I am only a three in APA and Megabucks and in my straight pool league I'm usually spotted between 75 and 100 points. But whenever I have Tuesdays off (I rotate days off) I usually enter the Monday night Nine-Ball Tournament at Raxx in West Hempstead. With an hour and a half of practice time and double elimination the $20 entry fee is no more than table time. And because of the handicap and some luck I actually won money twice. As I'm about 25 miles from Steinway I'm actually considering their Monday night tournament. The only problem with Steinway is I heard they go to 3 or 4 in the morning!!!
Play or be a rail bird ?
- Thread starter CocoboloCowboy
- Start date
Interesting thread.
As a middle-of-the-road A player on a fixed budget, I'm always debating whether I should pony up the big bucks to play in the major tournaments. If I can get a decent draw and play my absolute best, I believe I could finish in the money, but it's pretty unlikely with all the monsters in the field.
But I guess it just depends on whether I can devote the time and money to practice hard before the tournament and put up a good fight, otherwise there's really no point in playing.
Case in point, the Japan Open is coming up this month and I can't decide whether I should play or not. I'm leaning towards playing, but not looking forward to explaining to the boss (aka wife) why I just spent 200 bucks on a couple games of pool.
As a middle-of-the-road A player on a fixed budget, I'm always debating whether I should pony up the big bucks to play in the major tournaments. If I can get a decent draw and play my absolute best, I believe I could finish in the money, but it's pretty unlikely with all the monsters in the field.
But I guess it just depends on whether I can devote the time and money to practice hard before the tournament and put up a good fight, otherwise there's really no point in playing.
Case in point, the Japan Open is coming up this month and I can't decide whether I should play or not. I'm leaning towards playing, but not looking forward to explaining to the boss (aka wife) why I just spent 200 bucks on a couple games of pool.
you can't keep me from playing in the DCC 1P. The likelihood of winning back my entry in that tourney is not good at all....Can I win a match, yeah, maybe even a couple, but I'd like to win a single game (and lose the match) over the likes of Alex or someone like that, than play and win over a player that is under my speed. 
challenge yourself, staying in "your comfort zone" is, well, kinda boring :boring2:
challenge yourself, staying in "your comfort zone" is, well, kinda boring :boring2:
Good point, Rusty.
Getting stuck in that comfort zone is one of the worst things that can happen to your game. Months and years go by and you realize that you haven't really improved and have nothing to show for all the time you put in.
Honestly, I've been living pretty comfy for the last while now, I guess it's time to get out and play!
Getting stuck in that comfort zone is one of the worst things that can happen to your game. Months and years go by and you realize that you haven't really improved and have nothing to show for all the time you put in.
Honestly, I've been living pretty comfy for the last while now, I guess it's time to get out and play!
My comfort zone depends on my budget in conjunction with the likelihood I go two and out, assuming it's a double elimination tournament.
For example, this year's US Open is a $1,000 entry. The chances of me going 2 and out is more than 95%. It might even be 100%, but I wouldn't rule out the chance of drawing a non world beater, and getting lucky in a race to 11. Therefore, I would not play in the US Open.
Now if the US Open was only a $100 entry, then yes, I would most definitely play.
So I think as long as you can afford to financially, then there's no harm in playing a tournament you don't stand a chance in.
For example, this year's US Open is a $1,000 entry. The chances of me going 2 and out is more than 95%. It might even be 100%, but I wouldn't rule out the chance of drawing a non world beater, and getting lucky in a race to 11. Therefore, I would not play in the US Open.
Now if the US Open was only a $100 entry, then yes, I would most definitely play.
So I think as long as you can afford to financially, then there's no harm in playing a tournament you don't stand a chance in.
You would refrain if any of the following exists:
1. You would not get X dollars worth (X being the entry fee amount) of enjoyment or experience from playing that tournament.
2. Your current financial situation does not allow you to be able to responsibly afford to play in that event.
3. The event interferes with other more important responsibilities such as family or work.
Otherwise play in it and enjoy yourself.
In USPSA Action Shooting I am the oldest GrandMaster in the World still competing regulary.
I have always said "I would rather finish last GrandMaster than first Master".
At Pool Tournaments I'd rather match up with A/AA players than B's or lower. I no longer
play in Banger Tourneys for that exact reason.
