Pool Player culture

[HaroldWilson]

This game is full of introverts...the fans are players, too, so also tend to be introverts...you have to be to have the energy to spend all those lonely hours playing.

Very true, solo practice is the only way to get good and is a very introverted approach.

 

[Scott Lee]

Dale's post spells it out clearly for most of us...whether we want to admit it or not. :thumbup:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

Flawed assumption, again.

First, there is a difference between choosing to be alone and being lonely.

Secondly, and more importantly, not being uncomfortable being alone does not
make one a loner. There are those who can function well on there own as well as
in a group. One may certainly choose to adjust ones behavior to the current situation.

BTW - pool is overwhelmingly a single participant activity,
also, in case you haven't noticed, it may be the worst spectator sport ever,
except to us few die hard fans.

Dale

 

[HaroldWilson]

I happen to disagree with much said here. First, not all pool players are loners. Some are quite gregarious and seek out others company. Second, not all are narcisistic. Third, the beautiful thing about the game is the social aspect and the wide representation of diversity represented in the poolroom. My room has guys that have been on disability for years for a myriad of reasons. I play games with auto mechanics, accountants, retired high ranking military, musicians, roofers, and even one guy that just traded two Ferraris for new McClaren. We all, for the most, part get along well because we have a common interest. if Justnum is lonely, only he knows why. In a poolroom or tournament environment there is no reason to feel lonely. Justnum has his own issues. Hope he enjoys the company of his escorts. He might be the poster child for the diversity in the game.

Yes thats true and its great to go to clubs like yours. i went to a few clubs in Ottawa and they had a great atmosphere and i met some lovely people but then it is time to move on to the next club and then the next one after that and so on and not all are that inviting or interesting.

 

[philly]

Yes thats true and its great to go to clubs like yours. i went to a few clubs in Ottawa and they had a great atmosphere and i met some lovely people but then it is time to move on to the next club and then the next one after that and so on and not all are that inviting or interesting.

Great point. I just love the atmosphere of the poolroom. I don't play bar pool though. Drinking, especially heavy drinking and serious pool normally don't mix well as I see it. I just went to the poolroom in Philly where I grew up. It is all Korean now. Walked in, found a table, and they were GC's, in terrific shape, and played by myself for three hours. No problem. A lot of it has to do with your own demeaner and minding your own business and how well you get along with the people around you. I am one of those nuts that feels more comfortable in a poolroom than anywhere else.

 

[Tramp Steamer]

I happen to disagree with much said here. First, not all pool players are loners. Some are quite gregarious and seek out others company. Second, not all are narcisistic. Third, the beautiful thing about the game is the social aspect and the wide representation of diversity represented in the poolroom. My room has guys that have been on disability for years for a myriad of reasons. I play games with auto mechanics, accountants, retired high ranking military, musicians, roofers, and even one guy that just traded two Ferraris for new McClaren. We all, for the most, part get along well because we have a common interest. if Justnum is lonely, only he knows why. In a poolroom or tournament environment there is no reason to feel lonely. Justnum has his own issues. Hope he enjoys the company of his escorts. He might be the poster child for the diversity in the game.

I don't disagree with you, philly. My group is very similar to yours, except for the Ferrari's, of course.
I think the Op is speaking in generalities here, and especially in the pro ranks. Even then, at the local level, when some serious money is posted, the smiles go away.
Oh. One of our guys has an old Volkswagen bus. Does that count? :smile:

 

[Patrick53212]

Pool Players

I enjoy going to new rooms all over the Midwest which is in my sales territory. I try to play at different places. I get to meet a lot of different people. I have to say that pool definitely transcends socioeconomic lines as well as ethnicity and race. I definitely enjoy meeting players and staying in touch via social media. I try to go to as many Open, money-added, tournaments as I can. I love the game and I love to play. I don't drink, I don't gamble apart from small wagers on myself playing pool or darts, and I don't really have any other hobbies or entertainment that I would rather do. I do go fishing on occasion, and bowling, etc. I do have a girlfriend but I would rather go play in a tournament or match up than do anything else...and unfortunately, she is going to one day find out and probably leave me.

 

[philly]

I don't disagree with you, philly. My group is very similar to yours, except for the Ferrari's, of course.
I think the Op is speaking in generalities here, and especially in the pro ranks. Even then, at the local level, when some serious money is posted, the smiles go away.
Oh. One of our guys has an old Volkswagen bus. Does that count? :smile:

Volkswagen bus counts for sure. Fits under diversity and certainly brings back delirious fog filled memories of my yoot.

 

[Jimbojim]

I enjoy going to new rooms all over the Midwest which is in my sales territory. I try to play at different places. I get to meet a lot of different people. I have to say that pool definitely transcends socioeconomic lines as well as ethnicity and race. I definitely enjoy meeting players and staying in touch via social media. I try to go to as many Open, money-added, tournaments as I can. I love the game and I love to play. I don't drink, I don't gamble apart from small wagers on myself playing pool or darts, and I don't really have any other hobbies or entertainment that I would rather do. I do go fishing on occasion, and bowling, etc. I do have a girlfriend but I would rather go play in a tournament or match up than do anything else...and unfortunately, she is going to one day find out and probably leave me.

Not if she has a passion of her own and feels the same way towards it.

 

[GoldCrown]

Some good replies here. There is a difference between alone and alone but not alone. I generally never walk into a room solo for the first time. Once I'm there and comfortable I'll go back and enjoy the scene by myself. Generally the rooms are like Cheers. Nobody has a last name. Most people in most poolrooms are there to have fun & hang out. Meeting people like Philly & bbb.... Going to Classic Billiards in Phoenixville is good fortune. It's a great find. Lonely is when the pool room is empty. No one is around. Alone is when your playing pool and the game is on. Loner is the car you get when your's is in for service...... Oops that would be loaner.

 

[Skratch]

i just shoot the balls,
dont need money involved, dont need someone to even play with
i just like the games

I agree! My sentiments exactly. I like to watch the pros and better players, but it doesn't change my enjoyment of the game. I'm very happy playing a few racks by myself.

 

[justnum]

The most fun watching the best pros play is how they manage missing.

The champs and hall of famers, they miss and it must burn them up, after all those years of proving themselves on the road.

It shows how high their standards are with each shot.

Some of the strong players that haven't won major events seem more easy going about a foul up.

Its a sport and if learning from the top shooters isn't your thing, then have fun discovering all the emotions billiards brings on your own.

Just saying players that reach the top, just have to fight even harder after they get there.