Gambling...not sure I like it, even when I win.
- Thread starter Sir Scratchalot
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Grew up gambling at pool, almost from day one. I sometimes don't mind just playing, but I prefer to have something on the line other than just pride.
Get the same feeling from gambling, as I do playing in the finals of a tournament, and I like that. Isn't really about the money.
Get the same feeling from gambling, as I do playing in the finals of a tournament, and I like that. Isn't really about the money.
Banks
Banned
Nobody asked for a lesson.
You, by your own admission, said it isn't how the poolroom works anyway.man wants to know if it is ok to be one who doesn't gamble.
Yes, it is ok. Of course, he may never get to play against a good player for anything longer than a tourney set...but so what?
There's enough balls to pocket in this world for us all to enjoy pool on our own terms.
You, by your own admission, said it isn't how the poolroom works anyway.man wants to know if it is ok to be one who doesn't gamble.
Yes, it is ok. Of course, he may never get to play against a good player for anything longer than a tourney set...but so what?
There's enough balls to pocket in this world for us all to enjoy pool on our own terms.
Money and pool
I like winning money in a tournament and don't view it as gambling, but maybe it is, since money is given to the winner.
I remember playing poker with a friend when we were in high school and I won 20 bucks from him. That was a low point for me as he cold not afford the loss and the look on his face showed it. I should of given his money back.
Back in the 60's in Anchorage I could usually pick up 50 bucks or so a week playing 8 and 9 Ball. The competition for the most part was not much and I knew who not to gamble with. It was not a good way to make friends and I did not gamble with any one I considered a friend.
I guess if consenting adults want to bet their money it is up to them But pool is exciting enough for me with out gambling.
Pool "hustlers" and movies like the Hustler and Color of Money really don't put the sport or it's participants in a favorable light.
Look at the recent frenzy big match gambling started on this forum. Hell, folks that didn't even have a stake in it were pissed at each other. That's a part of pool forever, I guess.
I like winning money in a tournament and don't view it as gambling, but maybe it is, since money is given to the winner.
I remember playing poker with a friend when we were in high school and I won 20 bucks from him. That was a low point for me as he cold not afford the loss and the look on his face showed it. I should of given his money back.
Back in the 60's in Anchorage I could usually pick up 50 bucks or so a week playing 8 and 9 Ball. The competition for the most part was not much and I knew who not to gamble with. It was not a good way to make friends and I did not gamble with any one I considered a friend.
I guess if consenting adults want to bet their money it is up to them But pool is exciting enough for me with out gambling.
Pool "hustlers" and movies like the Hustler and Color of Money really don't put the sport or it's participants in a favorable light.
Look at the recent frenzy big match gambling started on this forum. Hell, folks that didn't even have a stake in it were pissed at each other. That's a part of pool forever, I guess.
Maybe you should take up basket weaving.
You don't have to slam people that have the heart and ability to gamble on their games just cause you don't have what it takes. You probably couldn't run out of a burning building.
Keep the smug attitude too.
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Pretty sure those all pay more than pool....... :thumbup:
Dick waving is dick waving
Competition is competition
Gambling is just a way of keeping score......
Fooking league players....... :thumbup:
The way i see it, there are four/five types of people who play this game. People can display aspects of any one of them at different points, but from my experience, they generally fall into one of the categories below:
1. Casual players; that is those people who do not devote any amount of time to the game to improve. The social aspect of being around friends, drinking and having a good time does NOT revolve around the game specifically. They might bet small amounts, but this is more of a proposition bet for them, a social stunt, and nothing serious.
2. Enthusiasts; Those who love to play the game for the game's sake. There is no need, in their eyes, to place any money on the game. Just playing the game is enough reward for them. They might bet something, but it it's not a necessity for them to enjoy it.
3. Action addicts; The game is a vehicle to get into action. There might be some love of the game, but for the most part their enjoyment comes from the action associated with it. They aren't necessarily trying to make a living at it, and most likely aren't able to. (my experience is betting at pool is, in the long run, a losing proposition) But they'll bet anything and everything they have for the thrill of being "in action". They'll put themselves in bad games just to be in action.
4. Competitors; Just as likely to be betting something as not. Many feel that having the additional importance/pressure of having a little something on the outcome of the game increases the thrill. Improvement in skill happens through competition with others, not dedicated practice, for the most part, as they need the competition to enjoy the game.
