Playing partners for cash, bad idea?

[hang-the-9]

So at times people ask me to play with them against another 2 guys. I usually turn them down even if it's a sure win. The way I feel is, if I play solo, it's my money or pride, and I can control what I do at the table. Once I get a partner, now I am worrying about his part of the stake and what leave or shot selection would be for me after him.

I also have the same feeling towards being backed. I don't ever play for a lot, but have had offers for people to back me for more than I would play for myself, and never feel comfortable doing that. I think it's one of those things were you are the favorite to win and you start thinking "what if I lose". The other guy has no pressure, he is the underdog and plays loose while you end up with this thought in your head "I better win or else", and all of a sudden I'm undershooting shots and leaving myself behind balls. This has actually kept me from winning matches due to people telling me to kick the guys butt, which caused me to put pressure on myself to perform.

Anyone else have issues before a game when the expectation is on you to win or when you are using someone elses green to bet? I don't even mean actually dogging the shots but keeping that little nagging troll in your head while in the game. I tried several methods to avoid this, but it's always there, and keeps me from taking advantage of the offers.

 

[LAMas]

So at times people ask me to play with them against another 2 guys. I usually turn them down even if it's a sure win. The way I feel is, if I play solo, it's my money or pride, and I can control what I do at the table. Once I get a partner, now I am worrying about his part of the stake and what leave or shot selection would be for me after him.
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Have you ever been played by your partner - cut up?

 

[hang-the-9]

Nope, anyone I played partners with I have known for a while. And the stakes are so low (10-20-40 a set) that it would be silly to do that to someone.

 

[Black-Balled]

The amount of money is no concern to folks. Money is money to some.

That said, I never play partners. Not enough table time and everybody ends up near even in the longer haul.

I also agree about having to carry a teammate- hell, that's why I play pool in the first place-> may not play well with others.

 

[matcase]

In my experience, it seems to even out over the course of the evening. I make some shots to save us, I miss some I shouldn't. Same goes for my partner; blows a few, pulls a few out. It's usually pretty fun.

 

[Pushout]

So at times people ask me to play with them against another 2 guys. I usually turn them down even if it's a sure win. The way I feel is, if I play solo, it's my money or pride, and I can control what I do at the table. Once I get a partner, now I am worrying about his part of the stake and what leave or shot selection would be for me after him.

Exactly! When I quit playing in the bars and started playing in the pool room every day, I gave up playing partners anything. It is not fun for me, ever.