what game is fun for a C--- and a strong B+??

center pocket

center pocket

It's just a hobby, but a fun one.
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Here is the situation. My wife and i are starting to have problems because its either pool or her. She has come to despise pool because I am trying so hard to practice and become as good as I can. In my defense I try to practice when she is sleeping and on my lunch breaks but she still complains. I am going to talk with her and let her know that pool is a part of my life that she is conciously chosing to not be a part of. We have made efforts to play together in the past but never succesfully. Its either we play something and I get bored to tears because I am not trying so she can feel like she has a chance or I keep her sitting in her chair while I run balls. Either way, no one is having any fun.

My question is what kind of game can I play that would be fun and challenging for both of us. I have tried left handed, let her run only 2 balls in 9 ball to win a game, I have to bank every ball in. I am thinking of maybe trying straight pool with her because she can shoot any ball she wants. I need some ideas guys!
 
Well it's an interesting problem and one that i went through with my girl to. The only thing is my girl does'nt like it if i let her win or give her more chances to shoot. She can actually make a few balls in a row and stuff but not great or anything.

Now we met in a poolroom so she knew from day one that i was an avid pool player so she's cool with it. But i would imagine if you maybe tried something different for recreation that would maybe challenge both of you equally. Maybe bowling, putt putt golf, or something to have fun with you know.

And of course you at least have to dedicate one weekend a month to her and her only then she will start cutting you some slack. It depends on how needy she is really. Anyways good luck to ya.
 
Mr. & Mrs. is a great 8ball game. You have to run your chosen balls in rotation. She just runs it out her chosen balls as normal 8ball. What River said...
 
Evan, I hope you don't let pool ruin your relationship. She's a cool chick who you chose to spend your life with, and pool is just a game. I think if you put enough effort into it, you can show her that she is #1 without giving up playing. If it means cutting the pool to three nights a week and one tournament a month to make her happy then you should do it.

I went through this with my first marriage. I know it's tough to come to the realization that you may never unlock your full potential on the pool table, but I think marriage should come first.

PS- If your wife was a b*tch I would have given you completely different advise:D. It's your move bro, think about it.
 
We recently got a pool table for home and the situation is somewhat the same in skill levels between my wife and I. The difference is that she wants to learn.

(1) I coach her in fundamentals when she practices by herself (straight in shots, stop shots, grip, stance, ...).

(2) Lately we've started playing 8-ball together. She normal BCA rules. Me BCA rules but I can't shoot any regular shots (whereas combos, banks, kicks, kisses, jump, caroms, curve/masse, ... are O.K.) which is similar to the game described as Honolulu in the BCA rules book. Works good in that we usually split the games and the loser usually gets down to their last ball or two (but it takes a long time for each game).

(3) Also, we've been playing bowlliards. Once you both establish an average with enough games you can take the difference between them and give her a handicap.
 
Wife vs. Pool

I can kinda relate. My ex-husband went to his farm every weekend of the year. I could choose to go with him and sit in the house with his mother (yuck) or spend my time hating his farming habit...until I finally realized how much it meant to him and how relaxed he was when he returned. If your wife is a C player she is not too shabby. Would she like pool lessons maybe? Or maybe she would enjoy handicapped league play. Or perhaps she needs a hobby of her own? I think she is being a little demanding but then I spend 30 - 40 hours a week in a pool hall and consequently smell like the inside of an exhaust pipe and have no relationship. :)

I hope you find some way to compromise so that you don't have to give up pool which you will resent or your wife whom you obviously care about.

Good luck,
Nell
 
i've had a similar issue

Having been through it myself, let her play in a separate league division from you on her own team, if she wants to play at all. If she doesn't want to play, don't force her.

Some will say that you shouldn't let the game stand between you and the woman you love, but I will also offer just an opinion: If she loves you she won't try to get you to quit the game because it is a part of who you are as a person she loves.

Time together may be the issue, and while you love pool, she's not going to be happy if she feels that she is playing 2nd fiddle to pool. Communication is the hardest thing in a marriage in my humble opinion. The hardest part is for us to "listen" to what our partners want with out interrupting them and without any comment.

You may have to compromise and restrict yourself to 2 or 3 times per week and devote more time to her and the family but first you're going to have to tell her you are willing to compromise and ask her what she wants. Then sit down and listen.

Before you respond to her, tell her thank you and then think about what she said before you say anything else.

Just some advice from a fellow married guy, take it for what it is, free advice.
 
I am no way a B+ but after a couple years of "race-to" tournaments we've learned that we enjoy simple straight-up practice more often than not. Spread 15 on the table and shoot for as long as you can. You miss, your turn is over. Maybe you have to always hit the lowest ball on the table first, and allow her to shoot any one she wants. No scoring, just hanging out, and chatting in between, and not necessarily chatting about pool. You get in some practice while also connecting with your wife. We've found that we play more this way...

I showed this post to my wife to get her thoughts and she added that you need to make sure there's a wine bottle nearby... :D Good luck!
 
Scotch doubles might help. Even practicing you both get to shoot equally and you can help coach her on how to play the shots.
 
I agree with everything said above, but here are a few ideas: play for money, or, ha clothes, etc, thats right, give up a bunch of balls and take her out on Saturday for a shopping spree (including lunch or dinner) for a few hours, you have a phone you can watch baseball on (or any sport) right?

Bet her flowers set to her work, an XM subscription, a free weekend from the kids (this one is usually a winner, if you have them) etc.
 
ShaneT58 said:
Scotch doubles might help. Even practicing you both get to shoot equally and you can help coach her on how to play the shots.
Click to expand...

Yep, a little while ago my wife just suggested that we start doing this with our bowlliards games instead of shooting separately. That way we can learn to work together and coach each other as a team.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice. Me and the wife had a talk yesterday and she agrees that she hasnt been trying to be involved in pool, at the same time I have to be willing to practice with her and not be to hard on her. Its my challenge to make sure every session is fun, and that we enjoy spending time together.
 
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