I'm a horrible gambler... (Matt_24's venting session)
- Thread starter Matt_24
- Start date
Seems to me you are playing games for sums that are as of yet out of your comfort zone. So you cannot fully enjoy the game, if at all. Nothing is automatic anymore, muscle memory almost completely erased...
Happens to me all the time.
When I play for just table time or a drink, I pose a threat to just below shortstop class players.
But put me in a tournament which means a lot to me and where I expect to do well...suddenly a blind drunk is a major threat to me.
Happens to me all the time.
When I play for just table time or a drink, I pose a threat to just below shortstop class players.
But put me in a tournament which means a lot to me and where I expect to do well...suddenly a blind drunk is a major threat to me.
You could try this... Dont think of winning and dont think of losing. Try thinking about control of the table and time on it. Think about keeping your oponent in his chair and you shooting. And if you have a hard shot that is "iffy" and you're not comfortable yet then lock him up in a safe. It's so frustrating for players to have to sit and sit and then when they finally get a shot it's a hard safe. It really throws them out of stroke and by that time you're already thinking wow I can win this if I keep him seated. Then just take your time and try to dominate the time at the table. It should take your focus off winning or losing and also the money.
edit: also dont worry about equipment. You have a schon.. there are plenty of players that can play lights out with "old technology". Learn to play with what you have and get used to it. If you change your gear too much you have to go through the learning process again. When you find something that you like regardless of new technology stick with it. If you have confidence in knowing how to play with your stick and then confidence in your game and knowing what you can and cant make it'll make gambling that much easier. Keep your head clear. If you're worrying about your stick, your shaft, will it miscue, will it draw as much as before, how much you're up, how much you're down, etc. your game will go all to hell. Focus on one thing and thats it. That makes the game easier especially while gambling. If you only have to think about staying at the table and play like you know how the game becomes easy and fun
Good luck
edit: also dont worry about equipment. You have a schon.. there are plenty of players that can play lights out with "old technology". Learn to play with what you have and get used to it. If you change your gear too much you have to go through the learning process again. When you find something that you like regardless of new technology stick with it. If you have confidence in knowing how to play with your stick and then confidence in your game and knowing what you can and cant make it'll make gambling that much easier. Keep your head clear. If you're worrying about your stick, your shaft, will it miscue, will it draw as much as before, how much you're up, how much you're down, etc. your game will go all to hell. Focus on one thing and thats it. That makes the game easier especially while gambling. If you only have to think about staying at the table and play like you know how the game becomes easy and fun
Good luck
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I've been playing a long time bro.
I'm capable of running multiple racks of any game. Lots o' balls.
I've done well in tournaments beating some top local players in "weekly" tourneys here in D.C. and in Ft. Walton when I was stationed there... when I was playing all of the time. I don't get nervous in tournaments. I love the competition and if I'm in stroke play good. Well, I'll say I don't choke. Heck, I've beaten Pooky a few times in weekly events (8 and 9 ball). But if I gamble out of my zone - there is just no telling who will show up. Hard to admit it openly, but hey. This forum is for sharing - so I'm just keeping it real.
"I'm real because I'm keeping it real." (which comedy is that from?)
I'm capable of running multiple racks of any game. Lots o' balls.
I've done well in tournaments beating some top local players in "weekly" tourneys here in D.C. and in Ft. Walton when I was stationed there... when I was playing all of the time. I don't get nervous in tournaments. I love the competition and if I'm in stroke play good. Well, I'll say I don't choke. Heck, I've beaten Pooky a few times in weekly events (8 and 9 ball). But if I gamble out of my zone - there is just no telling who will show up. Hard to admit it openly, but hey. This forum is for sharing - so I'm just keeping it real.
"I'm real because I'm keeping it real." (which comedy is that from?)
Hm I just dont understand then 
When I was gambling for 20 dollar sets it was no difference from when I was doing sets race to 9 for a thousand. I guess I just didnt focus on the money aspect although it would've surely hurt if I lost. When I got over the hump of gambling it didnt matter what number was put on it....
Well gl with your gambling zone. I tried
When I was gambling for 20 dollar sets it was no difference from when I was doing sets race to 9 for a thousand. I guess I just didnt focus on the money aspect although it would've surely hurt if I lost. When I got over the hump of gambling it didnt matter what number was put on it....Well gl with your gambling zone. I tried
I don't know what it is. All I know is, I just have to do what I have to do. I love the game of pool too much to quit. I mean, I really see the beauty in pool. Watching a great player run out is as exciting for me, like a person who is moved to tears by the Symphony/Opera. Silly, maybe...but true. When I talk about pool like that to my wife she just looks at me like I'm insane.
