Tramp I respect your opinion but find it very idealistic. Look at how many people on here love the road stories from CJ and many many others. Two of the most popular times in pool was after The Hustler and TCOM. Dont think that would have been the case if Fast Eddie had put his arm around Vince and said " look son, you have a gambling problem - I'm gonna help you ". I think there may be a couple things going on in this thread. First and foremost sleazy is a very subjective term. Secondly the definition of hustling means something different to everyone. So let me ask you Tramp, what are your thoughts on the example I put forth about a challenge table?
I do realize that the "bad guy" image always appeals to a certain number of people.
John Dillinger had movies made about him too. But at the end of the day, he was still a thief. A brilliant thief.
I do realize that playing for money is not inherently sleazy, neither is gambling - when the risks are clearly known or defined.
But the question isn't about popularity, wagering, or gambling. It's an opinion question on deception, in whatever form it comes.
Yes, people do it all the time. Oh well.
Would I do it? No.
It might be fun to play dress-up for a while, but at the end of the day, I'd still be just a pretender and a thief.
I will beat you on the table with my pool playing skills, not with better lies than you.
If you need lies to win, you need more practice.