Jam
- Thread starter wagnew
- Start date
She's been posting here http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=42780
Thank you for the kind words, Wayne. I do appreciate them. 
When I began my pool journey, after taking about a 20-year hiatus from pool, it was about 5 years ago that I came onto the scene, full of enthusiasm and joy. I've always been kind of a pool junkie, even though I took a self-imposed retreat. Right next to my desk at work, I had a gigantic poster of "The Color of Money" down on the Hill, and my D.C. license plates used to say "Rack'em." All my work friends associated me with pool and thought I was good. If they only knew how my level of play paled in comparison to the great ones.
I recently saw a photograph taken by Diana Hoppe at the U.S. Open of me, Keith, Grady Mathews and his girlfriend, along with AzBilliards House Pro Mike Howerton. I looked so happy in that picture, and I was. Going to the U.S. Open was a real thrill for me. It was, in fact, my very first U.S. Open, and I had a blast. Meeting Jimmy Reid, Earl Strickland, Buddy Hall and his lovely wife, Nick Varner, Johnny Archer, I was awestruck, to say the least.
Fast forward 5 years later, I am not quite as enthusiastic about pool as I was when I first met the colorful Keith McCready, and there are reasons for my dismay, some of which I can't post about on a public forum like AzBilliards, but I am constantly reminded of a telephone conversation I had with Ronnie Allen because it hits home.
Ronnie, to me, was a pool icon, a one-pocket legend, and an American champion. Though I had never met him before, when I was younger, Ronnie's name was mentioned quite frequently from the road players when they would return home. Ronnie this and Ronnie that, they used to love to relay the tales of Ronnie Allen.
So, when I actually got the opportunity to speak to Ronnie for the first time, I asked him, "Ronnie, why don't you have any enthusiasm for pool anymore?," hoping he'd share with me a little bit of insight, and coming from a player of Ronnie's caliber, I was all ears. He said, "Jennie, when you have been beaten up by the sport, the way I have, you lose all enthusiasm." Though I was surprised and disappointed to hear these words, today I understand his feelings.
It saddens me to read the ugly comments from posters about players like Ronnie Allen. Yes, Ronnie is no angel, and I'm aware of that, but when he used to enter the pool room, the crowds would draw near just to hear him talk. They hung onto his every word and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. Dance, monkey, dance, they would think, hoping to get some free live entertainment. Ronnie was on top of his game then and could provide a little fun for those in attendance. Everybody loved to hear him talk, with his gift of gab.
Some of the players of today who continue to bang their chests how great they are were truly no angels themselves on the pool circuit of years ago. One unnamed top pro used to take advantage of other players on the golf course, and today he continues to take advantage of rigging racks, whining, and hoping to get in his opponent's head right at the commencement of a match, hoping to steal that almighty win. Yet, he is heralded as a great one. Phooey. I've caught his act on more than one occasion. Rigging racks is like playing poker with a marked deck of cards, IMHO, and whenever there is a winner rack-your-own tournament, this player will excel because he cheats.
And then there are those players who condemn others who use drugs. Let me be the first to tell you that there are MANY top pros today who use substances before they enter any venue, whether it be marijuana, pills and/or alcohol. Some of them are older players who can't play without it, and then there are some young'ns of today who sadly cannot get out of bed without pills. Pills are the drug of choice today with some players. In fact, pills are actually a problem which plagues this Nation today with those who desire to alter their state of mind at will.
Without the Ronnie Allens of the world, pool would not be quiet as bright for me personally. I come from a pool world where there were no tournament soldiers, only the action players. While Mike Sigel, Nick Varner, and Jim Rempe were making the headlines, I was content watching a couple of roadsters like Buffalo Frank shooting every shot with the rack against the likes of Rockville Danny Wolford or Geese, giving it their all for a dime a pop. Efren Reyes even traveled to the old Bill and Billie's in Glen Burnie, MD years ago, looking for action and put on a show for all those in attendance. Those days are gone, but the players, those who devoted their life to this game, some of them are still around.
Pool culture's toughest critics come from within, and there isn't anything for me to look forward to anymore on the tournament trail. Yes, I can travel hundreds of miles to an event, hoping to come in third place to break even, or I can attend a tournament where there is favoritism by the organizers which makes me sick to my stomach.
Pool today is a rich man's high, but, unfortunately, it does not pay the bills, no matter how good you play, with the exception of the Efren Reyeses of the world, of course. For the aspiring pro, today I'd say, "Momma, don't let your babies grow up to be pool players."
