What is Pool without Gambling?

Oh yeah, I also miss "buck boards." This was a huge draw for southern pool rooms. As was poker machines. BTW, if you really like these forms of entertainment, fight any government attempts at starting up the lottery. As we've seen in NC, the gov't will stop at nothing to crush its' competitors.

Daren

Respect, Courage, and Commitment!
 
What the hell business is it of yours how other people enjoy the game? Why do you care? You do your s--t and I'll do mine. I've been playing for 25 years, and I'm really sorry that some people just can't seem to enjoy the game for what it is. Christ, why do so many pool players have to act like low life gambling degenerates? I spot em a mile away. Then I know it's time to break down my stick and walk away. I can't think of anything that would make the game less fun than to play with someone that thinks the only thing that matters is winning. Controlling the cueball and making extremely hard shots are actually fun (amazingly enough) That's why I play. Hell if you want I'll pick up the cueball and give you f'in ball in hand on the nine every time if it means that much to you. Yay good for you, you won. Here's a buck, now go away.
naji said:
IMO every pool player should play for money, unless they are casual , not regular players then for killing time it is ok.
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justadub said:
I get plenty of return on my time invested in pool, it just doesn't come in the form of money.

I don't begrudge those who feel that it isn't "real" if there isn't any money riding on it, but I would hope that they wouldn't feel the need to make me feel like a nit if I choose not to gamble, as well.

It's plenty "real" to me. "Really" important to me. My one true escape these days, and I treasure it. And not just to bang stuff around, as others pointed out earlier, I feel horrible when I let my league team down by playing badly. Not even taking into account how disappointed I am in myself.

So yes, it's plenty "real" to this non-gambler....
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Great post.
 
RussPrince said:
What the hell business is it of yours how other people enjoy the game? Why do you care? You do your s--t and I'll do mine. I've been playing for 25 years, and I'm really sorry that some people just can't seem to enjoy the game for what it is. Christ, why do so many pool players have to act like low life gambling degenerates? I spot em a mile away. Then I know it's time to break down my stick and walk away. I can't think of anything that would make the game less fun than to play with someone that thinks the only thing that matters is winning. Controlling the cueball and making extremely hard shots are actually fun (amazingly enough) That's why I play. Hell if you want I'll pick up the cueball and give you f'in ball in hand on the nine every time if it means that much to you. Yay good for you, you won. Here's a buck, now go away.
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That was the basis of the thread and he gave his opinion. You may be the first player I have heard who thinks winning is meaningless. If you are just banging balls around by yourself I guess it doesn't matter but if you are competing winning is the object. Do you play in tournaments or actually compete at all?
 
It's all gambling

I've said this before and I'll say it again. Whether you play a challenge match, tournament, or league. It's all gambling bc you are investing in an outcome that may or may not yield positive results.

I personally come from the world of playing challenge matches. But I do not begrudge those who play league. I actually like a lot of league players bc they are fun to be around. I have actually participated in an in house cash league this year. It was by far more about the fun I had with my team than winning first place.

So please if you're a league player or someone who just enjoys the game don't talk about those who choose to play challenge matches as "low life, degenerate, etc". It's our choice as well as your choice to enjoy the game how we see fit. After all, it is still just the game of pool.
 
I'm sure I won't be the only person here that will tell you I could give a rats ass about winning or not. To me it's how well you play the game. If I played well but lost, no I really don't care, in fact I go home that night with a big smile on my face if I'm honestly happy with how I played. Why should I let someone else's luck or rolls ruin my night? My goal is to perform well, not to just be luckiest player that night. Lets face it, short races, weight, and handicaps usually punish those of us that can actually play. When someone can walk off the street and have any chance at all of beating me due to a handicap system, why should I get emotionally involved in winning or losing? It's like getting upset at flipping coins.

I actually played a tournament a few nights ago. I played very well my first match, had a couple of break and runs, and in general played very well, but lost against someone 5 skill levels below me because of the handicap. Boo hoo... Because stuff like this is usually ends up just being a waste of time, no I generally don't compete other than just league play. If I play well I'll get points for my team, if I don't, then I don't. No sense crying about it I just play the best I can and have fun doing it.


macguy said:
That was the basis of the thread and he gave his opinion. You may be the first player I have heard who thinks winning is meaningless. If you are just banging balls around by yourself I guess it doesn't matter but if you are competing winning is the object. Do you play in tournaments or actually compete at all?
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If someone asked me to play for something, i would, no problem. But i just love to play straight pool and it doesnt have to be for anything, makes no difference to me.

NOW, i couldnt shoot craps for fun, that i could never understand, lol.
 
Gambling is playing a game of chance, or betting on someone else. There is sometimes plenty of gambling going on in a pool hall, but playing pool for money is not gambling (by most accepted definitions). Playing for money may be wise or foolish, but there are two very positive things about it: (1) it tests your ability to perform under real pressure (and is recommended by some pool teachers), and (2) it settles the arguments. People brag that they are the best, or that they can beat you, or they say that you're no good. But playing for money settles it for real, once and for all.
 
I could play straight pool every day to the limit of my physical endurance and never bet a dime.

Dave Nelson
 
terryhanna said:
Gambling is playing a game of chance, or betting on someone else. There is sometimes plenty of gambling going on in a pool hall, but playing pool for money is not gambling (by most accepted definitions). Playing for money may be wise or foolish, but there are two very positive things about it: (1) it tests your ability to perform under real pressure (and is recommended by some pool teachers), and (2) it settles the arguments. People brag that they are the best, or that they can beat you, or they say that you're no good. But playing for money settles it for real, once and for all.
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So does what you drive :grin:
Thanks to tournament wins and name recognition that follows.
Judd upgraded from an Audi R8 :grin:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepag...lasts-critics-for-claiming-hes-all-style.html

Nobody knows who made big gambling scores, and, without any official record, the public will put no credence in such claims.
 
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