New players?

Joe T

Joe T

Well-known member
Okay so you're 30-60 yrs old, male or female, good job, bills paid, family maybe and you always liked pool but never got "involved" in it.
You don't have any friends that are regular players. You see there are some pool rooms in your area whats your plan? Do you take the leap or not. I say it like that cuz folks there are A LOT of people in this country that will not consider going into the local pool room.

What do you think its like for them, what should they do AND what do you think they are in for?
 
Joe T said:
Okay so you're 30-60 yrs old, male or female, good job, bills paid, family maybe and you always liked pool but never got "involved" in it.
You don't have any friends that are regular players. You see there are some pool rooms in your area whats your plan? Do you take the leap or not. I say it like that cuz folks there are A LOT of people in this country that will not consider going into the local pool room.

What do you think its like for them, what should they do AND what do you think they are in for?
Click to expand...

What do I think it's like for them? Intimidating.
What do I think they should do? Put on their big boy pants and do what they want.
What are they in for? Hard to tell with today's crowd, could be fun or could be a bunch of jerks that will discourage them from trying.
 
I'm in a very similar situation except I'm only 22.
I don't have any friends that plays pool regularly and I go alone to the pool hall. The first times was a little hard ( also because I'm a shy person) but after sometime you get used to it. Also if you are a good player it helps because you are more confident on your game. The difference is: is it a big pool room with a lot of people playing or is it a small pool room with few people playing that know each other very well? For some people this isn't important, but if you are shy seeing you are alone and the others are always together and are friends doesn't help. Its like changing class in school.
 
The second step

I believe we as the local players have a lot to do with the outcome of whether or not the new guy will return to play some more pool. The first step is them coming to the pool hall, the second step is "us" going up to them and shaking their hand, introducing ourselves and simply being friendly. It might help in their decision to return...just my thoughts
 
I remember being 16 and going into Johnny C's where few were friendly and if a table wasn't available you had to wait till someone left. No one wanted to play me. I often just left. 34 years later i still go to Johnny C's, the place is mostly empty and it's pretty easy to find a game, the folks are more friendly and it still smells like smoke in there.

If a new player comes in i make sure to say hello and since i'm usually there alone, i'm always ready to play someone new, even if all i do is rack for them :embarrassed2:

It's not easy being the new guy. Intimidating? YES! But a kind word from a stranger is all it takes to make it more enjoyable for them. And who knows, i may learn something from them...

Brian :)
 
Probably the best thing I ever did was start playing pool last May.

I played as a kid at the house, but didn't take it seriously. Now, at 36, I have dived in deep and I can honestly say that I have never met so many great people in my life.

I am glad I took the leap, I wish I would have done it at least 16 years ago.

BTW, we do not have a pool hall in our area, the closest one is 2hrs away. So, I am restricted to bar tables. They are great tables though, very well maintained.
 
Joe T said:
Okay so you're 30-60 yrs old, male or female, good job, bills paid, family maybe and you always liked pool but never got "involved" in it.
You don't have any friends that are regular players. You see there are some pool rooms in your area whats your plan? Do you take the leap or not. I say it like that cuz folks there are A LOT of people in this country that will not consider going into the local pool room.

What do you think its like for them, what should they do AND what do you think they are in for?
Click to expand...

I will say it like this. I have moved around and traveled around a lot. So I have been in hundreds of different pool rooms around the world. Most of them are friendly and welcoming.

I firmly believe that if someone walks in cold and says I am interested in playing regularly then that person will get pointed towards leagues and pointed towards instructors and pointed towards the pro shop.

I don't think that they will be rebuffed or hustled.

I am confident that this is the case in 99% of the pool rooms that exist on the planet.
 
I'm that guy. I played when I was younger, got out of it. This past summer (at 36) I got back into it. We don't have a poolroom in this town (couple colleges with rec. rooms but no real "poolroom scene") so I joined the local leagues.

It's a lot of fun. Some people are jerks, some are very cool. Kinda like everything else in life.
 
Pool Is Horrible for New Players

There is a comment in the smoking thread by Joey A that I can't get out of my head because its so true. It goes something like "a pool room is a room full of men with Texas size egos trying to dominate each other". This would be a pretty intimidating environment for anyone to walk into for the first time.