I guess I just have to lose the ego and admit that I just can't go over "x" amounts (not quite sure what those are - but I'm self imposing a $25 max per set) without playing like a dirty dog. Thank the Lord I don't have to worry about money. I'd be up the creek if I had to gamble at pool for a living.
I guess I just have to lose the ego and admit that I just can't go over "x" amounts (not quite sure what those are - but I'm self imposing a $25 max per set) without playing like a dirty dog. Thank the Lord I don't have to worry about money. I'd be up the creek if I had to gamble at pool for a living.
Comfort Zone
No matter what the amount is, how much you make for a living, if you're a millionaire or not, it just doesn't matter. IF YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE, YOU WILL NOT WIN. Unless you're stealing, and action like that, for any amount of real money is scarce. There are fifty guys within a hundred miles that for $5 a game might hang in there with me. $500... I can give'em weight. It's something you get used to. You can be worth a million, and if you've never bet a thousand, relying on hand eye, nerve, stroke, experience, it IS tough. First time I played an "ahead" set for three thousand giving the seven and the break, I went in the bathroom and vomited. I had never bet more than two hundred. I was out of my comfort zone. You can also use people's zones to your advantage. If my opponent is a whiz, Earl at fifty a set, I might negotiate for three or five hundred. If it is a road driven pro, I might bet cheap, hoping he's bored or not interested. Then, sneak up on him. Listen, I make an OK living, also. Keep it what it is. If the money issue doesn't bother you at all, you can get used to it. If it does bother you, play cheap and work your way up to it. If you don't plan to make this your main source of income, why treat it that way? Best of luck.Matt_24 said:
Purdman
Banned
Matt_24 said:
Why do you feel it necessary to gamble when playing a game you love to play Matt? Is it am ego thing or you worried other people might think less of you if you don't? Do you covet others money? Exactly what do you get out of gambling? My friend, I am not knocking your action, I am just curious what it is that makes you want to gamble. I don't gamble and don't feel bad about it. Actually, I would much rather help somebody out than take their money away from them. You know that. What makes us different my friend. I ain't talking about $1 on the 5 and $2 on the nine sir. I am talking about money you could spend on your wife and child and make them smile unexpectedly. The dozen roses from time to time and the unexpected trip to toys are us on Saturday morning. Sitting on the curb waiting on the store to open having a coke and a candy bar. You know what I mean buddy.
Peace, your friend, Purdman
My couple of thoughts. You are scared to lose the money.
There is a local player from my hometown who is a solid A level player. I've seen him run 9 racks of 9 ball when he is really shooting well. Anyway, we don't gamble, but we practice together sometimes. I always fall apart. Another friend told me the other day, to just play the table and forget who you are playing. I think this has been the best adviced I have been given in many years of playing. I haven't played my A level friend since, but when I do again, I know I will play much better.
There is a local player from my hometown who is a solid A level player. I've seen him run 9 racks of 9 ball when he is really shooting well. Anyway, we don't gamble, but we practice together sometimes. I always fall apart. Another friend told me the other day, to just play the table and forget who you are playing. I think this has been the best adviced I have been given in many years of playing. I haven't played my A level friend since, but when I do again, I know I will play much better.
I feel your pain. Try working out with weights and then going to gamble if you want to try out a whole new level of frustration. The only suggestion I can offer is to take a break from the game and go back when you start daydreaming about running out again.
The only suggestion I can offer is to take a break from the game and go back when you start daydreaming about running out again.
I went through the if I bet higher I play differently stage, if you stay at it it should disappear with time and bigger and bigger action, dont let the size of the bet influence you, the $$$ is won or lost when you match up not when your playing, if you think of the $$ its a distraction, so forget it and play.
you say your holding pretty good, me to, thank God and luck, I still get butterflys the first 3-5 times I get a shot after that I shut everything out and play. I could lose alot and it wouldnt affect me one bit but the butterflys still come and go quickly. when I wasnt holding like I am now, I learned how to play when winning or losing would affect my life, not the rent-I'm not a degenerate gambler but it counted back then, Now days no one is holding enough to play me, and if i'm wrong I would still be able to get ahold of myself in short order.
