Is It This Way Everywhere Now?

[lstevedus]

I am 60 yrs. old and live in central Ohio about 45 minutes north of Columbus. There used to be a lot of real pool rooms here with 8 and 9 foot tables. You had to go to a bar to play on a bar box. Now there is only one pool room, and it has 4 bar boxes only. This "pool room" is a converted garage. The space is adequate for 4 bar boxes and there is a bar and some extra seating. Actually its quite nice, and the tables are decent to play on.

This area has been hit really hard by the 4 recessions that I have lived through here. There was a lot of manufacturing here, and now there is only a fraction of what there once was. I'm trying to be fair here. Anyway, they have a tournament on Sunday's, 8ball, race to 2 on both sides, and they play for blood. They used to let people bring their own alcohol but had to stop that because things were getting out of hand, and then a friend of mine got into it with the tournament director who kept stirring the pot. and the cops got called. There is a "do whatever it takes to win" atmosphere in the place. All kinds of sharking going on.

I told a guy that plays there a lot that I'm not going back. The only reason I played there was I liked the competition, and it was the closest place to play. It kept my game sharp. I'd usually spend $30. or $40. on a Sunday there, and that was about what 2nd place pays. I'm not the only one that's quit going. There used to be 20 to 25 players every week. Now its down to 15 or less.

When I started playing pool, people seemed to show a lot more respect to each other. Is it just me, or where I live, or is it this way every where now? If I've got to put up with this kind of thing, it takes the fun out of what I like to do for fun, and I'm starting to wonder if its not time to find something else to spend my free time on.

Please let me know what you all think about this. I think its what is killing pool.

 

[u12armresl]

Have you tried playing in Delaware?

Or Marysville?

 

[justadub]

Thats too bad. While I have no way of really knowing, I'm betting it isn't like that everywhere. Sure doesn't seem to be that way here in central Maine, where I live.

It's funny. I see lot's of posts here on AZB about the lack of places to play on 9-footers. We have more places with 9-footers than with smaller tables. You have to really look for a 7-footer, only two that I'm aware of here. There are a few more places with 8-footers, tho not a bunch.

Our APA league plays in four different rooms, the fourth just joined this session. It's a small bar with one 8-footer. All three other rooms have 9-footers to play on. There is another room that just re-opened and not involved with the league yet, and they have 9-footers, as well.

As for the attitudes you've encountered, I haven't seen anything quite that dramatic, though I don't play in all those places on the weekends, so who knows. I have an idea that if it was that bad with the sharking and all that I probably would have heard about it from someone.

I agree with you, that kind of environment is no way to enjoy pool, and gives it a bit of a black eye. Different strokes, I suppose. Keep your head up and your eyes sharp, maybe you'll find another place to play that will suit you better.

 

[lstevedus]

This place was about 20 minutes from where I live. That's why I played there. I do play in Columbus at the 8-Ball occasionally, nice place, and now I think that's where I'll play more. I heard Players in Whitehall has a new owner? Might check them out too.

 

[K Knight]

The APA leagues around me turned into that. Then I found leagues at city pool hall. Lots of good shooters that show respect for the game. Great tables too 6 9' and 3 8'.

 

[Buckzapper]

No, It's not like that everywhere. Sharking is not permitted and many types of conduct by a player, is considered "unsportsman like" and solid cause for disqualification. Throwing chalk, throwing a bridge, a cue or rack, vulgar outbursts, and more. I remember several years ago, I had a heckler in the 2nd row in a tournament. I politely asked him to knock it off, but he insisted he was within his 1st amendment rights. I calmly went and got a tall black coffee and announced to him, that the next time he opened his mouth, he would wear the coffee. He was quiet as a mouse the remainder of the tournament.

 

[ridinda9]

I'm so damn spoiled !

Wow !
4 barboxes is a poolroom ?
In Daytona that's a bar . . .

I'm suddenly embaressed by the plethora of GC's & 9' Robertson's I have access to . . . .
But the murderous , cutthroat attitude ? Nah , that's a Yankee thing . . . . .

 

[Gerry]

Wow !
4 barboxes is a poolroom ?
In Daytona that's a bar . . .

I'm suddenly embaressed by the plethora of GC's & 9' Robertson's I have access to . . . .
But the murderous , cutthroat attitude ? Nah , that's a Yankee thing . . . . .

yankee thing?!

I moved from PA down to Ormond by the sea a few years back and had a great time adjusting to the slow pace of southern living!

