Rules for avoiding fights
- Thread starter alstl
- Start date
Im gonna pass on a little bit of hard earned advice here...
I learned this the hard way
Im gonna go ahead and tell you the whole story....
On a warm summer’s evenin’ in a poolhall full of no one,
I met up with the gambler; we were both too wired to sleep.
So we took turns a rackin' at the table in the backroom
’til boredom overtook us, and he began to speak.
He said, son, I’ve made a life out of readin’ people’s pool games,
And knowin’ if they could runout by the way they held their cue.
So if you don’t mind my sayin’, I can see you’re out of place here.
For a taste of your bank roll I’ll give you some advice.
So I racked him up some nine ball and he ran out as a marveled.
Then he bummed a cigarette and asked me for a light.
And the night got deathly quiet, and his face lost all expression.
Said, if you’re gonna play the game, boy, ya gotta learn to play it right.
You got to know when to sink ’em, know when to stink ’em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when you’re winnin’ at the table.
There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the suck-ers er done.
Now ev’ry gambler knows that the secret to survivin’
Is knowin’ when to sink a shot and knowing when to duck.
’cause ev’ry ball’s a winner and ev’ry ball’s a loser,
And the best that you can hope for is bankroll heavy shmuck.
So when he’d finished speakin’,
he turned back towards the table, crushed out his cigarette and faded off to sleep.
And somewhere in the darkness the gambler, he broke even.
But in his final words I found an rack that I could keep.
You got to know when to sink ’em, know when to stink ’em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when you’re winnin’ at the table.
There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the suck-ers er done.
lol.
I learned this the hard way
Im gonna go ahead and tell you the whole story....
On a warm summer’s evenin’ in a poolhall full of no one,
I met up with the gambler; we were both too wired to sleep.
So we took turns a rackin' at the table in the backroom
’til boredom overtook us, and he began to speak.
He said, son, I’ve made a life out of readin’ people’s pool games,
And knowin’ if they could runout by the way they held their cue.
So if you don’t mind my sayin’, I can see you’re out of place here.
For a taste of your bank roll I’ll give you some advice.
So I racked him up some nine ball and he ran out as a marveled.
Then he bummed a cigarette and asked me for a light.
And the night got deathly quiet, and his face lost all expression.
Said, if you’re gonna play the game, boy, ya gotta learn to play it right.
You got to know when to sink ’em, know when to stink ’em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when you’re winnin’ at the table.
There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the suck-ers er done.
Now ev’ry gambler knows that the secret to survivin’
Is knowin’ when to sink a shot and knowing when to duck.
’cause ev’ry ball’s a winner and ev’ry ball’s a loser,
And the best that you can hope for is bankroll heavy shmuck.
So when he’d finished speakin’,
he turned back towards the table, crushed out his cigarette and faded off to sleep.
And somewhere in the darkness the gambler, he broke even.
But in his final words I found an rack that I could keep.
You got to know when to sink ’em, know when to stink ’em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when you’re winnin’ at the table.
There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the suck-ers er done.
lol.
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I have one rule: Don't ever play with A$$holes.
It may not work for road players, but it works for gambling in general. I am on the road all the time for work. I make it into new pool halls all the time and make small scores every where I go. I refuse to play anyone who display any form of "ass-holiness" and I manage to not only stay out of trouble, but I make new friends every where I go.
It may not work for road players, but it works for gambling in general. I am on the road all the time for work. I make it into new pool halls all the time and make small scores every where I go. I refuse to play anyone who display any form of "ass-holiness" and I manage to not only stay out of trouble, but I make new friends every where I go.
Here's a good move for you if you realize you have won too much money and are not gonna get out of their with the cash. Simply call the cops! That's all you have to do. The key is knowing when to call. Sometimes you have to sacrifice that last little loss of money but of well, you make it home safe and sound with the score.
If you're just talking about a fight though you just ignore the person until you get hit with the butt end of a pool cue. At least you took the high road.
If you're just talking about a fight though you just ignore the person until you get hit with the butt end of a pool cue. At least you took the high road.
I have had my fighting days in my teens and early 20's, that is a thing of a past and violence has caused me a good deal of problems in life so now I am just calm and laid back. I am not saying I will not do something if something were to be done to me but I do not go looking for it like I used to, its just not worth it.
I like being a nice guy and being calm, I find that drugs and alcohol can cause people to be out of hand so I try to avoid people like that also. I have almost gotten into fights over pool games but to me words are words and talk is cheap too, most people who are going to do something do not talk about it, they just do it.
I almost saw a couple guys fight the other night over a pool game, it was kind of entertaining seeing them act like they were in high school, have not seen either one since because they probably are embarrassed at how they acted.
I like being a nice guy and being calm, I find that drugs and alcohol can cause people to be out of hand so I try to avoid people like that also. I have almost gotten into fights over pool games but to me words are words and talk is cheap too, most people who are going to do something do not talk about it, they just do it.
I almost saw a couple guys fight the other night over a pool game, it was kind of entertaining seeing them act like they were in high school, have not seen either one since because they probably are embarrassed at how they acted.
