What should I do?

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bluemarlin

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I'm playing pool fairly often now. I actually just started getting serious about it about 3-4 months ago. My dad, whom used to play pool, still has is cues so those are what I use when I go to the local poolhall. The one I usually play with is the Meucci SE-3.

Now, here's the question. I can tell, when people come up to play me, that they're thinking "Wow, some little rich kid asked his daddy for an expensive cue and he's not even that good." I mean, I'll admit that I'm not even close to good enough to carry a cue like this, so what do you think I should do?

I don't wanna be labeled as this little rich kid and never make any friends (the only ones i have are about 50 years old and are friends of my dads). Would you guys, if you were in my position, just play with a house cue?
 
bluemarlin said:
I'm playing pool fairly often now. I actually just started getting serious about it about 3-4 months ago. My dad, whom used to play pool, still has is cues so those are what I use when I go to the local poolhall. The one I usually play with is the Meucci SE-3.

Now, here's the question. I can tell, when people come up to play me, that they're thinking "Wow, some little rich kid asked his daddy for an expensive cue and he's not even that good." I mean, I'll admit that I'm not even close to good enough to carry a cue like this, so what do you think I should do?

I don't wanna be labeled as this little rich kid and never make any friends (the only ones i have are about 50 years old and are friends of my dads). Would you guys, if you were in my position, just play with a house cue?
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If you are a serious player now, you should have your own cue. You are lucky to have gotten a hand-me-down and should be quick to mention (or at least freely admit) that the cue belonged to your father and that it wasn't bought for you. Let others know that you feel lucky to have access to such a nice cue. Unless theft is an issue where you play, play with the Meucci. If you act fortunate rather than proud, people will understand.
 
sjm said:
If you are a serious player now, you should have your own cue. You are lucky to have gotten a hand-me-down and should be quick to mention (or at least freely admit) that the cue belonged to your father and that it wasn't bought for you. Let others know that you feel lucky to have access to such a nice cue. Unless theft is an issue where you play, play with the Meucci. If you act fortunate rather than proud, people will understand.
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Thanks. Yes, I have mentioned many-a-time that this cue doesn't belong to me, and is my fathers. And, no, theft is not a problem at all.
 
Ones game is not defined by the brand of cue they play with but how you play with it. Use it and enjoy it. It was made to be played with. Worry not about what others say as it means nothing to you. You will get better and they were there once too.
 
Big Business said:
Ones game is not defined by the brand of cue they play with but how you play with it. Use it and enjoy it. It was made to be played with. Worry not about what others say as it means nothing to you. You will get better and they were there once too.
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Thank you for those words of wisdom.
 
I second the sentiments of others who have posted. I'm a decent player, I run racks every now and then, but I play with a $1200+ Gilbert and have a $1700 Skip Weston on order as we speak. There are a lot who would say that I am no where near good enough to play with cues that expensive, but I will continue to play with what I enjoy!
 
Don't worry to much about what others saying, people will always try to get you down for any reason. They will always envy your luck etc. Just be yourself and definitely stick to Meucci. Those cues play really good, and when you learn how to shoot with it, you will never want another cue.
 
Maybe it just me, but I'm tired of the cost of cue = talent correlation. If you're new and starting out you're supposed to be playing with a Dufferin and if you're a world beater you should be playing with top name custom cue. What a bunch of crap! Just because I can't beat Archer or whoever means I'm not allowed to own/enjoy a custom cue, BS.

Kid, play with what you want. Let'em know it was your Dads cue, and if they don't like it, so be it.

Just my rant for the morning...

Jim
 
I agree make it known that the cue belongs to your father. Heres a line for you just incase thats not enough. Tell'em "just waiting on my skills to catch up to my equipment" atleast you'll get a laugh and maybe make a new friend. Some pool halls already have an established crew, the regulars, and it can be hard to break though. Your going to meet people and sooner or later you'll become one of those guys but for now you may have to deal with some crap. Don't let it get you down, soon enough you'll be there. No matter your skill level, try compeeting in some of the small house tournements that can help break the ice as well. You'll get to meet new people and it will help you become a better pool player, getting drilled a few times is no big deal if you learn something. Good luck!

dday
 
I guess I was just too self-conscious about the whole thing and nobody really cares what cue I have.

The other night I tried to pick out the best player in the place that was still within a decade of my age. I asked him if he wanted to play me, and we played a race to 5 for 10 bucks. I didn't win a game, in fact, the first two racks I didn't even get to shoot. He said he didn't wanna take my money like that (even though I insisted that he took my money because it was, after all, a bet) and that he wanted to do another race, him to 8 and me to 5. This time I won 3 games. At the end he said "I know you only wanted to play with me because you wanted to play with somebody better than you." Keep in mind, he didn't say this in a condescending way. Then he said that any time I wanted to play with him, just to ask, and he'll play to teach me (no money). We're always there during the same time during the day, so I'm glad I actually made a friend that is this good. I know my dad had a mentor when he started to play and he told me that it took him 2 years before he could confidently beat him, and I'm willing to put forth the time and effort.

