments/rules/rls_gen.shtml, however many places (bars in particular) do not play according to the BCA, so it is best to ask what is allowed and what isn't.
  • Always give your opponent a rack you would want yourself - Make sure the balls are as tight as they can be even if it takes an extra minute.
  • When it is not your turn to be at the table, then there is no reason to be near it. Many players find that "hovering" is distracting and interfering, so it is best to sit when it isn't your turn.
  • Furthermore, when you aren't shooting there is no reason to chalk your cue. This can be mistaken as "sharking" and may interfere with or infringe upon your opponent's concentration.
  • Other physical actions like talking and moving (such as getting up from your seat) during your opponent's shot is very disrespectful. Be courteous to your opponent.
  • The game is not over until your opponent has made all possible legal shots or you express a notion of forfeit especially when spoken. When your opponent is on his/her last ball or has not yet shot, statements like "good game" is a forfeit and in some formats or instances an automatic loss of game. If you do not forfeit, then allow your opponent to legally pocket their ball(s) uninterrupted.

Its definitely a work in progress. Maybe sections and sub-categories like Tournament play and Bar or League play can be broken down into more detail like how to put quarters down without upsetting anyone (that's happened to me a couple times lol). Anyway, let's add to it a bit!
 
JasonS said:
  • Furthermore, when you aren't shooting there is no reason to chalk your cue. This can be mistaken as "sharking" and may interfere with or infringe upon your opponent's concentration.
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I take exception to this, when I'm sitting waiting to shoot is one of the times I make sure to put a swipe of chalk on. This being said reaching in to grab the chalk off the table while your opponent is shooting should be a no-no, as should makeing a big show of chalking in your opponents sight line as they are shooting
 
rule 1... sit down...

rule 2... shut up..

rule 3 ....whining is the last resort of the loser.. you can start early if you want to ... but it's not going to change the outcome

rule 4 ... a good stroke comes from the focused mind.. and a well trained arm... Bill Gates can't buy one and neither can you... but you can earn one and the payments are time and you must make them regularly

rule 5... if you blame your gear for losses... you are a loser

rule 6... if you think your gear helps you win.... you are a loser..

rule 7.. only you determine your fate.. stop blaming your lack of focus on someone else... the pool gods hate cowards
 
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rule 8.. if you touch your phone while a rack is in progress.. you forfeit the match and your bet..
 
Don't put the chalk on the table upside down. I hate that crap. There is nothing worse than unnessasery dust and dirt on the rail where you are shooting. Dose any one else feel this way?
 
gatorjoe said:
Don't put the chalk on the table upside down. I hate that crap. There is nothing worse than unnessasery dust and dirt on the rail where you are shooting. Dose any one else feel this way?
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+1


that, and don't SLAM ANYTHING on the euipment! including your cue, chalk, cue ball, rack, or your head!
 
upside down chalk is a big no no. Rails get gritty and filthy. Sometimes placing chalk upside down can cause small pieces to break off and cause a ball to roll off at the worst possible time. This is usually a beginner thing, yet I have seen, on rare occasion, a really experienced player do it !
 
I just wanted to share something regarding etiquette that I witnessed lately.

This past weekend I played in a New England 9-ball tour stop in New Hampshire. I have NEVER played in a tournament with that many friendly, well-mannered pool players in my life!

Of course there were a couple of exceptions, but for the most part, New England pool players have to be the nicest group I have ever been around. I play for fun, that is my first priority at the table. If I am gambling with a gentleman, playing in a tournament, or whatever, I make sure I am havin fun or I am out. It's easy to have fun up here.

Give yourselves a round of applause New England:D.
 
PocketPoint said:
So can you or can't you chalk while your opponent is shooting.
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If you have your own chalk, and you are not disruptive to the player at the table fine. If you are sharing the table chalk, leave it at the table for the shooter.

Steve
 
gatorjoe said:
Don't put the chalk on the table upside down. I hate that crap. There is nothing worse than unnessasery dust and dirt on the rail where you are shooting. Dose any one else feel this way?
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A big "Amen" to that one!

