Gambling beginer.

[StevenPWaldon]

I don't think it has too much to do with skill. How many of us have ever seen two bangers at the pool hall bet it up? I am willing to bet we all have.

I think the problem is getting league players to bet. It's a differeny mentality; those who play in bars vs. those who play in pool halls.

 

[longhair]

Another thought on this topic:

If you do find another SL4 to gamble with, treat him well. If you are beating him, don't wait for him to ask for a spot, offer him one. Buy a round from time to time. If you can keep the money flowing both directions, you will keep your new friend playing you. If you beat his brains out he'll quit you after a few tries and you'll be back to wondering how to find someone to gable with you.

 

[D_Lewis]

Personally I think that your established APA handicap is only a number, how they come to your actual ranking is very very odd. You could easily beat a SL6 or just as easily lose to a SL3.

Either way, gambling is a good way to test your nerves.

 

[JoeyA]

How do I go about getting people to gamble with me? I'm a strong skill level 4 in my APA league and have a hard time getting people my own skill level to play cheap. Races to 5 for $10 or $20 sounds good to me but I can't get people to play. My approach may need some work or something.

Generally speaking, people who play pool in the pool leagues (especially at 4 speed) do not gamble as much as people who play pool in the pool halls. There are a few people in the pool halls who play at an APA 4 speed. When you go to the pool halls looking for gambling, search long and hard (quietly) for someone who plays a four's speed and wear lots of shark repellent.

In any pool hall, an APA 4 with money and looking to gamble at pool is considered a serious chumming of the waters. It is sure to whip the sharks into a fevered frenzy.

JoeyA

 

[cyrex]

Gambling

Playing for money is a good way for some people to improve their skills. It forces you to focus and really pay attention to what your doing. Plus, it helps to toughen up your nerves in tight situations. Nobody wants to lose money.

Another gambling option you may consider is to find a better player and ask them to play a 5-10 ahead set (obviously the higher # of sets you can get the more 'lessons' you will get for your money) for like $40. A local pro or top tier player would be ideal. To ensure they go for it, ask to play them even. Sure, you probably won't win but that's not the point. Then, down the road, when you feel your level is improving ask them again.. and so on. Eventually, they won't want to play you anymore because it will take too long to win your money. Or, you start to win their money! It's a great way to check your skill level and get some pretty 'cheap' lessons.