Why do we continue to play?

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Scottster

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Have you ever really pondered this?

The time and effort it takes to get good at this game (any discipline) really seems to be frivilous.

Think about it what good comes of it?

Money? No. There is not an established professional tour, so being at the top level does one absolutely no good.

Being at the top level now means you have to shoot the lock off of every match game you make, and if you win people despise you even more.

Notoriety? No. Once you reach a certain level, everyone becomes jealous of you and wants nothing to do with you because you have reached a level they wish they could obtain. Ironic...

Fellowship amongst other players? Yeah.. right for starters, see above.
The egos of many players eliminate any form of fellowship. Players want to belittle each other's game and compliments towards others are very few and far between. Seems the game today creates more animosity than comeradery (sp*) between players, they might be cordial when you're around, but once you walk away....


Yeah I know I have gone off the air here, but the current state of American Pool has got me sick and depressed. Which led me to this question.

Why Continue to play? I know I will.


(P.S. I do not claim to be at the top level. However, my best friend is.)
 
Because pool, played skillfully, is a beautiful thing to do. That's all. I can't stay away from it because the activity itself is art in motion.
 
JimS said:
Because pool, played skillfully, is a beautiful thing to do. That's all. I can't stay away from it because the activity itself is art in motion.
Click to expand...

Well said.
 
the search for perfection

Pool and a few other activities I am involved in can not be perfected. I think the everlasting room to grow is why many of us can't quit. The challenges are always there.

Hu
 
When I was younger I ate slept and breathed pool. Twenty years ago I used to play in 8-10 tournaments a week and stayed sharp as a razor. (Sometimes 3 on Sunday) I was pretty good when it came to 8 ball and back then I was able to make a decent living at it. I know where you're coming from in regards to the animosity. There were tournaments I would only play in once in a while because I was detested by most of the other players. At one point I had won this certain tournament 8 times in a row and second once before winning another 6 in a row. There were no smiles when I walked in.
Now twenty years later all of the tournaments have dried up. Now if there are 12 players everyone is excited about it. Back then it was rare not to get 32. I just don't have the excitement for the game that I once did and can't honestly remember the last tournament I played in. Maybe one day the tournaments will come back to what they once were but I am not holding my breath. I do still play once a week but it is not 8 ball, it's snooker.
 
I have seen that "look" before

The first post reminded me of how some folks give you that
"look" when you go into a strange room and shoot really well,
even just by yourself. I also remember that same look on
Willie Mosconi in "The Hustler" when Fast Eddie was playing
well, and started to beat Minnesota Fats. It's like they hate you
or something. Like you are not supposed to be there, and
supposed to just stay someplace where everyone knows you.

It's almost an expression of "you have a nerve coming in here".
 
I continue to play because I like to improve my game, and to make the doubters put thier foot in thier mouth.

I mean if i would have quit a while ago, I wouldnt have done back 2 back break n runs in 8ball weds nite. Which was a first for me.

I also, like to challenge myself, pool is one of those sports that you are always improving your game, and if you dont, someone is always around the corner waiting to kick your ass.

I mean its sometimes nice to walk into a pool hall and have that endless line of guys wanting to gamble with you.

Plus i love playing in tournaments its like a challenge to see how much better i am from the time before.
 
If I had spent the same amount of time & effort on a profitable profession instead of pool, I'd be a successful doctor or lawyer. But that would feel like work.

Playing pool is pure pleasure.
 
It's got something about it. Not just a game, more like painting or music. It's definitely not for money or fame. It is pursuit. You keep evolving at it, changing little things. IT IS FUN. The great unfinished symphony of clicks, clacks, plops, wry grins and cus words. Keep on hittenem!
 
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Scottster said:
Have you ever really pondered this?

The time and effort it takes to get good at this game (any discipline) really seems to be frivilous.

Think about it what good comes of it?

Money? No. There is not an established professional tour, so being at the top level does one absolutely no good.

Being at the top level now means you have to shoot the lock off of every match game you make, and if you win people despise you even more.

Notoriety? No. Once you reach a certain level, everyone becomes jealous of you and wants nothing to do with you because you have reached a level they wish they could obtain. Ironic...

Fellowship amongst other players? Yeah.. right for starters, see above.
The egos of many players eliminate any form of fellowship. Players want to belittle each other's game and compliments towards others are very few and far between. Seems the game today creates more animosity than comeradery (sp*) between players, they might be cordial when you're around, but once you walk away....


Yeah I know I have gone off the air here, but the current state of American Pool has got me sick and depressed. Which led me to this question.

Why Continue to play? I know I will.


(P.S. I do not claim to be at the top level. However, my best friend is.)
Click to expand...

I think you've missed the point. To make it out there as a pool player you need to be smart and talented. One of those is not a common trait of pool players.

You play the game because you enjoy controlling spheres in a confined area. Time, well it is a lifetime of learning. Relax, you're not going anywhere take it for the long run and enjoy the ride.

