This may be lengthy, I hope most of ya'll do not mind.
We have a small room that has been open for about 6 weeks. It has been successful beyond our expectations even though it is just pool, pop, snacks and a few video games. Everyone seems comfortable and relaxed in the atmosphere we have established emphasizing comfortable seating, low prices, the best in equipment and cleanliness. Everyone is welcome and no-one will be asked to leave unless they violate the rules which are clearly posted (no weapons, drugs,harassment, Etc.).
The rub comes from a small group of self-proclaimed "pool players/hustlers". These people can be categorized by:
1. Always want to barge into a golf or ring game and loudly want to raise the stakes. Of course, this only happens when lesser players are playing and are socializing cheap. They do not even want to get in if better players are involved.
2. This type rarely enters cometitive tournaments, instead they find small local ones they can take off week after week.
3. They hate and even resent paying pool time.
4. They always feel singled out and persecuted if anyone mentions they might give up a little spot to even the odds or play for the stakes already established. They often embarass themselves by loudly proclaiming they are being persecuted because they are such "good" players.
5. They are hard on the equipment by slamming balls on a neighboring practic e table, banging unnecessary jump shots, slam chalk upside-down on the rails, etc.
6. They feel they are more valuable customers because they like "action" and want to be treated royally.
Don't get me wrong, I have played this game longer than I would like to admit and like action as much as the next guy. I will not allow, however, these types to take advantage of my customers. We have had several $100 sets between good players and some good match-ups and they are fun to watch and create interest. However for one of these type "players" to rob a beginner is not good business in my room and is not what I call action.
The point of this post is to find out if anyone recognizes this type player. It is a fact that when they are not around, the golf game is larger and more sociable. The social player will not say anything, he just stops playing when forced to play for higher stakes. At one point our daily 6 to 8 man game dwindled to just the 3 "good" players.
Thanks for letting me rant a little, any input is appreciated, but this is really basically an observation.
We have a small room that has been open for about 6 weeks. It has been successful beyond our expectations even though it is just pool, pop, snacks and a few video games. Everyone seems comfortable and relaxed in the atmosphere we have established emphasizing comfortable seating, low prices, the best in equipment and cleanliness. Everyone is welcome and no-one will be asked to leave unless they violate the rules which are clearly posted (no weapons, drugs,harassment, Etc.).
The rub comes from a small group of self-proclaimed "pool players/hustlers". These people can be categorized by:
1. Always want to barge into a golf or ring game and loudly want to raise the stakes. Of course, this only happens when lesser players are playing and are socializing cheap. They do not even want to get in if better players are involved.
2. This type rarely enters cometitive tournaments, instead they find small local ones they can take off week after week.
3. They hate and even resent paying pool time.
4. They always feel singled out and persecuted if anyone mentions they might give up a little spot to even the odds or play for the stakes already established. They often embarass themselves by loudly proclaiming they are being persecuted because they are such "good" players.
5. They are hard on the equipment by slamming balls on a neighboring practic e table, banging unnecessary jump shots, slam chalk upside-down on the rails, etc.
6. They feel they are more valuable customers because they like "action" and want to be treated royally.
Don't get me wrong, I have played this game longer than I would like to admit and like action as much as the next guy. I will not allow, however, these types to take advantage of my customers. We have had several $100 sets between good players and some good match-ups and they are fun to watch and create interest. However for one of these type "players" to rob a beginner is not good business in my room and is not what I call action.
The point of this post is to find out if anyone recognizes this type player. It is a fact that when they are not around, the golf game is larger and more sociable. The social player will not say anything, he just stops playing when forced to play for higher stakes. At one point our daily 6 to 8 man game dwindled to just the 3 "good" players.
Thanks for letting me rant a little, any input is appreciated, but this is really basically an observation.