Browns billiards was cool...I sat with Tom a few times and we chatted about guys we know up here in the north east. My biggest adjustment was walking into a pool room that HAD a bar....its still a no no here in "quaker"
Pa.

now that we moved back north again....I miss the beach life

 

[NineballBEN]

I can only speak for up here in cleveland,the only ones that seem to shark and act like idiots are the lower level c players and down,as someone who often plays with A's -B's, and road hustlers, I can tell you they don't act that way.To much to lose and nothing to gain.Most of the people that act stupid around the table are lucky to run 6 balls...and then they think that they've done something big...mostly ego and no substance. Hope this helps you to get away from those types and back to hitting with people that are going to help you elevate your game.:smile:

 

[rayjay]

That's not how it is here in Albuquerque, not where I play anyway. I play in two tournaments a week, Monday and Thursday, at Doc 'n Eddies on 9' Olhausens. Monday is a chip (6) tournament and Thursday is a race to 3 both sides, both days are 9-ball. People are respectful of the game and each other, caliber of play is pretty high. Sharking is either done in jest or it's seriously looked down upon. There was a fight a couple years ago and it ended quickly and the instigater hasn't been seen since; the only fight I've seen there in eight years. Drunks don't have a prayer of winning. Your situation sounds terrible, too bad that's all there is. I would take up golf if I had to go through that...

 

[Fatboy]

I am 60 yrs. old and live in central Ohio about 45 minutes north of Columbus. There used to be a lot of real pool rooms here with 8 and 9 foot tables. You had to go to a bar to play on a bar box. Now there is only one pool room, and it has 4 bar boxes only. This "pool room" is a converted garage. The space is adequate for 4 bar boxes and there is a bar and some extra seating. Actually its quite nice, and the tables are decent to play on.

This area has been hit really hard by the 4 recessions that I have lived through here. There was a lot of manufacturing here, and now there is only a fraction of what there once was. I'm trying to be fair here. Anyway, they have a tournament on Sunday's, 8ball, race to 2 on both sides, and they play for blood. They used to let people bring their own alcohol but had to stop that because things were getting out of hand, and then a friend of mine got into it with the tournament director who kept stirring the pot. and the cops got called. There is a "do whatever it takes to win" atmosphere in the place. All kinds of sharking going on.

I told a guy that plays there a lot that I'm not going back. The only reason I played there was I liked the competition, and it was the closest place to play. It kept my game sharp. I'd usually spend $30. or $40. on a Sunday there, and that was about what 2nd place pays. I'm not the only one that's quit going. There used to be 20 to 25 players every week. Now its down to 15 or less.

When I started playing pool, people seemed to show a lot more respect to each other. Is it just me, or where I live, or is it this way every where now? If I've got to put up with this kind of thing, it takes the fun out of what I like to do for fun, and I'm starting to wonder if its not time to find something else to spend my free time on.

Please let me know what you all think about this. I think its what is killing pool.

what you said is just the tip of the ice berg. its a shame, Vegas is in a full blown depression and there was $20,000 action the other night with 6 rail birds. On the other side of the room the bar box's were going full blast and nobody over there could make a ball and didnt give a shit if they ever improved. The instant gratification world we now live in has made pool a poor choice to play if one desired to play good, because it takes too long and is to difficult for most people nowadays. When I do something I want to get better at it, no matter what it is, or how hard it comes. Most people dont want to pay their dues anymore...

 

[lstevedus]

Dick's Garage, Marion, Ohio

No, It's not like that everywhere. Sharking is not permitted and many types of conduct by a player, is considered "unsportsman like" and solid cause for disqualification. Throwing chalk, throwing a bridge, a cue or rack, vulgar outbursts, and more. I remember several years ago, I had a heckler in the 2nd row in a tournament. I politely asked him to knock it off, but he insisted he was within his 1st amendment rights. I calmly went and got a tall black coffee and announced to him, that the next time he opened his mouth, he would wear the coffee. He was quiet as a mouse the remainder of the tournament.

I've seen all the above mentioned behavior and more. I told the guy that owns the place that when they abuse the equipment, they are disrespecting him, but he doesn't seem to get it. My buddy that got into it with the guy running the tournament is one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet AND he can play some. I'll just say that the TD got the worst of it. Anyway, if you're looking for that kind of action, you can find it on North Main St. Marion, Ohio. I won't be there.

 

[mahalkita4120]

its not like that here in Miami, but the sharking thing is everywhere...even in an apa league. however usually when once i bring it to someones attention they usually stop. I once was gambling with this guy in California, and he was sharking me by chalking in the middle of my shot near the pocket or in mid stroke asked what pocket i was going for even though i annouced it before my shot, and even though i asked him politely to stop it, he continued, and so even though i was winning the set by one game i quit on him, and he had the nerve to tell me since i quit i should pay him and i said no. well he went off on me cussing me out and i throw the cue ball to his head and knocked his butt to the floor, and i told him he gets up i'm breaking his cues next. because unfortunately you can't kick a player in the nuts but breaking his cues hurts more than getting hit in the nuts. so the next time your gambling with someone and they're winning, keep your mouth shut and your butt on that chair cause you might run into me.

 

[rackem]

its not like that here in Miami, but the sharking thing is everywhere...even in an apa league. however usually when once i bring it to someones attention they usually stop. I once was gambling with this guy in California, and he was sharking me by chalking in the middle of my shot near the pocket or in mid stroke asked what pocket i was going for even though i annouced it before my shot, and even though i asked him politely to stop it, he continued, and so even though i was winning the set by one game i quit on him, and he had the nerve to tell me since i quit i should pay him and i said no. well he went off on me cussing me out and i throw the cue ball to his head and knocked his butt to the floor, and i told him he gets up i'm breaking his cues next. because unfortunately you can't kick a player in the nuts but breaking his cues hurts more than getting hit in the nuts. so the next time your gambling with someone and they're winning, keep your mouth shut and your butt on that chair cause you might run into me.

