The KNOCK FROM MARS!

JoeyA said:
A stranger comes into the pool room and asks a couple of guys to play $10 one pocket and no one wants to play him. So one of my pals tells me that the guy is looking for some cheap one pocket and I tell my pal that I really don't want to play anyone for $10 a game. I tell my pal, that the least I will play one pocket for is $20 a game. One pocket can be long and difficult at $10 a game and I would rather win or lose $100 than to win or lose $40 after playing for two hours or so.

Anyway, I go sit down to watch two other locals playing pool and the stranger walks up to me and asks me to play some $20 one pocket. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him talking to my pal and I guess my pal told him I would play for $20. So we start playing and I win the break and break really well and he can't get out of my break and I win handedly. The next game the guy breaks not so good and I get out of the break and I'm up 7-2 shooting at any shot over a 50% chance of going. Now I am sitting in my chair watching my opponent try to make a comeback and one of the locals walks up to the table and addresses, my opponent; "You want to play some pool?" My opponent gestures to me and says, "I'm playing him right now". The local, who knows me well, then says rather loudly to me, "OH, I THOUGHT YOU WERE COACHING HIM". :(

We played one more game and I paid the time. My opponent was a nice guy and he could play some but he just never got out the gate. The Knock from Mars stunned me and my opponent. :D My opponent said he would be back next week to play some more. :thud:

I didn't say anything to the knocker and I am very sure he didn't mean any harm and he has no axe to grind with me. (We're actually on very friendly terms) Would you have said something to the Knock from Mars, afterwards?

JoeyA
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Was this your "friends" first day in the poolroom. Why in the world would he ask the guy if he wanted to play pool when he was already playing you? This guy really butted into your business imo.
 
jay helfert said:
Was this your "friends" first day in the poolroom. Why in the world would he ask the guy if he wanted to play pool when he was already playing you? This guy really butted into your business imo.
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Being on friendly terms doesn't mean he was my friend. I'm on friendly terms with most people.

Why did he ask my opponent if he wanted to play pool with him? Because he thought I was coaching my opponent.

He let my opponent know that as well. Why did he say he say I was coaching my opponent? Because that's what he thought, hence the remark, "knock from Mars".

JoeyA
 
No exceptions for knocking, with the exception of everyone else in the world that doesn't live there? I would think the definition of knocking would be the same reguardless of where someone was from! Nothing hurts a pool player more than knockers. It does seem most are of the type that he was just bragging on you,and then there are those who want no one to have any action unless they are part of it, unless its gambling.
 
I understand everyones feelings on being knocked, but I am seeing something different in this situation. I'm guessing you give lessons at this pool room Joey? Maybe the dork thought you were giving a lesson and could get in on some 1 pocket action afterward?

That being said......no one should really ever walk up to a table and offer games without knowing what the guys are doing on the table.

G.
 
I would tell him that when I'm playing pool please stay away from me, my opponent, the table I'm playing on and preferably the ph I'm playing in. That should do it. :groucho:
 
trustyrusty said:
If he said that he thought your opponent was COACHING you, I wouldn't take it as a knock at all. He may have been pumping up your opponent by implying you needed his help since your game wasn't up to HIS level. Giving you a better shot at more of his money.....

ooops, reread it...he said rather loudly to YOU - I thought you were coaching him...

ABSOLUTELY - say something to him. SHEESH!!!
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That's how i saw it too.
 
Sorry!!

Dang Joey, I didn't know you were going to make a federal case out of it just because I tried to snAtch a piece of your chicken!

Hu
 
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So-If you know the room and one of the players-do you inquire of a third party whether they are playing a set(for something)?/ just hittn em around?/
local is teaching?/ playing an old visiting buddy?/ or whatever?

Or can one greet your local room buddy with a 'what up?'-await a response and hopefully properly act accordingly??

What is the proper action room etiquette? We clueless don't wish to sh#t in your messkit.

Thank you.

Edit:
PS: If they are gambling-is it out of line to inquire if the railbird window is open at that point-be brought up to date on the match results to date?/begin negotiation with either player as to a bet going forward?

Are there generally recognized rules of behavior for this sort of thing? Or does each room have a different tolerance level for f##king with an ongoing match? Will a simple stern life threatening f-bomb laden rebuke be enough to clarify the situation in most cases?

