Gamble or No ?!

Nitrokid373

Nitrokid373

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
do you believe an amature player can get the same sort of "experience" from gambling as they can from playing tournaments ? I had a guy telling me at the pool hall that if I want to up my game the best way is to gamble with the best. While I agree with some of this theory iam not interested in going on the road. I like the competition of a tournament. But in the same breath it seems to be the norm amongst the high level players.
 
Yes

Yes, I think it will change your game.

I have seen it many times, that if you are playing for "free", you will take shots that may be a little questionable. If you have a shot that you know will "cost" you, you might decide to play safe. It stops the "free wheeling" of shots.

It doesn't take a huge bet to change folks shot selection.

To me, if you ever play poker on-line, you see guys go "all-in" on questionable hands, or a draw. But if they were playing with REAL money, they would tighten up in an instant.

JMO.

Ken
 
Gambling on a Pool Table.....?

Gambling is Gambling, it's about who will be the winner & take home the money. Will skill be deciding factor or will Lady Luck lend a helping hand.

My Dad always told me..."Sonny Boy, don't ever bet your whole Pie. Leave that to the losers. If you win, take your winnings & enjoy". He also said' if you find a loser & he wants to cough up a few pies, take 'em all".

Gambling brings out the best & worst in people, just make sure you can afford to lose that money, should the other guy win...
 
It's up to the individual. I've heard Thorston Hohlmann doesn't gamble at all. The problem tho with your dream/endeavor is the cost, the demographics and ''stuff'' you'll have to put up....and the environment your putting yourself in....to get better, it ain't the PGA. It will truly test your character and....it costs allot to play with non ball bangers to improve in match play.
 
It has to do with pressure and learning your tendencies for me. Learning how to manage my game under pressure helps to win tournament and gambling matches alike. When you gamble with your own money in an amount you can afford its one level of pressure.

Gambling on other peoples money is another kind. An amount you cant really afford is another. Playing the finals of a tournament is different. Playing the finals of a team match where you are playing for other people is different too. The more I play under these different kinds of pressure the more I learn about myself and the more chances I have to better my pressure managment skills.
 
I enjoy gambling occasionally. But my latest philosophy is to never be the one to ask to play for money. I don't want any hard feelings and people thinking that you are hustling them. I do think that playing for money puts a little extra pressure on your game and it forces you to really concentrate.

The last two nights after league a couple of different guys wanted to play for money. The first week, after 3 practice games where the guy won 1 out of 3 games, he asked to play for $5 a game. After I won 3 games for $5, he dropped the bet to $1. After I won that game, he raised the bet to $10 per game. I think I won 5 games in a row at $10, even breaking and running 2 in a row. This guy was really mad, but after I bought him a drink he seemed okay and just told me when he left that he will kick my @ss the next time. It was a fun night.

Last week after a few practice games against different players, after I beat the last guy he asked me to play for $20 per game. After beating him 2 games for $20, 2 or 3 different guys told me that I should never be able to beat that guy, that he's a great player. So the third game the guy asked to play for $50. I think his ego was getting the better of him and he wanted to just win won game to come out $10 ahead. So I told him, that I will play for either $20 or $100 on the next game -- his choice. I figured that if he wanted to take a shot at 1 game to get even or ahead -- that I will at least make it hurt him a bit more if he loses. He chose $20, and I beat him that game too.

In conclusion, playing for money definitely helps and it really makes me focus and try my hardest to win each game. So I say, as long as you don't lose more than you can afford to lose, go for it. And if you happen to play good players and win, it's all the better.
 
Ken_4fun said:
Yes, I think it will change your game.

I have seen it many times, that if you are playing for "free", you will take shots that may be a little questionable. If you have a shot that you know will "cost" you, you might decide to play safe. It stops the "free wheeling" of shots.

It doesn't take a huge bet to change folks shot selection.

To me, if you ever play poker on-line, you see guys go "all-in" on questionable hands, or a draw. But if they were playing with REAL money, they would tighten up in an instant.

JMO.

Ken
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I pretty much agree with this. Even smaller bets, lose enough of them, and it starts to add up. It will change your strategy and play, unless of course money is no object in your wallet.:)
 
Island Drive said:
It's up to the individual. I've heard Thorston Hohlmann doesn't gamble at all. The problem tho with your dream/endeavor is the cost, the demographics and ''stuff'' you'll have to put up....and the environment your putting yourself in....to get better, it ain't the PGA. It will truly test your character and....it costs allot to play with non ball bangers to improve in match play.
Click to expand...

