Play nice or play to win?

Because of his attitude I would say don't let him win anymore, but because you seem like a nice person and it is a friendly church function, just beat him by a little each time. No need to destroy him. One of two things will happen. He will quit playing you, or he will try and get better. If he wants to get better point him here...I'm sure the forum members will be happy to straighten him out! :)
 
win...

some people have to learn the hard way...and the other have to teach them...
 
Make him play by the rules, you don't have to win every game if it makes you uncomfortable, but don't let him win as often, either. By the rules there is no "slop" {a word I despise}, give him a chance, but make him win it, don't just give it to him.
 
I also recommend for you to play a race format. atleast by doing so, this would atleast keep both of your egos. I will cite 2 of my experiences here.

One was with a certain friend of mine. to tell you, this certain friend of mine was better than me. we played some race to 5 and I came up on the hill by racking 4 straight unbelievable racks, coupled by a lot of bank shots and 2 game winning banks. at the end of that match, I came at the losing end with a score of 4-5. we both enjoyed it since both of us got time on the table and played a competitive match. that match was only a prelude to a string of matches that we played each other.

another one of my experiences was with a girl again. however, this girl doesn't suck and brag compared to the previous girl. what I liked about this one was her funny antics on the pool table whenever she got a lucky roll. because of her high percentage luck, we decided to play a race to 5 format. before the match started, first, I was already planning to give away the first 4 racks and play shitty pool on purpose, then come up strong and win 5 in a row. unfortunately for me, luck was not on my side. before I was able to start my run, she got a lucky roll on the 5th rack. LOL ! too bad for me! but anyways, since I don't want my ego totally shattered and got hers' flying too high, I requested to play those 4 unplayed racks, that if ever I lose one of those, I would call it quits and treat her wherever she wants to. guess my persuasive powers (bribe) worked. in those last 4 successive racks, I showed all my stuff that I could have shown in the previous lost match. it was actually the only time that I made her a believer because she totally kicked my A** in the previous match where she thought that I just plainly sucked. I'm just happy to see that she understood pool and to know and be aware of my skills as a player. as she watched me play, she knows she would be in a fix if I played her seriously. the point here is that both of us enjoyed the game and enjoyed each other's company. besides, being mocked by a girl ain't that bad. :D

So Marissa, I think it's time for you to use your helpless little girl strategy. :D. tell that guy that you're just a girl and need some weight, then savor your every win and do some funny antics. believe me, that would be a nice mocking trip. :D
 
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About winning, I agree that you should always try you best to win. Sometimes, it is hard when nothing is on the line--but it is more fun when you have tried your best regardless.

Losing a game is nothing personal. The kid should understand that. As such, one should learn to be modest in victory, and graceful in defect.

Just my 2 cents,

Richard
 
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I may read this wrong, but are you saying you're holding back "because it's church" ?? Isn't that just a bit hypocritical? Do you act and talk different in church and out of it? There are too many church goers who do exactly this and are too damn pios to admit it.
 
Marissa,

What I would do, is for the next 5,6 or how many times you guys meet up at church, just drill him, and dont hold back. And then when he gets that WTF attitude or does the why r u playing so seriously attitude going, tell him about pool ettique.

Or, invite him out to the pool hall so you two can actually play some.
 
Lesson Time

Sweet Marissa said:
On Thursday nights, we have a group of young adults that meet at our church called Veritas. In our meeting room, we also have a game area where we socialise before worship. There we have, among other things, a pool table. Nothing fancy. It's an old eight foot with worn out red cloth and crappy balls.

There's one kid, Michael, in his early twenties, who wants to play me every week. When I do, I go easy on him, but only because it's church. It's kinda obvious (or it is to me). I also let him win sometimes.

I don't care about letting him or anyone win a few games because it's church. The only thing that gets me is his behaviour. He takes slop shots then claims he meant to make that shot (I chuckle and let it slide but a couple others call him out on it), protests profusely if I get ball in hand, and tries to shark me when I'm up (I ignore it). When he "wins", he's all around the room bragging about how I'm his biggest opponent and he beat me, happier than a kid at Christmas. When I win, I shake his hand or give him a hug and take my seat.

