Getting rid of 7ft tables
- Thread starter StormHotRod300
- Start date
Secaucus Fats
Banned
Why does it have to come down to either / or? I love playing pool and I play on 7' and 8' bar boxes, 9' Brunswick GC's, 8 footers.. hell I've played on an Fisher 6' bar box in my friends apartment (and we had fun). I would love to try my hand at snooker on a 12' x 6'
Why place artificial, elitist restrictions on that which needs none?
Every day in every part of the world there's some pretty sporty players matching up, the railbirds and wanna be's will take heed and gather, for they know they will be treated to some serious displays of pool. Those matches can and do take place on all different sizes of tables. They are the stuff from which local lore is crafted, and hierarchy is established in the pecking order.
Put it to you this way; a guy playing his heart out is no less worthy of admiration when he does it on a 7' bar box than when he does it on a 9'.
How many players (myself included) first discovered and developed a love for pool on a bar box? If you took away the bar boxes, you would do tremendous harm to pool.
Why place artificial, elitist restrictions on that which needs none?
Every day in every part of the world there's some pretty sporty players matching up, the railbirds and wanna be's will take heed and gather, for they know they will be treated to some serious displays of pool. Those matches can and do take place on all different sizes of tables. They are the stuff from which local lore is crafted, and hierarchy is established in the pecking order.
Put it to you this way; a guy playing his heart out is no less worthy of admiration when he does it on a 7' bar box than when he does it on a 9'.
How many players (myself included) first discovered and developed a love for pool on a bar box? If you took away the bar boxes, you would do tremendous harm to pool.
You guys are pretty lucky! If I wanted to play on a 9 foot, I'd have to drive a 100-150 miles! I'd love to have the opportunity to play on 9 footers, but out here on the wide open prairie all we have available, are poorly maintained 7 foot Valleys! I love the game; so I'm still playing, but I don't expect any major improvement in the conditions anytime soon.
I understand where alot of people are comming from, about bars not being big enough for a 8ft or 9ft. Which is why they started making a 7ft table is for bars. Which is nice, but then keep them in the bars, or at home.
But i do believe people would still shoot pool if they only had 8ft and 9ft tables to play on, expecially if thats all they had to choose from. If anyone remembers bowling way back in the day, you basically had a very limited choice is bowling balls, and they was all rubber or hard plastic. Yet back then, bowling was very very popular, and still is, even though thier is alot more choices in balls. But the lanes are still the same.
So if player A is stuck in a poodunk USA, and all he has is 9ft tables to play on, do you think he is going to stop playing pool cuz they dont have 7ft tables? doubtful. Or if it was just the opposite, if he only had 7ft tables to play on, would he quite, hardly.
But it would be nice if it was just limited to 8ft and 9ft tables.
dave
But i do believe people would still shoot pool if they only had 8ft and 9ft tables to play on, expecially if thats all they had to choose from. If anyone remembers bowling way back in the day, you basically had a very limited choice is bowling balls, and they was all rubber or hard plastic. Yet back then, bowling was very very popular, and still is, even though thier is alot more choices in balls. But the lanes are still the same.
So if player A is stuck in a poodunk USA, and all he has is 9ft tables to play on, do you think he is going to stop playing pool cuz they dont have 7ft tables? doubtful. Or if it was just the opposite, if he only had 7ft tables to play on, would he quite, hardly.
But it would be nice if it was just limited to 8ft and 9ft tables.
dave
StormHotRod300 said:
Yes, and they should get rid of miniature golf, too. It's such an affront to the real game of golf.
Jimmy M. said:
JimmyM,
What the hell is wrong with you??? That would be a complete waste of gasoline and a match. We need to conserve. That gasoline doesn't grow on trees you know..... Oh, wait, we could toast marshmallows; maybe your idea is okay. Please ignore this post.