I seemed to be much happier and more positive about pool when I was banging balls as a social shooter or as a league player, but today, like Ronnie Allen, I've been beaten up myself and have decided to just sit back and watch what happens next. Thankfully, I haven't quit my day job. I may snap out of my blue funk about pool, but it doesn't look very likely at the time of this writing.
JAM
When I began my pool journey, after taking about a 20-year hiatus from pool, it was about 5 years ago that I came onto the scene, full of enthusiasm and joy. I've always been kind of a pool junkie, even though I took a self-imposed retreat. Right next to my desk at work, I had a gigantic poster of "The Color of Money" down on the Hill, and my D.C. license plates used to say "Rack'em." All my work friends associated me with pool and thought I was good. If they only knew how my level of play paled in comparison to the great ones.
I recently saw a photograph taken by Diana Hoppe at the U.S. Open of me, Keith, Grady Mathews and his girlfriend, along with AzBilliards House Pro Mike Howerton. I looked so happy in that picture, and I was. Going to the U.S. Open was a real thrill for me. It was, in fact, my very first U.S. Open, and I had a blast. Meeting Jimmy Reid, Earl Strickland, Buddy Hall and his lovely wife, Nick Varner, Johnny Archer, I was awestruck, to say the least.
Fast forward 5 years later, I am not quite as enthusiastic about pool as I was when I first met the colorful Keith McCready, and there are reasons for my dismay, some of which I can't post about on a public forum like AzBilliards, but I am constantly reminded of a telephone conversation I had with Ronnie Allen because it hits home.
Ronnie, to me, was a pool icon, a one-pocket legend, and an American champion. Though I had never met him before, when I was younger, Ronnie's name was mentioned quite frequently from the road players when they would return home. Ronnie this and Ronnie that, they used to love to relay the tales of Ronnie Allen.
So, when I actually got the opportunity to speak to Ronnie for the first time, I asked him, "Ronnie, why don't you have any enthusiasm for pool anymore?," hoping he'd share with me a little bit of insight, and coming from a player of Ronnie's caliber, I was all ears. He said, "Jennie, when you have been beaten up by the sport, the way I have, you lose all enthusiasm." Though I was surprised and disappointed to hear these words, today I understand his feelings.
It saddens me to read the ugly comments from posters about players like Ronnie Allen. Yes, Ronnie is no angel, and I'm aware of that, but when he used to enter the pool room, the crowds would draw near just to hear him talk. They hung onto his every word and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. Dance, monkey, dance, they would think, hoping to get some free live entertainment. Ronnie was on top of his game then and could provide a little fun for those in attendance. Everybody loved to hear him talk, with his gift of gab.
Some of the players of today who continue to bang their chests how great they are were truly no angels themselves on the pool circuit of years ago. One unnamed top pro used to take advantage of other players on the golf course, and today he continues to take advantage of rigging racks, whining, and hoping to get in his opponent's head right at the commencement of a match, hoping to steal that almighty win. Yet, he is heralded as a great one. Phooey. I've caught his act on more than one occasion. Rigging racks is like playing poker with a marked deck of cards, IMHO, and whenever there is a winner rack-your-own tournament, this player will excel because he cheats.
And then there are those players who condemn others who use drugs. Let me be the first to tell you that there are MANY top pros today who use substances before they enter any venue, whether it be marijuana, pills and/or alcohol. Some of them are older players who can't play without it, and then there are some young'ns of today who sadly cannot get out of bed without pills. Pills are the drug of choice today with some players. In fact, pills are actually a problem which plagues this Nation today with those who desire to alter their state of mind at will.
Without the Ronnie Allens of the world, pool would not be quiet as bright for me personally. I come from a pool world where there were no tournament soldiers, only the action players. While Mike Sigel, Nick Varner, and Jim Rempe were making the headlines, I was content watching a couple of roadsters like Buffalo Frank shooting every shot with the rack against the likes of Rockville Danny Wolford or Geese, giving it their all for a dime a pop. Efren Reyes even traveled to the old Bill and Billie's in Glen Burnie, MD years ago, looking for action and put on a show for all those in attendance. Those days are gone, but the players, those who devoted their life to this game, some of them are still around.