I have always said "I would rather finish last GrandMaster than first Master".
At Pool Tournaments I'd rather match up with A/AA players than B's or lower. I no longer
play in Banger Tourneys for that exact reason.
As I said if I had zero chance of getting into the cash, I would choose not to participate.
If I had the chance to play some would beater knowing I had no chance of wining, or placing I'll pass.
If I entered I would only be a contributor to some pot, or prize fund.
The money would be better spent on a scratch, where I could win something
I am not into gambling, and know pool is a game of skill. Those with the most skill, win most of the time.
I do understand, some get a buzz from going say to DCC to play, if I went I would be the one in the seats watching.
If you're consistently finishing high in your comfort level events, then it's time for you to push yourself to the next level.
If you're not consistently finishing high, then focus on competing better in the level that you're currently in. Study the players in the higher level events from the rail to see where you can improve your own game. Compete against them only when you feel you're ready to move up.
Last edited:
Sounds to me like you're not willing to experience failure in order to get better. Practice all you want, but if you aren't putting yourself in tournaments against tougher competition, then you'll never get to the next level. That's not to say getting to the next level is guaranteed, but you should at least give yourself a chance.
And just remember that even players much better than the majority of this forum won't cash in every tournament they enter.
John Morra
Ko Ping Chung
Brandon Shuff
Corey Deuel
4 very good players, and none of them cashed in this year's World 9 Ball.
There is merit to staying within your comfort zone but once you play a certain speed you can venture out. Tournament play is not like gambling. With a little luck you may beat anybody. Like I said you have to be a good player but not necessarily a champion to play.
I never felt like I would in any way embarrass myself. I always felt it took a very good player ("Playing good") to beat me. They don't always play super and you may play at the top of your game and win.
I remember going to a tournament once and got there late and the draw was over.
There was one bye on the board and it was Buddy Hall. Everybody just assumed I would pass but I bought the bye and he beat me 11 to 9., in fact I should have won. I went on to do good on the loser side and got into the money.
It makes no sense for someone who can't really play to enter tournaments with players that they truly have no chance beating no matter what. It may even hurt their game just confirming that they stink.
They need to play in tournaments that they at least have some chance to advance even if little chance to win. No one wants to just be a fool of course.
I should add we are not usually talking about the US open. Most of the tournaments are fairly small and local. In those I never could understand the players that play pretty good that don't enter. It is not the entry that can often be low. They for some reason are afraid to play.
Last edited:
if you want to play in a tournament you have little chance go ahead its your money spend it. but to the other few players that take down almost all the money every tournament those others are just suckers to them.
you are lying to yourself if you think you learn anything by getting trounced by a better player. you would learn more by giving a better player some money to teach you things. you can watch the champs all day long for free. so playing a set or two with them does you nothing.
sorry to break your heart. but by demanding fair spots for cash or fair handicaps for tournaments is the only way pool is going to grow.
you are lying to yourself if you think you learn anything by getting trounced by a better player. you would learn more by giving a better player some money to teach you things. you can watch the champs all day long for free. so playing a set or two with them does you nothing.
sorry to break your heart. but by demanding fair spots for cash or fair handicaps for tournaments is the only way pool is going to grow.
You're looking at it the wrong way.
You don't put yourself in those spots against better players to learn how to play pool. You're right, that can be done through watching videos on Youtube for free, reading books, and watching DVDs.
You put yourself in those spots to learn how to handle and cope with pressure. If you spend the rest of your life only playing people your speed, then you will never progress. Trust me when I say that Shane (or any top player) didn't get to where they are playing in tournaments that only had players their speed or worse.
Not being able to afford playing in a tournament is the only valid reason to stay on the rail. If a person can afford to play, but chooses not to because they're afraid, then competitive pool isn't for them.
I know what you are saying but no matter what, the pressure is always there. You could be playing a $20.00 set in the pool room and as things happen all the same stuff will go through your mind.
I know when you play in the pool room you don't usually gather a crowd.
That is something that can be hard to get used to in a tournament and if you are a weaker player you will in fact embarrassing yourself and people will talk as you dog your brains out. Not too many people really want to subject themselves to that.
Remember. it is supposed to be fun. I am typing this quick because I am going out I hope what I am saying makes sense I don't really have time to reread and fix it.
