I don't want to play you.

Tramp Steamer said:
Try this.
Stand beside him and softly say, "Hey, Pops. You're old. You smell like warm piss and stale beer, and your breath would puke a dog off a gut wagon."
If he ignores you and racks the balls, then it's a good chance he's deaf as a post.
Next, write what you just told him on a piece of paper and hand it to him. If he ignores you and racks the balls, then it's a good chance he's blind, as well.
If that's the case, then take all his money and split. :)
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Just ask him for weight, and if there is no reaction there is a good chance that he's deaf.
If the guy is deaf, plays with a Cuetec cue, and reacts by offering you the 4 & out :smile: there is a good chance he's tough action.
 
Invest in one of the practice books that lay flat on the table like Joe Tucker's improvement one or the pro safety one by Bob Henning....

Toss it out there in plain view so if someone want to play and you need to be practicing you can point to the book and tell em "as soon as I finish a few more of these drills" or "today is for drills only"....

I used the hole reinforcers and it usually got me a reprieve or at least they would ask if I wanted to play some WHEN I WAS DONE with my practice"....

Many players don't take practice seriously but if they see that you DO they usually cut you some slack....
 
Like most folks...

I try to be friendly about it.
No thanks, I'm trying to fit in some practice time usually works as said above...or if I'm waiting on someone yet to arrive. I've got a buddy coming any minute is another one...and as soon as someone walks thru the door, I'll walk over and tell'em the scoop..."save me please"...and they all knew what that meant.

There was one older guy I shot with for a while, but he would take minutes on every shot and it drove me absolutely crazy. He's really the only person that bothered me while playing. I'm not saying NOT to take the time to think about what you're doing, but playing this guy was overkill on the shot clock...
Clint
 
Seriously, I found the best way to deal with people like this, is well, don't miss and if you have an un-makable shot, play safe. They get bored of racking and move on.

I have a table at home, so plenty of practice time, so when I go out, it is always nice to shoot pool with someone.
 
I don't think you owe this guy any explanations or excuses. I think saying some other day will just lead him to continue to pester you. Just be assertive, which doesn't make you a jerk or anything. If you say "thanks, but I just like to play alone and that's my thing". That should be enough.

If he tries to take over your table, just say not gonna happen, but if you want this table I'll be glad to have the desk put you on time for it and I'll go get another table.

If he gets butt-hurt over it, then he's mental and not worth your consideration.
 
I don't like lying or making up a story to solve a problem. Sometimes you have to be a little assertive and stand your ground. If the problem persists --- just ask the manager top resolve the issue.
 
How old is old?

I've offered to gamble with all the younger players " in my area " ? Most of them don't have a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out of. I've even offered to play cheap, races to 7 for $50. As long as they can post up enough for 3 sets. The usual is they are trying to win the dollars in your pocket with the change in theirs. No thanks. I'd rather play the old guys. I'm 63.
 
hang-the-9 said:
Tramp is the only poster on here that can post crazy sh1t that has almost nothing to do with the topic and usually ends up funny more than annoying.

He's in category 3.5, or 2.5, in between "crazy ass idiot" and "valuable contributor"
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Hang, it's like this. When there's something seriously worth talking about, we'll talk seriously. Go ahead and ask me about tips, low deflection shafts, and defective condoms. :smile:
 
I know how you feel man. I am a lone wolf by nature and altho I love people and enjoy talking with just about anyone, I can go into my solo moods on occasion and not want to be around anyone.

Think of it this way, maybe he is a lonely old timer and just wants to be around someone, chat a bit and play a few.

Why not entertain him once in a blue moon. Tell him that you prefer to practice alone but you will play him a couple and then back to practicing.

Can't hurt to try and I bet he will understand. You might make a good friend in the long run.

I have had people ask me for a game when I wasn't in the mood. I just tell them that I am there to practice a bit and I have to run fairly quickly, so don't have the time at the moment. I thank them for asking and say, maybe next time. Sometimes they are still in the hall and realize that I am too and lied to them. Can't do much about that one. Maybe I decided to stay a little longer.
 
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I love this forum.

How old is old? Late 60's early 70's.

