forget pro pool for a moment, how is amateur pool?
- Thread starter gxman
- Start date
takeitdown
Banned
No lessons. Just played better players and move up the ranks. I have a full size next to a barbox in my home. Best pool hall in town. Even with pool as it is I make decent cash, enough to travel to the big events, buy a few toys and have a bankroll of momma don know money. Am I a worldbeater? Dont need to be, wouldnt want that life anyway.
I bowl a 160 and never play. They have a bowling alley with 30 foot long lanes. Can I bowl 280? Yeah probably. Would I call out people who coul do that on a standard lane? Not if I liked money I wouldnt.
Like I tell people I dont fish in puddles. I only concentrate on playing guys with the heart and cash to make it worthwhile. Every now and then breaking someone who needs it is its own primordial rewards. If you were closer and would come off the porch, you would be that guy.
Banks
Banned
I was a local B when I stepped up and played a top Junior player a few years ago. I stepped up and played some good masters, too, even a GM last year. I still step up, but I'm a little bit better now.
Thanks for taking the time to edit your post and not answer any of those questions. I didn't get crazy and nobody just said it was easier on the small table. You flipped off some attitude about amateur barbox players. Don't get jealous because some people get to play with women.
Since you come off as a phenom yourself, why not take a challenge from the Action room to post up another 12 rack run? Come on, it's child's play, you could make a killing.
Who are you again?
Banks
Banned
And how long have you been playing? You seemed to have skipped that one.
If I were closer and would come off the porch.. you're a funny guy. You're swimming in money, why not come on out this way? I could find you some barbox, big table or 1P action. You're not the only one that can play.
takeitdown
Banned
I dont want to bet anybody, just guys like you who have no idea what you are talking about.
You ever even play a 100 dollar set? Or would that get you suspended from league?
How many racks of 9 ball you ever run? I did 8...not too many people do that in a lifetime. From the sound of it I can gove you the breaka and the 7 out on a barbox and you will be buying me beer gas and groceries for a week. On a 9 footer you ger tge orange crush and get squashed.
Banks
Banned
The most I think I've played for are $200 sets. Played once for double-or-nothing that led up to $760, but that was more of a one-off. Most I've ever run is 3 racks, both 8 and 9 on the small track, 9b on the big, but I don't play much on the 9's. I think my high run is 9 banks, but I haven't been playing much of that lately. You may be able to give me the 7-out/breaks, my 9b game is pretty iffy, sometimes I'm running out, other times I feel like I couldn't run 3 balls. I play a lot more barbox 8.
You still haven't answered the question. What is it, 30 years? 40 years? 25 years?
takeitdown
Banned
15 years, should I not play 6 years so you can catch up? Just messing with you.
Look, enjoy the game. Its all good. I play to compete, cant even play for fun... so maybe its me who has it all wrong.
I like pool because it isnt a team sport. Its like boxing, you go it alone. If your game is bullshit it wont hold up under the heat. For me if I am not challenging myself I am wasting my time.
Look, enjoy the game. Its all good. I play to compete, cant even play for fun... so maybe its me who has it all wrong.
I like pool because it isnt a team sport. Its like boxing, you go it alone. If your game is bullshit it wont hold up under the heat. For me if I am not challenging myself I am wasting my time.
It runs in the blood of most pool players...
Banks
Banned
Nah, I just bust balls because I've heard so many mediocre players say everything I do is wrong. I play in a bar on valleys, I use a former bar cue, Ill play any rules with any player, don't play strong players very often, etc etc.
Don't wait up for me, because I have every intention of catching up! When I do finally get to a big tournament, you get dibs on me.. at least it'll give me an excuse to drink away my sorrows.
I can handle a rough disagreement, no harm no foul. Be well.
Now, time for me to go out and work on that elusive 4-pack.
John,
Think you guys should play. Don't think takeitdown knows anything about your game. I sure do. You have my respect! Now about that Valley cue .....:grin-square:
Lyn
Lol, this is way worse than what people said comparing a par-3 course to a regular golf course. I don't mean to burst your bubble, but it's probably extremely harder to do that on 30 foot lanes. Oil patterns, sir.
Source: my parents own a bowling alley.
OT, though: Why is everyone blasting off about bar tables? I hardly play on them, but I can guarantee that bar table 8-ball is just as/possibly more difficult than a 9-foot table for 8-ball. Each game has their own strategy. Whether or not you can execute is the issue.
