Just got kicked out from tourney
- Thread starter Mustardeer
- Start date
OP here. First of all these are short races on a barbox. I do feel the heat sometimes. Many players have gotten very close to beating me. And I did lose the tourney several times, only once sort of on purpose cause I had to be somewhere. I’d be a BIG underdog shooting with non-dominant hand. The gap is not as big as you think, I just don’t miss on a bar table if I can see it and my cb is tighter.
Also there are many players there who think I’m God and a few haters who think Im way overrated. One railbird in particular gets under my skin cause he compares my game to MUCH weaker players. He’s always like “you think you can beat so and so even?” I’m like “back your horse and let’s find out”. But he never does. I got hooked once and he screamed at someone “See I told you!!”. But whenever I offer him weight he wont play me for a dollar. He’s a ceo of a small company, really rich annoying nit. I never care what people think but he gets to me.
Also most players come back. This is not a dive bar, lots of money here. I’ve seen some really beautiful custom cues here. The bracket fills every time, I’m not hurting business. Also the entry fee is too high for the skill level. I told the TD a long time ago if it’s just for fun make the buy-in like ten bucks. Also what I’ve done MANY times is chopped in the finals against someone who has no chance to beat me. What I should have done instead is beaten him then tipped the TD a lot. So the TD is counting those chops as wins. I technically did not win that many times, I chop a lot. I’ve only not chopped if the finalist said something or made any weird comment. Also I feel much better now. When I posted initially I had an instant emotional reaction. It just doesn’t feel great to be asked to not come back especially since I knew the TD I thought we were all cool. Also he apologized since that text he said he was drunk when he sent that. He’s now implying in his last text that I could come back if I really wanted to. Nah I’m good. I guarantee what’s gonna happen is once the word gets out that weak players are winning they gonna get 5-6 baby monsters show up out of nowhere cause they promote it on social media. Too much free money, someone is gonna drive an hour to pick it up. I’ve had $1200 nights there but I’ve also had 200 nights there. I’m in a major city not a small town. There are monsters stronger than me just an hour away. So instead of having to beat just me the TD will have to go through 5-6 little beasts. What I liked about that tourney is that they had a separate action table. Anytime they played for 20 a game I let them play I didn’t get involved instead of being an ahole and try to run the table all night. Then players set up action for me to play 100 a game if someone starts barking and a few regulars played me 100 a game. Yes I won. I’m not a hustler, hustling doesn’t interest me I’m not broke. I literally would tell a few regulars “no, I don’t want you to donate tonight I’m good”, he’d go “stfu, heads”. Then after 300 he’d quit. Sometimes after 1 game he’d quit. If I was really an ahole I’d be going after all the 20 dollar games too or I’d be stalling. The only reason I get action is cause they want to beat the guy who wins the tournament. They take that tournament really seriously. So I have to win the tourney to stay “famous” there, otherwise I’m just some has been. I know that’s the opposite of how you’re supposed to get action but it’s worked for me. Or sometimes a cocky random shows up and starts talking nonsense, I say “you can’t beat me it’s impossible”. Then he says “Ok let’s race to x for z”. I say let’s make it 2z. Usually works. Somehow I don’t get busted. Sometimes I push balls while talking and kill action cause the balls go in. I forget I’m supposed to hide my speed. If I’m a hustler I’m the worst hustler ever. I get yelled at after by friends who side bet on me cause I killed their action lol. “What are you doing?! Stop hitting balls”. But people talk and find out anyway. Most know what they’re getting into when they play me.
Also the tourney has a sponsor so other valuable prizes besides cash are awarded. Sometimes regulars ask me to play someone and they back me or they side bet. When people ask me how I “got so good” I always say “It’s my first time, I just watched a really good youtube tutorial”. If you hear a guy say that then you’ve met me. But don’t worry, plenty of people on AZB yourself included can smoke my ass in a long race I’m sure. I drive an hour every week to try to hang with the big boys and get tortured. I don’t win real tournaments. Almost every big tourney I’ve entered I’ve lost. I skip $125-200+ entry open tourneys cause I’m not ready. I need another year at least. We have a 96 player race to 9 tourney coming up so far 5 pros are in it and a waiting list. Not even elite pros, weak pros and a has been legend. No thanks, I’m good. Been there done that. Not fun at all.