Some guys cant ever get past that dog-it for the $$$ problem if its gambling or getting close to winning a tournment. The sooner you get past it the better, just stay in $200 action often, then $500 etc. Dont take the worst of it, you need to learn how to win. Winning isnt an easy thing in it self adding $$$ to makes it different, For me it came natural-pool didnt.
i respect your first post and starting this thread, your on the right track and not in denial. Thinking about it figure out your comfort level gambling and add a bit to it and see how it goes, then move up to $200 like I suggested in a game where you have a chance of winning not getting robbed that wont help you learn to gamble, i got robbed a few times. i've been the robber more times though so I learned from that too.
you say your holding pretty good, me to, thank God and luck, I still get butterflys the first 3-5 times I get a shot after that I shut everything out and play. I could lose alot and it wouldnt affect me one bit but the butterflys still come and go quickly. when I wasnt holding like I am now, I learned how to play when winning or losing would affect my life, not the rent-I'm not a degenerate gambler but it counted back then, Now days no one is holding enough to play me, and if i'm wrong I would still be able to get ahold of myself in short order.
Some guys cant ever get past that dog-it for the $$$ problem if its gambling or getting close to winning a tournment. The sooner you get past it the better, just stay in $200 action often, then $500 etc. Dont take the worst of it, you need to learn how to win. Winning isnt an easy thing in it self adding $$$ to makes it different, For me it came natural-pool didnt.
i respect your first post and starting this thread, your on the right track and not in denial. Thinking about it figure out your comfort level gambling and add a bit to it and see how it goes, then move up to $200 like I suggested in a game where you have a chance of winning not getting robbed that wont help you learn to gamble, i got robbed a few times. i've been the robber more times though so I learned from that too.
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When you play out of your comfort zone you play worse. So does everyone except those half crazy nut jobs we all love who have no fear of anything. The thing is most of the no fear guys have been broke enough often enough it just doesn't worry them.
You say the amounts will not make a financial difference in your life and I believe you. But it is pretty obvious that the higher stakes mean enough to you to make you think about it. Or to make you think differently about how you approach the game.
It's really no big deal IMO. If you really want to get over the hump you will. Just quit playing for $25. Only play $100 sets, and don't go back down for awhile. If you book too many losers in a row, with people you honestly feel you should beat, you know you're just not ready yet.
In the end it really doesn't matter. I mean where does it stop? You get comfortable at $100 but hit the wall at $500. Eventually it WILL make a difference, so why chase in the first place? Just enjoy what you do.
Pride will get you busted.
You say the amounts will not make a financial difference in your life and I believe you. But it is pretty obvious that the higher stakes mean enough to you to make you think about it. Or to make you think differently about how you approach the game.
It's really no big deal IMO. If you really want to get over the hump you will. Just quit playing for $25. Only play $100 sets, and don't go back down for awhile. If you book too many losers in a row, with people you honestly feel you should beat, you know you're just not ready yet.
In the end it really doesn't matter. I mean where does it stop? You get comfortable at $100 but hit the wall at $500. Eventually it WILL make a difference, so why chase in the first place? Just enjoy what you do.
Pride will get you busted.
predator said:
i cant win a set in any tournment, i have only played in a few, its just not for me, i'm an independant person and I like to play on my terms-it dosent work in a tournment, I love to sweat them at all levels, small ones with D and C players or pro tourny's.
JCIN said:
Speaking about myself only, I love to win when there is heat on me, Its more to win then than when your justing playing races to 11 for the time. Where does it end? Who knows as long anyone dosent have a gambling problem and isnt losing on a consistant basis it dosent matter. your right 200% it has to be fun, and stepping up to play a tough game is fun for me-a fair game that I can win if I can get the best of me out of me.
Purdman said:
It certainly isn't about the money. I would never gamble anything that would hurt my bankroll. Essentially I could set the money I gamble on fire and it wouldn't hurt my family financially. Not that I would do that....but you get the point. I guess I enjoy the competition and what the money adds to it? I just feel like I know I'm going to get something out of my opponent, it adds a degree of seriousness to the match, whereas for nothing you can miss - and you lose nothing. I enjoy the thrill of the competition as much as the game. I've had friends I could play for nothing and we both played serious and had a great, enjoyable match - where we put in 100%...but finding an opponent like that where you do'nt have to gamble is hard. Just my thoughts.
