What's The Point Of It? Seriously . . . Brutal Honesty Required . . .

[Hungarian]

Surface snot from, for example a sneeze? Or embedded dried in snot?

Excellent question, Brian.
I don't love pool, either. I doubt if I ever did. But, I like it well enough to keep going to the pool room, three or four times a week, I know that.
I do, however, like you say, wonder if there is something better. Something more worthwhile. Something with a purpose higher than mere entertainment. Something that will let me finish out my life in a blaze of glory, if you will.
I have found it, Brian. I have discovered a revolutionary new technique that will take me from the pool room to immortality. I have recently perfected a process, after endless hours of experimentation, that will put the garment industry on its heels.
I am now able, Brian...hold on to your ass for this one...to get snot out of corduroy.
I'll tell you more about it later.

 

[Hungarian]

:groucho:

You said at the 25 post mark you'd enlighten us with honest brutality

It's now 62 posts...

"It" being what pretty much all of us here on az do, namely, play pool.

Did you ever think about just how much of our time is wasted chasing 2 1/4" plastic balls into pockets.

And we know that the absolute vast majority of us will never go any further than being a shortstop level player, and even that, if we're lucky.

Added to this fact is another even more troubling fact, which is let's say you are one of the very few who possesses incredible natural talent and you decide you're gonna do whatever it takes (huge sacrifices) to get to the top. What's waiting for you should you arrive? Post dated checks, broken promises, air barrels, dumps, a $10k check if you can beat Shane or Alex, etc., etc., and etc...?

I know of some very talented pool players who have decided to pursue pool as a career and it turned out to be a colossal waste of their time. Sure they can do *okay* at some local or even regional tourneys but they're not really posing any real threats on a national level, and certainly not globally.

Couldn't this time be much better spent doing something productive?

And what about the rest of us?

I want to know from you all exactly why it is you play pool. Please be totally honest about why.

If this thread goes to 25 responses, I will explain why I play and I'm going to warn you, it's going to be brutally candid. Totally honest, no candy coating at all.

This thread is not meant to be negative, but rather, it's intended to try to better understand why it is that we, a collection of bangers to A players, dedicate so much of our time playing this game.

So, why do we?

And please don't respond with 'because I love it'. You'll have to do better than that.

I'm gonna be real candid and so should you!

best,
brian kc

 

[paulempor]

Because I do not own a chess board. Just a pool table

 

[Mr. J]

It's a Lifestyle...

It's a lifestyle and I have loved it from the start, near 30 years ago ...

Was good right from the start and will never be able to quit...would never want to...

So much fun and what a challenge with all the levels the game has...

Being a perfectionist only sucked me in even more when it came to this game...

All the levels of envisioning and creativity that is necessary will really get a hold of you....

All the accomplishments along the way have been so fulfilling in so many ways...

I have been lucky to have been around Champions from my very start and have had input from all of them...

I know all the in and outs now from league player to world traveler for this game and what a facination it all is...

Can't wait to go out tonight and have some beers with the guys and get the "dollar on the 5 and two on the 9" going!!!! Beautiful waitress and good food there too... great music as well....

Sometimes I play kinda good too...

I KNOW IT IS MY LIFESTYLE AND I WILL NEVER QUIT.......

It's just plain "The Best!!!"

Mr. J.

 

[Kickin' Chicken]

brutal honesty as promised . . .

and a little later than I expected since this has gone way over 25 replies in a big hurry.

For the purpose of this thread, no details are needed about how and when my love affair with pool began but I have posted about that before.

Why I play very likely has to do with my having a defective personality.

I am a showoff in most areas of my life. I see it, I recognize it, and yes, I actually embrace it.

Regarding pool, I *always* and without exception am a good sport.

But with that said, I am driven to not just win but to do it in such a way that gets notice. I like flair. I thrive on the accolades.

Lots of people can beat me, that's for sure. But I do win much more often than I lose. Unless I'm in a very meaningful game, I will play big risk / big reward shots more than I should.

If I play an exceptional set (for me) where shotmaking, position play, kicks and banks are all working, it's an adrenailine rush for me.

I can thoroughly enjoy playing by myself in the basement for hours on end. There is real beauty and satisfaction in solving the puzzle presented after each break.

But this is only preparation for playing in public where I can get what I really need.

I'm shallow.

best,
brian kc

 

[garczar]

Unlike most sports/games, pool is a non-reaction game. Most other games you are reacting to something eg. baseball, football,hockey etc. In games such as pool, golf, darts etc., NOTHING happens until the player acts. Thus, there is FAR more time to think. This makes pool tougher and more fascinating.

 

[3RAILKICK]

Every game is a test. For each player.

Every game layout is a puzzle to be solved.

