Etiquette if playing in a tournament with childhood idol

[FranCrimi]

Never try to talk to a player immediately before their match or directly after a loss.

Other than that, it shouldn't be a problem to talk to them.

 

[bfdlad]

When i first started taking pool somewhat seriously in the early 90's, Johnny Archer was my favorite player, mostly due to his quiet professionalism. I signed up for a local open tournament that he is going to be in, I'm outclassed by a mile by even the worst players signed up, but it was worth it to me for a chance to get beaten like a redheaded stepchild by someone i looked up to in my teens.

My question is, when is it acceptable to be a fanboy? If i draw him, obviously before or during the match are huge no-nos, is it acceptable after the match? or best to wait until i'm sure he has no more matches that day and only then approach him for an autograph and let him know how he helped shape my respect for the game?

Thanks for any advice,
Lance

Hey Lance, I know Johnny pretty well. I would do as you said during the match just be quiet, respectful even if you are getting crushed and there is obviously no hope. I say this because you are in the tourney for fun and as you said no real chance of winning. However these guys are using every match to get in stroke and used to the conditions. Now having said that Johnny is very approachable and will take time to chat with you, I'm sure he will be flattered that he has played a part in your love of the game.

 

[KRJ]

for sure when your match is done you can ask him for an autograph an chot chat alittle
that would be fine
if you really present no challenge it will become obvious quickly
and be over quick...
you might get to talk to him alittle and get your autograph before the tourny starts

Yeah, it's not easy. I had both nick Varner and buddy hall stay at my house after an exhibition in Chicago couple of years ago. Had a couple of extra bedrooms so they stayed the night and the wife made them both dinner and breakfast.

I have a pool table, and decided against them playing since I was sure the last thing they want to do is play more pool or give more lessons. So, acted like it was no big deal and steered the conversation about what they wanted to talk about. Pretty low key, but was a lot of fun. But before they left, I finally asked for an autograph and a few photos next to my fireplace....only wished I remembered to give them some Magic Chalk :thumbup:

So, just play, and after u get ur arse kicked have him sign something,but if you win, ask him if he wants you to sign anything

 

[DelawareDogs]

Quick Johnny Archer story:
I was shooting a big weekend tournament up at Mr. Cues II with my friend, who knows a bunch of the pros I aspire to shoot like, and says "you wanna meet Johnny Archer?" I say heck yeah and sure as shit, I'm sitting there at Mr. Cues II with JA on my left, Tommy Kennedy on my right, all three of us are chatting and laughing in the back watching other people play, and they both sign my book, and they look for other people to sign it, too. Genuinely great men....... I was about 26.