Pool culture's toughest critics come from within, and there isn't anything for me to look forward to anymore on the tournament trail. Yes, I can travel hundreds of miles to an event, hoping to come in third place to break even, or I can attend a tournament where there is favoritism by the organizers which makes me sick to my stomach.
Pool today is a rich man's high, but, unfortunately, it does not pay the bills, no matter how good you play, with the exception of the Efren Reyeses of the world, of course. For the aspiring pro, today I'd say, "Momma, don't let your babies grow up to be pool players."
I seemed to be much happier and more positive about pool when I was banging balls as a social shooter or as a league player, but today, like Ronnie Allen, I've been beaten up myself and have decided to just sit back and watch what happens next. Thankfully, I haven't quit my day job. I may snap out of my blue funk about pool, but it doesn't look very likely at the time of this writing.
JAM
This is a big loss to the AZ Forum
JAM,
Many of us posters enjoyed your pros and pictures and we will miss them until you recuperate. Shooting pool can give one the highest highs and the lowest lows. Posting on this Forum never rewards one with the highest high. Give up the Forum but stay with Pool and the players.
Good Fortune to you and yours.
JAM,
Many of us posters enjoyed your pros and pictures and we will miss them until you recuperate. Shooting pool can give one the highest highs and the lowest lows. Posting on this Forum never rewards one with the highest high. Give up the Forum but stay with Pool and the players.
Good Fortune to you and yours.
JAM said:Thank you for the kind words, Wayne. I do appreciate them.
When I began my pool journey, after taking about a 20-year hiatus from pool, it was about 5 years ago that I came onto the scene, full of enthusiasm and joy. I've always been kind of a pool junkie, even though I took a self-imposed retreat. Right next to my desk at work, I had a gigantic poster of "The Color of Money" down on the Hill, and my D.C. license plates used to say "Rack'em." All my work friends associated me with pool and thought I was good. If they only knew how my level of play paled in comparison to the great ones.
I recently saw a photograph taken by Diana Hoppe at the U.S. Open of me, Keith, Grady Mathews and his girlfriend, along with AzBilliards House Pro Mike Howerton. I looked so happy in that picture, and I was. Going to the U.S. Open was a real thrill for me. It was, in fact, my very first U.S. Open, and I had a blast. Meeting Jimmy Reid, Earl Strickland, Buddy Hall and his lovely wife, Nick Varner, Johnny Archer, I was awestruck, to say the least.
Fast forward 5 years later, I am not quite as enthusiastic about pool as I was when I first met the colorful Keith McCready, and there are reasons for my dismay, some of which I can't post about on a public forum like AzBilliards, but I am constantly reminded of a telephone conversation I had with Ronnie Allen because it hits home.
Ronnie, to me, was a pool icon, a one-pocket legend, and an American champion. Though I had never met him before, when I was younger, Ronnie's name was mentioned quite frequently from the road players when they would return home. Ronnie this and Ronnie that, they used to love to relay the tales of Ronnie Allen.
So, when I actually got the opportunity to speak to Ronnie for the first time, I asked him, "Ronnie, why don't you have any enthusiasm for pool anymore?," hoping he'd share with me a little bit of insight, and coming from a player of Ronnie's caliber, I was all ears. He said, "Jennie, when you have been beaten up by the sport, the way I have, you lose all enthusiasm." Though I was surprised and disappointed to hear these words, today I understand his feelings.
It saddens me to read the ugly comments from posters about players like Ronnie Allen. Yes, Ronnie is no angel, and I'm aware of that, but when he used to enter the pool room, the crowds would draw near just to hear him talk. They hung onto his every word and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. Dance, monkey, dance, they would think, hoping to get some free live entertainment. Ronnie was on top of his game then and could provide a little fun for those in attendance. Everybody loved to hear him talk, with his gift of gab.
Some of the players of today who continue to bang their chests how great they are were truly no angels themselves on the pool circuit of years ago. One unnamed top pro used to take advantage of other players on the golf course, and today he continues to take advantage of rigging racks, whining, and hoping to get in his opponent's head right at the commencement of a match, hoping to steal that almighty win. Yet, he is heralded as a great one. Phooey. I've caught his act on more than one occasion. Rigging racks is like playing poker with a marked deck of cards, IMHO, and whenever there is a winner rack-your-own tournament, this player will excel because he cheats.