Jimmy can bring the gasoline, i will bring the marshmellows n chocolate, willie and bring the matches 
Whos going to bring the tables?????????
dave
Whos going to bring the tables?????????
dave
Bar tables are a cancer and from what I hear on this board, it's only getting worse as they spread all over the mid-section of this country! They're junk food, lite beer, artificially flavored pool! Nobody over the age of 12 should be permitted to play on em! Bar space? When you've got a half-dozen or more of them in a lot of places? Even here in Brooklyn there's plenty of room to spare around the stinkin 7-footers. It seems some people have become brainwashed badly enough to think they PREFER them, cause they really don't know any better.
There's supposed to be a punch line here, I know ... but if they had real tables in bars and real rules, I might take up drinking for real again.
Only bar-bar I can think of with 9-footers is in the Grand Hotel in Bisbee, Az. For that reason, I'm planning on spending the afterlife there.
There's supposed to be a punch line here, I know ... but if they had real tables in bars and real rules, I might take up drinking for real again.
Only bar-bar I can think of with 9-footers is in the Grand Hotel in Bisbee, Az. For that reason, I'm planning on spending the afterlife there.
You have obviously never shoot pool in the corner bars of East Baltimore.Travis Bickle said:
Like I said above. I know 2 bars off the top of my head that I remember bringing out a short cue a few times because the place was so narrow. There was no half dozen of them in their either, just the one.
Ok, I've heard about enough. It's my turn now. Ain't gonna score no points with you people, but you're all nuts anyway. LOL. You play pool, what else can I say.
OK, if you don't like bar tables, or people who play bar tables, DON'T PLAY ON THEM!!!!!! Don't like the tables because they're too easy????? Well , I have met a lot of really good big table players over the years who didn't have a clue on a barbox. Some of them could probably give me the 7 on a big table, but couldn't get there with the 8 on a barbox. Must be because I slop in too many balls???? The truth is, it's a whole different game. You want to make the pockets unforgiving? Let's round off the pockets like a snooker table. Oh' but you guys probably want to burn those tables too. While we're at it, let's burn the 3 cushion tables too. That can't be real pool, they don't even have pockets.
Willie, I'm sure you know Jeff Beckley. When he first came to Indiana, he was an extremely dangerous player on 9' tables. Now he could play bar-boxes, but not nearly as well. His girlfriend is the same way. It's just a different game. I love playing on big tables too. But have not had to time to practice on them for the last few years. As for all the ball-bangers and league players, they have to start somewhere. If they had to start on on a 9' Diamond, most would be so frustrated, they would never buy a cue. There are pluses and minus's to all things in life. How about we just eliminate pool from the face of the earth, and then we could all learn to bowl or play darts. Maybe Poker, that's pretty much played on a regulation table everywhere you go.
I'm not trying to offend anyone, I just think everyone should have the opportunity to play on the tables they like and if you don't like em', don't play on em'..... Sam
OK, if you don't like bar tables, or people who play bar tables, DON'T PLAY ON THEM!!!!!! Don't like the tables because they're too easy????? Well , I have met a lot of really good big table players over the years who didn't have a clue on a barbox. Some of them could probably give me the 7 on a big table, but couldn't get there with the 8 on a barbox. Must be because I slop in too many balls???? The truth is, it's a whole different game. You want to make the pockets unforgiving? Let's round off the pockets like a snooker table. Oh' but you guys probably want to burn those tables too. While we're at it, let's burn the 3 cushion tables too. That can't be real pool, they don't even have pockets.
Willie, I'm sure you know Jeff Beckley. When he first came to Indiana, he was an extremely dangerous player on 9' tables. Now he could play bar-boxes, but not nearly as well. His girlfriend is the same way. It's just a different game. I love playing on big tables too. But have not had to time to practice on them for the last few years. As for all the ball-bangers and league players, they have to start somewhere. If they had to start on on a 9' Diamond, most would be so frustrated, they would never buy a cue. There are pluses and minus's to all things in life. How about we just eliminate pool from the face of the earth, and then we could all learn to bowl or play darts. Maybe Poker, that's pretty much played on a regulation table everywhere you go.