Steve
 
For new players -- right?

In general you must keep one foot on the floor for all shots. However, do not sit on the rubber portion of the rail because this may damage the table.

If smoking is permitted do not bring smoking materials to the table, this is considered rude in most places.

Do not set a drink on the edge of the table at any time.

If you need a break for whatever reason, it is polite to wait until it is your turn at the table and then announce a five minute break.

In general it is impolite to coach other players at the table.

Treat the table with respect. It is expensive equipment. Do not throw equipment on or around the table.

Do not unscrew your cue stick until tthe match is completed. This is considered a forfit of game.

Do not take the chalk away from the table (unless it is your personal chalk, that is chalk you brought with you)

Do not chalk your cue stick over the table.

When you place the chalk on the table place the chalk side up (paper side down).

If you use hand chalk, use a minimum. Keep the table as clean as possible.

When racking, check to be sure the rack is straight, even with the foot of the table.

If you have to clean a ball with moisture be sure it is completly dry before replacing on the table.

Any sort of moisture placed on the balls is very rude.

If you commit a foul it is polite to call it yourself, even if others do not see it.
 
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Some racks have metal buttons on the base they are placed there to preserve the cloth. When you rack be sure to keep the button against the table cloth.

In general, if your opponet calls a foul and you do not see it, it is polite to accept the call.

If there is a possibility of a split hit (you might foul on a shot) it is polite for you, the player at the table, to ask a by-stander to act as referee for that shot.
 
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Good topic....

For beginners specifically, something I see done all too often......when it's not their turn to shoot, instead of waiting at the head of the table, they will wait along one of the sides, standing right in my way, obilivious to the fact that there are tables all around them except at the head of the table.....guys on the tables all around them keep asking them to move....

All the other offerings to this point are excellent.....it would be nice if all players followed your basic etiquette ideas......unfortunately, strong C players up to pros all too often forget etiquette when they are down in a match.....this anything to win crap is a little rediculous at times.....furthermore, it gets even worse when we excuse the behavior.....
 
Standing while the other player is shooting

To me continually standing while someone else is shooting is extremely rude. I can accept the opponent standing after their break on my pushout or when I am kicking at a ball to hit it, because they are likely to be at the table next. When they stand on every shot, often behind the pocket I'm shooting in, well that to me is a deal breaker. I simply won't play with guys that do that, no voluntary play, no gambling unless they sit. In tournaments I think about making them stand so long their legs break, it really works for me. No matter what I sit while they shoot, saving my legs for what could be another 8-10 hour grind.
 
When I play I always say "Good Luck" to my opponent at the start of the match. When my opponent makes a nice shot, I usually compliment him/her by saying "nice shot" or "nicely done" on a good positional play. Doesn't cost a cent to be nice.
 
One I learned last week. When your opponent is racking for you and you break they tell you "nice break", you should reply "nice rack". When i was told this I thought it made a lot of sense. Can't have a good break without a good rack.
 
Don't be a bad-loser or a bad-winner ... act as if you would want your opponent to act under those circumstances.



There's a woman in my league that is a friend of ours... until it comes to playing pool... she loves to play, but is constantly complaining about this or that.. then if she wins, she's Whooping and Hollaring, rubbing it the loser's face......and if she loses, she's all pissed off and says "I'm quitting! This is bullshit!"
 
Manners at table

Absolutely the thing that bothers me most are people who are oblivious to people playing next to them. Some folks are so focused they forget others are playing next to them. Don't break the balls if someone on the next table is in the address position! Let them shoot, then break. Especially yield to people shooting the money ball. Its amazing how knowledgeable players can play next to each other for hours with no problems. On our teams on league night if their is a close hit we call the more experienced player from the OTHER TEAM to watch the hit. What to complain about now? I actually started this and now many teams have taken the hint and also do the same. Sportsmanship is contagious. Say good luck before the game and shake hands afterword. For team play the rudest thing your team can do is celebrate your opp. missing.
 
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