Don't call your shot/pocket. Anything goes.
I knew there was a reason why we never played:grin-square::grin-square: Hope you are doing well sir.
-don
Tryin to explain to deputy dawg why you need his bodyguard services to protect your illegal gambling proceeds and your a$$.....doesn't seem to be such a swell idea....IMHO
I usually try to get several really small side bets rather than playing one person for 100 a game when I am out of town on business and in the mood to play. I have noticed over the years that if you win 100 from six or seven people rather than the player everyone is so busy ragging on their friend for losing their money they kind of lose track of that fact that you took down a decent score. I also subscribe to the Easy-E law of trying to avoid anyone displaying any obvious signs of Ass-Holiness. I also try to avoid lefties and anyone nicknamed after the town.
-don
-don
I tend to avoid any action that seems like trouble. It just isn't worth it. I like to gamble as much as the next guy but the money and the thrill isn't worth getting wrapped up in a bad situation.
I guess it all depends on your lifestyle. I go to work every day and spend my free time at the local hall. If I don't get a game.... whatever. If you have to match up to survive you can't be so picky.
Dudley
I guess it all depends on your lifestyle. I go to work every day and spend my free time at the local hall. If I don't get a game.... whatever. If you have to match up to survive you can't be so picky.
Dudley
When they say, Let's keep score on the wire", RUN LIKE HELL.
When they say, "I'm good for it", smile walk to the bathroom and kick yourself in the arse.
When they look at you real mean and shout at you with an angry voice, "You ain't nothing but a G D THIEF", quickly adjust the spot and agree to anything they say.
When they call a foul on you and you know you didn't foul, just grin and bear it.
When they tell you, their Partner is on the way back to the pool room with the next set's money, go ahead and play but send out for some KY jelly before the set starts.
When they bark at you, "You think you're real F'ing SMART, DONT you?", just smile and say, "I'm really kind of dumb".
When they say, "Well what are you going to do about it if I don't pay you?" Just say, "Nothing" and just waddle on back to the bar and get yourself a stiff drink to go with that leftover KY jelly from before and make sure you send a drink over to him because you don't want him getting even more angry.
JoeyA
When they say, "I'm good for it", smile walk to the bathroom and kick yourself in the arse.
When they look at you real mean and shout at you with an angry voice, "You ain't nothing but a G D THIEF", quickly adjust the spot and agree to anything they say.
When they call a foul on you and you know you didn't foul, just grin and bear it.
When they tell you, their Partner is on the way back to the pool room with the next set's money, go ahead and play but send out for some KY jelly before the set starts.
When they bark at you, "You think you're real F'ing SMART, DONT you?", just smile and say, "I'm really kind of dumb".
When they say, "Well what are you going to do about it if I don't pay you?" Just say, "Nothing" and just waddle on back to the bar and get yourself a stiff drink to go with that leftover KY jelly from before and make sure you send a drink over to him because you don't want him getting even more angry.
JoeyA
Only surefire way to avoid fights is never gamble.
But what fun is that?
and I agree with Easy, avoid the aholes and your usually all right. or just stick em like your names Crawfish
Thatll shut em up.
But what fun is that?
and I agree with Easy, avoid the aholes and your usually all right. or just stick em like your names Crawfish
Thatll shut em up.
Seems like guys like M. Fats, Ronnie Allen, Danny Basavich all had a knack for getting the cash and still having the room like them and want them to come back.
They all had a big personality and could talk to a room full of people and make them laugh.
Actually, I don't even know why I'm posting in this thread. I almost got into a fight 4 out of the first 6 times I gambled and pretty much said the hell with gambling since. Losing brings out the worst in people sometimes...
They all had a big personality and could talk to a room full of people and make them laugh.
Actually, I don't even know why I'm posting in this thread. I almost got into a fight 4 out of the first 6 times I gambled and pretty much said the hell with gambling since. Losing brings out the worst in people sometimes...
Gambling and alcohol don't mix. I've had more problems playing $3 Eight Ball in a bar (got a knife pulled on me) than playing $500 sets in a poolroom. The best way I've found to deal with bad situations is to show no fear. If they sense fear it's like a shark and blood. The best weapon you have is your tongue. Say the right thing at the right time and you can defuse most any situation. It's just knowing the right thing to say.
A guy called me a hustler once. My response was, "Just like you then." Another guy didn't want to pay (a $50 set). I looked him in the eye and told him that if I lose I pay, and I expect to be paid if I win. No threats, just a statement of fact. It was in his poolroom with all his buddies watching. I embarrassed him into paying me. Every situation's different.
One time in Oklahoma I won a little money (something like $80) in a bar and a guy blocked the door on me. He was at least a head taller than me. I walked right up to him (he looked surprised) and pushed him out of the way. I dashed out the door and down the street as fast as my little legs would carry me. I only looked back one time and there were three guys chasing me. They gave up after a block or so. I circled back to my car and got away. Yes, I will run if need be.
I don't like to say this, but I also carried a piece when I went into strange poolrooms by myself. I got beat up once pretty bad and I wasn't about to let it happen again. I don't recommend this but I'm not a big guy. And I damn sure can't fight two or three guys.