The same with Ralf Souquet, he does not gamble.
 
I am not a gambler other than the occasional dollar a game team One Pocket.
There is always the possibility for ruination, as a gambler. It just depends on how far you take it, or it takes you.
Tread lightly. :smile:
 
I have seen one really good young player after another who loved pool get to hating it after they started gambling. They fell in love with gambling instead. It may help with nerves and shot selection if you gamble, but the advice to gamble against the best will mostly benefit that great player who milks you of your money all the time. My advice is play small entry fee tournaments so you can play those better players without breaking your bank account or losing your love of the game.
 
Ken_4fun said:
Yes, I think it will change your game.

I have seen it many times, that if you are playing for "free", you will take shots that may be a little questionable. If you have a shot that you know will "cost" you, you might decide to play safe. It stops the "free wheeling" of shots.

It doesn't take a huge bet to change folks shot selection.

To me, if you ever play poker on-line, you see guys go "all-in" on questionable hands, or a draw. But if they were playing with REAL money, they would tighten up in an instant.

JMO.

Ken
Click to expand...

In the same sense, I once in a while ask my friends to play even $5 on a race to 5 on 9 ball. I have both missed and benefited from somebody missing an easy lay up on the money ball. I want to practice shooting the money ball. You have to. Doesn't matter how easy the shot is. And I tell my buddies, banging balls around is one thing, but if there's something on the line, I see a 1-9 combo, I'm going for it. I want to be able to practice those shots with the pressure of something on the line and at the same time not having to feel bad about it.:D
 
Well wait a minute..,

Island Drive said:
cost, the demographics and ''stuff'' you'll have to put up....and the environment your putting yourself in....to get better, it ain't the PGA. It will truly test your character and....it costs allot to play with non ball bangers to improve in match play.
Click to expand...

This aint the PGA? All of the top golfers gamble and most gamble high. As far as the demographics and environment, if your already in the Pool hall then your already in the Pool hall.

You can always pick and chose your game, YOU NEVER have to play with undesirables. I play anybody who's not drunk because I'm comfortable drawing the line early and often, but its very easy to find games that involve drama.

If you learn to handle the pressure of $5 bet, your play under league play and tournament pressure will also improve.
 
Good point.

Tramp Steamer said:
I am not a gambler other than the occasional dollar a game team One Pocket.
There is always the possibility for ruination, as a gambler. It just depends on how far you take it, or it takes you.
Tread lightly. :smile:
Click to expand...

As stated "Tread lightly"
 
I agree.

cueman said:
I have seen one really good young player after another who loved pool get to hating it after they started gambling. They fell in love with gambling instead. It may help with nerves and shot selection if you gamble, but the advice to gamble against the best will mostly benefit that great player who milks you of your money all the time. My advice is play small entry fee tournaments so you can play those better players without breaking your bank account or losing your love of the game.
Click to expand...

Its like anything else that can become addictive, if aren't sure you can deal with it don't start.
 
Gambling and winning pool tournament's is like comparing apples to oranges, they require two completely different mindsets.
 
I would also like to add a couple things, handicapping against different skill levels (making a spot) (your trying to put the odds as much in your favor as possible and your opponent does the same) is a skill that takes experience. And when gambling I find it best to make peace with the money I put up. Once I put the $ on the line its gone I have lost it and I'm ok with that. Now all I have to do is try to win it back. This goes a long way to relieve the pressure for me.
 
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The point is..,

realkingcobra said:
Gambling and winning pool tournament's is like comparing apples to oranges, they require two completely different mindsets.
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Its really just about learning to do what you can under pressure, when it counts and that's the common thing between the two.
 
Nitrokid373 said:
do you believe an amature player can get the same sort of "experience" from gambling as they can from playing tournaments ? I had a guy telling me at the pool hall that if I want to up my game the best way is to gamble with the best. While I agree with some of this theory iam not interested in going on the road. I like the competition of a tournament. But in the same breath it seems to be the norm amongst the high level players.
Click to expand...

You don't need to go on the road to gamble. I'll come to London to play a few sets.


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