And then there are those players who condemn others who use drugs. Let me be the first to tell you that there are MANY top pros today who use substances before they enter any venue, whether it be marijuana, pills and/or alcohol. Some of them are older players who can't play without it, and then there are some young'ns of today who sadly cannot get out of bed without pills. Pills are the drug of choice today with some players. In fact, pills are actually a problem which plagues this Nation today with those who desire to alter their state of mind at will.
Without the Ronnie Allens of the world, pool would not be quiet as bright for me personally. I come from a pool world where there were no tournament soldiers, only the action players. While Mike Sigel, Nick Varner, and Jim Rempe were making the headlines, I was content watching a couple of roadsters like Buffalo Frank shooting every shot with the rack against the likes of Rockville Danny Wolford or Geese, giving it their all for a dime a pop. Efren Reyes even traveled to the old Bill and Billie's in Glen Burnie, MD years ago, looking for action and put on a show for all those in attendance. Those days are gone, but the players, those who devoted their life to this game, some of them are still around.
Pool culture's toughest critics come from within, and there isn't anything for me to look forward to anymore on the tournament trail. Yes, I can travel hundreds of miles to an event, hoping to come in third place to break even, or I can attend a tournament where there is favoritism by the organizers which makes me sick to my stomach.
Pool today is a rich man's high, but, unfortunately, it does not pay the bills, no matter how good you play, with the exception of the Efren Reyeses of the world, of course. For the aspiring pro, today I'd say, "Momma, don't let your babies grow up to be pool players."
I seemed to be much happier and more positive about pool when I was banging balls as a social shooter or as a league player, but today, like Ronnie Allen, I've been beaten up myself and have decided to just sit back and watch what happens next. Thankfully, I haven't quit my day job. I may snap out of my blue funk about pool, but it doesn't look very likely at the time of this writing.
JAM
This is one of the saddest posts I've read in 9 years of being online. I feel your pain and hope that you can overcome these current feelings...
Doug
Jam, I was disappointed when I found out that I wouldn't see you and Keith at the US Open this year and maybe if things work out I'll see you both next year.
I've been a pool fan and player for many years and I don't know how to explain it, but I don't have near the enthusiasm about pool that I used to have. I think I can guess the names of some of the players you are referring to in your post. I saw some of the poorest sportsmanship by one of the top players in the world this year at the US Open that i've ever seen.
I've been a pool fan and player for many years and I don't know how to explain it, but I don't have near the enthusiasm about pool that I used to have. I think I can guess the names of some of the players you are referring to in your post. I saw some of the poorest sportsmanship by one of the top players in the world this year at the US Open that i've ever seen.
JAM,
This board and the world of pool will miss you. Hopefully you'll find the passion you once had for the game. You're a talented and emotional writer and we'll miss the stories you tell and the tournament coverage you used to provide.
Yes, there is a "holier than thou" attitude purveyed by some here and in the pool world. Some of us are still a fan of the gamblers, like Keith, Grady, Ronnie et al. Some of us would rather read about how Ronnie Allen played Keith and Harry one handed in one-pocket 5 ahead for $10,000, than to read yet another article on how Archer came from the loser's bracket to win a tournament. There's not much money in pool, it seems as if the same dollar is passed among all the gamblers.
I wish you and Keith all the best and hope you regain your love of the game. I look forward to Keith's book and if there's anything I can do for you, all you have to do is ask. After all, I feel as though I owe from the enjoyment your stories have given...
Jim
This board and the world of pool will miss you. Hopefully you'll find the passion you once had for the game. You're a talented and emotional writer and we'll miss the stories you tell and the tournament coverage you used to provide.
Yes, there is a "holier than thou" attitude purveyed by some here and in the pool world. Some of us are still a fan of the gamblers, like Keith, Grady, Ronnie et al. Some of us would rather read about how Ronnie Allen played Keith and Harry one handed in one-pocket 5 ahead for $10,000, than to read yet another article on how Archer came from the loser's bracket to win a tournament. There's not much money in pool, it seems as if the same dollar is passed among all the gamblers.
I wish you and Keith all the best and hope you regain your love of the game. I look forward to Keith's book and if there's anything I can do for you, all you have to do is ask. After all, I feel as though I owe from the enjoyment your stories have given...