The good for many can be a form of meditation and relaxation. If you get frustrated (we all have) easily it may not be the game for you.

Notoriety, it's there, though you may not hear it very often and its something you earn. Think of the newer players , I'll bet many would love to have your game. If we give the air of, I want respect, it serves no purpose and doesn't help anyone including the game.

Just play and enjoy the game, you may never become a champion. Few do but its more important to share friendships, fun and knowledge along the way.

To answer your question, Yes (pondered this)
The game was easy, I played a whole lot better then. Running balls or racks seemed almost effortless. I had a fairly wealthy man that offered to pay my way to the championships. He said you won't beat them now but you will. I declined, played on the road for a while, got even better then just quit playing for 17 years. I thought having stability was more important and it is.

Of course I started playing again, then all but quit again. Now its not to be the best, (I don't think it ever was really) just be a good player and enjoy the ride. So yes, I have pondered.

Rod
 
For me it's really about the women but the money is a close second. The women love a guy that can play pool and if you play good pool the money flows like Niagra Falls.
JoeyA
 
LOL.....I looked at the title and immediately thought about my weekends on the golf course :D

Pool has always been hot and cold for me, but when your game is on, you "own" the table/opponent, and your opponent knows it....that's just a great feeling.....
 
whitey2 said:
The first post reminded me of how some folks give you that
"look" when you go into a strange room and shoot really well,
even just by yourself. I also remember that same look on
Willie Mosconi in "The Hustler" when Fast Eddie was playing
well, and started to beat Minnesota Fats. It's like they hate you
or something. Like you are not supposed to be there, and
supposed to just stay someplace where everyone knows you.

It's almost an expression of "you have a nerve coming in here".
Click to expand...

I hate that look, too. It does a number on you mentally at first but then you get used to it, I guess. Egos piss me off, too. I love this game, but beleive me, I don't love the players.

I like to play this game because it gives you so much. You can never stop learning more, there are no bounds to this game. There is complete freedom to make whatever decisions you want. If you want to play it this way or that way, there are more ways to shoot everything. There is no interaction with the other player, he steps aside, you come to the table and play against it, not him/her. I also find it absolutely astounding how accurate your mind can be in order to calculate all of the things it takes to play such a complex game and make it seem simple. Playing this game makes me feel like I have psychokinesis (mind over matter), on my good nights (the nights that I play this game waiting, hoping, and yerning for), breaking out balls with amazing precision...just as I would imagine it; it really is remarkable. I lose sleep replaying these times again and again, and I will forever persue that feeling once again.
 
JoeyA said:
For me it's really about the women but the money is a close second. The women love a guy that can play pool and if you play good pool the money flows like Niagra Falls.
JoeyA
Click to expand...

I play because I like to sink balls, I get satisfaction from that.

My best date is to take a woman to a pool hall and teach her the game.
1.Breaks the no contact barrier.
2.Women respond to confidence and accomplishment.
3.Alcohol helps.

If everything is going great. Follow with some dancing at a night club and...:)
 
For me it's the pursuit of perfection. There's few things in life that can be repeatably accomplished in the span of five or ten minutes that give as much satifaction as running a rack of 9-ball or 8-ball... especially at my age. :)
 
Scottster said:
Have you ever really pondered this?

Yes

The time and effort it takes to get good at this game (any discipline) really seems to be frivilous.

Sports and Hobbies are not frivilous, they are an important outlet for dealing with the stress of everyday life, whether it's work or home related stress

Think about it what good comes of it?
Good Mental and physical health

Money? No. There is not an established professional tour, so being at the top level does one absolutely no good.

Tell that to Efren

Being at the top level now means you have to shoot the lock off of every match game you make, and if you win people despise you even more.

why does other peoples approval matter to you?

Notoriety? No. Once you reach a certain level, everyone becomes jealous of you and wants nothing to do with you because you have reached a level they wish they could obtain. Ironic...

This is a very jaded point of view, lighten up a little, millions of people play pool for fun every day

Fellowship amongst other players? Yeah.. right for starters, see above.
The egos of many players eliminate any form of fellowship. Players want to belittle each other's game and compliments towards others are very few and far between. Seems the game today creates more animosity than comeradery (sp*) between players, they might be cordial when you're around, but once you walk away....

I think you need to associate with more positive people. I've developed many good friendships regardless of skill playing pool


Yeah I know I have gone off the air here, but the current state of American Pool has got me sick and depressed. Which led me to this question.

hmm, America isn't that different than Canada, the "current state of pool" is only as bad or good as you think it is. My city supports 4 different leages each with many divisions, you can find a tournament almost every day of the week. I'd say pool is in great shape

Why Continue to play? I know I will.


(P.S. I do not claim to be at the top level. However, my best friend is.)
Click to expand...
....................................................................................... replied in text above
 
Scottster said:
Have you ever really pondered this?

The time and effort it takes to get good at this game (any discipline) really seems to be frivilous.

Think about it what good comes of it?

Money? No. There is not an established professional tour, so being at the top level does one absolutely no good.

