Rushville Article by Bruce Venzke

"The self-proclaimed hustlers’ convention at the Show Bar drew nearly every sharper, conman, gambler, and proposition specialist in pool. All the action was not always exactly what it seemed, if you follow me. A love of money was often the driving force; pool was merely a means to an end in far too many cases. (Not all… but in very many"



I see this, a recent tournament here
All this player auctioning, that I don't quite understand
All the action

These type tournaments seem to me that gambling is the main focus and pool is just played for purely the purpose of gambling
It really drives me nuts, I'm not the gambling type at all
I just love to watch the high level of play, rack running, especially 9 ball, for me 9ball is the hardest game to play at a high enough skill level for me to enjoy

But the whole gambling culture keeps me away from the big tournaments here

Even in certain rooms, I'm there goofin off, I dog a few short shots to the corner pocket and the guy at the bar sees and asks if I wanna play, only 5 game
Not realizing how loud his voice was and I overheard his gloating about taking money from people on the table
As he recounted to his buddy a few hustling stories

I ain't no fool,
I'm not really any good
I dont give hand out's
I don't even know the guy so why do I want to give him money to play him
 
Putting together a top-notch tournament is an arduous task. My hat is off to all those who bring this great tournament to fruition.
 
beneath_the_sur said:
"The self-proclaimed hustlers’ convention at the Show Bar drew nearly every sharper, conman, gambler, and proposition specialist in pool. All the action was not always exactly what it seemed, if you follow me. A love of money was often the driving force; pool was merely a means to an end in far too many cases. (Not all… but in very many"
Click to expand...

Putting yourself in the action in Johnson City was nothing like what you describe. These were top players putting their money where their mouth was on the action tables. Here was a place to play the tournaments for prize and prestige, and or play in the back room with your own cash. No laying down here. Everyone knew everyone unless they were a savant or a joke.

What you're describing are punks and thieves.

The only relationship with the Show Room and Rushville is the State of Illinois. As far as gamblers, sharpers, that's all put aside. Well maybe a conman like Frankel with his card tricks. For me this is one of the most fun weekends of Billiards I can think of no matter if just a weekend visit, a Seasonal Tournament or a National Qualifier. Every single person, win or lose has a great time in Rushville. There may be a $20 bet here and there but so what, its all in the name of FUN! Coming to Rushville you'll immediately notice the longtime friendships, personal ties and friendly rivalries and welcoming of new players. Its all good and fun.

Yes I know what's quoted above is from the write up.
 
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Of course I couldn't agree more Tom. Because our carom forum is less than robust a lot of information gets disseminated without push-back from more experienced players/aficionados/historians. Not that all opinions aren't welcome. They are. It's like if Wikipedia only had two authors and not a consortium of opinion and views. The difference between Johnston City, Ill and Rushville, Ill is astronomical. However my wish is that Rushville becomes as epic of an event as Johnston City was. I do thank Bruce Venzke for the article. Anything to highlight our beautiful sport is fine with me.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekyLXFehvvk
 
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