One other important thing I forgot to add. When I went into a strange bar or poolroom, I would look around for the biggest, baddest looking guy in the joint. I would then go out of my way to befriend him before ever making a game. I wanted him on my side. That helped me out a couple of times. I was in a bad spot in a bar in Bakersfield once, playing some guy forty a game Eight Ball. There was at least a hundred a game bet on the side. This was early 70's. I had gotten friendly with the bartender before the game ever started. When thing began to get ugly (for me), he came out from behind the bar and cooled the hot heads out. He saved my ass that night and I knew it. His name was Johnny Ingram and we became friends after that. P.S. He was betting on me too. That helped. :wink:
A guy called me a hustler once. My response was, "Just like you then." Another guy didn't want to pay (a $50 set). I looked him in the eye and told him that if I lose I pay, and I expect to be paid if I win. No threats, just a statement of fact. It was in his poolroom with all his buddies watching. I embarrassed him into paying me. Every situation's different.
One time in Oklahoma I won a little money (something like $80) in a bar and a guy blocked the door on me. He was at least a head taller than me. I walked right up to him (he looked surprised) and pushed him out of the way. I dashed out the door and down the street as fast as my little legs would carry me. I only looked back one time and there were three guys chasing me. They gave up after a block or so. I circled back to my car and got away. Yes, I will run if need be.
I don't like to say this, but I also carried a piece when I went into strange poolrooms by myself. I got beat up once pretty bad and I wasn't about to let it happen again. I don't recommend this but I'm not a big guy. And I damn sure can't fight two or three guys.
One other important thing I forgot to add. When I went into a strange bar or poolroom, I would look around for the biggest, baddest looking guy in the joint. I would then go out of my way to befriend him before ever making a game. I wanted him on my side. That helped me out a couple of times. I was in a bad spot in a bar in Bakersfield once, playing some guy forty a game Eight Ball. There was at least a hundred a game bet on the side. This was early 70's. I had gotten friendly with the bartender before the game ever started. When thing began to get ugly (for me), he came out from behind the bar and cooled the hot heads out. He saved my ass that night and I knew it. His name was Johnny Ingram and we became friends after that. P.S. He was betting on me too. That helped. :wink:
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Boys, I'll tell you the best rule I know of and that's to keep your big mouth shut. If you can't do that then do as I always did. Cut and shoot.
Cut for the alleys and shoot for home.
Cut for the alleys and shoot for home.
I think he meant to call the cops and then slip out to your car while they are there.
MULLY
The best way to avoid trouble is to just not gamble. I don't gamble with people I don't know and trust to pay up if they lose. I would never walk into a strange poolroom or bar and get a game going.
I was in Cincinnati in 99 or so and I joined a weekly 8-ball tournament up at Michael's Billiards. It ended up the final was me against a local sharp shooter named Bucky Bell. I don't remember the details but I beat him like 5-3 or something like that. He got really pissed and started in on how he wanted to play me for the money I had just won. You know, if he had been cool about it and said "Hey, let's shoot a little afterwards" I probably would have......and I probably would have ended up giving him all the money. But, because he was being a douche I politely declined and left. That following weekend I went to Beechmont Billiards to join their weekly 9-ball tournament and when I walked in it seemed like word had spread like wildfire, people were climbing the walls trying to get a game up with me. I ignored every single one of them. There was some sh!t talk going but stuff like that doesn't phase me. I could care less what someone says. One guy kept on trying to get a game of one hole going with me and he wanted me to give him 10-6 or something like that. I just told him straight up "I don't play one pocket.....and you're wanting me to give you a handicap......and I've never seen you play? How stupid do you think I am?"
Face it, gambling can lead to some hairy situations. Not gambling never does.
MULLY
I was in Cincinnati in 99 or so and I joined a weekly 8-ball tournament up at Michael's Billiards. It ended up the final was me against a local sharp shooter named Bucky Bell. I don't remember the details but I beat him like 5-3 or something like that. He got really pissed and started in on how he wanted to play me for the money I had just won. You know, if he had been cool about it and said "Hey, let's shoot a little afterwards" I probably would have......and I probably would have ended up giving him all the money. But, because he was being a douche I politely declined and left. That following weekend I went to Beechmont Billiards to join their weekly 9-ball tournament and when I walked in it seemed like word had spread like wildfire, people were climbing the walls trying to get a game up with me. I ignored every single one of them. There was some sh!t talk going but stuff like that doesn't phase me. I could care less what someone says. One guy kept on trying to get a game of one hole going with me and he wanted me to give him 10-6 or something like that. I just told him straight up "I don't play one pocket.....and you're wanting me to give you a handicap......and I've never seen you play? How stupid do you think I am?"
Face it, gambling can lead to some hairy situations. Not gambling never does.
MULLY
Not so easy sometimes, haven't you ever played someone that was a nice guy that suddenly turned into a different person once they lost a little of their hard earned money? I've never been in a fight and don't ever wish to fight anyone, it's amazing to see the transformation of someone you thought you knew come unglued over the almighty dollar.