Apparently everyone in here is just a world-beater!
I have a question for discussion.
If the wasnt leagues and barbox (APA, BCA, TAP and whatever), do you actually think alot of folks would be playing?
In my discussions with many poolroom owners, the leagues pays all the bills and the other players are the profit.
1on1pooltournys - (who never played leagues BTW) said 2 things I will never forget.
1.) With all of these league players, he never sees them come in and practice. I would bet that is true with 80-90% of league players. He, on the other hand, practiced daily.
2.) The other thing he mentioned is they spend the majority of their time worring about handicaps verses trying to improve. He got tired of hearing the endless drama at hanidcap tournaments, and league play. He thought it should always be even and the best player wins.
I never noticed it until he mentioned it and I have never forgot it since.
Tip of the hat to old 1on1,
Ken
If the wasnt leagues and barbox (APA, BCA, TAP and whatever), do you actually think alot of folks would be playing?
In my discussions with many poolroom owners, the leagues pays all the bills and the other players are the profit.
1on1pooltournys - (who never played leagues BTW) said 2 things I will never forget.
1.) With all of these league players, he never sees them come in and practice. I would bet that is true with 80-90% of league players. He, on the other hand, practiced daily.
2.) The other thing he mentioned is they spend the majority of their time worring about handicaps verses trying to improve. He got tired of hearing the endless drama at hanidcap tournaments, and league play. He thought it should always be even and the best player wins.
I never noticed it until he mentioned it and I have never forgot it since.
Tip of the hat to old 1on1,
Ken
I've always said that as well. But I still play league pool anyway as a sub because I still like to get out with the crew and have a few brews and be around pool for a while. I personally carry this same attitude into matching up as well. I have never accepted nor given a spot while gambling. If you can't play even up with someone, then I don't see much point. Of course, I'm not trying to make money at pool, if I were, then I would try to match up as so many do. But I play pool as a personal challenge and for enjoyment and for no other reason.
Getting better is where the enjoyment and fullfillment is at. Manipulating handicaps and other gamesmanship is a pointless distraction imo.
Ken,
Comment frequently heard in our local pool rooms. I never practice so I need more handicap. So true. Must have missed 1on1's original posting of your quote.
On the other hand, I wonder who spends more money on food and drink in his local room. The "regulars" or the league players? My bet is the league players by a wide margin. Pool rooms without leagues whether big or small tables are eventually going to fail. The game needs us whether some here like it or not!
Getting better seems to be a problem with leagues like APA and TAP. Our local BCAPL / ACS league doesn't care if you get better. They just adjust your handicap up accordingly. They also establish a minimum individual number just in case a player tries to sandbag to a lower number.
Lyn
It seems like a lot of people think BB are too easy to play on. I disagree. I think I run out more often on my home 9' table with 4 1/2" pockets than I do on a bar box, but that's playing 8 ball not 9 ball. I have never played 9 ball on a BB yet. Whatever size the table is I will be more than happy to play.:thumbup:
Do you just assume that all league matches are played on bar tables? Out here we play league on 9 footers and I am sure there are some guys in league you would not be able to rob. They could probably give you weight.
Banks
Banned
I think I should play just about anybody that I can.. now, winning is another thing! I know a few people that have ran a few more racks than I have and I don't have a problem acknowledging that they're better. I'll make them earn the 8b racks they don't run, though!
Waking up with the smell of whiskey and cigarettes isn't good on a Friday, btw. :shakehead:
And what's wrong with my cue?
And what's wrong with my cue?
Think it's about time you upgraded to at least a Dufferin. A player of your stature deserves nothing less :sorry: :grin: !!!
Won't be seeing you at APA National Singles this year. Choked my way out of a trip
. Good luck if you go.Lyn
Banks
Banned
Think it's about time you upgraded to at least a Dufferin. A player of your stature deserves nothing less :sorry: :grin: !!!
Won't be seeing you at APA National Singles this year. Choked my way out of a trip
Lyn
Same here! I think it was because deep inside I kinda didn't want to go. I've been doing so much pool stuff lately that I'm looking forward to a break, plus I'm trying to save up money for a deposit on a couple of diamond boxes for my hangout.
Back on topic,I'd say just look at the U.S. tournament announcements forum to get an idea. All kinds of tournaments every month.I'd say amateur pool is doing good. Not enough to make a living as a road player, but good nonetheless. Not to mention league play,bot local and national level. Would be good to see some concrete numbers out of the big leagues,though.