League play versus "cheap sets"

Maniac

Maniac

2manyQ's
Silver Member
League is fun for me but sometimes I just get tired of all the BS that is associated with it (I think most of you know what I mean). Although I'm not a highly competitive person, I do like to shoot against people that bring something new to the table as opposed to the family and friends that I regularly shoot against. I was doing some figuring in my head (that's a scary thought :eek:) and I figure out that with APA league membership fees, weekly fees, quarters for the tables, and two or three drinks, I probably spend about $25 or so on any given league night. That is for ONE MATCH that could last anywhere from 2 to 11 games, depending on what skill level I shoot against and how quickly the match is won/lost. And, with 8 people on the team shooting 5 total matches, I may not even play at all on any given night. I was thinking that it might be a better idea to just go to the poolhall where I can play for free (since I shoot BCA league out of there), and just find someone to match-up with in a race to 11 set for 20 or $25. I'd be spending the same amount as I would on league night, plus I'd be guaranteed at least 11 games (probably more), and still get the thrill of competition. Then, there would be the chance (however slim) that I could be victorious and come out 20 or $25 ahead. I realize that I haven't figured my "drinking" money into this equation, but that's because if I were to play for money, however small the stakes, I more than likely wouldn't drink.

Does this idea make sense to you???

Maniac
 
Maniac said:
League is fun for me but sometimes I just get tired of all the BS that is associated with it (I think most of you know what I mean). Although I'm not a highly competitive person, I do like to shoot against people that bring something new to the table as opposed to the family and friends that I regularly shoot against. I was doing some figuring in my head (that's a scary thought :eek:) and I figure out that with APA league membership fees, weekly fees, quarters for the tables, and two or three drinks, I probably spend about $25 or so on any given league night. That is for ONE MATCH that could last anywhere from 2 to 11 games, depending on what skill level I shoot against and how quickly the match is won/lost. And, with 8 people on the team shooting 5 total matches, I may not even play at all on any given night. I was thinking that it might be a better idea to just go to the poolhall where I can play for free (since I shoot BCA league out of there), and just find someone to match-up with in a race to 11 set for 20 or $25. I'd be spending the same amount as I would on league night, plus I'd be guaranteed at least 11 games (probably more), and still get the thrill of competition. Then, there would be the chance (however slim) that I could be victorious and come out 20 or $25 ahead. I realize that I haven't figured my "drinking" money into this equation, but that's because if I were to play for money, however small the stakes, I more than likely wouldn't drink.

Does this idea make sense to you???

Maniac
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Yes, it makes a lot of sense. Johnnyt
 
I feel the same way. I have never been a fan of leagues. I played on one recently to help some friends out. My friend got hurt in a car accident and couldnt play so I stepped in. Needless to say i quickly became there ringer. I still didnt enjoy it though. I spend 2 1/2 - 3 hours there and only play 5 games of 8 ball on shitty bar boxes? Screw that. Then these guys think they are so awesome on the bar boxes. Every time I ask them to play a race to 5 for 100$ they back down of course.

The only thing these leauge players or good for are buying merchandise from the sponsors of bigger events that are put on for real players.

The only good about this leauge is there are no handicaps.
 
Not really a fan of leagues to be honest but was asked to join a new league recently which is the UPA or something by a good friend so I might do it, atleast it will be 8 ball on big tables and its in house which is kind of cool too. If it was bar tables I would be hesitant and if we had to travel every week I am not sure it would be fun going to some dive place with one lopsided table. We will see how it goes. :cool:
 
Maniac

Makes sense, But I play in a 100% pay out league and not APA. After Banquet Trophies, Awards Etc Etc, the truth of the matter is After being on a 1st place team several session there is NO WAY I ever get back my expenses. It is purely a social night out. Leagues just like Tournaments you sit and watch more than you play. They are what they are. But at my age I can't stand as long as I used to and Long Session wear me out. Even tournament wear me out by the Finals. As much as I hate one race wonders, I prefer to play them because of the time element. True, playing only a few games a night does nothing for your game
 
Makes alot of sence to me. I have been thinking about playing league, but after reading your post some $20 long sets sounds alot more fun!

