No, I'm not talking about picking up girls. Although the similarity between getting girls and getting games is striking.
So you're having a couple drinks with the boys at your local bar. There's some bangers having a good time on the lone barbox in the corner. Your tab is running high and you think to yourself, "Maybe these guys might like to pay for a few of my beers...or all of them." How would you approach them? What do you say to loosen the wallet a little bit? How do you solicit a game?
My usual go-to strategy works well with the 20-40 year old crowd.
I think the fact that I look like I'm about 16 years old helps me out a lot here. I play the ignorant cocky kid with the rich parents and money to blow. I like walking up to the worst player in the group with something along the lines of, "You guys suck. I can beat you with my eyes closed." It's important to say this loud enough for the best player in the group to hear--he's the fish. This tactic really attacks their masculinity. Bonus: if there are girls in the group, it's better to direct the comment at them with, "These guys suck...." This attacks their masculinity even more as it seems like I'm trying to pick up the girl.
Without giving anybody enough time to respond, my quarter goes on the table. Now I'm moving in on their territory as well. By now, they should be confused stupid, "Who does this kid think he is." Usually, I either don't get much of a response or I get something like, "This table is closed/We're using this table/Do you mind/etc." I just ignore that and take a seat near one of the non-playing members of the group (preferably one of the girls).
The transformation is tricky. I have to gradually go from cocky punk to insecure baby during the course of this game I'm watching. I continue with the shit-talking but start growing more concerned with each shot that's made (the slight cracking voice is GOLDEN worthy of an Oscar). Posture is important. I start sprawled out all over the place--at the conclusion of the game, I'm approaching the fetal position.
Finally the game ends. My next move depends on the responses I've been getting. If they've been throwing comments back my way, then I can ease up a little bit and wait for them to offer the game. If they've been ignoring me for the most part, then I have to take a more direct approach. For the former, I slowly back away from the area saying something like, "You guys aren't good enough for me to waste my time." More shit-talking will eventually convince me to play a game. If they've been ignoring me, then persistence is the key. Chances are they want me to just leave them alone so walking away isn't going to do me any good. I'll jump up before the 8 is in the hole (they play 8-ball) and quickly drop the balls. Most people aren't into confrontations, so they'll let me play a game.
Gotta lose the first game: one-stroke everything, bang balls into the rail, shoot from a standing position, shoot at the wrong balls, miscue a lot (bonus for every time the cue ball leaves the table). At the end of the game, I make some comments about my crooked stick, the wobbly balls, the not level table, and how he got lucky. They go on ridiculing me and I go grab a beer. But I come back with my beer and continue right where I left off with more shit-talking. At this point, I mention money: something about I used to play for big money and how my dad is the best player in the state.
A few minutes later, I come out with the, "I would have won if we were playing for money." Usually this solicits a response, but if not, I just continue with the subject until it does. I try not to outright ask for the game. It's better if they're the ones that offer. Then I high-ball it with some stupid amount like 500 bucks. From there, the battle is won and we're playing at least $10 a game. Keeping it close and "getting lucky" will keep them playing.
I try to obey the 10 second rule. I have to approach them within 10 seconds of being noticed. It won't work if they see me watching first. That just screams pool shark. As a side-note, the 10-second rule is good for women too. Waiting too long screams stalker.
Alright, let's hear some of your best moves...