Every skill of the game is a challenge to be mastered or attempted.

I like that a single mistake will lose the game. I like that many correct decisions and skill executions are needed to solve puzzles and win.

I like that in playing pool, there is always more to learn and improve upon.

I like that you can bounce one or more balls off each other, and the cushions and have an idea of what will happen.

I like that in playing pool, that you are engaged in the process. You make it happen. Right or wrong. Go/no go. Make/or miss. Immediate feedback.

I like to hear snap snap after a good shot. I like to win. I don't like to lose, when I make bad shot or decisions. I don't mind being beaten by a superior player. There are things to learn and improve upon from that outcome.

I even like the randomness of the game-shitting balls in...but sometimes real tough to take.

That click of balls colliding is very powerful...I don't know why...just is. There is something wrong with me and pool helps.


Separately, I agree with TATE...there's something about the poolroom scene that unites us... all us afflicted players.


Hell Brian-I don't know how to explain it. I may not love pool, but not far from it.

EDIT:
....crap. i took too long to type

 

[cajunfats]

The point?

The Games of Billiards are my Muses.

My Inspiration. My Creativity. My Artistry. My Tragedy. My Comedy.

The point of it for me, is that of all the interests I have had in my lifetime, Pool is the only one which gave me fulfillment. It allowed me to indulge when I wanted, at what level I wanted, and always welcomed me back after taking a hiatus.

More importantly, for me, Pool gave me the opportunity to give back to the community in which I am welcomed. In no great ways, but many small ways. None of it has anything to do with my rank as a player, or the titles bestowed upon champions. It is knowing that we are all one of them, and they us, in the family of pool.

What a distinguished group of people in the Family of Pool, the Jay Helfert's, Randy G's, Nancy Hart's, Jerry Briesath's, Mark Griffin's, Shari Stauch, George Fel's, and Bob Jewett's. These men and women have made a difference in the sport on an enormous scale. Their footprint is huge.

I wouldn't trade, having been acquainted with these fine people, for anything.

I know each of the respondents to the OP, have met some if not many, of the characters that exist in the Pool Family. We are a small community by some standards. You can look at AZ and see just how close those relationships are. The six degrees of Kevin Bacon would go bonkers in this Forum,lol.

cajunfats

 

[Hungarian]

You lathered us up for this?

We want to know more about your defects...

You bailed out on the honesty man...

and a little later that I expected since this has gone way over 25 replies in a big hurry.

For the purpose of this thread, no details are needed about how and when my love affair with pool began but I have posted about that before.

Why I play very likely has to do with my having a defective personality.

I am a showoff in most areas of my life. I see it, I recognize it, and yes, I actually embrace it.

Regarding pool, I *always* and without exception am a good sport.

But with that said, I am driven to not just win but to do it in such a way that get's notice. I like flair. I thrive on the accolades.

Lots of people can beat me, that's for sure. But I do win much more often than I lose. Unless I'm in a very meaningful game, I will play big risk / big reward shots more than I should.

If I play an exceptional set (for me) where shotmaking, position play, kicks and banks are all working, it's an adrenailine rush for me.

I can thoroughly enjoy playing by myself in the basement for hours on end. There is real beauty and satisfaction in solving the puzzle presented after each break.

But this is only preparation for playing in public where I can get what I really need.

I'm shallow.

best,
brian kc

 

[cajunfats]

Recommend

and a little later that I expected since this has gone way over 25 replies in a big hurry.

For the purpose of this thread, no details are needed about how and when my love affair with pool began but I have posted about that before.

Why I play very likely has to do with my having a defective personality.

I am a showoff in most areas of my life. I see it, I recognize it, and yes, I actually embrace it.

Regarding pool, I *always* and without exception am a good sport.

But with that said, I am driven to not just win but to do it in such a way that get's notice. I like flair. I thrive on the accolades.

Lots of people can beat me, that's for sure. But I do win much more often than I lose. Unless I'm in a very meaningful game, I will play big risk / big reward shots more than I should.

If I play an exceptional set (for me) where shotmaking, position play, kicks and banks are all working, it's an adrenailine rush for me.

I can thoroughly enjoy playing by myself in the basement for hours on end. There is real beauty and satisfaction in solving the puzzle presented after each break.

But this is only preparation for playing in public where I can get what I really need.

I'm shallow.

best,
brian kc

I would encourage you to get acting lessons, then go to Hollywood to work in Film and Television.

This is a personality type that fits well in the Theatre Arts and Media area.

I think you would do well. Seriously.

cajunfats

 

[Fatboy]

"It" being what pretty much all of us here on az do, namely, play pool.

Did you ever think about just how much of our time is wasted chasing 2 1/4" plastic balls into pockets.

