OLD THREAD: I'm sick of playing pool... :(

[SBC]

Pool has been my biggest passion for so many years now, and I've spent countless hours practicing and playing this game. I've had the pleasure of travelling around the world playing pool. I've played in qualifiers for the World Championships, Eurotour's, Derby City Classic and in front of thousand people at a shopping mall in Manila.

I've met hundreds of great people, made so many friends, and I really do love the pool family.

But, I feel I've reached a level where I can't make any more progress in my game, without sacrificing too much, and it really saddens me.

To play pool isn't fun for me anymore. I can't find any joy in practing, and I hate to compete now because my game is getting weaker every day, and has done so the last 2 years. I miss balls I know I should make, and it makes me uncomfortable at the table.

I know the only way to get back to play ok again is to put in even more hours, more dicipline and spark that good feeling of winning and playing good again.

But to be honest, I practiced so hard for a couple of years and jumped several levels in my game, putting in 3, 4 and 5 hours a day, and I really can't see me doing that again.

The last 2 years I've played in less than 10 tournaments, and I've practiced about same amount of hours in 2 years as I did in 2 months when pool was everything.

I still love hanging around the pool family, and I really, really, really wish the desire to play comes back to me again...

I know a lot of people who have been away from pool for some years and then returned, I just never thought I would be one of them. I thought pool would always be there.

I'm still planning a trip to America again for some pool-tournaments, but maybe I will just be a fan at a WPBA - event or something

Just wanted to share it with you and hoping someone who "hit the wall" themselves can share some stories

Thanks

Life is short....but still long enough to find another passion.

I'm almost done with pool after 25 years, least 20 serious. I just closed a nice players room and pool in upstate NY about dead. I like to play for money. There's almost nobody with the heart, game and bankroll to match up with. League pool has destroyed all that's left.

I have a Diamond table home and bunch of pool related stuff. I'm more into being a redneck with a jeep, snowmobiles, atv, jetskis and fishing. I'm living where I want to have a quieter life. If somebody wants to call me out....I'd probably still say bet and call heads. I played SBE in April,gambled the whole time. Even that wasn't the same.

 

[SBC]

you need to have competition and pressure. that is why you need to gamble at pool. make games and bet your cash on them.

no one gets good at anything without a big reward at the end of the rainbow. for me pool was only fun if i was betting enough so if i won it made my day, and if i lost it hurt.

i still play whenever but my minimum bet is a 100 a game and still find good action when im in the mood.
no pressure to win=no fun.

I agree completely....but once you become an action junkie...there is no substitute. Pool without gambling is like going to the library.

 

[Island Drive]

Playing in tournaments for the prize money, is completely different than playing by the game.
Post up & pay after each game is the best.
You can always ''jack the bet'' quit anytime, change the game, ask for weight and on an on.
You learn allot more about yourself/opponent when losing the last game, that NEVER costs you a match.

 

[L.S. Dennis]

I've got bad news for you Roy my boy. You're a lifer! You are taking what may be the first break from pool in your life. But trust me when I tell you, YOU'LL BE BACK! I have quit playing for various reasons many times over the last thirty years, with my longest break being nearly three years. Currently I have probably played less than eight hours of pool during the last three months. Am I done with playing? NOT BY A LONG SHOT!

I KNOW that I will start to play again. I just don't know when. With Derby City looming next month I have been eyeing my table closely every day to make sure it is still there, waiting for me. Pool is a wonderful mistress! She is always ready for you when you come back and never disappoints you with questions about where you've been or don't you care about her anymore.

When you're ready, so is your companion called Pool! She's never let me down in over 45 years of our relationship. And after all these years, I still learn more every time I go back to visit! :thumbup2:

P.S. I'll share something with you Roy and it's what makes me come back to playing pool, over and over again. There is probably no better feeling that I've ever had in my life than when I was in dead stroke playing pool. When I was "one" with the balls and the table, and the cue felt like part of my arm, and the tip was like the end of my finger. I've been there Roy and it was exhilarating to say the least. I can't think of anything that ever felt better to me over an extended period of time. There have been times in my life where I felt like I could make any shot and never miss any ball I could see. And I could! I fired them in like they had eyes and people stood back in awe. I remember that Roy and it felt good. There is nothing I've ever done in life that compares and there is nothing I will ever do quite so well either. And I know that.

Jay's correct pool is a wonderful mistress but I might add that pool can be a cruel mistress as well. Just when you think you're done with this she raises her skirt up a couple of inches more and draws you right back in! I've always equated the pleasure of playing pool well to that surfer who has always fought to catch just the right wave and when he finally catches it and gets that great ride, well that sort of it with pool when you find that zone!

 

[j2pac]

Pool has been my biggest passion for so many years now, and I've spent countless hours practicing and playing this game. I've had the pleasure of travelling around the world playing pool. I've played in qualifiers for the World Championships, Eurotour's, Derby City Classic and in front of thousand people at a shopping mall in Manila.

I've met hundreds of great people, made so many friends, and I really do love the pool family.

But, I feel I've reached a level where I can't make any more progress in my game, without sacrificing too much, and it really saddens me.

To play pool isn't fun for me anymore. I can't find any joy in practing, and I hate to compete now because my game is getting weaker every day, and has done so the last 2 years. I miss balls I know I should make, and it makes me uncomfortable at the table.

I know the only way to get back to play ok again is to put in even more hours, more dicipline and spark that good feeling of winning and playing good again.

But to be honest, I practiced so hard for a couple of years and jumped several levels in my game, putting in 3, 4 and 5 hours a day, and I really can't see me doing that again.

The last 2 years I've played in less than 10 tournaments, and I've practiced about same amount of hours in 2 years as I did in 2 months when pool was everything.

I still love hanging around the pool family, and I really, really, really wish the desire to play comes back to me again...

I know a lot of people who have been away from pool for some years and then returned, I just never thought I would be one of them. I thought pool would always be there.

I'm still planning a trip to America again for some pool-tournaments, but maybe I will just be a fan at a WPBA - event or something

Just wanted to share it with you and hoping someone who "hit the wall" themselves can share some stories

Thanks

You're suffering from burnout. Step away from the game for a few weeks, a month, whatever. Burnout leads to boredom, which in turn leads to a lack of focus.

You're likely missing balls, because you're not there mentally. Take a break, and reevaluate what position you want the game to hold in your life. I used to be the same way when it came to golf. Once I figured out that I would never be a top amateur, or professional, playing the game for the social aspect, made more sense.

You still won't like it when you lose, but it will be easier to put losing into perspective. In the grand scheme of life, at the end of the day, it's just a game. Enjoy your time at the table, and the relationships you have made with other humans. You'll love the game all over again... you just won't be a slave to it.
Good luck.

 

[j2pac]

Another 13 year old thread.
That's what I get for not looking.

 

[Island Drive]

Yet.... some things never change, cept mother time.

Me I'm going in a direction with my new domain and I've stopped playing a month now to implement.

I'll let Mark know soon.

''www.lastballdown.com''

A business model that will allow anyone to compete with anyone (not using Fargo).... start a 11am on Saturday and finish no later than 4 pm Saturday.
NOT 4am.
Everyone will start and finish at the same time, and the TD will not have to charge dbl, because he/she will also be finished in the afternoon when the sun is still out..... finishing before the night timers/loud music and liquor kick in.... is a blessing.

bm

 

[straightline]

I'm tired of not playing pool. I do try to get to a table daily but that's bars and even if you steal the table there's a train to deal with. I sympathize with hos. If you get knocked off well that guy or girl BEAT you. Fini. If you never see them again it becomes "I can beat that guy" for ever. Even if the scrubs are running and you catch a couple hours on, what of it? I tell myself I'm getting a good workout at the workings of pool.
Yeah right.

 

[JAM]

I admit, I know nothing of Roy, but running a pool room for 27 years, the number of players of all levels that announced that they were giving up the game is countless. Very few of them follow through with their proclamation.

I was just making that point, but glad to hear that he is back playing, which I guess is why he reintroduced the thread. He certainly took a way longer break from the game than most of us have.

I interrupt this cool pool thread to say Hi ho, Pimlico. I'm betting a double sawbuck today on "CoffeewithChris" at the Preakness today, 20-1 shot.

Welcome back, Roy!

 

[ChrisinNC]

Another 13 year old thread.
That's what I get for not looking.

I made the same mistake, but still good advice you are offering for anyone that might be going through pool burn out.

As I’ve owned / operated a pool room / grill for the last 27 years, it is a lot harder for me to step back from the game unless I choose to get out of this business, which I’m not ready to do yet, but may be forced to soon due to my spouse’s progressing early Alzheimer’s.

Around 15 years ago I was feeling that burnout and I quit playing altogether for a number of years. I was seeing this place and the standards we always maintained here starting to slip and our regulars noticed. I had to make a decision whether to get out of this business or suck it up and get back to work.

As soon as I started playing pool again, my passion for the game and for maintaining this business I worked so hard to create came back, aided by a much needed shoulder replacement surgery in 2016, which allowed me to play again pain-free. Without the extended break I had away from the game, I’m not sure if that would have happened.

 

[j2pac]

I made the same mistake, but still good advice you are offering for anyone that might be going through pool burn out.

As I’ve owned / operated a pool room / grill for the last 27 years, it is a lot harder for me to step back from the game unless I choose to get out of this business, which I’m not ready to do yet, but may be forced to soon due to my spouse’s progressing early Alzheimer’s.

Around 15 years ago I was feeling that burnout and I quit playing altogether for a number of years. I was seeing this place and the standards we always maintained here starting to slip and our regulars noticed. I had to make a decision whether to get out of this business or suck it up and get back to work.

As soon as I started playing pool again, my passion for the game and for maintaining this business I worked so hard to create came back, aided by a much needed shoulder replacement surgery in 2016, which allowed me to play again pain-free. Without the extended break I had away from the game, I’m not sure if that would have happened.

You have my sincere sympathy, with regards to your spouse. My Mother fought Alzheimer's, which started as vascular dementia, for 8 or 9 years, give or take. I wish you the best as you tackle this journey.
Best regards
Joe P

 

[JoeyA]

Pool has been my biggest passion for so many years now, and I've spent countless hours practicing and playing this game. I've had the pleasure of travelling around the world playing pool. I've played in qualifiers for the World Championships, Eurotour's, Derby City Classic and in front of thousand people at a shopping mall in Manila.

I've met hundreds of great people, made so many friends, and I really do love the pool family.

But, I feel I've reached a level where I can't make any more progress in my game, without sacrificing too much, and it really saddens me.

To play pool isn't fun for me anymore. I can't find any joy in practing, and I hate to compete now because my game is getting weaker every day, and has done so the last 2 years. I miss balls I know I should make, and it makes me uncomfortable at the table.

I know the only way to get back to play ok again is to put in even more hours, more dicipline and spark that good feeling of winning and playing good again.

But to be honest, I practiced so hard for a couple of years and jumped several levels in my game, putting in 3, 4 and 5 hours a day, and I really can't see me doing that again.

The last 2 years I've played in less than 10 tournaments, and I've practiced about same amount of hours in 2 years as I did in 2 months when pool was everything.

I still love hanging around the pool family, and I really, really, really wish the desire to play comes back to me again...

I know a lot of people who have been away from pool for some years and then returned, I just never thought I would be one of them. I thought pool would always be there.

I'm still planning a trip to America again for some pool-tournaments, but maybe I will just be a fan at a WPBA - event or something

Just wanted to share it with you and hoping someone who "hit the wall" themselves can share some stories

Thanks

Roy Steffensen, after another 13 years, you finally return to America, only to triumph once again. Talent is, as talent does. Congratulations on playing so well after another 10-year layoff from pool. Now you can say you have played in the BEST ACTION ROOM in the United States of America. This year there was a whopping $280,000.00 in the main event Calcutta. 2023 was a great year for a member of Parliament. Great seeing you again. See you next year, maybe this year at one of the other national events. JoeyA

 

[9Ballr]

To play pool isn't fun for me anymore.

Those are the key words.
I always swore to my self that the day I stop having fun playing pool is the day I quit playing pool.
Nothing wrong with that.
If you don't like it, you don't like it.
Find something else to do that you enjoy doing more.
No sense in wasting your time with stuff you don't like and are just dragging your feet at doing it.
Start doing something else.
No biggie.

 

[tonyboy59]

I've found the less I play the better I am. As a captain of league team (full roster) I don't often play so to allow my other players table time. It could be weeks before I pick up a cue to play but when I do I either win or lose on the hill. I find watching the games on Youtube a good way to stay invested without picking up a cue.

I know some may not agree with my position and that's ok however, when I do play, I really enjoy it and feel no pressure or stress. I start off easy and find my rhythm/groove.

Take some time off and don't take the game too seriously unless your lively hood depends on it.

 

[hang-the-9]

I guess you were right!

Took me more than 10 years, but I’m back!

Used my cue maybe 15 times in 10 years. Now I have been playing atleast a day every week the last months, and am now enjoying pool again. Really love it. My game is far off from what it once was, but when I now miss and play poorly it actually trigger me to work smarter and harder to eliminate mistakes. I am eager to put in time to get better.

You can take a man away from pool, but you can’t take pool away from a man!

Longest I have not played was about two years, had the cue in my trunk the whole time though. A guy that worked for me was saying how he played a bit and his cousin played, went to shoot in the room he said they played in, stuck around playing there for a while. They started a league soon after, my son joined the league when he was like 10, and we have been playing several times a week since then. He is 23 now and is running a pool hall/bar for a job. It's hard to see where a road leads sometimes, but when you get there you can trace it from where it started to where it led. I started playing at about 16, 35 years later my son has a decent career and pool skills.

 

[George the Greek]

Playing snooker/pool gets in you're blood and tough to let it go once you attain a decent level. I haven't played in 20+ years perse and I've never stopped thinking about it . I know at my age (70) it'll be a tough road to get comfortable at the table but I now know what I need to work on. I figure once I get my table I can put the time in that I need.

 

[boyraks]

Well, my story isn't very encouraging but it's honest & all about facing reality. I always aspired to be a great player. I wanted it bad. I played hours & hours, often times 12+hrs daily. I worked, slept, & played pool. That was it. I gambled when I could afford to, and starved when I couldn't afford to. But my game was never as strong as I wanted or needed for it to be if I were gonna make something of it. It got to the point where I was having no fun.

I had to look at myself from the outside in & face up to the fact that i'm simply not champion material in the pool game. 99% of us are not champion quality no matter how hard we try or how much we love the game. The best we can do is just love it for what it is & ride that wave to shore. Besides, do you really know any champions whom you are envious of besides their talent? The sacrifice is tremendous & most of us have something inside that prevents us from going to that extreme. I say the champions can have their game. I don't want it. The cost is too high for me. I love my children & wife, my home & my dog, and I love the time I get to spend with them. Pool is my get away now, my man time. But at night when that champion takes my money, I go home & crawl in bed with my wife and that money doesn't matter to me anymore. He goes to Taco Bell & then back to that one bedroom apartment he shares with another pool player & gets up at 2pm the next day hoping he can make another score like he made the night before. Champions have their lives & we have ours. I'm pretty happy about not being a champ. As they say, thank God for unanswered prayers.

And that is no knock on the great players. Some are suited for that kind of life but I am not. Yeah there's a very select few champs who seemingly have it all. But most of the greats I know, i'm not envious of. If I pressed on to become champion level, i'd not be married nor have any children. I wouldn't have life insurance, medical insurance, dental insurance, a retirement fund, investments, nice home & new vehicles, etc. If a champion player can have all that AND a great pool game, then they are super human. I couldn't. I'm simply not that good. I had to choose what meant more to me in the long term.

Sentence by sentence this is the best post I've ever read since I was a member here. Kudos to the author.