Once again-thanks
 
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3RAILKICK said:
So-If you know the room and one of the players-do you inquire of a third party whether they are playing a set(for something)?/ just hittn em around?/
local is teaching?/ playing an old visiting buddy?/ or whatever?

Or can one greet your local room buddy with a 'what up?'-await a response and hopefully properly act accordingly??

What is the proper action room etiquette? We clueless don't wish to sh#t in your messkit.

Thank you.

Edit:
PS: If they are gambling-is it out of line to inquire if the railbird window is open at that point-be brought up to date on the match results to date?/begin negotiation with either player as to a bet going forward?

Are there generally recognized rules of behavior for this sort of thing? Or does each room have a different tolerance level for f##king with an ongoing match? Will a simple stern life threatening f-bomb laden rebuke be enough to clarify the situation in most cases?

Once again-thanks
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You brought up some good questions and I'll try to answer them as best I can.

#1: Someone (almost always) knows if the two people are gambling or not.

I think it is best to ask the people who are sweating the match and not the players, unless there is no other alternative. It is also a good idea to VALIDATE information from multiple sources. Often you may be able to make a small sweat bet with one of the sweaters.

Each pool room has a pool room detective and it is the job of the detective to have the "skinny" on most everything that goes on in the pool room.

Sometimes the detective is seen as a nosy, nitty, sob and other times he is a helpful source of information. :D He doesn't take it personally if you think he is the former. He is what he is and the truth is he is probably a little of both. The pool room detective is as much a part of the pool room culture as the players themselves but just remember that all pool room detectives are not created equal. Some simply have better information and you should always seek those out first.

Questions to the players by close friends or close acquaintances is often tolerated by the players but the questioner must know how much information to ask for, when to ask it and that is an art form so don't press your luck too hard if you are just starting out.

In general, it is best to steer clear of the players and let them concentrate on the job at hand. Talking to either of the players is something that is almost always going to irk at least one of the players so avoid any interaction with either of them if possible.

Hope that helps.

JoeyA
 
That helps

JoeyA said:
You brought up some good questions and I'll try to answer them as best I can.

#1: Someone (almost always) knows if the two people are gambling or not.

I think it is best to ask the people who are sweating the match and not the players, unless there is no other alternative. It is also a good idea to VALIDATE information from multiple sources. Often you may be able to make a small sweat bet with one of the sweaters.

Each pool room has a pool room detective and it is the job of the detective to have the "skinny" on most everything that goes on in the pool room.

Sometimes the detective is seen as a nosy, nitty, sob and other times he is a helpful source of information. :D He doesn't take it personally if you think he is the former. He is what he is and the truth is he is probably a little of both. The pool room detective is as much a part of the pool room culture as the players themselves but just remember that all pool room detectives are not created equal. Some simply have better information and you should always seek those out first.

Questions to the players by close friends or close acquaintances is often tolerated by the players but the questioner must know how much information to ask for, when to ask it and that is an art form so don't press your luck too hard if you are just starting out.

In general, it is best to steer clear of the players and let them concentrate on the job at hand. Talking to either of the players is something that is almost always going to irk at least one of the players so avoid any interaction with either of them if possible.

Hope that helps.

JoeyA
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JoeyA-thanks

I agree these can be touchy issues-especially for the clueless novice. Kinda-'the stranger in a strange land' kind of vibe. Personally, I tread lightly in a new 'hood'. Some don't.

I do not wish to be cut, shot or otherwise maimed if avoidable. Your advice is appreciated. The view from the porch is sufficiently entertaining and informative in this strange land.

Thank you very much.

3railkick
 
3RAILKICK said:
So-If you know the room and one of the players-do you inquire of a third party whether they are playing a set(for something)?/ just hittn em around?/
local is teaching?/ playing an old visiting buddy?/ or whatever?

Or can one greet your local room buddy with a 'what up?'-await a response and hopefully properly act accordingly??

What is the proper action room etiquette? We clueless don't wish to sh#t in your messkit.

Thank you.

Edit:
PS: If they are gambling-is it out of line to inquire if the railbird window is open at that point-be brought up to date on the match results to date?/begin negotiation with either player as to a bet going forward?