My wife and I have been to the Derby the last 3 years in a row. She gambles on the boat, and I get to watch pro level pool. Last year, 2011, I was watching one of the best matches I have ever seen, Shane and Neils 9 ball semi final with the famous jump shot to win the match and the $20,000 Master of the Table award. I was sitting next to the rail in the bleachers. An older couple, 50's-60's, would be my guess, were standing beside me talking to one of the players in the tournament. I over heard the man's wife say this was the meanest group of people she had ever been around. I have been playing pool for over 50 years and met a lot of really nice people and always have a great time at the Derby. I am already looking forward to going back next year, but I can see where people, not familiar with the envionment, would get a negetive first impression because they don't understand what's going on with all the woofing, ect.

Friday night I played in an 8 ball tournament in a small bar with 4 tables. Race to 2 winners side, 1 game on the losers, valley rules. There were 31 players. The entry fee was $6 with a calcutta and a 9 ball b&r pot over 2k. A dollar of the entry fee went for the b&r. There were pro players entered in the tournament. There were no weak players in the field. I enjoyed playing and watching, but it was a very tense environment. I don't think a newbie would have had much fun. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think I am.

Until pool starts attracting a wider group of participants, its going to stay the way it is, which is ok with me, but if its going to grow and go more main stream it needs to attract more families, women and kids.
 
Slh said:
I'm in a very similar situation except I'm only 22.
I don't have any friends that plays pool regularly and I go alone to the pool hall. The first times was a little hard ( also because I'm a shy person) but after sometime you get used to it. Also if you are a good player it helps because you are more confident on your game. The difference is: is it a big pool room with a lot of people playing or is it a small pool room with few people playing that know each other very well? For some people this isn't important, but if you are shy seeing you are alone and the others are always together and are friends doesn't help. Its like changing class in school.
Click to expand...

when i started playing i went by myself and practiced that way til i learned who wanted to practice and who was just there trying to rob somebody.i started practicing with a guy that shot ok until i got to where i could beat him then he quit plying me even though no money was involved.i use to piss one guy off that bugged me everyday about gambling with him.after a little over a year i went up to the guy to play him and he refused because i had gotten better than him.when i gambled i got into ring games with players that were better than me and lost most of the time but i enjoyed the competion.but always strive to learn from every player you meet and filter out the bad habits.
 
Joe T said:
Okay so you're 30-60 yrs old, male or female, good job, bills paid, family maybe and you always liked pool but never got "involved" in it.
You don't have any friends that are regular players. You see there are some pool rooms in your area whats your plan? Do you take the leap or not. I say it like that cuz folks there are A LOT of people in this country that will not consider going into the local pool room.

What do you think its like for them, what should they do AND what do you think they are in for?
Click to expand...


If i was to describe myself i would not have been able to describe my status better than you did. All boils down to obligations. When i was single, i spend hours at pool halls, no problem, at college also spent considerable time at pool room, when got married, all that changed, it is down to three nights a week, 1st child arrives, there goes one night, 2nd child, there goes the 2nd night, down to one, now i need more money to support the "family" you guessed it, no more nights, so i decided to bring pool home, i bought a table to keep up with my game, i love it. Now kids are grown, i get to go out and shoot some. Facebook did me good i think, do not have to visit people as much, that leaves time for pool!! I always get in trouble with the wife, man pool halls are more addictive than the strongest drug on market, once i go there cannot get out!!
 
I'm with the others on this one. Leagues are the way to go. As much as people want to bash the APA, it's great for the first time player who wants to get into the game but doesn't know how. You can look forward to a night out, a few drinks, meet new people and learn about pool:thumbup:
 
lstevedus said:
There is a comment in the smoking thread by Joey A that I can't get out of my head because its so true. It goes something like "a pool room is a room full of men with Texas size egos trying to dominate each other". This would be a pretty intimidating environment for anyone to walk into for the first time.

My wife and I have been to the Derby the last 3 years in a row. She gambles on the boat, and I get to watch pro level pool. Last year, 2011, I was watching one of the best matches I have ever seen, Shane and Neils 9 ball semi final with the famous jump shot to win the match and the $20,000 Master of the Table award. I was sitting next to the rail in the bleachers. An older couple, 50's-60's, would be my guess, were standing beside me talking to one of the players in the tournament. I over heard the man's wife say this was the meanest group of people she had ever been around. I have been playing pool for over 50 years and met a lot of really nice people and always have a great time at the Derby. I am already looking forward to going back next year, but I can see where people, not familiar with the envionment, would get a negetive first impression because they don't understand what's going on with all the woofing, ect.

Friday night I played in an 8 ball tournament in a small bar with 4 tables. Race to 2 winners side, 1 game on the losers, valley rules. There were 31 players. The entry fee was $6 with a calcutta and a 9 ball b&r pot over 2k. A dollar of the entry fee went for the b&r. There were pro players entered in the tournament. There were no weak players in the field. I enjoyed playing and watching, but it was a very tense environment. I don't think a newbie would have had much fun. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think I am.

Until pool starts attracting a wider group of participants, its going to stay the way it is, which is ok with me, but if its going to grow and go more main stream it needs to attract more families, women and kids.
Click to expand...

You need balls and you absolutely cannot give a shit what anyone thinks of you.

I like Joey's comment - he's redeemed himself, a little.
 
naji said:
If i was to describe myself i would not have been able to describe my status better than you did. All boils down to obligations. When i was single, i spend hours at pool halls, no problem, at college also spent considerable time at pool room, when got married, all that changed, it is down to three nights a week, 1st child arrives, there goes one night, 2nd child, there goes the 2nd night, down to one, now i need more money to support the "family" you guessed it, no more nights, so i decided to bring pool home, i bought a table to keep up with my game, i love it. Now kids are grown, i get to go out and shoot some. Facebook did me good i think, do not have to visit people as much, that leaves time for pool!! I always get in trouble with the wife, man pool halls are more addictive than the strongest drug on market, once i go there cannot get out!!
Click to expand...

That's a great point about FaceBook, Naji. You can get access to literally hundreds of players in minutes. It took me years to find players of similar ability, and for 15 years I didn't pick up a cue at all - had I had access to FB then I could've been ever so slightly less shit than I am now.
 
Slh said:
I'm in a very similar situation except I'm only 22.
I don't have any friends that plays pool regularly and I go alone to the pool hall. The first times was a little hard ( also because I'm a shy person) but after sometime you get used to it. Also if you are a good player it helps because you are more confident on your game. The difference is: is it a big pool room with a lot of people playing or is it a small pool room with few people playing that know each other very well? For some people this isn't important, but if you are shy seeing you are alone and the others are always together and are friends doesn't help. Its like changing class in school.
Click to expand...

What's the pool scene like in Italy mate?

I was in the same situation as you, albeit a little older, which helps as you lose your self-consciousness as you age. But you must just keep going, even if you're not going in to play - just go to the club for a drink, or even make the excuse of needing a piss. Just go in and look around, and look for those with their own cues - I don't what it's like in Italy but it's very rare to see anyone playing with good gear here in the UK, and if they do, I make sure I know them. Cue spotting's a hobby of mine anyway, so I always ask them about their cues - people love talking about their toys, so it's a good way to break the ice.
 
JB Cases said:
I will say it like this. I have moved around and traveled around a lot. So I have been in hundreds of different pool rooms around the world. Most of them are friendly and welcoming.

I firmly believe that if someone walks in cold and says I am interested in playing regularly then that person will get pointed towards leagues and pointed towards instructors and pointed towards the pro shop.

I don't think that they will be rebuffed or hustled.

I am confident that this is the case in 99% of the pool rooms that exist on the planet.
Click to expand...

I tend to agree, but I'd ask to speak to the manager or {sexism alert} a male member of staff. In my experience (here in the UK), males working in poolhalls are usually players themselves, whereas females couldn't give a toss about the game and see it as a job only.
 
Gutz said:
I believe we as the local players have a lot to do with the outcome of whether or not the new guy will return to play some more pool. The first step is them coming to the pool hall, the second step is "us" going up to them and shaking their hand, introducing ourselves and simply being friendly. It might help in their decision to return...just my thoughts
Click to expand...

I agree with this^.

And add,,,,,,,that the local players that are looking for "fresh meat" could be a problem.Depending on the level of the new player,,it's hard to say,,,some (mid level players)might not mind,,,,or maybe expect it,,who know's? Be nice about it and it's kinda like saying "HI,how are you"!! :rotflmao1:
But for someone "truely" just learning,,,,,,what Gutz said!!

It's a no brainer,,,because if a local goes up to a (true)beginner player that has never been there before and tries to solicit a money game,,,they need to kicked out of the room. (It just won't happen)

And if the pool room owner /operator recognizes them as a new customer,,,and spends some time showing them around. I think would be a great help. (I have seen this happen)
 
TheThaiger said:
What's the pool scene like in Italy mate?

I was in the same situation as you, albeit a little older, which helps as you lose your self-consciousness as you age. But you must just keep going, even if you're not going in to play - just go to the club for a drink, or even make the excuse of needing a piss. Just go in and look around, and look for those with their own cues - I don't what it's like in Italy but it's very rare to see anyone playing with good gear here in the UK, and if they do, I make sure I know them. Cue spotting's a hobby of mine anyway, so I always ask them about their cues - people love talking about their toys, so it's a good way to break the ice.
Click to expand...
hi
the pool scene here is very bad, in my hometown in particular. Here 99% of people are bangers. In Rome there is Fabio Petroni's room where you can play seriously and there are weekly tournaments.
I paste here what I wrote to an user who was asking about pool in my hometown:
There is a big pool rooms ( + 25 9ft tables), a medium sized room ( 10 9ft tables + a 12ft snooker table (dynamic)+ 2 three cushion tables) and a small room where all the "serious" players go to play. Unfortunately the medium sized room which is the best room by far is almost empty everyday.
The level of play in this town is very low because here 95% of people play a game called "libera" ( free in english):
You rack and breaks the balls like 8 ball then you can make every ball on the table and you need to call your shots ( like straight pool). Every ball you make is a point ( like straight pool). Basically is straight pool but without the safe break... instead you use an hard break. Usually the goal score is 21 or 31 (LOL). You understand it is a very easy game and you can play almost without playing positions. Many people don't want to play me because they saw me running 25balls in a row, and I'm considered too good LOL.
Even if people play such an easy game a lot of players can't run more than 5 or 6 balls in a row. Very hard to find a game of 9 ball, you can find a game of straight pool ( which here is called break LOL) but the level of play is horrible. I can say the average run for an average player here is 6-7balls. As fair as I know only a player in town is atleast a decent player ( 64 balls run) and he is considered a monster player, sadly he doesn't play anymore. No gambling at all, even for cheap bet ( like 10€), you can only play for the table time. Also no tournaments here. Here because pool rooms don't serve alcohol there is no age limit ( actually only people under 14 are not permitted) so you will find out the pool rooms are full of people in the 14 to 18 years old range. Basically not many over this age play. I don't know if you like to play in a pool rooms full of teenagers, many don't like it.
Let me know what you think about playing here.
 
Slh said:
hi
the pool scene here is very bad, in my hometown in particular. Here 99% of people are bangers. In Rome there is Fabio Petroni's room where you can play seriously and there are weekly tournaments.
I paste here what I wrote to an user who was asking about pool in my hometown:
There is a big pool rooms ( + 25 9ft tables), a medium sized room ( 10 9ft tables + a 12ft snooker table (dynamic)+ 2 three cushion tables) and a small room where all the "serious" players go to play. Unfortunately the medium sized room which is the best room by far is almost empty everyday.
The level of play in this town is very low because here 95% of people play a game called "libera" ( free in english):
You rack and breaks the balls like 8 ball then you can make every ball on the table and you need to call your shots ( like straight pool). Every ball you make is a point ( like straight pool). Basically is straight pool but without the safe break... instead you use an hard break. Usually the goal score is 21 or 31 (LOL). You understand it is a very easy game and you can play almost without playing positions. Many people don't want to play me because they saw me running 25balls in a row, and I'm considered too good LOL.
Even if people play such an easy game a lot of players can't run more than 5 or 6 balls in a row. Very hard to find a game of 9 ball, you can find a game of straight pool ( which here is called break LOL) but the level of play is horrible. I can say the average run for an average player here is 6-7balls. As fair as I know only a player in town is atleast a decent player ( 64 balls run) and he is considered a monster player, sadly he doesn't play anymore. No gambling at all, even for cheap bet ( like 10€), you can only play for the table time. Also no tournaments here. Here because pool rooms don't serve alcohol there is no age limit ( actually only people under 14 are not permitted) so you will find out the pool rooms are full of people in the 14 to 18 years old range. Basically not many over this age play. I don't know if you like to play in a pool rooms full of teenagers, many don't like it.
Let me know what you think about playing here.
Click to expand...

Hmm, not good, buddy, not good.

I played a few Italians when I was globetrotting, and didn't get the impression it's a big game over there. Thanks for clearing up the "straight" pool game though, as I once played these lads who'd pot a solid, then a stripe, then a solid etc - confused the life out of me! They spoke no English so we had to abandon the game halfway through. I thought they were mental! :D

So your poolhalls are more like youth clubs then? Nobody likes too many teenagers in the way, although there must be many bella women around, too. Every cloud has a silver lining!

What I've found useful to do is get to know the staff at your favourite club well - that way you can influence how they market the game. You can suggest weekly competitions which you'll organise, hand out flyers and put up posters etc. It's a hard sell, but I guarantee you'll find people to play with if you put the effort in. The trick is not to scare them off if they're not very good, so you'll need to go easy on them or handicap any events. As mentioned, Facebook's an excellent idea, and I market my comps through email, because many people are reluctant to call someone for details, but don't mind emailing, because it's anonymous.

What about EuroTour events? It's in Treviso, I think. It might be a long way for you to go but it might be worth it to meet other players and get contacts. A few Euro boys are joining the UK pro league, the GB9 tour - if money's no object, you can pit your wits against the likes of Peach, Melling and Drago. I would be if I had the money.

Caio and buona fortuna.
 
TheThaiger said:
Hmm, not good, buddy, not good.

I played a few Italians when I was globetrotting, and didn't get the impression it's a big game over there. Thanks for clearing up the "straight" pool game though, as I once played these lads who'd pot a solid, then a stripe, then a solid etc - confused the life out of me! They spoke no English so we had to abandon the game halfway through. I thought they were mental! :D

So your poolhalls are more like youth clubs then? Nobody likes too many teenagers in the way, although there must be many bella women around, too. Every cloud has a silver lining!

What I've found useful to do is get to know the staff at your favourite club well - that way you can influence how they market the game. You can suggest weekly competitions which you'll organise, hand out flyers and put up posters etc. It's a hard sell, but I guarantee you'll find people to play with if you put the effort in. The trick is not to scare them off if they're not very good, so you'll need to go easy on them or handicap any events. As mentioned, Facebook's an excellent idea, and I market my comps through email, because many people are reluctant to call someone for details, but don't mind emailing, because it's anonymous.

What about EuroTour events? It's in Treviso, I think. It might be a long way for you to go but it might be worth it to meet other players and get contacts. A few Euro boys are joining the UK pro league, the GB9 tour - if money's no object, you can pit your wits against the likes of Peach, Melling and Drago. I would be if I had the money.

Caio and buona fortuna.
Click to expand...
the interest in pool here is very very small, the only big interest is in football ( or soccer, but I think you as european likes to call it football, I do). Don't get me wrong I love football, but I appreciate if the interest in pool is bigger.
Some people tried to create some small tournament, but because of the lack in interest the idea failed.
Also, there are no ( :eek: :sorry:) women in the pool rooms, also because they are empty almost everyday.
The game you are talking about is probably 8/15.
Unfortunately this is pool here, I can't do anything to change it. I still love the game, but sometime I think to quit, because there is no point in trying to improve, but I'm still playing. :thumbup:
Ciao e buona fortuna to you too.
 
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