What would you do to, about noisy spectators

CPN

CPN

Certified Poolnut
Several weeks ago I am playing this tournament and we have started with 25 or so players, and we are getting close to the last 6, or 7 players.

I am matched up with a local boy in a do or die who apparently plays this tournament weekly, and it is my first time at this particular tournament.

Several in the gallery are players who have been eliminated, and a few lookelooz. A group of 7 or 8 people.

There is all this conversation going on behind me that is one big distraction.

So I am asking what you might do?

As I was real tempted to say to the gallery when you all are finished with you conversation I will start shooting again. I was quit when you were playing in the tournament.

It seemed to me that when the regular was shooting thing were quiet.
 
CPN said:
Several weeks ago I am playing this tournament and we have started with 25 or so players, and we are getting close to the last 6, or 7 players.

I am matched up with a local boy in a do or die who apparently plays this tournament weekly, and it is my first time at this particular tournament.

Several in the gallery are players who have been eliminated, and a few lookelooz. A group of 7 or 8 people.

There is all this conversation going on behind me that is one big distraction.

So I am asking what you might do?

As I was real tempted to say to the gallery when you all are finished with you conversation I will start shooting again. I was quit when you were playing in the tournament.

It seemed to me that when the regular was shooting thing were quiet.
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There is a classy way to deal with it. Simply tell them you can hear their comments and to ask them to please remain quiet. Remain polite and its important that you take care of it before you lose your temper. If that doesn't work, have the TD take care of it. Most of us that play have been in that situation more than once, and it can get annoying listening to some loud mouth telling everybody in the crowd what you should or shouldn't be doing. If all else fails you can approach the guy and offer him your cue so that he can take the shot for you. That will definitely turn the tables and handle the situation with humor - and I guarantee that he won't say another word for the rest of the match - and he will apologize afterwards.
 
trustyrusty said:
just shoot...

don't see the problem???
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I agree, learn to play pool with noise, it is crazy to think people should be quiet while you are shooting. They are probably only talking while you are playing because they do not know you and would rather talk to their friends than concentrate on watching someone they do not know play pool. In the long run you will be much better off if you can learn to just ignore any outside noise when shooting pool.

-don
 
Just do what Shane does...ignore 'em. :D

Seriously..I have a major weakness verging on Earl like hatred of outside distractions. Talking and people moving near me when I am down on a shot start me boiling. The thing is its MY problem. I try hard to not let it get to me, doesn't always work but I think thats the answer.

Mind over matter.

If you don't mind it don't matter.
 
JCIN said:
Just do what Shane does...ignore 'em. :D

Seriously..I have a major weakness verging on Earl like hatred of outside distractions. Talking and people moving near me when I am down on a shot start me boiling. The thing is its MY problem. I try hard to not let it get to me, doesn't always work but I think thats the answer.

Mind over matter.

If you don't mind it don't matter.
Click to expand...

You need to play in more really, really, really crowded bars for fairly decent cash, this will make you shark proof. We used to hustle 8-ball in stripper bars in Oklahoma City when I was a kid and if you can concentrate with the music, strippers, and opponents sharking tactics you can play anywhere:) :)
 
Thecoats said:
You need to play in more really, really, really crowded bars for fairly decent cash, this will make you shark proof. We used to hustle 8-ball in stripper bars in Oklahoma City when I was a kid and if you can concentrate with the music, strippers, and opponents sharking tactics you can play anywhere:) :)
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Why the hell would I play pool in a strip club. I am there to spend quality time with the girlfriend.:D
 
JCIN said:
Why the hell would I play pool in a strip club. I am there to spend quality time with the girlfriend.:D
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No doubt, but we used to make some serious scratch, nothing like aclohol and strippers to really make a guy try and prove he is a better player than someone else. Also, once your girlfriends see you make a good score they seem to take a larger interest in you as well.
 
I am not sure if it is just me,but when I play I go in to this zone and I don't hear others at all.I even have to focus really hard to hear my opponent talk to me.I would say you just need to learn how to tune every thing out and focus on you and your game.
 
The thing is its MY problem. I try hard to not let it get to me, doesn't always work but I think thats the answer.