And we know that the absolute vast majority of us will never go any further than being a shortstop level player, and even that, if we're lucky.

Added to this fact is another even more troubling fact, which is let's say you are one of the very few who possesses incredible natural talent and you decide you're gonna do whatever it takes (huge sacrifices) to get to the top. What's waiting for you should you arrive? Post dated checks, broken promises, air barrels, dumps, a $10k check if you can beat Shane or Alex, etc., etc., and etc...?

I know of some very talented pool players who have decided to pursue pool as a career and it turned out to be a colossal waste of their time. Sure they can do *okay* at some local or even regional tourneys but they're not really posing any real threats on a national level, and certainly not globally.

Couldn't this time be much better spent doing something productive?

And what about the rest of us?

I want to know from you all exactly why it is you play pool. Please be totally honest about why.

If this thread goes to 25 responses, I will explain why I play and I'm going to warn you, it's going to be brutally candid. Totally honest, no candy coating at all.

This thread is not meant to be negative, but rather, it's intended to try to better understand why it is that we, a collection of bangers to A players, dedicate so much of our time playing this game.

So, why do we?

And please don't respond with 'because I love it'. You'll have to do better than that.

I'm gonna be real candid and so should you!

best,
brian kc

its a huge waste of time for me now, for about 4 years of my life it was providing me subsistence-i didnt have to get a job. But i didnt play good enuff to make a decent living(this was back when good players could make a ok living). I did however learn lots in pool rooms and took those skills elsewhere and did very well. If it wasnt for pool, i dont believe i'd be who i am now or as smart as I am, i'm not all that smart but i'm street smart to a extent.

as for why i play, never could figure out what my attraction was. i remember looking at the balls on the barbox at this spot i used to go to with my mom and dad when i was 5, its still there-i'm 45. so 40 years ago i would stare at the balls-they were calling then. the colors may have attracted me, what ever it is is still there. i'm not sure what it is but its not going away. i have put pool away a few times for a year here and there but no chance i could ever stop playing-even now that it costs me more to play than it provides me. cant explane it

best
E

 

[Fatboy]

The Games of Billiards are my Muses.

My Inspiration. My Creativity. My Artistry. My Tragedy. My Comedy.

The point of it for me, is that of all the interests I have had in my lifetime, Pool is the only one which gave me fulfillment. It allowed me to indulge when I wanted, at what level I wanted, and always welcomed me back after taking a hiatus.

cajunfats

there is another cool thing, i too have taken breaks from pool and my pool family is always there when i come back. I have known many people in pool for 28 years to less than a year, some i have lost as they might take a break-but there is always people i know and love in the pool world, some cant play a lick others are world beaters and that never matters. its just a nice thing for me.

another thing i have always liked about pool, is I can show up at the pool room with out fixing my hair or shaving and nobody sweats it. try going anyplace else and do that(card rooms which i dont like; I can go to and nobody sweats it). 2 weeks ago i needed a haircut real bad, i didnt gel my hair back it was huge and fuzzy after a washed it, i looked rediclous i went to the pool room anyways and nobody noticed it, or if they did it was cool as they didnt mention it-and i looked like i stuck my finger in a light socket. it was funny. I remember Efren showing up with his hair all up on one side from sleeping and its cool, i know he is Efren and King but still in most walks of life you cant get away with that. I had one person sweat me on AZB once cause I was dressed bad at the pool room during the US Open after hours. thats the only time. some days i dress good some times i dont and nobody seems to care. I'm always clean and never smell. so its all good. i like that about pool, come as you are and ita all good.

another thing Jay Helfert said once "Go to any pool room in the world 3-4 times and your a regular". I knew that and he is spot on right, last summer in Munich I went to a pool room and as always played on the front tables the first day, after 3 days everyone who worked there knew my name and some of the regulars. I met a guy there and we txt each other often. and English is way down the list of languages. I like that too, dont matter where any good room your a regualar on the 3rd day.

sorry my typing is off, today

 

[Kickin' Chicken]

You lathered us up for this?

We want to know more about your defects...

You bailed out on the honesty man...

G-ddamn, Hungarian, I just stood up in front of my peers and admitted to being a shallow and defective showoff.

What else you want me to do; a naked inverted crab-walk?

Tough crowd! :grin-square:

best,
brian kc

 

[JB Cases]

I play because I love to control the universe. Really that's how I see it. When I am at the table I have a chance to control all the balls and make them do what I want. I want to play great every time and outplay and outsmart my opponents. I want to make great shots and bask in the adulation of the railbirds.

And when I gamble I want to have that sweet high that comes from winning money. I want to use my skill to increase the amount of money I have and use that money to treat myself to something I otherwise wouldn't buy for myself.

