Think I'm Done

I'm only an APA 4, so take this for what it's worth. But I've had times where I was so disgusted with myself that I just wanted to hand it up, just be through with it. I have a life (sort of), why ruin it on the pool table?

I also have problems, like everyone, with consistency in my game. I'm not talking about consistency as a 4 (4s by definition miss some shots they should make, or mess up the leave, etc.), I'm talking about playing to my ability.

I've realized that when I tend to shoot well it was when I was able to put myself in the frame of mind where I really didn't care whether I won or lost, and that even if I shot less than what I could have, at least I KNEW how I could shoot.

But at times this gets ahead of me. I know I can shoot a certain way and SHOULD win against a certain level of opponent, and so I start EXPECTING to win. And then when I don't, I get really pissed off at myself, and start questioning my own assessment of how I play. I start questioning on whether or not I should just give it up.

Of course, that's silly. I realize that money games are different (I rarely play money games, but the pattern still seems to apply). I also realize this has probably been talked about ad nauseum and it's pretty basic, but sometimes the basics need to be revisited.

I'm still searching for that happy in between, btw. Good luck.
 
Oklahoma Kid said:
I'm only an APA 4, so take this for what it's worth. But I've had times where I was so disgusted with myself that I just wanted to hand it up, just be through with it. I have a life (sort of), why ruin it on the pool table?

I also have problems, like everyone, with consistency in my game. I'm not talking about consistency as a 4 (4s by definition miss some shots they should make, or mess up the leave, etc.), I'm talking about playing to my ability.

I've realized that when I tend to shoot well it was when I was able to put myself in the frame of mind where I really didn't care whether I won or lost, and that even if I shot less than what I could have, at least I KNEW how I could shoot.

But at times this gets ahead of me. I know I can shoot a certain way and SHOULD win against a certain level of opponent, and so I start EXPECTING to win. And then when I don't, I get really pissed off at myself, and start questioning my own assessment of how I play. I start questioning on whether or not I should just give it up.

Of course, that's silly. I realize that money games are different (I rarely play money games, but the pattern still seems to apply). I also realize this has probably been talked about ad nauseum and it's pretty basic, but sometimes the basics need to be revisited.

I'm still searching for that happy in between, btw. Good luck.
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I want to encourage and not bring division in this sport. This thread I started was a result of bad sportsmanship during a money match. I was not thinking about putting away my cue but not to play with anyone with this type of attitude ( for money or not ).
I hope that you continue to play and grow in knowledge and wisdom. Not caring if you win or lose is a personal choice. But you should always put value to every shot. I'm not referring monetary . But just a sincere desire.
As far as basics ..This is a easy one and one I think is the bottom line...With Straight alignment and level cue I will stay down and follow through.
Those who seek will find.
 
Mke Billy post it

Make Billy post up $300-500 and whip him for it. Then you'll feel better about this and he'll know where he stands.

Can't let these types get it the way of your goals. In pool you stand alone, no teammates and no coach. You decide who you play and how you feel about. Take his negativity and make it your positive. I can think of many players who I play who always get my best game and who I especially enjoy punishing at the table.

If you can't find motivation or a psychological advantage it can feel like climbing uphill. Chalk it up to a bad day and forget it.

Nothing worse than playing with deadbeats who play shortstop 2 sets and done whether they win or lose. Just do your best to hold them accountable or avoid them all together unless they'll post bigger money. If you do this then I'm certain most of them will not be able to respond to that offer. Those that do will have to play you at your best. Don't waste time trying to catch the little fish, they have no respect for the game or their opponent anyway.
 
You know it is all about the journey.
I would also say don't play with the jerk anymore unless you need to. Cleary it is not fun at all when you play him. You have better use of your time like wathing the grass grow.
I was also feeling a little irritated with others at the pool table. I think part of that was I needed break. So I took a break for about a month. Last night I went out and played a tournement, did not care if I won or lost. Just to get out you know. It was great. All of the guys I know, we were all respectful of one another. Of course everone playing as hard as they can to win. It just a great time out.
It reminded me why I love this game so much.:)
 
to be honest, if you find playing pool troubling or simply not anymore fun... then I don't think that pool is the problem, it's more inside of you. and I don't mean that as an insult or to challenge you.. i mean to say that there are thousands of people who find solace in the game and just enjoy it for what it is. These people are still viciously competitive. You don't get into pool without being competitive... if it makes you want to kick someone's ass, then you are playing around the wrong people and playing for the wrong reasons. Learn to have fun again, or maybe competition just isn't for you. It's certainly not something inherent in the game that is flawed... as Rogan said... pool is a beautiful game played by ugly people.
 
Da Bank said:
to be honest, if you find playing pool troubling or simply not anymore fun... then I don't think that pool is the problem, it's more inside of you. and I don't mean that as an insult or to challenge you.. i mean to say that there are thousands of people who find solace in the game and just enjoy it for what it is. These people are still viciously competitive. You don't get into pool without being competitive... if it makes you want to kick someone's ass, then you are playing around the wrong people and playing for the wrong reasons. Learn to have fun again, or maybe competition just isn't for you. It's certainly not something inherent in the game that is flawed... as Rogan said... pool is a beautiful game played by ugly people.
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Maybe you got the wrong message with my post. Pool is not the problem. I can practice the same shot for hours...and practice 14.1 all day long. It was about dealing with nit behavior. that's what I am done with. And if I know the guy's a nit I won't play him. Being competitive ...we all are. And if there is one out there playing any sport and says " I'm not competitive " nobody will want to compete with him or her. And as far as that quote...ugly is a choice.
 
Falcon Eddie said:
Maybe you got the wrong message with my post. It was about dealing with nit behavior. that's what I am done with.
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I think me, you, and others who are sick of nit behavior (or cheaters, sandbaggers, etc.) should band together, form an association, and go Charles Bronson on them :eek::thumbup:!!!

I'm tired of a bunch of d*ckwads ruining my fun too!!!

Maniac
 
Me too!!!!!!!

I am soooo sick of people acting like jerks. I realize times are hard for a lot of people. Where I play there are nothing but bar tables and bar players. For me the closest real pool room is over an hours drive away. So all I have to play in are these 8 ball tournaments on bar tables. I have been playing pool a long time and thought I'd seen it all but some of these people take it to a new level. At first it really bothered me but my skin is getting thicker and thicker. And maybe soon I will be able to relocate to where its not so bad. Is there such a place? I sure hope so.
 
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