Larry
 
Maniac said:
League is fun for me but sometimes I just get tired of all the BS that is associated with it (I think most of you know what I mean). Although I'm not a highly competitive person, I do like to shoot against people that bring something new to the table as opposed to the family and friends that I regularly shoot against. I was doing some figuring in my head (that's a scary thought :eek:) and I figure out that with APA league membership fees, weekly fees, quarters for the tables, and two or three drinks, I probably spend about $25 or so on any given league night. That is for ONE MATCH that could last anywhere from 2 to 11 games, depending on what skill level I shoot against and how quickly the match is won/lost. And, with 8 people on the team shooting 5 total matches, I may not even play at all on any given night. I was thinking that it might be a better idea to just go to the poolhall where I can play for free (since I shoot BCA league out of there), and just find someone to match-up with in a race to 11 set for 20 or $25. I'd be spending the same amount as I would on league night, plus I'd be guaranteed at least 11 games (probably more), and still get the thrill of competition. Then, there would be the chance (however slim) that I could be victorious and come out 20 or $25 ahead. I realize that I haven't figured my "drinking" money into this equation, but that's because if I were to play for money, however small the stakes, I more than likely wouldn't drink.

Does this idea make sense to you???

Maniac
Click to expand...

Maniac,

It may work but I also think you may have trouble finding someone to play a race to 11 for $20. I don't gamble much and I was thinking of going to someplace and trying to get races to 7 for $20. However, my guess is that most people will think a race to 5 for $20 are cheap sets.

This is just my guess because like I said, I don't gamble much.

Give it a try and let us know.
 
Neil said:
Come on up here! Most up here think a race to 5 for $5 is big. 7 for $20 barely pays the time unless you slaughter someone. I'd be thrilled just to get enough action to pay for my time.
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LOL is it that widely known that I suck?

If I could get some races to 7 for $20 against good competition, preferably on a 9 foot table, I would probably gamble quite a bit more. I am not into breaking someone or giving away my money but I do enjoy the competition, particularly if it is friendly competition.

From your posts, Neil, I would give you that type of action all day long, but I won't move to Michigan for it...lol.
 
I always liked pool because it is a SOLO sport. If I lose, its my fault. If I win, its because I played good enough. Add in the romantic notion of the lone gunslinger and thats an important part of the game for me.
Chuck
 
It depends....

I live in Duluth, GA. I'm currently playing in one session of the BCA to qualify to play in the BCA Las Vegas team event in 2010. I've already made arrangements to go down for the whole event, 9-10 days. I plan to play in the singles, team, and pickup some low cash sets followed with drinking and gambling! I was down two years ago, for the team event, and had a blast. Keep in mind, I got a flavor for this event in Canada during the 90's. I was on some great teams who won trips down to the VNEA tourney in Vegas almost every year from 1992-96. This was my big vacation then.... now, at 36, its a great getaway and a place to see old friends and pool buddies. However, I agree, low cash sets keep me focused, sharp and I enjoy this much more than league night. But, I have 2/3rds of the year to replace league with this type of action. For value, it depends on what you want to gain from playing in league. If you want to play in the big event in Vegas on a team, I think its worth it to play at least one session. Those are my two cents.
Cheers, Mark
 
Maniac

In my first reply I said Leagues are what they are. The reason they are what they are, is so a player can match up and have a game. The reason hustlers go on the road is to find games because they can't get any action in their own town. The better you are the fewer games you can get. Leagues cost you nothing more to play the top player than the bottom player, but you get to play.

Matching up is a skill in it's self. Because of League handicaps and the Internet reports it is getting harder to match up. You get known too easy. You might have a run where you can get games easy, but sooner or later that comes to a screaming stop. No one likes to donate including you. Ring games can be good but if you don't see the sucker in the game then you are the sucker.

Maybe because I live in a very small town where everyone knows everyone, it is harder for me to match up in even a small money game. But I don't like to donate and I am no longer into robbing. Finding that match game is not easy. Add in the depressed economy as an other factor. Now I am sure in bigger cities it is easier to find games and there are more people with disposable income. But not in my small town.
 
What's wrong with doing both?

I play League to qualify for the National Tournaments.
I play "Sets" to help keep my game sharp......SPF=randyg
 
Ball Banger said:
Maniac

In my first reply I said Leagues are what they are. The reason they are what they are, is so a player can match up and have a game. The reason hustlers go on the road is to find games because they can't get any action in their own town. The better you are the fewer games you can get. Leagues cost you nothing more to play the top player than the bottom player, but you get to play.

Matching up is a skill in it's self. Because of League handicaps and the Internet reports it is getting harder to match up. You get known too easy. You might have a run where you can get games easy, but sooner or later that comes to a screaming stop. No one likes to donate including you. Ring games can be good but if you don't see the sucker in the game then you are the sucker.

Maybe because I live in a very small town where everyone knows everyone, it is harder for me to match up in even a small money game. But I don't like to donate and I am no longer into robbing. Finding that match game is not easy. Add in the depressed economy as an other factor. Now I am sure in bigger cities it is easier to find games and there are more people with disposable income. But not in my small town.
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Ball Banger,

My intent would be to play more games for the same amount of money that I spend in league play without all the sitting around and waiting to play. I don't care how I "match up" with my opponent, nor do I care if I win or lose. I'm just looking at playing more games in less amount of overall time spent doing it and still getting the benefit of competitive pool.
Hell, if I beat some kid out of his/her money (fat chance, at least on a regular basis), I might not even take it from them (the money). Then, it would be like winning a longer set than I would have played in league, except it would have been free for BOTH players. If he/she beats me and takes my $25, then I'm still better off than I would have been in league by virtue of getting in more games for the same amount of money and spending NO time sitting around waiting to play. All this I've posted are basically random thoughts. I haven't put any of this into action yet. If I ever do, I'll post another thread and report how the comparisons are.

Maniac
 
randyg said:
What's wrong with doing both?

I play League to qualify for the National Tournaments.
I play "Sets" to help keep my game sharp......SPF=randyg
Click to expand...

Good point Randy. I may end up doing just that. BTW, just like you said would happen, my skill level went up one level in both 8 and 9-ball after taking your class. Thanks!!!

Maniac
 
Neil said:
People keep asking me why I don't play league. You hit the main nail right on the head. I like to play pool, not play a couple of games and spend the night watching someone else play.

The strange part is, the room I mostly play out of now is 90% or better leagues. I can spend several hours practicing, and rarely does someone come over to practice with me. They don't want to pay 1/2 the time, and they sure won't gamble. The kicker is, the few that do practice with me, do it because they get a real cheap lesson. They ask questions, and I answer them or show them how to do something. Just for half my table time.
Click to expand...

You are the guy I look for at the poolhall. It seems most better players are looking to ROB someone around here. Not gamble, or play for a little something - ROB. Thurs. night after I played in a local league (not APA, ACS, BCA, VNEA, etc. affiliated) I did play a buncha games with one of the better players in the area....he asked if I wanted to play for something, and I said, how about I refill that beer you have there every time you finish one. He was good with that, and so was I :grin: I might have won 25% of the time, and learned a few things....felt like I got a bargain :cool: (not sure he comes on here, but just in case - thanks Don)
 
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Maniac said:
Does this idea make sense to you???

Maniac
Click to expand...

Maniac, it makes total sense......it's actually why I quit APA.....I can play in our Wed night tourney here, I get to play at least 2 matches, there is 20 to 30 different people I can get matched up against.....they are all trying to win.....it's rare that there is any confrontation or bs that I used to run into in the APA.....and entry is $10....and if I have a big night, I get paid.....and I have a whole great group of buddies I get to see every Wednesday night....

If you can find someone to match up against, that is just as viable.....you get to play as long as you want, play for the amount you want to, and you get the chance to bring home the cheese.....yes, it makes total sense and I agree with you....
 
Maniac said:
Good point Randy. I may end up doing just that. BTW, just like you said would happen, my skill level went up one level in both 8 and 9-ball after taking your class. Thanks!!!

Maniac
Click to expand...

Let's not stop at just one level...SPF=randyg
 
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