What's Wrong With Pool?

[jay helfert]

I see thread after thread questioning why Pool is not somehow a bigger and more popular sport than it is. Why isn't there a pro tour? Why don't the pros make more money? Why aren't they rich and famous like Baseball and Basketball players? Why isn't there more Pool on TV? Why are so many poolrooms closing? All this like there is something inherently wrong with the sport of Pool.

There isn't anything "wrong" with Pool. It is only the perception that it should somehow be better than it is that is wrong. I like Pool no matter what, and it's okay for me just the way it is! I still enjoy playing just as much now as I did when I was a kid learning the game. A good shot still feels like a good shot. If it never changes in my lifetime that's fine with me. I've had a good time, made lots of friends and made a decent living with this game. What more can you ask for?

Pool is not going anywhere! It's going to be around for a very, very long time. I'm CERTAIN more people play the game worldwide today than ever before. I'm glad that we have this great game to amuse, entertain and challenge us. My answer to all those questions about what's wrong with Pool is this - NOTHING!

 

[selftaut]

I totally agree Jay. For those of us that have been around the game for many years, we know that pool is as big as ever, with more players participating in the game at all levels then ever before. Pool is simply not a spectator sport that appeals to the mass audience, simple as that, it will probably never draw the big sponsorship dollars because of that. But the game is enjoyed worldwide by many more millions of people then ever before.

Kev

 

[Fastolfe]

I tend to agree with you. But I see two problems if pool is disappearing:

- As there are less and less players, the equipment gets more and more expensive. Case in point, in the world of cycling for instance, recumbent bicycle riders are a minority, and the bikes are very expensive because the market is so small. I want pool to thrive so I can find a cheap table from a wide selection when I finally decide to buy one. Same for cues...

- If it really disappears, you'll be left with clubs full of old geezers. In my area, billiards used to be a popular game, and now it's all but extinct. The few clubs left look like retirement homes. At 35 years old, I'm an exception in the club I go to, and I can feel the stares when I enter the room Not that there's anything wrong with old folks, most of these guys kick butt at the table, but it's a bit sad to see so little new blood injected in the sport.

This said, pool appears very much alive and well here in Europe. There are pool halls all over the place, leagues, matches, and new players everywhere.

 

[mamono]

I agree with Jay that its the perception. Difficult to change... Its thriving in other countries around Asia and still very strong in Europe. I doubt it'll disappear.

 

[JCIN]

In this country the game is changing. Going from big tables in a pool room to small tables in bars. Economics I guess. I started playing 21 years ago and while much hasn't changed it is getting harder to find a GOOD pool room.

Most big cities are lucky to have just one. More than a few I have visited have none. But then my standards for a good room are pretty high. As for the rest of whats wrong with pool I guess it depends on what you want out of it as to how good or bad it is.

 

[JimS]

I've come to understand that pool just isn't going to be the love of the masses. I'd llike it to be.. there'd be more of it and I'd get to see more top level play, but it's just not going to be on the top of most folks list.

In order to enjoy watching top level pool a person has to be able to recognize, for instance, that the player just used a 1/2 tip of inside in order to alter the angle that the cb took when leaving the cushion.

Most folks will never follow the game close enough to see those subtle things happen and it's those subtle changes that make the game interesting, and challenging and FUN!

There's nothing wrong. Just enjoy pool TODAY! The only thing wrong is worrying about what might be wrong. Be Here Now! :groucho:

 

[Fastolfe]

In order to enjoy watching top level pool a person has to be able to recognize, for instance, that the player just used a 1/2 tip of inside in order to alter the angle that the cb took when leaving the cushion.

I think it's pretty much the same for most not-so-popular sport. Watching bobsled, curling or golf on TV is about as exciting as watching the grass grow if you don't practice the sport yourself.

Come to think of it, I feel the same watching soccer. It's just 22 dudes running after a ball to me...

 

[FullTilt]

I see thread after thread questioning why Pool is not somehow a bigger and more popular sport than it is. Why isn't there a pro tour? Why don't the pros make more money? Why aren't they rich and famous like Baseball and Basketball players? Why isn't there more Pool on TV? Why are so many poolrooms closing? All this like there is something inherently wrong with the sport of Pool.

There isn't anything "wrong" with Pool. It is only the perception that it should somehow be better than it is that is wrong. I like Pool no matter what, and it's okay for me just the way it is! I still enjoy playing just as much now as I did when I was a kid learning the game. A good shot still feels like a good shot. If it never changes in my lifetime that's fine with me. I've had a good time, made lots of friends and made a decent living with this game. What more can you ask for?

Pool is not going anywhere! It's going to be around for a very, very long time. I'm CERTAIN more people play the game worldwide today than ever before. I'm glad that we have this great game to amuse, entertain and challenge us. My answer to all those questions about what's wrong with Pool is this - NOTHING!