Jim
Keith's Biography
JAM, I'm hoping that your current low ebb of enthusiasm for pool doesn't carry over into the project of producing a biography of Keith. I remember a thread some months ago where I suggested that you might not be the best choice to write such a biography. At that time, you took offense at this suggestion, and that's understandable as I should have made the suggestion in a PM rather than a post on this board. Anyway, I hope you aren't holding a grudge against me for that incident and I hope the bio project is still a "go" as I would definitely like to read some Keith stories in the not too distant future. As for regaining your interest/enthusiasm for the world of pool, I suspect that time away from it might be the only cure.
I wish the best for you and Keith.
JAM, I'm hoping that your current low ebb of enthusiasm for pool doesn't carry over into the project of producing a biography of Keith. I remember a thread some months ago where I suggested that you might not be the best choice to write such a biography. At that time, you took offense at this suggestion, and that's understandable as I should have made the suggestion in a PM rather than a post on this board. Anyway, I hope you aren't holding a grudge against me for that incident and I hope the bio project is still a "go" as I would definitely like to read some Keith stories in the not too distant future. As for regaining your interest/enthusiasm for the world of pool, I suspect that time away from it might be the only cure.
I wish the best for you and Keith.
Jam so many of us share your "interpretation" of what has transpired here in the states, and whats created our/your current view of the situation. Our society, city councils, zoning departments visibilty of pools negative side of the game on TV and the media over the years have created its image/demise. I feel like the tipping point for the sport is 'nearing' for the graffitti to come off the walls, the broken windows to be repaired and we must be thankful for what the Phillipine players (whom duplicate what we had here duriing the depression era) and all those in Europe and Asia have brought back to light. You have seen the worst and the end game of the American players, but the smoke is clearing, tho not as fast as we would like to see. Allot of our players live in the past, and the future is upon us, I just hope I/we live to see what those on the other side of the Atlantic "embrace". The social psychology of those to the east of us is completely different and not with our societies negativity. Its through them and a small few of us in the states the game will be reborn. The strength of what pool is.....is why it will survive.
JAM said:
I feel the same way Jam. I have begun wondering why players even bother to enter tournaments at all when they know that 90% of them are going to lose money even if they come in the money.
A lot of players thought the IPT was going to be their savior. Everyone was high on the IPT. It was their road to success. It was like the best narcotic. Now that it looks like the bubble burst everyone is suffering a severe low. Just like withdrawal symptoms.
The future looks grim for them. Nothing to do now but hit the tournament trail again. Only now they all know how good it could have been and it will never be the same again. No more fun. Back to the old grind.
I also think you will see more and more pool rooms not wanting to hold tournaments anymore since they are losing money on them.
Jake
Thanks for the post JAM. Sad to read that, but I think it is important to say those things. For all kinds of reasons, pool is a tough way to try to make a life. Hopefully the game will last so that maybe things will change. Waiting for that to happen, well,........ it could be a long wait.
That you took the time to write this post, is a sign that there is still at least a small ember. Pool is like, a roller coaster ride, that is what makes it so exciting for most of us. I hope your next thrill, is just around the corner.JAM said:
Tracy
Buckle UP !
But, I hope it's not a really fast loop-de-loop that make you sick and you throw up all down the front of your blouse and you lose a shoe also.....
you know what I'm saying.....
doug
RSB-Refugee said:
But, I hope it's not a really fast loop-de-loop that make you sick and you throw up all down the front of your blouse and you lose a shoe also.....
you know what I'm saying.....
doug
jjinfla said:
Pool is alive and well and millions of players enjoy playing every day. Just because some players think someone owes them a living playing is a big so what. I have owned two pool rooms and even though I like watching good players for the most part they are meaningless to the survival of the sport. Most come in spend nothing, will stiff you and you are lucky if they don't end up owning you money. I have heard this same line for 40 years from players who just plain and simple don't want to get a job.
I am sorry, the world doesn't owe them a living. Before I get accused of being jealous or some want to be, I have two runs of 200 plus and have played and beaten many of the top players when I was playing. The difference is I recognized pool is just a pastime and not a profession. My family has made their living in building and land development since the early 1900's when they came to this country and that is mostly what I have done.
I have given jobs to players to try to help them out and you are lucky if they even show up, or if they do, you are lucky they don't steal and hock your equipment. The pool world can be a very strange subculture often best viewed from a distance. Like Ronnie Allen I am sure there are people who wish they could be paid to just do what they want maybe fish all day or what ever, but life isn't like that.
The IPT from the beginning has been little more then a charity that many players may have mistook for a job. Unless it can be put on a paying basis at some point the charity will run out no matter who owns it and the players will have to go off begging in another direction waiting for the next, benefactor or sucker. One thing I am sure many won't do is pull themselves by the bootstraps, and look for a job. Why should they, like Ronnie Allen, they think the world owes them a living. Pool didn't beat up Ronnie Allen, he did it to himself.
Last edited:
macguy said:
Nobody, at least me, has stated that the world owes pool players a living.
macguy said:
Just as trolls are MEANINGLESS to a pool forum. Their opinions at times are only provided in an effort to demean and be argumentative.
macguy said:
This is the most ridiculous statement I have read on the thread.
There do exist some players who play pool because they have a passion for the sport, and the reason they follow their dreams is NOT because they do not want to get a job.
macguy said:
It may be a pastime to some, but to others, it is their life and all they know.
macguy said:
Good for you. My family history is quite prominent, but it doesn't mean a hill of beans when it comes to playing championship-caliber pool.
macguy said:
The fishing analogy, again, what a stupid comparison.
macguy said:
Nobody said the world owes players a living. You're missing the point, but continue on with your intentional mean-spirited posting style as a troll. It highlights exactly what I was trying to express in my post. Thank you for contributing to the thread and proving my point.
JAM
The number one reason that pool has never and will never be a bigtime sport is the image. This is even more so now with corporations being very careful whom and what they associate with.
There are a very small percentage of players in the USA that make a living on the tournament trail. Most that make some kind of living on pool do so gambling. Most of their bankers make more off the player than the one that’s got the skill.
I played pool for over fifty years and was never anymore than a shortstop in my best years. I played a lot of the big name pros getting the 8 or the 7&8. I even won now and then. But I always had a job and thought of pool like I think of betting horses or dogs. Just something fun to do with the extra money I could afford to lose.
Pool is nothing more than a recreational sport. Johnnyt
There are a very small percentage of players in the USA that make a living on the tournament trail. Most that make some kind of living on pool do so gambling. Most of their bankers make more off the player than the one that’s got the skill.
I played pool for over fifty years and was never anymore than a shortstop in my best years. I played a lot of the big name pros getting the 8 or the 7&8. I even won now and then. But I always had a job and thought of pool like I think of betting horses or dogs. Just something fun to do with the extra money I could afford to lose.
Pool is nothing more than a recreational sport. Johnnyt
JAM said:
I've seen this first hand from Corey, assuming that is who you are talking about (it must be), it's pretty sad what players will do just to get a bit of an adavantage on their opponent.
On another note, it's nice to see you posting, you always have great posts with tourny reports, pictures, and informative stories of what happens at tournaments most of us are unable to attend. Hopefully things will work out for the best with the IPT because right now that's all pool really has if it wants to make it "big".
JAM said:
Thank you very much for your response and the way you addressed the different points. Of course this is my opinion but as one in the pool world you know the types of players I am referring to and the bad taste they can leave. Many players are hard working and their skills did not come cheaply. It takes tremendous sacrifice and discipline to reach such a high level of achievement whether it be pool, archery, shooting, gymnastics and one of a number of skills. Having said that the ability to make a living at such skills is rare and usually in other aspects of the sport, such as teaching.
I really thought years ago when cable TV came out pool would begin to take off a little. They were in the beginning almost desperate for programming to fill the 24 hour cycle but there was no one at the time with the vision or willingness to do it. Then I thought maybe public programming, PBS, would be a good place to get started. Maybe a weekly series of instruction like they have on sewing or painting. It could have been like a 20 part series done by someone like Miz and underwritten by a sponsor/angel.
Once in the can it could have been run for years since the information is timeless. It would put pool in front of the public in a very positive way maybe bringing new players into the sport. Truth be told, pools possibilities are endless. It may not have a huge following but it is plenty big enough to have a good long-term success. Pool is by no means a fad, there are new players taking up the sport everyday. It has a few problems, like bowling it takes quite a bit of expensive real-estate to open a pool room, in most cases the numbers just don't work and a pool room can't make money.
There is little doubt that the smaller tables in barrooms is where a majority of players play and will continue to play. I am not quite as negative on the sport as you may think, I am in many way very positive about the future of the sport. As far as professional play, maybe not quite so. My entire point actually is, in a lot of the posts people seem to have the impression the success or failure of the IPT has some meaningful effect on the sport, it doesn't. Millions will play today and again tomorrow and pool will ebb and flow as it always has.
Last edited: