When you take their jellybeans...

[Billy_Bob]

I'm moving into a new phase of pool playing, and that is when people ask if I want to play for this or that, I'm now saying yes.

And then I'm winning. (I'm quickly getting back up to speed from my summer break.)

I'm noticing that they like it when I hand over my jellybeans to them, but they don't like it one *bit* when they have to hand over their jellybeans to me!

Anyway, these people look quite depressed when they lose. Any advice on handling these situations? Stories? Things to say to smooth things over?

 

[Ronoh]

Anyway, these people look quite depressed when they lose. Any advice on handling these situations? Stories? Things to say to smooth things over?

Everyone hates to loose, they'll get over it. It's how one learns.

hmm... things to say to smooth things over... That's a loaded question.

It depends on how much of a smartass you want to be, or what kind of a gentleman you want to be.

I'll give you some tips:

Say NOTHING.
Shake your oppenents hand.
Greet your next opponent in the same way.
Show respect.

----------------------------

If you have already pissed someone off, no matter WHAT you do will fix it. They will still be pissed off. Just let it go. Else, it'll only piss them off more.

The "pissed off" person needs to figure out, on their own, how to fix their own mistake. (without violence)

Don't feel bad for winning. It's not your fault the other person shot poorly.

 

[sjm]

If you've beat somebody out of next month's rent, nothing you can say or do will smooth it over.

After a modest win or big win against somebody who can afford it, be polite, shake their hand, have a chat with them about something other than pool, buy them a drink, etc.

It's true you can't always tell how much the money lost means to opponent, but there are many hints, such as the quality of their playing equipment, how well-dressed they are, the extent to which they tip the waitress when a drink arrives, etc.

Gauging opponent's mood after they lose is the key, and only experience will make you good at it.

Now these points are made under the assumpition that smoothing it over is what you have in mind. A different approach might be called for if your trying to protect your action or to secure a rematch.......but that's for another thread.