I get that the nature of the thread is that you don't want to play this guy. But couldn't you put a dollar amount on what would make it worth it to you and play him for that sum?
I don't want to play you.
- Thread starter SeankyKong
- Start date
I use to have this problem at a pool room in Oakland Park, FL Miscue
I would tell people that i am practicing like i gamble, and if they want to play i dont want to talk and i want good racks.. "i really meant it"
I would enjoy having rack-*****es personally, but when they would start chatting with people and stop taking it serious i would say "ok looks like your done!" then i would clear the balls off and begin practicing solo again.
it works well really, they get that your serious and respect that i think!
I would tell people that i am practicing like i gamble, and if they want to play i dont want to talk and i want good racks.. "i really meant it"
I would enjoy having rack-*****es personally, but when they would start chatting with people and stop taking it serious i would say "ok looks like your done!" then i would clear the balls off and begin practicing solo again.
it works well really, they get that your serious and respect that i think!
Just tell the guy how damn good he is and watch his head swell, then ask for so much weight that if he does play you can't lose!....he will prolly just stop asking you to play and then you can go about your way!:thumbup:
David Harcrow
If you're lucky. I try not to complain too much about the old age stuff.
That's because over 30% of my high school class can't do so.
Money on the game is the great leveler. Name a figure that makes him flinch and he won't bother you any more. :smile:
One of the best times I remember playing pool was when a random old guy showed up one day, he had an old Palmer, all original, played OK but not too good. He showed up for a couple of other days and I have not seen him since, probably been 2-3 years ago now.
I actually miss him although I don't remember his name, nor much of what he looked like.
I do remember that I played well against him, especially with banking. I think I must have been 9 of 10 in banks when we played or something and he said that I was probably the best banker he has played or seen. Sometimes things like that mean a lot, even though you know that compared to a thousand other good players you're not THAT good. Yet this guy left thinking that I was god's gift to bankers, and it does something to you. No idea who the guy was really, seen him for a few days of my life, yet he sticks to my memories as much as my kids do.
I actually miss him although I don't remember his name, nor much of what he looked like.
I do remember that I played well against him, especially with banking. I think I must have been 9 of 10 in banks when we played or something and he said that I was probably the best banker he has played or seen. Sometimes things like that mean a lot, even though you know that compared to a thousand other good players you're not THAT good. Yet this guy left thinking that I was god's gift to bankers, and it does something to you. No idea who the guy was really, seen him for a few days of my life, yet he sticks to my memories as much as my kids do.
tit for tat
If he is being rude to you then I don't think you have to continue to be nice to him. People are going to take an old person's side saying oh he just wants some attention or he is lonely or whatever. But shouldn't he know better by know that is always good to be humble and not an arrogant fool ?
IMO when one gets older they need to be more nicer. I have seen some old folks who act like top level jerks and believe me I step up to them. Being old doesn't automatically give a person the golden ticket to be an jerk to everyone.
I would say talk to him, find out the reason why he wants to play you so bad. Trust me there is always a reason. May be in past you gave him the wrong impression and he wants to settle things on the table. Or may be you are eying his grand-daughter. I don't know but find the "reason"
If he is being rude to you then I don't think you have to continue to be nice to him. People are going to take an old person's side saying oh he just wants some attention or he is lonely or whatever. But shouldn't he know better by know that is always good to be humble and not an arrogant fool ?
IMO when one gets older they need to be more nicer. I have seen some old folks who act like top level jerks and believe me I step up to them. Being old doesn't automatically give a person the golden ticket to be an jerk to everyone.
I would say talk to him, find out the reason why he wants to play you so bad. Trust me there is always a reason. May be in past you gave him the wrong impression and he wants to settle things on the table. Or may be you are eying his grand-daughter. I don't know but find the "reason"
I ended up telling people that I have newly discovered mental disorders and my brain either allows me the ability to play around with people or it doesn't AND that it is out of my control. Who knows why and I can't explain it but if my brain is spun then I have to play by myself or gamble for a lot of money.
I like to practice during the day and, if possible, gamble in the evenings. I really don't believe in practicing with other people because I seem to acquire bad habits because I often get lazy in those situations. Quite a few people always asked me to play with them and often spent considerable time trying to convince me to play. Add to that the guys who always come up asking for help or wanting to share some breakthrough they discovered and the time I got to play was cut in half.
Now, all I have to do is mention my brain and everyone knows. Took a little while to explain it but now I mix in a little practice match every few weeks, just so people think that it is a legimate reason and not a blow off excuse, and people don't linger trying to bang them around with me. Everyone now thinks [or knows] that I am crazy so that kind of sucks but it provides me with considerable peace of mind now.
I still get people asking for advice or how to make certain shots but I like that, especially over having to bang them around with people.
I like to practice during the day and, if possible, gamble in the evenings. I really don't believe in practicing with other people because I seem to acquire bad habits because I often get lazy in those situations. Quite a few people always asked me to play with them and often spent considerable time trying to convince me to play. Add to that the guys who always come up asking for help or wanting to share some breakthrough they discovered and the time I got to play was cut in half.
Now, all I have to do is mention my brain and everyone knows. Took a little while to explain it but now I mix in a little practice match every few weeks, just so people think that it is a legimate reason and not a blow off excuse, and people don't linger trying to bang them around with me. Everyone now thinks [or knows] that I am crazy so that kind of sucks but it provides me with considerable peace of mind now.
I still get people asking for advice or how to make certain shots but I like that, especially over having to bang them around with people.
Sean,
I like your post quite a lot.
Some of the old folks have hearing problems and that may be why he proceeded to clear the table and rack the balls. Next time, use a combination of hand signals with your auditory response. A little wave of the hand with a kind response should send him packing.
Tell the old dude the same thing that I tell the young bucks. I will play with you some other time but right now I am working on my fundamentals. And I do occasionally hit some balls with the young bucks in spite of their lack of respect for working on their own fundamentals. I guess some people would rather "socialize" by playing pool with someone else than to work on their game.
JoeyA
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SeankyKong, man you could have just told me!! Oh wait, maybe you did. :grin:
I have a similar issue, but slightly different. My wife and I play every weekend. Sometimes at a pool room, other times at various bars. This "quality time" for us.
On a pretty regular basis some one will come up and comment that I'm a pretty decent player, we'll chat briefly, then the "mind if I play ya?" comes out. I usually give them one game, and one game only. I make it clear and polite. I don't give in to the "just one more?" comments. If they see me again I will usually decline... they need to be kept at bay
Once he knows the rules, that you are working on what ever your working on, that you don't want to play someone else right now, you'll give him a game when your done, you'll be fine.
On a pretty regular basis some one will come up and comment that I'm a pretty decent player, we'll chat briefly, then the "mind if I play ya?" comes out. I usually give them one game, and one game only. I make it clear and polite. I don't give in to the "just one more?" comments. If they see me again I will usually decline... they need to be kept at bay
Once he knows the rules, that you are working on what ever your working on, that you don't want to play someone else right now, you'll give him a game when your done, you'll be fine.