Mind over matter.

If you don't mind it don't matter.
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Agreed........
 
Iggy

Just hit the ignore button and do what you came there to do. Win a pool match, DECIDEDLY would be better, but a win for sure.
 
CPN said:
Several weeks ago I am playing this tournament and we have started with 25 or so players, and we are getting close to the last 6, or 7 players.

I am matched up with a local boy in a do or die who apparently plays this tournament weekly, and it is my first time at this particular tournament.

Several in the gallery are players who have been eliminated, and a few lookelooz. A group of 7 or 8 people.

There is all this conversation going on behind me that is one big distraction.

So I am asking what you might do?

As I was real tempted to say to the gallery when you all are finished with you conversation I will start shooting again. I was quit when you were playing in the tournament.

It seemed to me that when the regular was shooting thing were quiet.
Click to expand...

Turn around and give them the Buddy Hall stare. Thirty seconds from him was enough to strike anyone dumb.
 
Blackjack said:
There is a classy way to deal with it. Simply tell them you can hear their comments and to ask them to please remain quiet. Remain polite and its important that you take care of it before you lose your temper. If that doesn't work, have the TD take care of it. Most of us that play have been in that situation more than once, and it can get annoying listening to some loud mouth telling everybody in the crowd what you should or shouldn't be doing. If all else fails you can approach the guy and offer him your cue so that he can take the shot for you. That will definitely turn the tables and handle the situation with humor - and I guarantee that he won't say another word for the rest of the match - and he will apologize afterwards.
Click to expand...

W.W.E.D.


(What Would Earl Do)

Seriously, David gives some good advice.
 
jay helfert said:
Turn around and give them the Buddy Hall stare. Thirty seconds from him was enough to strike anyone dumb.
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I've seen that stare. I had nightmare's for a while after I got it.

At the Sands Regency tournament sometime in the mid 90's I was in the bleachers and had to pee really bad. They had the tables all lined up in one row and the only way out was to walk down the aisle in front of the tables. I kept waiting for a time when nobody was shooting but with matches on all the tables it just didn't come. Finally, since I couldn't find a container large enough to hold all the beer inside of me I just had to get up and go.:)

Unfortunately for me, I was climbing down the bleachers just as Buddy was getting down on a shot. That's when it happened. He raised up from his shot and gave me that "stare". When I returned from the restroom he gave me a little more of that "stare" for good measure. I wanted to apologize to him afterwards but I think I feared for my life after the look he gave me.

I'm just glad someone else has seen it besides me. Buddy is large man and it may not have the same effect coming from someone small of stature but I bet that stare would quite almost anyone down.
 
I played mostly in noisy bars the last 15 years that I played. I can't ever remember a time when noise from spectators bothered me in a poolroom or a bar. If your into the game you shouldn't hear it. I never heard any of the crowd noise in the ring either. If you did you would be on your back a lot. I was...my fighting name was Canvas Back. Now if the guy I'm playing is the one talking then it bothers me until I shut him up. BANG. Johnnyt
 
GADawg said:
In your state are you allowed to carry a holstered sidearm?
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If it is, then so can the spectators. :D

But I do agree with your point. An armed society is a polite society.
 
JCIN said:
Just do what Shane does...ignore 'em. :D

Seriously..I have a major weakness verging on Earl like hatred of outside distractions. Talking and people moving near me when I am down on a shot start me boiling. The thing is its MY problem. I try hard to not let it get to me, doesn't always work but I think thats the answer.

Mind over matter.

If you don't mind it don't matter.
Click to expand...

You put well, It's my problem too. It doesn't bother me very often, but, when it does, it gets me good,
 
I've had to turn to a group of talkers before and say, "Hey guys, I can hear you. So, either talk when your buddy is shooting, or hold it down a bit when I'm at the table. I'd appreciate it."

If that doesn't work, then I let the TD know. No one should have to face obvious distractions. Incidental distractions should be no big thing, but group talkers rallying around a particular player is something else.
 
Go to the opposite side of the table.
Aim toward the noisiest part of the crowd.
Jump ball.
 
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