The only thing that is wrong is the Americas best players outside top 5 cant make a living because there is no money in pool. For example my friend Chris Bartram is top 20 in america and he is quitting pool for awhile to concentrate on poker. IF there was nothing wrong with pool he wouldnt have to do this...

A business man I deal poker to told me he hired Ewa Laurance to do exhibitions at a trade show of some sort and she was paid 5200 a day and he told me that was standard for what she gets to do one...Are you kidding me I said and he replied I am serious..WOW!!! She cant even spell pool and gets what a guy might get for winning a big tourney in the USA...

So I say if you think there is nothing wrong with the sport of pool then you have lost your mind Jay...Most of our great american players have to give up the game at some point because they cant survive and I am not talking bout shortstops people like Nevel, Kucharo, Chohan (resorted to others means to survive that sent him to jail) and the list goes on...

 

[DTL]

...............................

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

I can think of top names that make Pool Players cringe, and give Pool a bad name.


Kevin Trudeau

Chuck Bobbit

 

[Quesports]

Pool Issues

There are many factors at work against pool. For one,the young folks are now playing computer generated games, which are somewhat easier to master than billiards. It can take years of discipline to become proficient at pool and much less time at computer games. This explains why they are constantly generating new games to challenge the gamers with. I tried to get my daughter interested in pool and after an hour she said "this is really hard Dad." She was frustrated and did not get the instant gratification that can be found with computer games. Then there is the cost of equipment/playing time and the combined commute to get to a pool hall instead of just sitting in your home and going online. This is just some of my random thoughts on the decline of pool but I will say if it were not for leagues in pool I think it would be almost gone for good. The only time I consistently see a large crowd in a pool hall is on league nights.
JMO!!!!!
Dan

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

There are many factors at work against pool. For one,the young folks are now playing computer generated games, which are somewhat easier to master than billiards.

They want in now, got it in their hands, play in 24 x 7 x 365, between TEXING, and Tweeting what ever that is.

 

[FullTilt]

Earl should be rich and famous..........he's not. He didn't "get paid" for being the best, most entertaining player ever at a sport that is more difficult/complex than golf, bowling, tennis, etc.............I'd be f%$cking nuts too. Why? I don't know...........seems everybody in the pool world are always trying to rob each other.

Earl should have got paid your right...he had a big contract for years though earl did real good..just must not have inveted wisely in life with it

As someone who plays pool at a high level and golf..pool doesnt compare to golf in difficulty..i can not play pool for months practice for 3 days and be close to my best level in golf you cant do this plus in pool its easier to play close to your highest speed everyday than it is in golf

 

[oldzilla]

I see thread after thread questioning why Pool is not somehow a bigger and more popular sport than it is. Why isn't there a pro tour? Why don't the pros make more money? Why aren't they rich and famous like Baseball and Basketball players? Why isn't there more Pool on TV? Why are so many poolrooms closing? All this like there is something inherently wrong with the sport of Pool.

There isn't anything "wrong" with Pool. It is only the perception that it should somehow be better than it is that is wrong. I like Pool no matter what, and it's okay for me just the way it is! I still enjoy playing just as much now as I did when I was a kid learning the game. A good shot still feels like a good shot. If it never changes in my lifetime that's fine with me. I've had a good time, made lots of friends and made a decent living with this game. What more can you ask for?

Pool is not going anywhere! It's going to be around for a very, very long time. I'm CERTAIN more people play the game worldwide today than ever before. I'm glad that we have this great game to amuse, entertain and challenge us. My answer to all those questions about what's wrong with Pool is this - NOTHING!

tap,tap,tap. i'm glad you set them straight Jay. they listen to you !
but i feel exactly the same as you. and it is a whole lot better imo. when i was young i was just coming along with alot of potential and then in the 70's everthing closed up and stopped. but the game was still somewhere and it would survive as always. i decided to get married and do the family thing which i absolutly get not regret. i do have 6 grandkids. but the married life came to an end , both times ! so now it's the 80's and i start to move around. things were getting better and they continue to get better. there is nothing wrong with pool. look at all the great equipment. live streams all over the world and internet info. it's a smaller % people who need to get better in all aspects not just pool. they are the ones who make us all look bad !

 

[Johnnyt]

I see thread after thread questioning why Pool is not somehow a bigger and more popular sport than it is. Why isn't there a pro tour? Why don't the pros make more money? Why aren't they rich and famous like Baseball and Basketball players? Why isn't there more Pool on TV? Why are so many poolrooms closing? All this like there is something inherently wrong with the sport of Pool.

There isn't anything "wrong" with Pool. It is only the perception that it should somehow be better than it is that is wrong. I like Pool no matter what, and it's okay for me just the way it is! I still enjoy playing just as much now as I did when I was a kid learning the game. A good shot still feels like a good shot. If it never changes in my lifetime that's fine with me. I've had a good time, made lots of friends and made a decent living with this game. What more can you ask for?