It obviously means a lot to him, but he's just so frikkin obnoxious about it and, to be honest, it's pretty annoying. But I don't want to be mean. I guess my question is, would I be a bad person if I didn't let him win these games?
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Time to teach him a lesson!!
 
In my opinion, part of the joy someone like your friend gets out of playing you is that you're actually trying and beating you is a feat. Like the others said, I'd drill him until he wanted to take up darts. If he wins a game, remind him (like I remind Red Sox fans) that the score now is 26 to 4.
 
If they know you have played for money and in tournaments, then they should know you're a serious player. If they want to play you, warn them that you will not hold back.

And as for Mr. Obnoxious, kick his a$$ and let him know it! :D

That's what Jack would do. ;)
 
Sweet Marissa said:
I'll clarify: I want everyone to have fun also, and if I win every game, it's not fun for them. They know I play pool, and most know I have played for money and in tournaments.
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OK, ever played the game, I think it's called, Mr & Mrs? It's in the BCA rulebook. You have to shoot everything in rotation, he shoots anything he can see. Might give him a challenge and a chance to win without you dumping. If you have the experience you claim they know you have, you can probably win, but it may not be as easy as 8 ball or 9 ball.
Just a suggestion.
 
Are you their babysitter? If not why would you just not play the person in a honest game? If you can beat him beat him, why would you be so condescending towards anyone.
I could see it if you were babysitting them, then it's nice to give them a game, but if you are all the same age, your just hurting this guy in the long run. Just my thoughts
mrs.g
 
Social situations

Social situations normally call for a different mindset in my opinion. Most bangers playing on a ratty table in a church basement aren't bringing the intensity to the game that we bring to a serious gambling or tournament match. I don't turn up the heat to maximum playing them and I often give less than obvious spots, often without telling them, so that they don't feel like they have egg on their face after we play. Friends soon realize I play them with a different level of intensity than I play strangers.

I played with a friend that rarely plays yesterday while waiting for the tournament to start. It would have been ridiculous to crank up maximum game then. I played another entrant in the tourney a little later and gradually started building to maximum intensity because I don't want to leave my best game on a practice table or in the basement of a church either, another reason not to work for maximum focus at the church.

In Marissa's situation I would either quit playing on the church table or recognize that this one player considers their games a serious competition and turn up the heat, with him only. Abetting someone who is already lacking in modesty and humility can't be right. I think there is some merit to the idea of getting him away from the church crowd and absolutely crushing him just to give him an understanding of the real situation without letting other members of the church know that you are just banging balls around with them. Invite him when you are going to a pool hall with a few friends, then beat him like a rented mule.

Hu
 
Drill him Marissa. Remind him that since he's in church, he can always ask for some holy intervention. :)
 
Me personally I'd play well enough to keep it competative and fun, they never have to know. As for the clown I'd never let him win, I'd talk to him and if he showed some interest and maybe learning I'd take him under my wing but he's one of the type that has to be taught the hard way. Both of my Brother in laws are the same way. No respect for the game.

Black Cat :cool:
 
play to win. you don't learn much, if anything, by playing someone who just isn't good. that's how we all get better, by getting beaten by the better person and lots of practice. it's why some people at school just flat out refuse to play me because they know the only way they can win is if i 'accidentally' miss a shot or put the 8 in the wrong pocket. oh well...
 
In the words of cricket legend I.T Botham "If you don't play to win it's not worth playing."

Something like that anyway.:D
 
I'm going to be in the minority and suggest you turn the other cheek.

You are in an un-fun situation with a bad winner. I suggest that you graciously decline to play with him again. You do not need an excuse to do this.

Nothing wrong with taking the high ground wherever you are, but in church...I would think it especially appropriate.
 
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