The thing I didn't get is.... I know he has his own cue because I've seen him play with it many times, but when he came over to play with me he went and got a house cue. Anybody know why he would do this?
 
archer plays with cues that are well below the standards of richard black or mottey. But he's been in the top 5 for the past decade and never looked back with any stick he's shot with.
 
bluemarlin said:
I'm playing pool fairly often now. I actually just started getting serious about it about 3-4 months ago. My dad, whom used to play pool, still has is cues so those are what I use when I go to the local poolhall. The one I usually play with is the Meucci SE-3.

Now, here's the question. I can tell, when people come up to play me, that they're thinking "Wow, some little rich kid asked his daddy for an expensive cue and he's not even that good." I mean, I'll admit that I'm not even close to good enough to carry a cue like this, so what do you think I should do?

I don't wanna be labeled as this little rich kid and never make any friends (the only ones i have are about 50 years old and are friends of my dads). Would you guys, if you were in my position, just play with a house cue?
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Who cares what others think.. The cue doesnt make the player. The player makes the cue. If you like the way the SE3 plays than stay with it. Your game will get better as you get use to the cue. As long as you are comfortable and happy with it, I wouldnt put an ounce of worry to what others have to say about you.
 
Some of the best players in the world (Fisher and Strickland) play with cheap production cues (cuetec). Maybe their cues are somewhat modified, and maybe not. Point is, if a great player can be great with a cheap cue, then why bother playing with an expensive cue with fancy inlays? Because its fun and you can. Enjoy the cue, and the game.
 
As long as you are happy with what you are shooting with, then it doesn't matter how good/bad your game is.

I've got a friend who routinely cleans my clock in pool, and he shoots with a sneaky pete made from a Valley Supreme cue. Cost him $85. I shoot with a Falcon that cost me close to $400. Why? Because I like the way it looks and the way it shoots. Cues should be a combination of the way it feels in your hands and a matter of personal taste.

Of course, I always love the looks I get when I break out my late grandfather's mid-1960's Frank Paradise titlist conversion with the leather wrap on it. My buddies still can't believe I inherited something like that. :D
 
bluemarlin said:
I'm playing pool fairly often now. I actually just started getting serious about it about 3-4 months ago. My dad, whom used to play pool, still has is cues so those are what I use when I go to the local poolhall. The one I usually play with is the Meucci SE-3.

Now, here's the question. I can tell, when people come up to play me, that they're thinking "Wow, some little rich kid asked his daddy for an expensive cue and he's not even that good." I mean, I'll admit that I'm not even close to good enough to carry a cue like this, so what do you think I should do?

I don't wanna be labeled as this little rich kid and never make any friends (the only ones i have are about 50 years old and are friends of my dads). Would you guys, if you were in my position, just play with a house cue?
Click to expand...

Well, since you are fortunate in having some nice equipment, it's time to equip your mind for playing. GO get some BASIC LESSONS, if for nothing else but thwarting the inclusion of some serious BAD HABITS, that will limit your future growth forever.

Then practice what you've learned. Do the BASIC DRILLS. Buy Martin's 99 Critical shots. Get a few Bert Kinister tapes... THE MIGHTY X, THE 6 POINT STAR, THE LADDER. give this a go for 6 months & your laughing buddies will be filling your palm with some cash, while they are looking down their noses. Don't do this & you might not grow in skill level at all. If you are a NATURAL (1 out of 50,000), you'll pick it up fairly quick, if you are not you'll play for 20 years & never be a great player.

Many players won't make the commitment, so they don't make the grade. Some of the World's Greatest Players (in all sports) have coaches or teachers, that added feature keeps them confident & p :cool: laying to their highest level.

I'm 62 & periodically I still take lessons. I flew to Dayton, Ohio to visit George Rood (one of the greatest players ever) for 3 days. It cost me about $1500. The stuff I learned in 3 days has probably help me make $10,000 more than I would have. PLUS I have more knowlege to build upon.

It's your choice.
 
I have already contacted Mark Wilson (he has a hall in Collinsville, IL) and he told me to drop by and play with him and while I'm there I can set up some lessons. I'm very excited because I really want to learn everything.

I want to be the best.
 
George Rood Question

I live in Dayton Ohio ,never heard of Rood .I would like to know a liitl about him & how to contact him THANKS
 
What Should I Do

First of all do you like the cue? Second if you are honest no one will care.Third good cues do not make the player, GOOD PLAYERS make the cue.
My Point is good quality lessons will jump start your game better than anything else.
 
oldroller said:
I live in Dayton Ohio ,never heard of Rood .I would like to know a liitl about him & how to contact him THANKS
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I think he hangs around Airway Billiards. Try calling them.

I met him one time at Snookers in Cincy, had no idea who he was :rolleyes: .

Seemed like a real nice fellow.

I read somewhere that he owns the table that Mosconi ran 526 on.
 
oldroller said:
I live in Dayton Ohio ,never heard of Rood .I would like to know a liitl about him & how to contact him THANKS
Click to expand...

George Rood can be found at the Airway Billiards, call Todd Recher. He is always referred to as "one of the greatest". If you should get yourself a copy of the Pool & Billiard Magazine, November 1999 Holiday Gift Guide, the article will introduce George to you. You'll be glad you met this great man.
 
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