Pool is not going anywhere! It's going to be around for a very, very long time. I'm CERTAIN more people play the game worldwide today than ever before. I'm glad that we have this great game to amuse, entertain and challenge us. My answer to all those questions about what's wrong with Pool is this - NOTHING!

Although I don't like to hear this...you are right IMO. Like I've said, "pool is what it is". Johnnyt

 

[KoolKat9Lives]

The only thing that is wrong is the Americas best players outside top 5 cant make a living because there is no money in pool. For example my friend Chris Bartram is top 20 in america and he is quitting pool for awhile to concentrate on poker. IF there was nothing wrong with pool he wouldnt have to do this...

Was there ever a period in pool where a bunch of the American top pros made a decent living?

 

[jingle]

I see thread after thread questioning why Pool is not somehow a bigger and more popular sport than it is. Why isn't there a pro tour? Why don't the pros make more money? Why aren't they rich and famous like Baseball and Basketball players? Why isn't there more Pool on TV? Why are so many poolrooms closing? All this like there is something inherently wrong with the sport of Pool.

There isn't anything "wrong" with Pool. It is only the perception that it should somehow be better than it is that is wrong. I like Pool no matter what, and it's okay for me just the way it is! I still enjoy playing just as much now as I did when I was a kid learning the game. A good shot still feels like a good shot. If it never changes in my lifetime that's fine with me. I've had a good time, made lots of friends and made a decent living with this game. What more can you ask for?

Pool is not going anywhere! It's going to be around for a very, very long time. I'm CERTAIN more people play the game worldwide today than ever before. I'm glad that we have this great game to amuse, entertain and challenge us. My answer to all those questions about what's wrong with Pool is this - NOTHING!

Jay, I agree with some of what you say. Ideally, I would like to see the ESPN networks show more pool than bass fishing or bowling. :wink: I would also like to see more corporate sponsorship so that more than the top 5 or so pros can make a decent living. (would like to see maybe the top 50 be able to scratch out a living) The sponsorship deal might come with more TV time, I don't know. The reality is, we don't live in an ideal world. And I agree, there seems to be an abundance of smaller regional tours/tournies right now. If that is the goal, then we are there. I'd just like to see it be bigger. Hockey is now on the decline, but if that sport can achieve the notoriety it has the past several years, I have to think why not pool?

 

[Bambu]

There are many factors at work against pool. For one,the young folks are now playing computer generated games, which are somewhat easier to master than billiards. It can take years of discipline to become proficient at pool and much less time at computer games. This explains why they are constantly generating new games to challenge the gamers with. I tried to get my daughter interested in pool and after an hour she said "this is really hard Dad." She was frustrated and did not get the instant gratification that can be found with computer games. Then there is the cost of equipment/playing time and the combined commute to get to a pool hall instead of just sitting in your home and going online. This is just some of my random thoughts on the decline of pool but I will say if it were not for leagues in pool I think it would be almost gone for good. The only time I consistently see a large crowd in a pool hall is on league nights.
JMO!!!!!
Dan

I think youre right, Dan. I too have felt the guilt of being on the computer instead of hitting balls, and I know I'm not alone. I also agree with you about the difficulty, its a tough game. This makes it hard on young kids, their brains are just not ready for certain concepts. My son is a pretty bright 5 year old, but he would much rather play street fighter when I try to get him interested in pool.

Why is it ok to gamble at golf, but not pool? Rich people always pay up, and they dont like to fight.

 

[FullTilt]

Was there ever a period in pool where a bunch of the American top pros made a decent living?

Only when the IPT started....which everyone bashes to no end

For a few months every professional pool player thought their dreams had come true and for a few tournaments they got paid well even if they diidnt win or even come close to winnning..

Trudeau made lots of promises that didnt pan out but at least for a few tournaments the good players saw what it would be like for their sport to be paid well..last place in the money paid more than seminole tribe tourney does for winning and last place was more than 3rd place in a huge tourney like the dcc..

 

[paksat]

I've come to understand that pool just isn't going to be the love of the masses. I'd llike it to be.. there'd be more of it and I'd get to see more top level play, but it's just not going to be on the top of most folks list.

In order to enjoy watching top level pool a person has to be able to recognize, for instance, that the player just used a 1/2 tip of inside in order to alter the angle that the cb took when leaving the cushion.

Most folks will never follow the game close enough to see those subtle things happen and it's those subtle changes that make the game interesting, and challenging and FUN!

There's nothing wrong. Just enjoy pool TODAY! The only thing wrong is worrying about what might be wrong. Be Here Now! :groucho:

Are not those same fundamental things used in golf and somehow that lifelessly boring thing to watch is BIG?

seems everybody in the pool world are always trying to rob each other.

This is it really IMHO. Last night playing in a tournament I asked a superior player what to do in this situation and his reply was "i'll tell you after i get done kicking your @ss".... ye well f*ck you to f@ggot.. THAT'S what's wrong with pool