I could make another for those that actually derive a living off of the game. But they all, from my experience, fall into at least 2 of the four above categories. Tommy Kennedy falls into category 2 and 4, while someone like Alex Pagulayan falls into 3 and 4. Many people who make a living at the game have a hard time playing for free/funsies because it is a J O B for them. I don't know too many people who work for free, and that's how they look at it. "I play for a living, so I don't compete with someone unless there is a possible financial gain." is what they are thinking.
There is nothing wrong per se with any of the above. You could argue that type 3 is self destructive behavior...which I would agree with to an extent. But one of my favorite things about the pool playing community is the amount of characters that are in the game, and most of them are of type "3". (TK is a most definite exception). Take the game for what it is to YOU. If you don't enjoy betting something on the game, don't. If you like having a little something resting on the outcome, go for it.
As far as understanding the mindframe of those who do not think like you do...is it something that you need to understand to enjoy the game? That's not really something that I, or anyone else on this forum can answer for you.
1. Casual players; that is those people who do not devote any amount of time to the game to improve. The social aspect of being around friends, drinking and having a good time does NOT revolve around the game specifically. They might bet small amounts, but this is more of a proposition bet for them, a social stunt, and nothing serious.
2. Enthusiasts; Those who love to play the game for the game's sake. There is no need, in their eyes, to place any money on the game. Just playing the game is enough reward for them. They might bet something, but it it's not a necessity for them to enjoy it.
3. Action addicts; The game is a vehicle to get into action. There might be some love of the game, but for the most part their enjoyment comes from the action associated with it. They aren't necessarily trying to make a living at it, and most likely aren't able to. (my experience is betting at pool is, in the long run, a losing proposition) But they'll bet anything and everything they have for the thrill of being "in action". They'll put themselves in bad games just to be in action.
4. Competitors; Just as likely to be betting something as not. Many feel that having the additional importance/pressure of having a little something on the outcome of the game increases the thrill. Improvement in skill happens through competition with others, not dedicated practice, for the most part, as they need the competition to enjoy the game.
I could make another for those that actually derive a living off of the game. But they all, from my experience, fall into at least 2 of the four above categories. Tommy Kennedy falls into category 2 and 4, while someone like Alex Pagulayan falls into 3 and 4. Many people who make a living at the game have a hard time playing for free/funsies because it is a J O B for them. I don't know too many people who work for free, and that's how they look at it. "I play for a living, so I don't compete with someone unless there is a possible financial gain." is what they are thinking.
There is nothing wrong per se with any of the above. You could argue that type 3 is self destructive behavior...which I would agree with to an extent. But one of my favorite things about the pool playing community is the amount of characters that are in the game, and most of them are of type "3". (TK is a most definite exception). Take the game for what it is to YOU. If you don't enjoy betting something on the game, don't. If you like having a little something resting on the outcome, go for it.
As far as understanding the mindframe of those who do not think like you do...is it something that you need to understand to enjoy the game? That's not really something that I, or anyone else on this forum can answer for you.
The average pool player is a broke
I lost a few hundred to C---- J---(a noted one pocket player),he came back and tried tp match up again
when we didn't agree on the spot ,
he asked to borrow $40
Borrowing is the new winning without playing
I will never loan a nickel to one of these bums
If they get a stakehorse I might play
I wouldn't let my kids in a pool room
I'd be afraid they might have some talent and waste
their lives
You want to see the kind of people just look at the arrogant remarks
they have toward those who don't gamble
I have played and won money and lots of it,but I would rather have won a single friend
I lost a few hundred to C---- J---(a noted one pocket player),he came back and tried tp match up again
when we didn't agree on the spot ,
he asked to borrow $40
Borrowing is the new winning without playing
I will never loan a nickel to one of these bums
If they get a stakehorse I might play
I wouldn't let my kids in a pool room
I'd be afraid they might have some talent and waste
their lives
You want to see the kind of people just look at the arrogant remarks
they have toward those who don't gamble
I have played and won money and lots of it,but I would rather have won a single friend
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You forgot #5 knockers aka action killers. Guys that wouldn't bet water is wet and somehow think they are better than guys that gamble.
I been gambling on my game almost 25 years. I'm far from broke and am miles ahead betting on pool. Never been backed, never dumped or air barreled. 95 percent of the time I'm giving weight, just to be in action.
If you don't like playing for money don't play for money. If you like playing for money then play for money. After 50 years of playing pool for money I wouldn't play any other way. I have figured out a few things now that I have a little money. I only play people that have money and will pay and people I enjoy being around. As far as tournaments go they are much closer to gambling than 2 players matching up. Lot of uncontrollable factors, the draw the short races and rotation pool. I think what bothers some about people matching up and playing for money is it can not be controlled like tournaments. Two grown men make a game, play what ever rules they want, play for how much they want, they dress how they want go to the bathroom or take a break when they want. Just too much freedom in matching up and minding your own business. I win I lose but I am ahead of the game over the years. Playing for money is real competition I mean both players really want to win and sometimes need to win. I wonder if these players that never bet ever wonder if they can dig down and win when they really need to. There is a big difference between having to win and wanting to win. And that is why the top players are so hard to beat they have to win and they play people that have to win. If you are not comfortable playing for money then don't but don't try and create some kind of moral high ground to justify your fear of losing.
I get what you are saying, but if a fella NEEDS to win a pool match to pay the rent or to feed his family, then he is a damn fool and I feel for his family.
It ain't rocket science....
I like the way you express your feelings..Obviously, like me, you like to gamble..
..However, I don't think its always a "kill or be killed" attitude!.. Most people who really enjoy gambling, (excluding nitty nut-hunters) can also do it in a friendly manner..If I win all your money, I will gladly give you a 'walking stick' to get you back on your feet again!..Maybe next time, I will lose, and you can do the same for me..Funsy players just cannot accept the fact, that gambling is as old as prostitution.... and almost as popular 
The main reason most people gamble, is to WIN, not to destroy anyones ego, or make them look foolish..Like PT Barnum said, "Theres a sucker born every minute, and two to take his money"!..Your only job, is to try and be the latter!..Most gambler's know, that when they are up against the Casinos, or the race track, they are the underdog..Thats why its called, the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat!..Funsy players, will never experience either one!.. What could be more boring? :boring2: :boring2: :boring2:
I like the way you express your feelings..Obviously, like me, you like to gamble..
..However, I don't think its always a "kill or be killed" attitude!.. Most people who really enjoy gambling, (excluding nitty nut-hunters) can also do it in a friendly manner..If I win all your money, I will gladly give you a 'walking stick' to get you back on your feet again!..Maybe next time, I will lose, and you can do the same for me..Funsy players just cannot accept the fact, that gambling is as old as prostitution.... and almost as popular The main reason most people gamble, is to WIN, not to destroy anyones ego, or make them look foolish..Like PT Barnum said, "Theres a sucker born every minute, and two to take his money"!..Your only job, is to try and be the latter!..Most gambler's know, that when they are up against the Casinos, or the race track, they are the underdog..Thats why its called, the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat!..Funsy players, will never experience either one!.. What could be more boring? :boring2: :boring2: :boring2:
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Booze and gambling is a major part of the golf club. You must not golf much.
Please don't confuse the pro player with the amatuer. The lines get blurred easily in pool. The top players usually don't drink and play at the same time. In fact, most people who are very serious about their progress in the game won't drink and play. Which brings up an observation of mine, 90% of all pool players overrate their game. Everyone's a champion on the rail.
Who do you think will pay $20-$25 per hour for table time? That's what it would take keep a pool hall open without beer if the owner would like to live a decent lifestyle. Even if you own the building, you aren't making good use of the space since you can rent the commercial space for much more.
I would love to play in a smoke free alcohol free pool hall that had decent equipment too. The reason is to get kids in the game. The owner of a place like this isn't in it for the cash. Do the math sometime, it's eye opening. If you do, you'll look at the recreational player that likes to drink on his night out in a very different light.
I like to drink on the few precious days that I have off and can get to the pool hall. In fact, I love it when I beat all those that look down on me for having a beer or three while playing. This happens more than you think it would. I know I'm in a bar where drinking belongs, do they? It's not the devil.
I don't gamble. Or should I say I rarely gamble but when I do it's small stuff like a $1-$2 dollar ring game. I have nothing against gambling or those that gamble. In fact, I really enjoy watching a gambling match, more money, more excitement. I don't need money to be on the line to play my best. I self motivate just fine.
Let a ho be a ho. There's room for all in the hall. I just wish people would be less judgemental and more honest. When's the last time you played in a tourney where someone didn't slug rack an opponent? Or, someone fouled and didn't call it on themselves?
Pool players can't get the kindergartener sh!t right. Why would you expect them to stop drinking and gambling in a bar? Until people willing to pay more for pool start playing, the pool hall will be in a bar.
Very true...forgot the locksmiths...but they kind of fall into the category 3 in a way. But they are their own category as well...good catch. There are 100% more nits now than there were when I started playing back in the mid 90's. It's very difficult to get an even game when, even for small stakes, like $20 a rack, there's always someone making a move.
You would lose that bet, sir.