I agree with the comfort zone stuff. Psychologically, it's a matter of awareness of where your comfort limits are, and then gradually expanding them. You seem to have good insight into yourself and your game, but to expand your comfort limits you have to be able to tolerate some discomfort while being aware of your senses, feelings and behaviors while being uncomfortable, and avoiding going on tilt. In other words, becoming comfortable with discomfort, over and over...$50 sets, $75, $100, $150, $200, $500, $1k, etc. Find your tolerance limits, be aware of them and your emotions around them, accept them, play there and get comfortable with them, then expand again. This is if you really want to pursue high dollar games, which I am guessing gives you more of a thrill while playing (rush). Remember, there are very, very few people, if any, with no limits at all. Nice vent!! 
After some contemplation (and there really is a learning curve for someone to become a better gambler I think) this is what I've concluded.
I only brought in $100 to play around with, shoot to the wind, whatever. I mean, it was only a dead Weds night there, so it would be something to do. I've been sick for a while - so I'm just trying to play and get back into things, slowly building up - you know?
There was only one guy in the room, and he plays ok - but will bet real high. Somewhat of a high roller you might say. Since no one was around to play him high I suggested some $25 sets. That would give me 4 shots. He wanted to do $100 so I said no. I sat there stewing because I was bored and just wanted to do SOMETHING, so I finally relented. The pressure of just having one shot to win I think is what made me beat myself, and get so frustrated. Once he didn't agree to what I wanted to play I should have declined. So, it wasn't really the money - it was just that I wanted more than one shot to win. I mean it was just a dead Weds night there (literally know one else that would gamble for 10 cents). If I had brought 10,000...it would be stupid to shoot it all in one set, right? I'm enjoying all of the various philosophies on the subject.
I only brought in $100 to play around with, shoot to the wind, whatever. I mean, it was only a dead Weds night there, so it would be something to do. I've been sick for a while - so I'm just trying to play and get back into things, slowly building up - you know?
There was only one guy in the room, and he plays ok - but will bet real high. Somewhat of a high roller you might say. Since no one was around to play him high I suggested some $25 sets. That would give me 4 shots. He wanted to do $100 so I said no. I sat there stewing because I was bored and just wanted to do SOMETHING, so I finally relented. The pressure of just having one shot to win I think is what made me beat myself, and get so frustrated. Once he didn't agree to what I wanted to play I should have declined. So, it wasn't really the money - it was just that I wanted more than one shot to win. I mean it was just a dead Weds night there (literally know one else that would gamble for 10 cents). If I had brought 10,000...it would be stupid to shoot it all in one set, right? I'm enjoying all of the various philosophies on the subject.
Matt, you seem to be having a big mental struggle with yourself trying to accept what you stated in the first post.
You're not a big money player, you're a small money player.
Why the mental anguish? Why not thank your lucky stars you're not the kind of guy who goes into debt trying to support his gambling habits? If we ever get together, I'll play you as cheap as you want, and even for absolutely nothing at all. I play my best game for free, because my comfort zone for gambling is non-existent. As soon as my $5 are at risk, I'm nervous about losing them. If you walked up to me at the bar, told me your name, shook my hand, and asked me for $5, I'd probably be willing to just hand it to you. Or as you said, set it on fire. But playing for it, I'm nervous. Biggest action I've ever had in my life was playing a guy at Carpool in Ballston at a friend's birthday party, drunk as a skunk last Saturday. I won every cent the guy had on him: $91. We played for two hours for that $91.
Anyway, I guess my point is, we don't need a support group for this, we need to celebrate this in ourselves. We have fun without going broke. What's not to like about that?
-Andrew
PS Where do you play?
You're not a big money player, you're a small money player.
Why the mental anguish? Why not thank your lucky stars you're not the kind of guy who goes into debt trying to support his gambling habits? If we ever get together, I'll play you as cheap as you want, and even for absolutely nothing at all. I play my best game for free, because my comfort zone for gambling is non-existent. As soon as my $5 are at risk, I'm nervous about losing them. If you walked up to me at the bar, told me your name, shook my hand, and asked me for $5, I'd probably be willing to just hand it to you. Or as you said, set it on fire. But playing for it, I'm nervous. Biggest action I've ever had in my life was playing a guy at Carpool in Ballston at a friend's birthday party, drunk as a skunk last Saturday. I won every cent the guy had on him: $91. We played for two hours for that $91.
Anyway, I guess my point is, we don't need a support group for this, we need to celebrate this in ourselves. We have fun without going broke. What's not to like about that?
-Andrew
PS Where do you play?
Also, and I'm sure you know this, anyone can win a race to 5. Longer sets even out the rolls and the better player usually prevails. Sounds like your boredom got the best of your good judgement and you shot your one bullet on a short set! Maybe negotiate a longer set next time...?