Honestly, I think he is a little lonely. I think the game is all he has. That and his dog "missy" who he can't get to take her medicine even though she ate it right out of the vets hand. It just took me off guard. It isn't the first time I've told him that I don't want to play him. I know he isn't a rich man. I've heard other people ask him to play for a few dollars and he responds with " I dont usually play for money" and doesn't leave. He is a friendly guy. I don't have a problem with him at all. He just smacks the balls around the table. Pisses the 9 consistently. Switch to 8 ball. I destroy him. He compliments my game and racks them again. I'm just going to have to be real clear with him. let him know that I need an hour to practice and then hopefully someone else will walk in. I don't mind playing him of he is the only one there but if I have a chance to shoot someone better im going to take it.
 
Lonely old fellow with only his dog for company at home. He comes to the hall to be around people.

The only problem with the old timers around our hall is that they will usually kick your butt all over the table.
 
SeankyKong said:
Ok. My local pool hall has the best tables. I don't like going anywhere else really. But I have a problem. Every time I go there, there is this old guy. A banger, who always wants to play me. I don't want to play him, but I don't want to be a *****. As I have respect for the older folks. I love to play old guys and hear thier old timey jokes. But it's getting out of handhand. Yesterday I was practicing and he asked me if I wanted to shoot. I said no thank you and he proceeded to clear my table and rack em. im right on the edge of telling him to take a hike in a not so friendly manner. I have this problem mainly because there is no one else in the hall at the time. Don't know what else to do.
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Try shouting,he prob can't hear you.
 
cuesblues said:
Just ask him for weight, and if there is no reaction there is a good chance that he's deaf.
If the guy is deaf, plays with a Cuetec cue, and reacts by offering you the 4 & out :smile: there is a good chance he's tough action.
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Ted you pretty much nailed how it goes down when Shane walks into Felt. You forgot the part about giving up all the breaks. Then the money heads right out of Colorado.
 
SeankyKong said:
Ok. My local pool hall has the best tables. I don't like going anywhere else really. But I have a problem. Every time I go there, there is this old guy. A banger, who always wants to play me. I don't want to play him, but I don't want to be a *****. As I have respect for the older folks. I love to play old guys and hear thier old timey jokes. But it's getting out of handhand. Yesterday I was practicing and he asked me if I wanted to shoot. I said no thank you and he proceeded to clear my table and rack em. im right on the edge of telling him to take a hike in a not so friendly manner. I have this problem mainly because there is no one else in the hall at the time. Don't know what else to do.
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Start hitting him up for money every time he comes around. He will leave you alone from now on.

It works.
 
cuesblues said:
Just ask him for weight, and if there is no reaction there is a good chance that he's deaf.
If the guy is deaf, plays with a Cuetec cue, and reacts by offering you the 4 & out :smile: there is a good chance he's tough action.
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When you say "no" hold up your palm and shake your head.
 
SeankyKong said:
Ok. My local pool hall has the best tables. I don't like going anywhere else really. But I have a problem. Every time I go there, there is this old guy. A banger, who always wants to play me. I don't want to play him, but I don't want to be a *****. As I have respect for the older folks. I love to play old guys and hear thier old timey jokes. But it's getting out of handhand. Yesterday I was practicing and he asked me if I wanted to shoot. I said no thank you and he proceeded to clear my table and rack em. im right on the edge of telling him to take a hike in a not so friendly manner. I have this problem mainly because there is no one else in the hall at the time. Don't know what else to do.
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Remember this post when you're 70 and having nothing to do but sit in a pool hall hoping someone will play with you. (That is assuming that there will still be pool halls then.)
 
Slooooow play him to death then hit him with a lot of safes and then most important of all run out whenever possible. The more you shoot the less he shoots and the less it will be enjoyable for him. Hopefully that will deter him from playing you in the future. Beat him bad enough he just might quit pool entirely!

Now I too prefer playing better players than myself but i don't always pass-up playing bangers either. I look at it as an opportunity to stretch my legs and just try and see how strong my run-out powers are. I'll try some low percentage shots and safes I otherwise might avoid. Also, a good time to practice maintaining the killer instict.
 
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