Official Pool Etiquette?

Da Poet

Da Poet

Pool is Cool
Silver Member
Is there a one page list somewhere that more or less describes fundamental pool etiquette? Gambling etiquette might be a little murky, so I'm looking for something that would only apply to the actual playing of the game. (Things like not taking the table chaulk with you at the end of your turn, moving around the table while your opponent is shooting, clearing away from their stance)

If not, maybe we should make one? Maybe consolidate a list of suggestions down to a top ten list or something? It would be handy for newer players, and maybe some not so new. lol


Thanks!


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(Edit May 25th, 2008 Okay! Thanks for all the ideas! I've put a first draft copy up here for comment. I might start a new thread, but I'll try this first.)

First Draft

This is a very preliminary draft of the kind of thing I was thinking about. It's impossible to list every single situation, but I think this covers most of the important stuff. It's only nine items right now and a top ten list is looking possible here. Again, this is just a draft. I've already seen a few things I'd like to add or change since I was typing this, so feel free to comment away!

Thanks!



1) Respecting the equipment

a) At no time should any food, beverages, or smoking materials be set on the rails, in the pockets, or be positioned in any way over the table surface for any reason at any time.

b) Balls are to be set onto the table or in the hand of the opposing player and never dropped or thrown under any circumstances.

2) During play

a) All conversations between players and spectators should be discussed at or below the current room activity noise as to allow matches on neighboring tables to proceed without distraction.

b) Players and spectators should refrain from unnecessary comments or questions directed at another player while they are at their turn.

c) The player closest to the pocket or ball return should return the cue ball and any re-spotted balls to the playing surface in ball in hand or foul situations.

d) Once all balls have come to rest at the end of their turn, the exiting player must immediately exit the playing area and leave all shared chalk in their original positions, facing up on the rail.

e) Players not at their turn and spectators must remain clear of the playing area whenever possible. In circumstances that this is not possible, anyone who is in the playing area should maintain awareness of the match and clear away immediately when necessary.

f) Players and spectators must remain still while within the direct field of view of any player in the process of shooting.

g) Under no circumstances shall any player deliberately make contact with their opponent or opponent's equipment during the course of play.
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Here's some of mine:

- Don't stand at the table while the other person is shooting
- Don't chalk your stick at the table after missing a shot
- Don't talk to the opponent while they're shooting
- If the opponent can see you while shooting, stay as still as possible
- Don't touch the opponent's cue stick
- If you foul, don't throw the cue ball to the opponent

And these two are lessons I learned yesterday that lost two games for me against a weaker player:
1. Don't show your opponent how to play safe against you
2. Don't allow your opponent to re-shoot after they foul simply because they "didn't know that rule"
 
md5key said:
Here's some of mine:

- Don't stand at the table while the other person is shooting
- Don't chalk your stick at the table after missing a shot
- Don't talk to the opponent while they're shooting
- If the opponent can see you while shooting, stay as still as possible
- Don't touch the opponent's cue stick
- If you foul, don't throw the cue ball to the opponent

And these two are lessons I learned yesterday that lost two games for me against a weaker player:
1. Don't show your opponent how to play safe against you
2. Don't allow your opponent to re-shoot after they foul simply because they "didn't know that rule"
Click to expand...

I think the issue is "Don't show how to play safe while in the game" :-) I'm all for showing people the right shot, or something they should have changed after my match.
 
when playing or practising ,don`t throw or bounce balls on table ..treat the table as if you paid $5000 for same....and please when you come upon people involved in a straight pool game (before you arrived) please be quiet as though you were about to pocket the the 9 for $50....plus all the previous posts on this subject...
 
Let's see....
Things I'm not ever supposed to do again:

1. Don't steal the post money.
2. Don't spit all over the cue ball after a foul.
3. Don't scream, "Shooter, shooter, shooter.....shoot!"
4. Throw a piece of chalk at my opponent while in his backswing.
5. Twirl my cue like Tom Cruise (If you ever see me doing this, just smack me.)
6. Place my "junk" on top of the pocket that a guy is shooting a ball into.
7. Win the first set, quit, and run around the table screaming "LOSER, LOSER!"
8. Go to the bathroom after every ball pocketed.

Things to do: Can't think of any.
 
crawfish said:
Let's see....
Things I'm not ever supposed to do again:

8. Go to the bathroom after every ball pocketed.

Things to do: Can't think of any.
Click to expand...

# 8 may be Ok, as long as you leave the table area. Personally I find if you pee under the table instead of around it, people don't get as angry at you.
 
Excessive powder on the table annoys me, using a minimal amount of powder is good etiquette. Also when playing on bar tables, the people that prematurely dig in their pockets for quarters while you are shooting need to wait till the game is over!!
 
Do not let anyone put his/her food on the side of the table.
When arriving to the table do not zap the balls tray onto the table, take out only 2-3 balls once. My mind's eye can see the holes in the table's plate as the 16 balls hit it falling out of the tray = care for the pool hall's equipment as if it was yours!
If you arrive to the hall with dirty / oily hands wash them before you start playing - hence you'll leave the cloth and the balls clean = Care For Cleanness!
Do not shout, talk loud.
 
#1)Never tap the balls in order to get them to freeze

#2)Refrain from making "that was lucky" remarks

#3)Dont woof at someone only to ask for weight when they woof back

#4)Stay out of other peoples games

#5)When two people seem to be battling back and forth, dont walk up and ask "can i play winner?":mad:

#6)Learn how to win and lose graciously

#7)If you foul, dont look up at your opponent and hope he lets you shoot again.......thats cheating!

#8)If you hate losing, quit whining and making excuses, just practice more or take it like a man

#9)Never grab the rack while your opponent is shooting, no matter if you are conceding that game

#10)Take it easy on the powder

#11)Shoot quickly
 
Here it is:

1. Treat the equipment as though you will get punched in the nose if you mess it up.
2. Treat your opponent with the type of respect that will keep you from getting punched in the nose, no matter who you're playing
3. Respect those around you so that you don't get punched in the nose.


That's it.
 
Jude Rosenstock said:
Here it is:

1. Treat the equipment as though you will get punched in the nose if you mess it up.
2. Treat your opponent with the type of respect that will keep you from getting punched in the nose, no matter who you're playing
3. Respect those around you so that you don't get punched in the nose.


That's it.
Click to expand...

I can see a common theme here...
 
WAITRESSES!!!!!

wait until im done shooting to ask me if i want a refill on my coffee. and please dont ask what kind of a shot was that??? especially after i played safe.

i know were talking players here but just wanted to say. it annoys me just as bad as the chalk upside down, more than chalk set sideways.
 
turbo said:
WAITRESSES!!!!!

wait until im done shooting to ask me if i want a refill on my coffee. and please dont ask what kind of a shot was that??? especially after i played safe.

i know were talking players here but just wanted to say. it annoys me just as bad as the chalk upside down, more than chalk set sideways.
Click to expand...


Nah, you have to understand what's going on here. Waitresses don't play pool. If one of them interrupts you, you get up from your shot, give her your full attention and say, "I'm sorry dear, I think I'm okay until I'm done playing pool." Wait until your session is over and speak to the manager. Politely say to them, "The waitress in my section was very attentive and in many places, I would really appreciate that. However, she interrupted me while I was shooting and figured she must be new. She's a great hire but you might want to let her know to wait until a player is done shooting."

You do this and you'll always get your way.
 
Jude Rosenstock said:
Yes. If you look out for your nose, you should be okay.
Click to expand...

What if your nose was previously broken, and you need someone to reset it for you? :rolleyes:

You make a good point. Be polite. Play your game. Let the other guy be the jerk.
 
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