I'm not trying to offend anyone, I just think everyone should have the opportunity to play on the tables they like and if you don't like em', don't play on em'..... Sam
satman said:
Well said Sam...
You mentioned poker, a good analogy would be Texas hold'em. I like poker, but I don't even consider hold'em poker and my preference would be that it be removed from the face of the earth. However, many people disagree with that opinion and would rather it stayed, so I differ to them and just don't play it myself. Maybe people who don't like 7 footers should do the same, just don't play on them.
satman said:
Satman,
Now, now; we're just having a little fun with you. Obviously, hundreds of thousands of people play on these tables - they can't all be wrong. Your advice on freedom of choice is excellent, and followed by all. I was hoping to avoid any serious discussion of a somewhat fanciful topic, but here goes:
All of the top flight pool players I have known have felt that it is important to play on ALL types of equipment if you want to become a well rounded player. All of the top flight pool players I have known prefer the bigger tables because it is the best venue for showing off their magnificent skills.
Probably the main objection that most of us have to the smaller tables is that they "cheapen" the sport by lessening the demand for precise ball pocketing. Yes, the great players will still excel and prevail on the bar table - but lesser players may still look great at times on such equipment and that certainly rubs the "purists/snobs" the wrong way. Hell, if I had my way (which is extremely unlikely) we'd all be playing on 5 x 10's. The secret objection that only I will mention is a totally selfish one - I prefer the bigger tables, and the smaller tables are robbing me of opponents and opportunity for competition. If everyone were playing on 9 footers, I could more easily find someone with whom to play, and more easily find some tournaments in which to compete. Remember, its all about me. In addition, the "snob factor" allows us to always have an easy target for our comedy.
P.S. - If you promise never to tell anyone, I have considered getting a bar table for home, just a sort of companion for my GCIV (like the Petty Point setup).
P.P.S. - Anyone who remembers "Disco Demolition Day" at Comiskey Park can always dream about the "Bar Table Bonfire Day". Seriously, what could be funnier than watching Jimmy and I roasting marshmallows over a blazing Valley????
P.P.P.S. - I never said I "didn't like people who played on bar boxes." Quite the opposite - I wish they played on real tables (
see, I got you again - its so easy ) so I would have more friends and competition (I have somewhat limited pool time and choose the bigger table as a way to get better quicker).
Last edited:
like I said
You guys are all nuts. LOL. I miss being able to play on the big tables. Yes it is better for you overall. But the small tables will teach you to play different types of shape. And like you said, a more rounded game. I wasn't going off on you guys, I have a sense of humor. But someone had to jump in before you all start burning my tables up. See you later, SamWilliebetmore said:Satman,
Now, now; we're just having a little fun with you. Obviously, hundreds of thousands of people play on these tables - they can't all be wrong. Your advice on freedom of choice is excellent, and followed by all. I was hoping to avoid any serious discussion of a somewhat fanciful topic, but here goes:
All of the top flight pool players I have known have felt that it is important to play on ALL types of equipment if you want to become a well rounded player. All of the top flight pool players I have known prefer the bigger tables because it is the best venue for showing off their magnificent skills.
Probably the main objection that most of us have to the smaller tables is that they "cheapen" the sport by lessening the demand for precise ball pocketing. Yes, the great players will still excel and prevail on the bar table - but lesser players may still look great at times on such equipment and that certainly rubs the "purists/snobs" the wrong way. Hell, if I had my way (which is extremely unlikely) we'd all be playing on 5 x 10's. The secret objection that only I will mention is a totally selfish one - I prefer the bigger tables, and the smaller tables are robbing me of opponents and opportunity for competition. If everyone were playing on 9 footers, I could more easily find someone with whom to play, and more easily find some tournaments in which to compete. Remember, its all about me. In addition, the "snob factor" allows us to always have an easy target for our comedy.
P.S. - If you promise never to tell anyone, I have considered getting a bar table for home, just a sort of companion for my GCIV (like the Petty Point setup).
P.P.S. - Anyone who remembers "Disco Demolition Day" at Comiskey Park can always dream about the "Bar Table Bonfire Day". Seriously, what could be funnier than watching Jimmy and I roasting marshmallows over a blazing Valley????
P.P.P.S. - I never said I "didn't like people who played on bar boxes." Quite the opposite - I wish they played on real tables (
Barboxes are here to stay so in the real world I think a better solution would be to improve the seven footer (Valley). The Diamond 7barbox is a good start. At least it has the same quality going for it as the larger 9ft commercial tables. I love playing on the 9's but most of the competitions in my area of the country that get large fields are and will continue to be played on 7's....hey, I don't care. I practice on a Diamond Pro 9 and then compete on a 7...LOL...it is like shooting at barndoors or like shooting North and South to make balls, if you miss a shot it is shocking...gotta love it....
Icon of Sin said:
Don't worry, I know what you mean. Plenty of places in NYC couldn't fit anything else, either. I was exaggerating the situation slightly to make my own cranky point, lol. Did I forget to say bar boxes are like rap music? Really, there's plenty of space out where the deer and antelope roam, but a culture has actually grown up around bar boxes out there. Talk about DEFINING DEVIANCY DOWN!
Seriously, people can play on what they like, or make the best out of the situation where they live. But just for myself, there are no bar boxes ... unless I'm bored, in a bar already, and too wasted to play on a normal table. Fortunately there are almost no tournaments or action on little tables in NYC, so I make my donations on 9-footers exclusively.
Funny ...
I have 2 friends into Pool a lot, and at home, each
has a 9' and a oversized 7' table. They like the big
table, but the barbox gets the action. All the rest
of my friends just have barboxes at home, some
because of space.
You know some people like the big table because they
know when they are playing they can knock a ball down
to the other end, and they pretty much have an
automatic safety. You can not assume that near as
much on a bar table. Other than longer shots, I think
playing on a big table is easier than an oversized 7'.
You do not have near the congestion on a big table,
and if you know anything about english, you can get
shape, bigger windows for it, and I have been told,
bellieve it or not, that I break harder on a big table
than a barbox.
I have 2 friends into Pool a lot, and at home, each
has a 9' and a oversized 7' table. They like the big
table, but the barbox gets the action. All the rest
of my friends just have barboxes at home, some
because of space.
You know some people like the big table because they
know when they are playing they can knock a ball down
to the other end, and they pretty much have an
automatic safety. You can not assume that near as
much on a bar table. Other than longer shots, I think
playing on a big table is easier than an oversized 7'.
You do not have near the congestion on a big table,
and if you know anything about english, you can get
shape, bigger windows for it, and I have been told,
bellieve it or not, that I break harder on a big table
than a barbox.
Does size matter???
7's are here to stay...as long as the Major Amateur Leagues play their Nationals on Bar Boxes they will be here...the Leagues brought Pool to Bars...Bars working with limited space required manurfactuers to make smaller tables to fit in these venues...unfortunately not everyone has/had the opportunity to grow up with a Pool Room in their area...some have only played in bars on 7's...when I started APA League play, we were hosted by a bar and played on 7's...I hated it...but love to play, so I played...when I got the opportunity to move my Team to a Pool Room, I took it and now play on 9's on League Nights...still gotta battle the Bar Boxes in Vegas though...so you will see 'Purist's' seeking out 7's to tune-up for Vegas...it's all Pool...
my 2c-
7's are here to stay...as long as the Major Amateur Leagues play their Nationals on Bar Boxes they will be here...the Leagues brought Pool to Bars...Bars working with limited space required manurfactuers to make smaller tables to fit in these venues...unfortunately not everyone has/had the opportunity to grow up with a Pool Room in their area...some have only played in bars on 7's...when I started APA League play, we were hosted by a bar and played on 7's...I hated it...but love to play, so I played...when I got the opportunity to move my Team to a Pool Room, I took it and now play on 9's on League Nights...still gotta battle the Bar Boxes in Vegas though...so you will see 'Purist's' seeking out 7's to tune-up for Vegas...it's all Pool...
my 2c-