I don't actually spend so much time playing anymore, for fun or money. Other obligations make it so that I can't afford the time or the monetary risk. But when I do play it's with the same goal, chasing the high you can't buy.

Pool is a game where you can only get high on winning through your own skill. You can't buy your way to victory, you have to earn it. And ultimately that's why I play.

 

[Hungarian]

We all ready knew you to be shallow. And we know about you being a show off with that game room and boat of yours..

lol

G-ddamn, Hungarian, I just stood up in front of my peers and admitted to being a shallow and defective showoff.

What else you want me to do; a naked inverted crab-walk?

Tough crowd! :grin-square:

best,
brian kc

 

[Snapshot9]

Pool

I don't care what you said, I love Pool, and still do after 50+ years of playing.

I was small growing up (5'7" today), and it hindered me when playing other sports. Although I did play many other sports in my lifetime, I seemed to excel more in Pool. I learned I could be good if ... I was strong for my size, I was smarter, and faster in some sports.

I love the mental challenge of Pool, and love to shoot the 'Perfect game'.
I love to figure out how my opponent thinks, because then I know I can beat him. I had a very good player tell me one time that I was the most mentally tough opponent he had ever played.

I have pretty much always played for money, and I like to win money at Pool. A lot of players underestimate my game, and I am the one approached for a money game most of the time.

I have learned over my lifetime, the difference between being a good player and being a good gambler. I hardly ever 'book a loser'. I know my game, what I can do and what I can't.

Much of my social life has been involved with Pool in some way, so when I go play, I socialize with my Pool friends. Sometimes you just want to go where everyone knows your name ... lol

I am good at Logic, and Pool is a very logical game. IT was my profession. I developed major software systems for Learjet for 18 years, and I was good at my job. I developed software that had never been done before in the city, which is saying something since Boeing, Raytheon (Beech), and Cessna were here too.

And I have fun when I go play Pool.

 

[RobertaAgnor]

I fell in love with pool when I was barely old enough to see over the table, I remember vividly playing at my aunt & uncle's bar having to stand on a crate to see the table. I continued banging the balls around & when I was a teenager the only thing I wanted was to be good enough to beat my dad, which I finally did once. I played every day for several years, we as teenagers were lucky to have a pool room that catered to teens here. I won some local tournaments, lost a few but always loved the game. I took a break when I had my daughter at 22, although I still played until I was 8 months. I came back to it after a couple of years, she's now 20 & has grown up around pool; we play on a 9 ball league together. I'm nowhere near as good as I used to be but that's ok with me, I play for the enjoyment; if it ever stops being fun for me then it will be time to stop although I don't see that ever happening.

 

[TATE]

But this is only preparation for playing in public where I can get what I really need.

I'm shallow.

best,
brian kc

Shallow?

No.

True self-fulfillment doesn't come from the admiration of others. It comes from accomplishing your personal goals and meeting the challenges necessary to put you in that position.

 

[sfmc-x1]

would you rather do jigsaw puzzles and wait to die?
Ya, me either!

its the only excercise i get.

i don't play well with others.

every one of us is playing because it entertains us.

"it" being what pretty much all of us here on az do, namely, play pool.

Did you ever think about just how much of our time is wasted chasing 2 1/4" plastic balls into pockets.

And we know that the absolute vast majority of us will never go any further than being a shortstop level player, and even that, if we're lucky.

Couldn't this time be much better spent doing something productive?

So, why do we?

Dude, don't be a kill-joy.

First off, the responses denoting sarcasm are the best and by far the most honest.

No, this question does not require soul searching to answer but it kills the soul when the truth and reality is confronted.

What working stiff has the kind of disposable time to devote to becoming anything better than a shortstop.

Whether its a passing hobby, a pastime, or a way to kill time, people engage in recreational sport as a means to escape(excluding pro tour players). What they're escaping from is different from one person to the next.

I don't like my job and I can't leave it. Too young to collect retirement, not busted up enough to collect disability, I look forward to playing pool because it allows me to forget how miserable it is trying to fight to stay ahead of the poverty line.

If playing pool without the intention of becoming a pro is wasting time, what other comparisons are you drawing conclusions to?

 

[Banks]

Why?

I wrote a whole bunch of crap, but here's the basics for the most part..

I play because of the challenge that it gives me.
I play because I like to master the things that I enjoy.
I play because I like impressing others with the shots and moves.
I play because it removes me from a boring day job.
I play because I can shoot alone or with others.
I play because I can (sometimes) make a little extra money.
I play because it gets me out and about.
I play because it's nice to feel I 'earned' my way to a competition.

There's probably some other stuff, but also..

I play because drinking is boring without something to do. :thumbup: