Opinions: Should I join a straight pool league

J

Jeff Rosen

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
OK, I admit I'm not a very good player, YET. I'm only a three SL in APA & Mega Bucks. There is a handicap straight pool league starting Sunday night at Raxx on Long Island. I heard there are some very good players, semi-pro caliber. Would I embarrass myself playing in that league? Would the other players resent me or my Handicap. Would I be paying just to sit in a seat watching my opponent run balls? I feel the best way to learn is to play better players. I'm lucky if I can run 6 balls, and I have no idea how to break the 14 when trying for the one.I've played in handicap tournaments at Raxx and most of the players there are completely out of my league.
 
We are all students of the game, and I think you're doing yourself a disservice from not trying the league.
 
I think straight pool is a great game for improving. I also think that leagues are lots of fun. That being said, itsfroze is right, no one really cares what you do. Do whatever you want, and once you stop enjoying it, move on. I can't stand seeing bitter old players who never have fun. What's the point????

Also, I think Steve Kurtz plays in that league, so you definitely won't be the worst player there. :D
 
Take the plunge so you have a valid reason to be out playing that night...

You likely will spend much of your time watching instead of shooting but straight pool is all about patterns so watching is almost as good as playing if you start to recognize the patterns being played...

Most players don't mind helping lower level players who are serious and not annoying.. If you happen to not be annoying you will likely find that you can ask questions to increase the learning curve if you do it t the proper time during the match like during the racking unless the guy is on a pretty big run then there is never a good time until he finally misses LOL
 
You're probably going to be completely outmatched. But so what? Remember, every single player there started where you are now. If you want to get better, play better players. I assure you, no one will resent you. At best, the other players will take time to help you out. At worst, they'll look at you as an easy win. If you can accept that you might well lose every match you play in your first season, you have nothing else to lose and everything to gain.
 
Being around better players should help you improve faster.
You will see the correct shots and patterns repetitively and will pick the game up faster.
I wish I had played straight pool and onepocket my whole life instead of golf on a snooker table.
I move pretty good but can't make a ball in the ocean.
 
Yes

Play, you will learn a lot and straight pool players will help you on your patterns after your match. They are more generous with their knowledge and sharing in my opinion.

Wedge
 
One word: GoForIt...

Doing your best, regardless of the results, is never an embarrassment. And the only players who may resent you will be the ones you beat. If you want to learn straight pool, a league is as good a place as any.

In my experience, I have learned a great deal more watching than I have playing.
 
Str8PoolMan said:
Doing your best, regardless of the results, is never an embarrassment. And the only players who may resent you will be the ones you beat. If you want to learn straight pool, a league is as good a place as any.

In my experience, I have learned a great deal more watching than I have playing.
Click to expand...

The world needs more 14.1 players. It's a great game. Play 14.1 for a while and eight ball will seem like the simplest game in the world. Careful though, it's addictive

Also, there are great 14.1 matches on YouTube. I suggest watching guys like John Schmidt and Thorsten Hohmann. They play the more traditional style by playing the patterns.
 
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A lot of AZ'ers do care

itsfroze said:
I doubt anyone on here
really cares one way or another.

If you want to then do it.
Click to expand...

This is our sport and the gentleman ask a question that should be answered in a positive manner! Most of us do care, if you don't so be it but you should not discourage someone from learning a new game and growing their skills!
 
I'd like to thank everyone for their input. I joined the Sunday night straight pool league at Raxx and all my fears were unfounded. After playing my Sunday Afternoon APA 8&9 ball league I headed right to Raxx. Holden over at Raxx knows my playing from their Monday night tournaments and since I was scheduled to play a very good player he made a 110 to 35 handicap. The handicap was perfect as I lost by one, 110-34, however I really enjoyed myself. Although it isn't popular any more I find 14-1 as my favorite game and while I'm in two other leagues I know this will be my favorite. Thanks again to everyone.
 
Good for you, it is a great game.

I always laugh when I explain the game to non pool people and they say "what, you can shoot any ball in any pocket?"
 
In my opinion nothing will help your pool game more than playing 14.1 straight pool. It's been my favorite game for many years. You will be amazed at how quickly your game will improve and other players will be happy to help you out. Go for it my friend. Good luck.
 
I am always happy to hear of a new 14.1 enthusiast. It's the game I grew up with,
made lots of extra cash with, and won (6) U S Navy Championships at ... 1961-1966.
High Run in Tournament play = 236 (now wishing I could run a fifty again). Ha !
Straight Pool has a new "foot-hold" in Sacramento at The Jointed Cue and I'm
hoping we can get a 14.1 League going soon. You'll never be sorry for spending
the time to learn and enjoy the game.
Best of Luck to you, Howard
 
Kudos for joining and everyone else for support! This is what I love about this forum. After going to the Maryland 14.1 Championships last year won by Thorsten I started playing 14.1 as practice for APA 8Ball.

Is also the game I use to show my girlfriend how to shoot pool and she loves it. We play races of 25 vs 5 and makes for close games. :thumbup:
 
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