Gambling question

Rpm

Rpm

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I want to play some of the better players in my area but I don't want to give my money away. These guys don't know me very well but I am a legitiment 2 ball dog in the matches I'm looking to play, would it be in bad form to ask for the 7 ball if I am the one asking to play?
 
Rpm said:
I want to play some of the better players in my area but I don't want to give my money away. These guys don't know me very well but I am a legitiment 2 ball dog in the matches I'm looking to play, would it be in bad form to ask for the 7 ball if I am the one asking to play?
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When ever I gave an unknown weight I'd start off by the game with nothing froze. Very few times did I ever give weight to an unknow to me.
I would say being that they don't know you you might not get the 7 off the bat. If your both comfortable with the game after5-10 games you both can freeze up money or play a pre determend number of sets. Johnnyt
 
Realistically speaking it will probably be easier for you to get a couple of games as opposed to the 7 out... if your asking for balls against higher level guys they will be suspicious(I would be) and probably say no...
For starters just go with say a race their 5 to your 3 for $10- $20. They will adjust after youve played em a couple of times... If you want the weight you will have to lettem see you in action... IMO
 
Strike up a friendly conversation and ask

Rpm said:
I want to play some of the better players in my area but I don't want to give my money away. These guys don't know me very well but I am a legitiment 2 ball dog in the matches I'm looking to play, would it be in bad form to ask for the 7 ball if I am the one asking to play?
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Talk to them a bit and then tell them you need a couple of balls but would be happy to play a little with one since you are not known. Strangers have never gotten much of a spot around my neck of the woods, just the way it is. Once you are known it is a lot easier to make reasonably fair games but it will probably cost you a little to establish your speed. Just the way it is.

Something to be said for tackling them heads up as cheaply as possible anyway. Win or lose your play may surprise you.

Hu
 
Wont hurt to ask,just tell them u need it and u will adjust if they think its outta line,nothing wrong with that
 
I feel like I've stalled in my development I'm hoping that playing the better players around here will force me to improve.
 
The new guy asking for weight has got to expect to get the worst of it or 'pay dues' until his true speed comes out.
 
If you feel you need to be FORCED into improving, maybe you should just play even and lose your money and be FORCED much quicker.

Just a thought.

Rpm said:
I feel like I've stalled in my development I'm hoping that playing the better players around here will force me to improve.
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was my inducement!

Tom In Cincy said:
If you feel you need to be FORCED into improving, maybe you should just play even and lose your money and be FORCED much quicker.

Just a thought.
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Tom,

I tried to rep you, can't at the moment but that was exactly my inducement when I started. I gambled even from day one losing a day or two's pay or more almost every night without fail. I was a rotten player and there wasn't anyone or any information around to help me learn. Took me about six months to start winning more than I was losing. I never backed off and in two years I was a pretty fair player.

Hu
 
ShootingArts said:
Tom,

. I never backed off and in two years I was a pretty fair player.

Hu
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That was me also... never backed off and it took me longer than 2 years.

When I started wining, they backed off.. I saw how it worked...
Spots were what they put the one ball on.

No instructors, no videos, only one little book by Mosconi, nothing about gambling, no dvds, no answers from any players, just $5 a game or $25 or $50 a set (races to 10 or so)
 
Something to think about! Everyone knows that playing better players will improve your game and you have to pay your dues. With that being said think in reverse. You give weight to someone below your speed and focus on playing smart and getting out when your suppose too or give the last two to someone at your speed with the same ideal in mind. This will put the pressure on you same as playing someone above your speed, but you will have a better chance to win with lower set. A better player will want to bet high and will not give up balls just to loose.
 
Rpm said:
I feel like I've stalled in my development I'm hoping that playing the better players around here will force me to improve.
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When you pick your initial opponents try to pick someone worth your time, choose a player that you want to play when possible for the the long run. Tell them you think you need weight but will play cheap sets even, so you can each see where you stand after a couple of outings they should adjust and then you can escalate the wager. The other players in the room will probsably guage your game and then when you play them the game should be easier to make.

I believe games on the wire are better for you to improve than to get the wild 7 or last 3, you want to play take games on the wire. Lots of people give weight like the 7 or whatever and when you get on the 5 or 6 they just give up the game and rack, you are not going to learn anything like that, those guys who do that are trying to keep the weak player from getting in gear.

Good luck to you
 
Start out even and play cheap

Rpm said:
I feel like I've stalled in my development I'm hoping that playing the better players around here will force me to improve.
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Your desire to improve your game would have you playing so called better players even. Playing cheap, reduces the pressure on your shooting.

Play for 5 or 10 dollars a game, or some cheap sets. You probably will lose less by the game, this will also make you focus on your shooting and playing leaves.

Just sayin.:thumbup::(
 
kind of a boring thought but someone should say it... is there any reason these players won't play you for free? You can learn and try to beat them without giving your money away. There are good players who are willing to shoot for funsies.

Lots of people will give you the whole 'gamble to build toughness' trial-by-fire routine, but it IS possible to improve without gambling. Just so you know.
 
Great answer, you beat me to it................

CreeDo said:
kind of a boring thought but someone should say it... is there any reason these players won't play you for free? You can learn and try to beat them without giving your money away. There are good players who are willing to shoot for funsies.

Lots of people will give you the whole 'gamble to build toughness' trial-by-fire routine, but it IS possible to improve without gambling. Just so you know.
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Hi there CreeDo,

When I saw the question this was my first answer that came to my mind. But I thought before I said anything on the thread I would read a few and it was as you had read my mind hours before I even thought it.

Many good players would love to sparr with someone from time to time. No matter who you are you need to play someone sometimes when you practice.

What i usually would do is overspot someone I knew and try to outrun the nuts cheap. I wouldn't take the spot away and if I lost I just took my lumps.

great answer......................
 
CreeDo said:
kind of a boring thought but someone should say it... is there any reason these players won't play you for free? You can learn and try to beat them without giving your money away. There are good players who are willing to shoot for funsies.

Lots of people will give you the whole 'gamble to build toughness' trial-by-fire routine, but it IS possible to improve without gambling. Just so you know.
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Agreed. A lot of good players are glad to play for the time. Gives them incentive to try and more than likely free practice. Not everyone has a table at home you know. :)
 
I personally enjoy ring games when im in a new area. Its a good way to see a few peoples speed. Not to mention people seem a little more willing to chat.

Playing for fun is just that. Dont expect to see their real game for fun. They will play more low percentage shots and not show there true speed.

And too the OP there is no harm in asking for the 7. All they can do is say no.
 
Went out last night and gave the 7 to a player that plays real close to me, we ended up splitting after 4 sets. I was surprise how the spot changed my approach to the game. I took way less risk with my shot selection and forced myself to play good defensive shots.
 
Rpm said:
Went out last night and gave the 7 to a player that plays real close to me, we ended up splitting after 4 sets. I was surprise how the spot changed my approach to the game. I took way less risk with my shot selection and forced myself to play good defensive shots.
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Congrats!!
You still think you guys play close?? Giving up the 7 out is some pretty serious weight and if youre splitting your about a ball and a half to 2 balls better than he is...
====> Not that close!

With this game plan you definately go about learning how to win in a different way(ie. improving safety play, decision making, 2-way shots, etc..)
You do this for a while those guys who are "2 balls better than you" are gonna be in some trouble giving you that spot!
 
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