Being at the top level now means you have to shoot the lock off of every match game you make, and if you win people despise you even more.

Notoriety? No. Once you reach a certain level, everyone becomes jealous of you and wants nothing to do with you because you have reached a level they wish they could obtain. Ironic...

Fellowship amongst other players? Yeah.. right for starters, see above.
The egos of many players eliminate any form of fellowship. Players want to belittle each other's game and compliments towards others are very few and far between. Seems the game today creates more animosity than comeradery (sp*) between players, they might be cordial when you're around, but once you walk away....


Yeah I know I have gone off the air here, but the current state of American Pool has got me sick and depressed. Which led me to this question.

Why Continue to play? I know I will.


(P.S. I do not claim to be at the top level. However, my best friend is.)
Click to expand...

The reasons that we continue to play are many. Some of the more common reasons we play are that the game is easily accessed and easily left behind. The game can be played by yourself or with others.

The pool hall is a place where everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of religion, race, intelligent or not so intelligent, attractive or not, rich or poor, kind or mean-sprited, anti-social or the life of the party. The pool hall is a melting pot where a doctor can leave his patients behind and enjoy playing a match with a ditch-digger and vice-versa. The easy accessibility to people from other walks of life is kind of nice. It is also possible to know someone from the poolhall but have absolutely nothing to do with them outside of the pool room.

There has to be a certain amount of sticktoitiveness that people who play the game relentlessly regardless of the monetary payback that is almost masochistic. :-)

And if you are one of those rare individuals whose quest for excellence at pool is ever-lasting, then you are amongst an elite group of people within the larger group of pool practitioners who while they enjoy the game immensely, just aren't willing to pay the price for excellence.

A friend and I were discussing the difference between playing pool and being a pool player. Some people play pool and they might play pool fairly well and they might even know a great deal about playing, cues, collecting etc. but a pool-player is someone who no matter what pool hall he walks into anywhere in the world, when he sets his case down and addresses that first ball, other pool players who have never met him or seen him will recognize him for what he is. Pool is a sport that when a certain level of excellence is achieved, it is almost like a flashing light; easily perceived, quickly appreciated and sometimes reviled by lessor men and women.

Overall, it is a sport that you can never reach perfection at but you can enjoy the attempts to make continuous improvements. Your improved results will give you personal satisfaction and the respect of complete strangers.

And like the Sirens of Greek mythology, when you have quit the game thinking you will never go back, you will hear the sounds of clicking balls, pool room banter and be drawn back to the seductive arms of unconditional acceptance.
JoeyA
 
This is a great thread. I have had some of the same thoughts, and am myself returning to the game after a layoff of about 6-7 months. I used to believe I had a chance of playing this game as a professional. I have accepted the fact that even though on my best day under the best circumstances and with a bit of luck ( and if the stars lign up) my game could be appreiciated by the best players , I do not have what it takes ( time, commitment, ability to put everything else as second in prority, amazing talent, willingness to lose out on some other aspects of life, etc.) to be able to make it as a pro player.

I can say that I have played more than one PERFECT game of pool. I mean that everything is working for you, perfect planning, perfect execution, perfect concentration. It is a high like no other. Dead stroke is incredible! For everyone who has ever experienced this high for even three minutes, you will forever be looking to achieve it again, and try to recreate it more often and for longer periods of time.

This game is about self mastery,to me at least. I know there are many more of you out there! I sure do not play my best game everytime out, but I know that I have the ability to do so at any time. If you have a bad temper that you cannot control, it will affect your game. If you do not have the ability to work hard, you will not excel at this game. If you cannot perform under pressure, you will not win many tournaments. Every game is another opporunity to achieve or reinforce the self mastery that you are striving towards. If you have just lost the last ten games, when the balls are racked, the reset button has been pressed, and you have another chance to achieve that perfect game. It is a constant puruit of self improvement and mastry that keeps us going. It is the satisfaction of how far we have come, and the road that still lies in front of us. It is in knowing that we will never reach the end of this journey.

This is why it is easy to bond with another player. Of course, not every one will be a joy to deal with. When you see someone playing an exceptional game, or even a beautifully executed shot, you can share in that feeling. You can appreciate what it took for that player to reach that level, and can respect that ( unless of course they are a jerk!). Regardless, you know that they did not reach that level of play by accident or luck. They put in the time, hard work and sacrifice to get there. I have played pool in many different places, and made many friends, aquantences, and even enemies. I have played millionaires, and people who never seem to have five dollars at one time, men, women, retired, and underage opponents. When you are playing in the pool room,it does not matter. You will be respected by your level of play and commitment to this game, so long as you do not disrespect others and overshadow your skill. I love teaching this game to hopefully bring this great experience to others.

This is why we are all on here. Many different people of different ages, experience,skill,opinions, locations, jobs, etc. We all share a passion for this game. We come on here to talk politics and many other topics, I would rather come here to debate opinions about even things that have nothing to do with pool. This is exactly what bonds everyone on here.
 
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