Poll! What would happen if you just played friends?
- Thread starter Shaky1
- Start date
did both with no problem
I played seriously and socially for years with no problem. Trying for pinpoint cue ball placement, accidental safeties while aiming at points, and playing some of the tougher shots than you need to play can keep you sharp while playing socially.
It was understood that when I was playing friends or even the usual gamblers at the corner bar I wasn't going to break out my "A" game. It was also understood if a stranger or road player came through the door, not too uncommon with people getting steered from Greenway, I would be the one to play them and my game would be kicked up a bit. Kinda funny, I never had a problem kicking my game up but I sometimes had to be reminded to cool my jets afterwards. I would sometimes be in full aggressive mode and running over the bar room gang after playing a serious gambling match.
Hu
I played seriously and socially for years with no problem. Trying for pinpoint cue ball placement, accidental safeties while aiming at points, and playing some of the tougher shots than you need to play can keep you sharp while playing socially.
It was understood that when I was playing friends or even the usual gamblers at the corner bar I wasn't going to break out my "A" game. It was also understood if a stranger or road player came through the door, not too uncommon with people getting steered from Greenway, I would be the one to play them and my game would be kicked up a bit. Kinda funny, I never had a problem kicking my game up but I sometimes had to be reminded to cool my jets afterwards. I would sometimes be in full aggressive mode and running over the bar room gang after playing a serious gambling match.
Hu
I try even harder to bash their brains in!
Oh wait....I don't have any friends...scratch that.....
I agree with this. When I'm playing socially, I take more risks, more of the "normally, I wouldn't shoot this shot in a match, but oh heck, this is a friendly game, so let's see if it goes" type of shots. And many times, they go, too, with the associated hoots and hollers from the rail. Other times, they don't, but hey, it's a friendly game, right? When I'm comfortable with friends (playing socially, and not a head-to-head match to settle a score), I can more easily snap out of any misses and get back in the groove, because again, it's just a friendly match.
However, you can't beat a gambling match for forcing you to put your "focus glasses" on, and pay more attention to the whole "low vs. high percentage" thing related to shots and safeties. I normally play much more consistent and strong pool this way.
One other thing that seems to have an effect -- stage fright (i.e. playing in an arena, in front of a lot of spectators). As part of my job, I do plenty of board-level (i.e. CEO, CIO, etc.) presentations, and I'm comfortable speaking and doing my thing in front of really important audiences. But putting physical ability on display is quite another, and I discovered that if I don't prepare myself beforehand, I suffer a bit of stage fright that affects my play. I find that I have to really put myself in a special frame of mind to deal with this situation -- "different" from playing socially or doing speaking/presentations in front of an audience.
-Sean
When I just play friends I have a better time. Win or lose.
I actually have fun. When I have fun and enjoy myself, I shoot better. All that really matters to me is having fun and enjoying myself. I'd rather just play with friends.
But I always play like a Norse God....it just may be that most of the time....it's Loki, God of Mischief and oops!!!!
R,
Greg
But I always play like a Norse God....it just may be that most of the time....it's Loki, God of Mischief and oops!!!!
R,
Greg
I start strong, play for a while in a relaxed mode then kick it back up a notch. I usually don't get out my A game. It is just for fun and I never gamble with friends. There is more to life than being serious all the time. Time spent at the table with friends is priceless. All want to walk away happy.
When I'm at the table I try to play my best no matter who I'm playing. My friends understand that and expect my best game.
With weaker players, its no fun for either us for me lay huge beating on them, so if I start winning and they get discouraged, I'll usually ask them to play scotch doubles style and I may give pointers here and there on what do in each situation. That way, I can focus 100% on trying to play from the tough leaves I get and they can maybe learn a thing or two as well. Imo, sometimes playing 'with' someone can be a lot more fun than playing 'against' them.
Vic
With weaker players, its no fun for either us for me lay huge beating on them, so if I start winning and they get discouraged, I'll usually ask them to play scotch doubles style and I may give pointers here and there on what do in each situation. That way, I can focus 100% on trying to play from the tough leaves I get and they can maybe learn a thing or two as well. Imo, sometimes playing 'with' someone can be a lot more fun than playing 'against' them.
Vic
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