I recently decided to get back into pool after about a 7 year break. I have no desire to get back into league at this point but if I did I would do BCA over APA, just better caliber players IMHO. Anyway, after 7 years I was rusty so I hit the practice tables. I started to drill and got bored and started shooting racks. I decided to get into some cheap tournaments ($5 - $10) to get some "easy money".
To my disappointment the money wasn't "easy" and I was donating. Frustrated at my game I decided to evaluate myself. I discovered I was playing my opponent and not the table which caused me to stoop to their level and playing their game and not mine. I noticed my stroke all out of whack, not staying down, death grip on the cue on some shots, rushing shots, poking shots, etc, I was doing it all.
I decided to quit the tournaments and get my head right, back to the practice tables. First stroke drills, 2000 shots corner to corner and then 500 shots length of table having cue ball come back to tip. Then ball pocketing drills, long rail, short rail, cut shots etc. Not playing any games, running any racks or entering any tournaments until drills are completed.
I have set a period of 1 month of drilling 2 - 3 times a week for 4 - 5 hours before entering any tournaments. I have 2 weeks left and have noticed a huge difference in my stroke!!! I will get into the lower tournaments with the "bums" as some call them and when I start winning each one then go up to the next level and start winning those.
Bottom line is that winning tournaments and money, big or small, builds confidence in your game as well as your ability to win. Everyone on this thread has to admit that drilling is not fun but it does pay off and if your game is off you need to get back to the basics which means drill, drill, drill, and when you are tired of drilling, drill some more. Enter back into the "bum" tournaments and win them, move up until you feel confident entering in the $50 to $100 dollar tournaments and you will be surprised at where you place.
Don't get frustrated and don't quit, simply step back and re-evaluate your game, fix what is broke then hit it hard again at the bottom and work your way to the top.
Good luck!!!!
To my disappointment the money wasn't "easy" and I was donating. Frustrated at my game I decided to evaluate myself. I discovered I was playing my opponent and not the table which caused me to stoop to their level and playing their game and not mine. I noticed my stroke all out of whack, not staying down, death grip on the cue on some shots, rushing shots, poking shots, etc, I was doing it all.
I decided to quit the tournaments and get my head right, back to the practice tables. First stroke drills, 2000 shots corner to corner and then 500 shots length of table having cue ball come back to tip. Then ball pocketing drills, long rail, short rail, cut shots etc. Not playing any games, running any racks or entering any tournaments until drills are completed.
I have set a period of 1 month of drilling 2 - 3 times a week for 4 - 5 hours before entering any tournaments. I have 2 weeks left and have noticed a huge difference in my stroke!!! I will get into the lower tournaments with the "bums" as some call them and when I start winning each one then go up to the next level and start winning those.
Bottom line is that winning tournaments and money, big or small, builds confidence in your game as well as your ability to win. Everyone on this thread has to admit that drilling is not fun but it does pay off and if your game is off you need to get back to the basics which means drill, drill, drill, and when you are tired of drilling, drill some more. Enter back into the "bum" tournaments and win them, move up until you feel confident entering in the $50 to $100 dollar tournaments and you will be surprised at where you place.
Don't get frustrated and don't quit, simply step back and re-evaluate your game, fix what is broke then hit it hard again at the bottom and work your way to the top.
Good luck!!!!
If you have money to burn than do it, if you live on a fixed income maybe not.
The pressure is always there, but it's not always the same. If you're an average player, then you are going to feel less pressure against another average player then you would against someone much better than you.
The only way to learn to deal with that pressure is to play against better players.
My take is playing in any tournament or competition is good. There is a huge difference in playing for fun or practicing than being in a formal competition. That said, I'm not entering something that I'm going 2 and out. That, in my view, is not really helping my game. If I have a 40/60 or 30/70 chance, I'm game, if I have a 5/95 chance, I'm not interested. In the latter, (5/95) I'm dead money and have no chance at all.
I don't have the ego need to let the world know I play Shane, Cory, or the like and got smoked 10-0. Big deal so I played them, so what. This kind of thing impresses me not. Someone wants to "donate" be my guest, I choose not to do so.
I don't have the ego need to let the world know I play Shane, Cory, or the like and got smoked 10-0. Big deal so I played them, so what. This kind of thing impresses me not. Someone wants to "donate" be my guest, I choose not to do so.