Are there generally recognized rules of behavior for this sort of thing? Or does each room have a different tolerance level for f##king with an ongoing match? Will a simple stern life threatening f-bomb laden rebuke be enough to clarify the situation in most cases?

Once again-thanks
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Why not use your powers of observation (and a bit of patience) instead of relying on the gift of gab (and insist that the world revolve around you)?
 
Yes, I would have said something. Coming over to someone who is obviously playing somebody, no matter who, is unacceptable. Hustlers {read dirt bags} are notorious for this kind of behavior, they want the "mark" for themselves. Even though the guy knew you, he should have known better.
 
Knocking is knocking, even if its unintentional which is not what it sounds like to me. If he said it out loud so everyone could hearhe was trying to knock your action IMO. Its probably not going to hurt you as far as playing the locals because if you are in the room alot they've already clocked your speed. I would let him know what he did was not cool and if it happened again...... i'm like Crawfish.... :mad::mad:Cut like new F'in file.:wink:
 
mlalum said:
Joey, if you want to rob somebody so bad get a gun.
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WTH?

mosconiac said:
Had you said something to your opponent like "I woulda crossed the 9 instead" which your knocker may have interpretted as "coaching" & assumed it was a non-money game?
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If my opponent talks to me about a missed shot I will sometimes grieve with him and offer some consolation. It's likely that the local just wasn't thinking when he approached the table.

mars said:
not from this mars
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No way. Wouldn't expect that in a million years.

SUPERSTAR said:
Yeah, the worst feeling in the world is walking into the pool room, and finding out that there is some guy in there looking to play some, and finding out when i go talk to them, that they know every single detail of my game, including what weight i might have to give them.
Of course, all this info coming from the idiot that felt it was their duty to find the guy a game and give them an accurate description of each and every person that might potentially play them from that room.

Like, sure, part of me understands that they probably meant no harm, and that they were maybe a bit TOO eager to have a hand in setting up a game, but the other part of me really just wishes that i could smack them in the head and sew their mouths shut.

Like, thanks, but no thanks.
Point them in the right direction?... YES.
Keep blabbing away for no particular reason , dime me out, and screw me out of any negotiating power when no one knows exactly how the stranger plays, yet the idiot just believes everything he says?...Just go hang yourself or go jump off a cliff and leave me alone.
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I've seen locals talking to NEW, VISITING road players and they are openly discussing the playing speeds of the local players. That trips me out.

I understand people wanting to be liked and appreciated but turning over vital information to NEW, VISITING road players is about like my knock (from Mars "not the AZ one" :-) ). Wanting to be liked and appreciated is just human nature. I can even understand but not approve of someone who is friends with a visiting pro offering critical information but when you don't know the road player and you are just offering up information to the pro, hoping for a jelly roll that will never come..... wEll that's just plain dumb and cruel.


djkx1 said:
I would assume it was inadvertant and probably be polite about it, but I would definitely say something to the guy. I mean odds are he didnt cost you much, but just so he knows for next time, when it could be a bigger deal.
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I think you're right on all counts.

JoeyA
 
JoeyA said:
#1: Someone (almost always) knows if the two people are gambling or not.
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I have been guilty of saying stupid things to people when I didn't realize they were gambling. It all could have been an innocent mistake. I think an informative chat about what happened may be in order. If he seems apologetic you can chalk it up to an innocent mistake and a learning experience for him. If he comes across as defensive or flippant after he hears your concerns it is a learning experience for you about his character.

JonnyB.
 
Originally Posted by mlalum
Joey, if you want to rob somebody so bad get a gun.

WTH?

Sorry Joey. Struck me as funny. First there's the dumping episode. Now you won't play xxx because that's too cheap for you. Then someone's knocking your action.

thought you were going a little gangsta on us. you always have seemed to represent what's right about pool. These couple things seem to the worst things about pool. What does it matter what this guy did unless you're scraping for dough like some road gambler. Everyone gets an opinion and that's mine.
 
JoeyA said:
Would you have said something to the Knock from Mars, afterwards?

JoeyA
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YES! It sounds like it was an honest mistake, so yes, you should tell him. If you don't and it happens again, it's your own fault. If you tell him and it happens again, see "crawfish's" posts ;).

Dave
 
I've had guys in the pool hall literally tell the guy I'm playing that he has no chance against me and that he should be playing them instead.
 
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