How do you go about finding good players in your area to play against? Not for money, just for fun. Do you have to gamble to get a game? Play in tourneys? What's the best approach? I'm in the APA and while I like the guys on my team, usually I don't get much challenge except on match nights... I'd like to play more often against higher caliber players to force me to concentrate more...
Finding good players to play against?
- Thread starter Crispy Fish
- Start date
From my experience, you just about have to gamble to get anyone to take the game seriously. Even the best of players will not get serious unless they are making money. To them it is work and they don't like working for free.
Play some people cheap...cheaper the better. That's going to be your best bet. Just ask around and keep your ears open. Usually the best action is always closest to the bar or counter...or just watch what everyone else is watching...usually that's the money table.
Shorty
Play some people cheap...cheaper the better. That's going to be your best bet. Just ask around and keep your ears open. Usually the best action is always closest to the bar or counter...or just watch what everyone else is watching...usually that's the money table.
Shorty
SF Bay Area... on the Peninsula to be more precise... I usually play at Shoreline Billiards.BillYards said:
Over the years, I have met most of my best pool buddies through league play. Some I met during tournaments, but not as many. You should try to tactfully move to a new team after the season is over. Also, it is fine to visit with the other teams and you should approach guys that you think would be good to shoot with. I am sure they would be up for some good practice. Start off with a compliment to the player, like: "Hey, you play great pool and I need someone to practice with that can push me. Are you up for that?"
After a few practice sessions, you will probably be friends and you will be invited to a new team for next season. (And don't feel guilty about leaving your current team. Just be nice about it.)
After a few practice sessions, you will probably be friends and you will be invited to a new team for next season. (And don't feel guilty about leaving your current team. Just be nice about it.)
If you can't find some players to take the game seriously, without gambling, then go for Tournaments. Your loss is minimal, but your competition will be there.
I suggest you try "Rated Tournaments" at first & then move to the Open Tournaments where the giant killers are.
I suggest you try "Rated Tournaments" at first & then move to the Open Tournaments where the giant killers are.
Crispy Fish said:
Look no farther than the owner Jeff S.
If your beating him then head over to the California Billiard Club and
there will be players there. You should check that place out anyways
as they have very good tournaments and thats where alot of the
players are playing. Its in Mountain View
www.californiabilliardclub.com
Also if your in the APA and Doug is your LO then just ask him and he can hook you up with someone. He knows the scene up there pretty well.
Thanks for all the info! I'll ask around at Shoreline and see if I can get some games without gambling... if not then I'll look for rated tourneys in the area... 
If you want to find the good players there is old way that still work very good. Just don't be afraid to speak out and let as many friends and players know what you are seeking. Let your local league operators know what is on your mind. They can be a big help. They know where all the monsters are and where the toughest nightlys and weeklys are. Play in the toughest league in your area, play the places where the monsters are. Follow the monsters where ever they roam. Make friends with them and show that you wish to enter their ranks. They will respect you for this ...it is only a matter of time when they keep seeing your face and effort. Pay your dues and know that you are gonna donate some entry fees for a bit, but in the longer run it will all be worth it.
Also talk with the people who have been around a while and own the rooms and pool halls. Managers always know where the action is...You may have to make many sacrifices to gain what you are seeking. Long drives may also be in your future as well...
Just speak out an ask for guidance...look for the best in the area...do not be afraid to ask for help and advice for the champs. They love to help someone who deserves it and keeps coming back for more.
Also try to go whenever possible where there may be a big money game going on. You are going to have to be a rail bird for many hours and maybe even get in some side betting too....all of this stuff will help in your quest to become a higher level player who plays great and knows all the great from your area...someday you will end up in Reno at the Open and other big events around the country...Also, you will need to pick up the monthly issues of One the Wire and On the Break. These two publication can be found at the bars or pool hall in your area usually...They will become your pool bible for sure.
It may be a long road but I am telling you that it is all worth it when you get there....This I know....
Good Luck...
Jeff Jimenez
Also talk with the people who have been around a while and own the rooms and pool halls. Managers always know where the action is...You may have to make many sacrifices to gain what you are seeking. Long drives may also be in your future as well...
Just speak out an ask for guidance...look for the best in the area...do not be afraid to ask for help and advice for the champs. They love to help someone who deserves it and keeps coming back for more.
Also try to go whenever possible where there may be a big money game going on. You are going to have to be a rail bird for many hours and maybe even get in some side betting too....all of this stuff will help in your quest to become a higher level player who plays great and knows all the great from your area...someday you will end up in Reno at the Open and other big events around the country...Also, you will need to pick up the monthly issues of One the Wire and On the Break. These two publication can be found at the bars or pool hall in your area usually...They will become your pool bible for sure.
It may be a long road but I am telling you that it is all worth it when you get there....This I know....
Good Luck...
Jeff Jimenez
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I play with guys that are under me alot we play Sets race to 7 for $5 or they pick up double table time since i dont pay table time. My only problem is it seems the leser players want to play with a better player but when the better player unloads on them they fold quick and piss and moan. But if you really want to get better find some guys Just above your lvl of a play and play cheap so that all partys take it seriously . Dont go trying to play a Run-Out-Artist even cheap sets since your not gonna learn crap but how to rack and that isnt helping you at all.
hope you find a partner
hope you find a partner
Crispy Fish said:
There's a good league at the Broken Rack in Emeryville that plays on Monday nights. New session will be starting in January.
Also, there are quite a few good players that hang out there who will play for fun. Especially on league nights. Come over on Monday if you like and I'll bang 'em around with you after leagues if you like. Leagues are usually over by about 9:15-9:30 or so.
Tuesday night is USPPA 9-ball and Weds. (I think starting in Jan again) is USPPA 8-ball which leads up to a final tournament with first place including an entry into the Reno USPPA event.
PM me for more details.
Cheers,
RC