Why do players dissapear when their match is called?

Would it be too much to ask if, first, you would go to your designated table and at least tell your opponent you need to use the restroom? or tell the TD you heard the match called and will be there right after you wash your hands. And if your opponent is not there, then tell the TD.

When there are 60+ players for a ONE day tournament... no one should have to forfeit. But holding up a match is just downright inconsiderate to the others waiting to play. Each match both players have a 5 minute break allowed them.


Cuebacca said:
I will attempt to explain at least a small part of it. I may be one of those players that disappears, although not for 10 minutes.

When my match is called, I often run to the rest room really quickly. So someone might think I disappear when my match is called.

The reason that happens is so that I won't have to take a break in the middle of the match. I could use the restroom and wash my hands BEFORE my match is called, but I typically don't know when that will be. So I could end up just having to take a break during the match, which I'd generally rather avoid.

That said, it doesn't take me 15 minutes to get to my match, so I'm not necessarily defending the extreme lagging you're talking about.

I wonder if it would help to give a heads up before the match, such as "Joe and Bob, stay nearby. You're next up when a table opens". It's more of a PITA for the TD, and may be logistically impossible to give announce a specific amount of time before the match starts, but perhaps it would help a little; I don't know.
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Over the years I've identified people who will use their break as a sharking technique to knock you out of your rhythm, or just to get away for awhile.
My solution to this is this:
When they announce to you they're taking a break, take the same break they do. If they're headed to the bathroom, follow them right in and don't leave until they do. If they go outside for a cig, go outside with them, even if you don't smoke.
Your presence is enough to make them uneasy enough to want to get back to the table sooner, and you've just turned their shark maneuver into YOUR shark maneuver.
 
Tom In Cincy said:
Would it be too much to ask if, first, you would go to your designated table and at least tell your opponent you need to use the restroom? or tell the TD you heard the match called and will be there right after you wash your hands. And if your opponent is not there, then tell the TD.

When there are 60+ players for a ONE day tournament... no one should have to forfeit. But holding up a match is just downright inconsiderate to the others waiting to play. Each match both players have a 5 minute break allowed them.
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I have never even been close to being forfeited before. I am one of the most considerate players you'll find, and I take pride in that. Certainly what you asked is not too much, especially if someone had a more... umm... time-consuming task to take care of in there. :D

Still, if you'd really want me to let you know that I am going to take 2-3 minutes, 5 max if there's a line, I would do that. But it's going to add 20%-50% on to the time that it will ultimately take for me to get to the table.

Plus, because I take care of those things right before the match, I usually don't exercise my right to the 5 minute break during the match. So I'm not holding up the tournament any more than someone who doesn't come to their match as prepared and needs to take their break in the middle.

Again, although I might be in the general group you were referring to in your initial post (someone who doesn't go straight to their table when called), I'd be surprised if I were in the sub-group that you feel is causing a problem. And I understand where you're coming from... in a 6-round tournament, a 15 minute delay per round adds 90 minutes to the tournament. So I do make an effort not to dilly dally. :)
 
Bastian said:
Nevermind, I couldn't afford to live there! :P
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Where I live, 4 ounces is legal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

In Phoenix, the Mexicans are now bringing over seedless that is about an 8 on the 1-10 scale... Still cheap too :) There is a pool player (not me, I am only a consumer) who lets it go for $75 an ounce. Guiltless smoking is what that is ;) I also worked for a fellow who was getting equivilant stuff for $100...

Times are changing for the better...
 
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rackem said:
Jam, there ain't no seeds any more and they seldom roll it up anymore.:rolleyes:
It's more likely cush in a piece these days.:D :D
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What, no seeds? How do they grow that shit
 
JAM said:
Just a guess, but since I know you're in California, they're probably outside smoking a cigarette! :D

On a serious note, after they get forfeited a few times, you won't have to worry about them disappearing anymore.

JAM
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You are too kind to them. I've smoked since age 17 and in 35 years of playing pool, have never, never had to forfiet a match. The day I do, I'm moving into a nursing home if I can remember where it is.
 
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