Also there are many players there who think I’m God and a few haters who think Im way overrated. One railbird in particular gets under my skin cause he compares my game to MUCH weaker players. He’s always like “you think you can beat so and so even?” I’m like “back your horse and let’s find out”. But he never does. I got hooked once and he screamed at someone “See I told you!!”. But whenever I offer him weight he wont play me for a dollar. He’s a ceo of a small company, really rich annoying nit. I never care what people think but he gets to me.
Also most players come back. This is not a dive bar, lots of money here. I’ve seen some really beautiful custom cues here. The bracket fills every time, I’m not hurting business. Also the entry fee is too high for the skill level. I told the TD a long time ago if it’s just for fun make the buy-in like ten bucks. Also what I’ve done MANY times is chopped in the finals against someone who has no chance to beat me. What I should have done instead is beaten him then tipped the TD a lot. So the TD is counting those chops as wins. I technically did not win that many times, I chop a lot. I’ve only not chopped if the finalist said something or made any weird comment. Also I feel much better now. When I posted initially I had an instant emotional reaction. It just doesn’t feel great to be asked to not come back especially since I knew the TD I thought we were all cool. Also he apologized since that text he said he was drunk when he sent that. He’s now implying in his last text that I could come back if I really wanted to. Nah I’m good. I guarantee what’s gonna happen is once the word gets out that weak players are winning they gonna get 5-6 baby monsters show up out of nowhere cause they promote it on social media. Too much free money, someone is gonna drive an hour to pick it up. I’ve had $1200 nights there but I’ve also had 200 nights there. I’m in a major city not a small town. There are monsters stronger than me just an hour away. So instead of having to beat just me the TD will have to go through 5-6 little beasts. What I liked about that tourney is that they had a separate action table. Anytime they played for 20 a game I let them play I didn’t get involved instead of being an ahole and try to run the table all night. Then players set up action for me to play 100 a game if someone starts barking and a few regulars played me 100 a game. Yes I won. I’m not a hustler, hustling doesn’t interest me I’m not broke. I literally would tell a few regulars “no, I don’t want you to donate tonight I’m good”, he’d go “stfu, heads”. Then after 300 he’d quit. Sometimes after 1 game he’d quit. If I was really an ahole I’d be going after all the 20 dollar games too or I’d be stalling. The only reason I get action is cause they want to beat the guy who wins the tournament. They take that tournament really seriously. So I have to win the tourney to stay “famous” there, otherwise I’m just some has been. I know that’s the opposite of how you’re supposed to get action but it’s worked for me. Or sometimes a cocky random shows up and starts talking nonsense, I say “you can’t beat me it’s impossible”. Then he says “Ok let’s race to x for z”. I say let’s make it 2z. Usually works. Somehow I don’t get busted. Sometimes I push balls while talking and kill action cause the balls go in. I forget I’m supposed to hide my speed. If I’m a hustler I’m the worst hustler ever. I get yelled at after by friends who side bet on me cause I killed their action lol. “What are you doing?! Stop hitting balls”. But people talk and find out anyway. Most know what they’re getting into when they play me.
Also the tourney has a sponsor so other valuable prizes besides cash are awarded. Sometimes regulars ask me to play someone and they back me or they side bet. When people ask me how I “got so good” I always say “It’s my first time, I just watched a really good youtube tutorial”. If you hear a guy say that then you’ve met me. But don’t worry, plenty of people on AZB yourself included can smoke my ass in a long race I’m sure. I drive an hour every week to try to hang with the big boys and get tortured. I don’t win real tournaments. Almost every big tourney I’ve entered I’ve lost. I skip $125-200+ entry open tourneys cause I’m not ready. I need another year at least. We have a 96 player race to 9 tourney coming up so far 5 pros are in it and a waiting list. Not even elite pros, weak pros and a has been legend. No thanks, I’m good. Been there done that. Not fun at all.
In college, our game room hosted four or five tournaments each semester. $1 entry, which paid back $30, $20 & $10 regardless on the number of entries. It was fun to play in these tournaments with only about 6 guys that had a decent chance of winning. One semester, the director adds a rule that a player can only be a money winner once in the semester. I won the first singles. Before the next doubles tournament, I asked him if I could play if I had a woman partner, and he allowed it. My partner did not play pool at all, and I only allowed her to make one ball that was super easy. Even with this handicap, We won the winners bracket and she had to leave. I tried to break and run out in the last two matches, but did not pull it off, breaking dry every time.
Another handicap would be to play last pocket, or allow the opponent to shoot the 8 with one ball left on the table. Something to make it more of a challenge, and probably more safeties, which would irk a few players and slow things down.
I would rather make it more difficult to win each game or match and get the chance to play. The OP is probably good enough to get his entry fee back each tournament.
Another handicap would be to play last pocket, or allow the opponent to shoot the 8 with one ball left on the table. Something to make it more of a challenge, and probably more safeties, which would irk a few players and slow things down.
I would rather make it more difficult to win each game or match and get the chance to play. The OP is probably good enough to get his entry fee back each tournament.
Sounds like you're in a good area, I wish we had that kind of action where I'm at.
So it’s only fun if you dominate? Good luck improving your game if you won’t play in any events with stronger players.
I didn't get that impression at all. Sound like OP is working his way towards that, or does not worry about it. Not everyone believes getting clobbered on the regular is the best way to improve.
Although I must say I appreciate the sentiment when it benefits me.Since he’s apologizing and such, maybe suggest a compromise.
You’ll only play every other week, every three weeks, or once a month.
Sucks. But better to play the tournament less if you want to, than not playing at all.
You’ll only play every other week, every three weeks, or once a month.
Sucks. But better to play the tournament less if you want to, than not playing at all.
You had no idea they kept track……as if you hadn’t……..17w out of 21 tries is a bit lopsided.
For the sake of the field, and with no disrespect to your ego, you shouldn’t be in that event.
It’s like playing with people you know you will beat and so your game doesn’t get really tested.
If I can’t play against better players than myself, than it’s not as satisfying to win. I just try harder.
I’d rather lose a really tough match where my opponent and I were both pushed to the limit of our
skills & endurance than be the dominant player in a tournament field with lesser skilled opponents.
It’s only from learning from your losses that you acquire wisdom whereas victories more often result
from your opponent giving you opportunities to run the table & that usually doesn’t teach you as much.
So winning close matches and being challenged become essential experiences, as well as any losses,
that help a player not only test their skills but achieve a true, accurate measure of their pool prowess.
You really need to concentrate on playing against stronger opponents as much as you can rather than
competing in an event you know very well you have dominated. Stop being the big fish in a little pond.
For the sake of the field, and with no disrespect to your ego, you shouldn’t be in that event.
It’s like playing with people you know you will beat and so your game doesn’t get really tested.
If I can’t play against better players than myself, than it’s not as satisfying to win. I just try harder.
I’d rather lose a really tough match where my opponent and I were both pushed to the limit of our
skills & endurance than be the dominant player in a tournament field with lesser skilled opponents.
It’s only from learning from your losses that you acquire wisdom whereas victories more often result
from your opponent giving you opportunities to run the table & that usually doesn’t teach you as much.
So winning close matches and being challenged become essential experiences, as well as any losses,
that help a player not only test their skills but achieve a true, accurate measure of their pool prowess.
You really need to concentrate on playing against stronger opponents as much as you can rather than
competing in an event you know very well you have dominated. Stop being the big fish in a little pond.
I play tougher tourneys ALL THE TIME. I’ve had pros come over and kick my ass on my home table. This is not the only tourney I do. I’ve matched up with pros and semi-pros. I’ve gambled for thousands. Also I do feel the heat there cause I’m expected to win. Both times I lost that tourney people were shouting and screaming and celebrating. They were shocked. People would come up to me “Omg I can’t believe you lost you should have blah blah played safe omg what a horrible roll omg”. I’m smiling but it’s super annoying. So I play to win. Obviously my mental game is set up not to care about the outcome but you know what I mean.
I’ve had nights I left that tourney with a cool 1500. It’s not about the money but at the same time I’d like to see you walk away from that cause it’s not challenging enough. I play monsters all the time. I’ve done big tourneys but I hate losing I need to keep working on my game on 4” pockets. My kicks are sht, my jumps are sht, my 10B break is still sort of sht, my safeties can be better, my cb can be better. I’m happy with my stroke and my mental game everything else can still improve. I don’t need to donate to throw myself in the fire, I know what’s out there.
This is an underground unconventional tournament promoted to a certain subculture. It got like league type players and at least 3-4 players who’ve never broke and ran in their life probably. But lots of runout players too. They just don’t get out hill hill or break dry or make some random mistake or miss a shot for no reason or get hooked cause they’re sending the cb towards traffic for no reason etc.
It sounds like you have assessed the areas you recognize need improvement and so what I’d look for now
is a couple of strong players to practice with. Before COVID happened which affected pool hall availability, &
still does in my neck of the woods, I was a practice partner for a couple of strong players. We’d play short
matches of straight pool……they’d need 75 points to my 50-55 points. It made them concentrate as much as
on strategy as pocketing balls due to the spot. For me, it gave me a chance to go on the offensive & try to open
a bigger margin since I knew they can easily run 2-3 racks and one fellow in particular, well, I’d never get to shoot.
I’d lose matches but eventually it got to where I put together & run a few racks but screw up my break shot on
the next rack. Once it became a matter of not letting the other guy get a run going in a short race of 75, you took
higher percentage shots and played safe when the percentage became too low. And position play became smarter.
We’d also play Target Pool and do drills that seemed maniacal but everyone’s pool game always got better from it.
Put me in this camp
This is right on. I can play a weekly tournament at the condo and I know I can win 25 in a row. But why would I want to do that? I travel an hour to a regional event where I am just as likely as not to go 2 and out. But when I beat a good player it makes everything worth it.
So many problems with your logic that I think I'll just leave it alone. Thanks for the advice though.
Well here is desk with most Tournments, Tournament Directors, Entry Fees, Payouts.
Those who have better ideas step up, and show everyone how it is done.
Don’t like the venue, table type, entry fee etc. Rating or handicapping is like Fargo something else some no like.
Do not go, stay home, avoid what you dislike. Some thing broken is not fixable, people in charge never change anything. The are thick headed.
Sooner or later if things are bad enough the place goes under. Then people wake if they loose money.
Those who have better ideas step up, and show everyone how it is done.
Don’t like the venue, table type, entry fee etc. Rating or handicapping is like Fargo something else some no like.
Do not go, stay home, avoid what you dislike. Some thing broken is not fixable, people in charge never change anything. The are thick headed.
Sooner or later if things are bad enough the place goes under. Then people wake if they loose money.
Amazing...
But surely there is a logic disconnect to think it is ok for lower skilled players to play with him, when he can't justify playing with players better than he?I didn't get that impression at all. Sound like OP is working his way towards that, or does not worry about it. Not everyone believes getting clobbered on the regular is the best way to improve.
Fatty, you the man and all.....but any B player is a "walk" for you? Are you sure?A “true” A player I can’t beat. A weak A player I can beat(sometimes) any B player, the greatest B player is a walk for me. Well when I was playing-right now a C player might be difficult.
It’s the curse of the in between speed, catch a gear and look real strong for 15 minutes and knock any action that may have been……I understand all too well
Best
Fatboy