gambling now in my eyes...

[bigsamho]

well i guess it comes down to area, economy, and luck getting the right person. the post about what gambling does to you is right on the money though. maybe thats why a lot of the shortstop and below players have stopped coming to pool halls.

 

[bigsamho]

Well I'm calling you out. Right here. Right now. Here's the deal. You like to gamble and your not getting your fix? Send me $5,768.50 and from there you can sweat out whether I'll send you something for it or send it back to you. This is sorta like a never ending bet. Someday I just may do something for it or maybe not.

what an irrelevant and stupid post

 

[ironman]

yep...sounds just like u..u no gamblin nit...lol

Not everyone I play is retired or in a wheel chair though. Besides, I won good last time. I beat HER 5-3.

How did you get those two flat tires?

 

[trustyrusty]

While I understand that gambling has its place in our game, let me also point something out from my point of view on this subject.

I gambled for most of my young adult life. I won, I lost, gambling was just what I did. I did it with cards, pool, dice, horses, dogs, sports, you name it - I was laying bets on it.

As my life went on, the gambling became a real problem. It wasn't because I wasn't lucky, or that I was losing pool games - it was because it became an addiction. An addiction to action - it wasn't about the money - it was about the rush I got sweating the bets.

At first I was smart about it. Then I wasn't controlling it - it was controlling me.

It started to negatively effect every single aspect of my life, and I paid a dear price for that.

It destroyed my family.

It strained every relationship that I had in my life.

It negatively effected my professional reputation.

In the end I was left with nothing but heartache, strained relationships, and yes... nearly insurmountable debt.

I did something about it. I had to stop. Much like alcoholism, drugs, and cigarettes, it was an addiction. I've heard people come on here and try to glamorize gambling. It's not glamorous. If it is under control and it is not controlling every aspect of your life - I see no problem with it. Trouble is, I see very few "social" gamblers - and I don't hear many success stories out there. Many of my best friends from back in the day are dead. D-E-A-D. Those that are still alive fall into two major categories:

a) they are struggling financially
b) they've turned their life around too

One day I woke up and looked around the room. I saw guys twice my age doing exactly what I was doing and they had absolutely nothing to show for it. That was the moment that I woke up and realized that if I kept it up, someday I would be one of those guys.

I'm not here to preach - I'm just here to say that today I am more responsible with what I do with my money, my energy, and with my time. I don't rate my game on how much money I can play for. Anybody that tries to sell you that line is trying to reel you in.

I am not against action. I am not against gambling in pool - in fact I am all for using it as a tool to reel people into the beauty and excitement of our game. What I am against is people trying to say that it is the only true test to attain excellence. It's not. Ask Ralf Souquet.

I am also against people that say that if you aren't participating in it, you have no nuts. I am a decorated combat war veteran. I've fought and beat cancer - twice - I fought crime and violence every night for over 5 years as a police officer - and I was bodyslammed by Bruiser Brody on the cement floor of the Sportatorium in Dallas. Nuts I have. To me those things speak of my true character and who you are likely to deal with if you meet me in a dark alley.

It took me a long time to recover from the destruction of my gambling days. Recovering from all of that was much more difficult than any game I ever played for money. Today if I use the money that I do have to help other people - I don't gamble with it - or piss it away by staking somebody else. I try to make someone's day instead of breaking them down financially.

I've accomplished enough in my life to where it won't bother me if you want to label me a nit, or whatever - say whatever you need to feel better about yourself - I know what I have to do every day to survive - and gambling isn't one of them. If it is for you and you can control it - fine - just don't paint a broad brush to those of us that make wiser investments.

Many a great man has let such things consume them (2 in my family for sure). It's good to see that it didn't GET you! And I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one here that knows the difference between competitive drive and having to have ACTION on the outcome.

For every 10 that play for the love of the game and that's enough, there'll be at least one Pete Rose. Like I've mentioned before, if you stipped away all the prize money, endorsements, etc. etc. - Tiger would still wanna whip the living crap outta you. Does he bet? Sure, but he's not on the range digging it outta the dirt just to take a boatload of money off of the likes of Jordan, Griffey, Barkeley, Smoltz. or whoever in weekend games....Those are just for fun, and a little extra slap on the backside to those guys when he takes 'em down. He's not going to try to dismantle Augusta National next week for the money either.....he's after Jack's record of major victories, and his crown of the best to ever play the game. That's DRIVE (balls, sack, cahones, whatever you choose to label it)!

Win - PERIOD

Rep headed your way BLACKJACK!!!!!

 

[crawfish]

Many a great man has let such things consume them (2 in my family for sure). It's good to see that it didn't GET you! And I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one here that knows the difference between competitive drive and having to have ACTION on the outcome.

For every 10 that play for the love of the game and that's enough, there'll be at least one Pete Rose. Like I've mentioned before, if you stipped away all the prize money, endorsements, etc. etc. - Tiger would still wanna whip the living crap outta you. Does he bet? Sure, but he's not on the range digging it outta the dirt just to take a boatload of money off of the likes of Jordan, Griffey, Barkeley, Smoltz. or whoever in weekend games....Those are just for fun, and a little extra slap on the backside to those guys when he takes 'em down. He's not going to try to dismantle Augusta National next week for the money either.....he's after Jack's record of major victories, and his crown of the best to ever play the game. That's DRIVE (balls, sack, cahones, whatever you choose to label it)!

Win - PERIOD

Rep headed your way BLACKJACK!!!!!

But, you're talking about a guy who'll never worry about money again in his life. For some (not me), gambling and hustling is the only real job they know. Can you imagine some of pool's characters as the branch manager of Wachovia? Think about it.

 

[trustyrusty]

But, you're talking about a guy who'll never worry about money again in his life. For some (not me), gambling and hustling is the only real job they know. Can you imagine some of pool's characters as the branch manager of Wachovia? Think about it.

I'm not talking about guys that are trying to make a living off of pool. I don't have to worry about money either. I like to play pool, am ULTRA competitive (in everything), and despise losing. Yet, I'm labelled a "nit" just because I don't do alot of betting on pool....

Making a living off of pool is someone elses decision. Don't get mad at me when you try to hustle money off of me, and I recognize it. The problem isn't my lack of betting, it's whomever's decision it was that that's how they'd make a living (not too wise in my opinion).

 

[crawfish]

I'm not talking about guys that are trying to make a living off of pool. I don't have to worry about money either. I like to play pool, am ULTRA competitive (in everything), and despise losing. Yet, I'm labelled a "nit" just because I don't do alot of betting on pool....

Making a living off of pool is someone elses decision. Don't get mad at me when you try to hustle money off of me, and I recognize it. The problem isn't my lack of betting, it's whomever's decision it was that that's how they'd make a living (not too wise in my opinion).

So, if a guy in a bar (whom you've seen play and are stone cold stealing) walks up to you and wants a race to seven for $500, you won't play? Sure you probably would. Well, that's the way a guy views it that does play for a living. He finds a guy that THINKS he is stealing, or has a 50/50 shot. Then, it kinda turns out different. Nobody made him play. He thought he had the best of it. I am too soft-hearted to take someone's rent. But, I know plenty of people who aren't. To the road player, it's business.

You can be a good, even great player that doesn't gamble. A nit is "someone that does gamble, but not on anything that they don't have 90% the best of it."

 

[Blackjack]

A nit is "someone that does gamble, but not on anything that they don't have 90% the best of it."

Exactly. About 10 years ago this guy, (a very good local player) came into my room in El Paso. My room was not known for having action, but nonetheless he and his friends stopped by to prey upon the league players that weren't smart enough to see them coming. This guy could spot any of the league players the 6-out.

As he and his buddies were walking out triumphantly a few hours later, I asked the guy, "When was the last time you played anybody when it wasn't a 'sure thing'?"

Needless to say he didn't have an answer for me.

That's a nit.

 

[trustyrusty]

So, if a guy in a bar (whom you've seen play and are stone cold stealing) walks up to you and wants a race to seven for $500, you won't play? Sure you probably would. Well, that's the way a guy views it that does play for a living. He finds a guy that THINKS he is stealing, or has a 50/50 shot. Then, it kinda turns out different. Nobody made him play. He thought he had the best of it. I am too soft-hearted to take someone's rent. But, I know plenty of people who aren't. To the road player, it's business.

You can be a good, even great player that doesn't gamble. A nit is "someone that does gamble, but not on anything that they don't have 90% the best of it."

I practice with a guy that bets on ANYTHING, and with ANYONE. I could take him 75%+ of the time, and won't do it. I do however point out to him who'd be a good match-up for him. He HAS to get his fix, and that's the type of guys that drive me nuts. Have to play for something, otherwise why play? I don't get that.

On the $500 race....I might be willing to do it with someone I know fairly well, and I knew it wouldn't "hurt" him. But I'd surely give it back to him with appropriate spots, etc. That's a good chunk of money for alot of people these days, and I just want to win, the money part wouldn't mean anything to me....

 

[crawfish]

I practice with a guy that bets on ANYTHING, and with ANYONE. I could take him 75%+ of the time, and won't do it. I do however point out to him who'd be a good match-up for him. He HAS to get his fix, and that's the type of guys that drive me nuts. Have to play for something, otherwise why play? I don't get that.

On the $500 race....I might be willing to do it with someone I know fairly well, and I knew it wouldn't "hurt" him. But I'd surely give it back to him with appropriate spots, etc. That's a good chunk of money for alot of people these days, and I just want to win, the money part wouldn't mean anything to me....

Then, you sir, are one in a million in the "pool world." Why play if you're givng it back? Just curious.

 

[BVal]

Then, you sir, are one in a million in the "pool world." Why play if you're givng it back? Just curious.

You question is answered in the very last line of his post.

BVal

 

[trustyrusty]

Then, you sir, are one in a million in the "pool world." Why play if you're givng it back? Just curious.

It's my competition fix when I can't play golf I want to win, but not at other's expense ($$$), just to beat them. It's just as bad, in a way, as gambling, just not as potentionally finacially troubling If goaded enough, I'll play for what they want to....if I lose to a much better player it's worth it if I learn something from their game, but pool isn't worth losing a buncha money over to me either.