You threw a cue ball at a guys head because he cussed you out. :frown:
Yeah you are way more civilized than he is.

 

[LeagueShirts]

Yeah, that's battery dude. Where do you live?

 

[The Pool Hall]

I consider myself a pool hall with only 4 bar box tables. You have NOWHERE within 45 minutes that adults and teenagers can play pool but my place. I opened it for that reason because when I was a teenager you had to sneek into a bar to play. I don't put up with bullshit talking etc...... and generally tell new people upfront so. I don't have room for larger tables or I would have them but I own the building so I stuck with the 4 small tables leaving plenty of room to get around the tables and shoot. My money is made selling alot of chicken wings and food. I sell beer and NO liquor. I sell cues, repair cues and offer about any supplies you could want. We do have people disagree on things but normally I settle it and that is it. Most people would consider me FAIR or atleast that is what I hear. Good luck on finding you a place you can play and enjoy the game.

 

[The Pool Hall]

Pictures of The Pool Hall

 

[lstevedus]

Nice Pool Room

Your room looks really nice. Thanks for sharing the pics. I am going to retire from my current job in about 15 months and may try to do something similar here.

 

[lstevedus]

Vegas In October

what you said is just the tip of the ice berg. its a shame, Vegas is in a full blown depression and there was $20,000 action the other night with 6 rail birds. On the other side of the room the bar box's were going full blast and nobody over there could make a ball and didnt give a shit if they ever improved. The instant gratification world we now live in has made pool a poor choice to play if one desired to play good, because it takes too long and is to difficult for most people nowadays. When I do something I want to get better at it, no matter what it is, or how hard it comes. Most people dont want to pay their dues anymore...

My wife and I got married a year ago in Vegas so we decided to try it again this year. We stayed at Treasure Island and had a good time. There was a golf tournament and a rodeo going on, so it looked busy. I always talk to the people that work there, and they said things are not so good.

I decided to focus on pool kind of late in life. I was 38 in 1988. I bought a good cue, D-26 McDermott, bought Bert Kinister's 60 minute workout for 9 ball, went to some pro events, and started to play in the small local tournaments. I tried a league and didn't like it. I like to play all the games, but its mostly bar box 8 ball around here now because of all the leagues. I've always worked since I was 17. Actually before that if you count cutting grass, passing papers, and shoveling snow. It seems that I'm always playing people in these little tournaments now that are living on the edge and will do anything to win. I think they would love a chance to sue me, so I have to keep it under control. I'm sure you can relate. I am going to find different places to play AND spend my pool $$$. I'm too old for all the drama anyway.

 

[ridewiththewind]

We lost our poolhall a few years ago now, I think. So, if I go out to play, it's tavern play on 8 foot barboxes. No big deal to me, as the place I prefer keeps their equipment clean.

Lately, it is becoming less and less fun to play out unless I run into players I know who will play me. Otherwise, it's gotten to be a 'fight' just to either get a game, ie; no one will play me if I already have the table, or they don't want to let me play on a table because I am a 'pool shark'....LoL! I don't even gamble!! And I am always respectful of my opponents...I just like to play. Problem is many times, if I pony up my quarters and play, I typically wind up winning the table, unless I am just flat out playing like crap. Am I supposed to dumb my game down just to be able to play?

I got to go out and play last night for the first time in a while. Walked in and some players I know (young guys) were playing. We BS'd for a bit, I put up my quarters and waited my turn. My game finally came up, and well, I won. Played about 5 more games, and won them all...I was playing well. No biggie. The one guy had left earlier, and my opponent had quarters up on the other table and his game came up. So, I stepped over to the bar to talk to another player I knew, when i notice two guys flipping to see who was gonna rack my table...only they didn't want to play me and expected me to just give up my table, WTH?! The one guy got mouthy, and I basically just shut him down and sent him packing...winning every game against both of them.

So...now I can't catch a game...so I put quarters up on the other table, which is a Straight 8 game. I wait for my turn...and notice the gal who has won the table the last several games is just waiting for someone to rack. I asked if it was my game and she said she didn't know where everyone had gone and sure, rack 'em up. Mid-game one of the people who had had quarters up and had then disappeared, reappeared and got in my face about stealing their game, and that I shouldn't be playing because I'm a 'pool shark' and should let others play instead...again, WTH?! At that point, I just broke down my cue and quit playing...too much stupid BS.

Thank goodness I still have a table at home, or I would go nutz...but still, it's nice to be able to go out and play against other people from time to time. But I admit, the 'tone' has changed as of late and it's getting to be less and less fun anymore....which flat out sucks, as I adore playing.

Lisa