 

[DoubleA]

Trusty you have my heartfelt AMEN.

 

[Craig]

enough league bashing.... just because YOUR league sucks does not mean all leagues suck...

It has nothing to do with gambling....Pool does not equal gambling to the vast majority of the world....that theory belongs only to a small subset of pool players...

playing with "something on the line" could be money... could be pride...could be league standing... could be lots of things... it is still playing under pressure.. and that is the universally accepted mark of a good pool player.

there are a billion ways to bet and lose your money..... you wanna gamble.. go for it...

my goal is to be the best pool player in the world... I have a bit of work left to do in that area .... but that is my goal..

reaching that goal has nothing to do with money..if I become the best in the world...thats it's own reward even if it cost me money... I don't care.. pool is my love .. not my living....if I make money at it... thats just a bonus...

I'm not playing to get rich...

I'm not playing to get famous...

I don't want to be on a Mosconi cup team....

I want YOU to be terrified to play me because you know I am the best in the world.....

one day I WILL get there.... regardless of how much I win or how much it costs....

GOOD LUCK!

 

[Neil]

...............

 

[Pushout]

Rep for you, Neil!!!

 

[trustyrusty]

Good post Neil. It doesn't bother me one bit that you like to play for a bit of cash (heck, I'll be teeing it up tomorrow morning in a group of 16 with a pretty sizeable pot to divvy up afterwards). I play in that group because; 1) it's a good group of guys, 2) very competitive, 3) anyone could walk away a big winner on any given Saturday (all low single digit handicaps), and finally 4) we all push each other to get better. If I shoot the lowest score, and have all my skin possibilities tied off (meaning someone walks away with more CASH), I'm good with that.

What gets me are those who say they can't play without money on the line, or that I might play worse if there was (due to added pressure). It's only pressure if you allow it to be....I'd rather play anything better than I ever have before and lose money than play badly and win money. Just me. I'll entertain wagers in pool, but I don't really enjoy taking someone's $$$ (especially someone I don't know, or know their "situation") at the end...unless it's a buddy that I can rib about it forever (saying things like, man pizza tastes good when "you" pay for it, etc.)

So, I guess to summerize, I'm not knocking those who like a bit of action, but those who NEED it irritate me a bit. I'm sure we'd get along just fine at the table....and if you feel that a little wagering would be "fun", that's fine.

 

[Snapshot9]

Post

Neil made a very intelligent post about gambling, and I share he said about it.

Usually the ones that 'have to' gamble all the time, are the ones with nothing to lose, but what is in their pocket. They are like addicts, trying to establish themselves in life to have some measure of respect, to be recognized.

I usually gamble when I play, from $2 up, but much less than I used to. Why? Don't have the money now I used to. Don't have the desire for the
'big game' like I used to. Most of time, I am just playing a friend $50 or $100 sets, and one of us goes home a $200 winner, and we both had a good time.

I like to win, but one of things I enjoy too, is learning how my opponent thinks when he/she is playing.

 

[softshot]

if your refusing games just so you don't steal some chumps money... you are a Pool Player.

If you are begging the best player for a spot.... you are a gambling addict. if such a thing exists... an addiction requires a substance chemically needed by the body.... If you are one of the many "addicts" in this country.. gambling, pottery, cheese wizz ..... Americans are addicted to everything under the sun according to day time TV... I don't see it as an addiction I see it as mental weakness.... and everyone knows... mental weakness will kill you in pool...

so by that rationale the big money gamblers who can't help themselves...don't have the mental fortitude to play top quality pool in the first place...

and those with the required mental toughness.. don't gamble at pool... or better don't NEED to gamble at pool.

I still stand by my statement that 40 of the 50 best players in the world... You have never heard of... there are pro caliber players in every corner of the globe... just because a microscopically small subset of players happens to be the most vocal does not mean that what they preach is the truth...

Great pool has nothing whatsoever to do with a dollar sign $$

 

[ironman]

enough league bashing.... just because YOUR league sucks does not mean all leagues suck...

It has nothing to do with gambling....Pool does not equal gambling to the vast majority of the world....that theory belongs only to a small subset of pool players...

playing with "something on the line" could be money... could be pride...could be league standing... could be lots of things... it is still playing under pressure.. and that is the universally accepted mark of a good pool player.

there are a billion ways to bet and lose your money..... you wanna gamble.. go for it...

my goal is to be the best pool player in the world... I have a bit of work left to do in that area .... but that is my goal..

reaching that goal has nothing to do with money..if I become the best in the world...thats it's own reward even if it cost me money... I don't care.. pool is my love .. not my living....if I make money at it... thats just a bonus...

I'm not playing to get rich...

I'm not playing to get famous...

I don't want to be on a Mosconi cup team....

I want YOU to be terrified to play me because you know I am the best in the world.....

one day I WILL get there.... regardless of how much I win or how much it costs....

If you don't gamble or test yourself, who in the world is going to recognize you as best in the world. Water runs quickly down hill.
I mean, if you don't gamble, who is going to fear you and why would they?