Why do YOU play in tournaments?
- Thread starter jjinfla
- Start date
It's a pretty simple answer - people want to get better, people want something to do, people like to play pool, people want to see if they can 'do it' this week.
I'm not much of a tournament player, I like to gamble. But when I do play tournaments (weeklys) I play because I'm around and there is no other action. I'm low rated just about every where I go - and I don't get raised because I don't play them much (the more you play, the more they want to raise you, even if you shouldn't be raised).
I know other people who play because they want to get better. I know others who play because they feel like they should win. Others because it's 'fun' to get in.
I'm not much of a tournament player, I like to gamble. But when I do play tournaments (weeklys) I play because I'm around and there is no other action. I'm low rated just about every where I go - and I don't get raised because I don't play them much (the more you play, the more they want to raise you, even if you shouldn't be raised).
I know other people who play because they want to get better. I know others who play because they feel like they should win. Others because it's 'fun' to get in.
jjinfla said:
IN no particular order:
To give myself a reality check
To gage my speed
To get the blood pumping
To feel the thrill of victory
To feel the agony of defeat
To get away from league or bar play
To swim in a bigger pond
To define the next level/the next goal
To watch the ball game on the big screen
To flirt with the hot waitress/bartender at the pool hall
Fred <~~~ thinks the boldfaced answers are why anyone plays tournaments
jjinfla said:
It depends on what you get out of pool. My motivating factor in pool is enjoying the game, meeting people, making friends, and getting better. I am fortunate to have a good job that takes care of the money side. So my favorite tournaments to enter are the 'Open' events. I get to play with players like Ginky, Tony Robles, Steve Lipsky and Danny Borouty in an even race, and get to talk to them about the game, and watch them play. I have no realistic chance of getting in the money, but it is $80 well spent for me. It makes me really focus and that can only improve my game in the long run. In fact, I've stopped entering the handicapped events where I could win money because that doesn't bring out my best game. I've learnt that Open events, Team events, and playing 14.1 with SJM on a Friday night (no stakes) are what makes me focus, and what I really enjoy.
Those that play pool for a living, or as a significant part of their income, obviously have vastly different reasons for selecting events than I do. We are all pros at our chosen profession and I treat mine with the same importance as the pool pros do theirs.
1. The competition
2. The experience
3. To gauge my skill level advancement
4. The money
5. Get to play and learn without spending alot. ie: $10 dollars a week
Black Cat
2. The experience
3. To gauge my skill level advancement
4. The money
5. Get to play and learn without spending alot. ie: $10 dollars a week
Black Cat
to get better
I play in tournaments because i want to get better, I played Ike Runnels in orland park last thursday in the finals for the nineball tourney, We both were on the hill but he got the last rack. Its to get better and prove myself to people
I play in tournaments because i want to get better, I played Ike Runnels in orland park last thursday in the finals for the nineball tourney, We both were on the hill but he got the last rack. Its to get better and prove myself to people
I play in tournaments to:
- Play pool
- get more experience
- hopefully knock out one of the big guns
- get away from bar pool
- I sometimes match up before it starts
- I love the thrill of the compitition.
- depending on the tournament, I can get into the money
- Play pool
- get more experience
- hopefully knock out one of the big guns
- get away from bar pool
- I sometimes match up before it starts
- I love the thrill of the compitition.
- depending on the tournament, I can get into the money
jjinfla said:
Because you are a pool player and that is what pool players do, they compete. Why spend $400. to $800. for a day out sport fishing when you can buy a piece of fish at the supermarket for $20.00. It is not the economics of what you can win or chances of doing so, but the whole package you are paying for.
The player who doesn't compete cheats himself, what is the motivation to even practice? You can also say you have played players like Jersey Red, Mizerak, Hopkins, Crane etc. and be speaking from personal experience not just the guy on the sidelines sitting in the stands who can only say he once got so-and -so's autograph.
These experiences are priceless, not to mention there are few other sports you can actually play with the pros for little more then an entry fee, pool players are very lucky in that respect. I remember Bill Amadao telling me once to never go to a tournaments and not play, what is the point of going?
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I enjoy tournament play because you don't have to hold back your playing skills. It is not like playing on a league where you have to hold back to help the team win. You have to bring out the best you have inside you to the play. Also, where else are you going to find top nock players to compete against without having to dig deep into your lifesavings to play against.
This is my own opinion. I have competed in many forms of sports, (darts, archery, pistol shooting, and team sports), but billiards has always been my favorite. Just like riding a bike, once you learn the basics you can always come back.
Shot Straight.
Myya
This is my own opinion. I have competed in many forms of sports, (darts, archery, pistol shooting, and team sports), but billiards has always been my favorite. Just like riding a bike, once you learn the basics you can always come back.
Shot Straight.
Myya
I *DO NOT* play in tournaments where I can easily get in the money or win first place!
Why? Because I don't improve when playing in these tournaments.
I improve when playing better players than myself and playing in tournaments where I am lucky to win one game.
This is the exact opposite to some other players I know. They will *only* play in tournaments where they can get in the money or win. Or they will only play against other players they can win against. They are not improving any.
But I like this because a really good player will walk in the door and no one will play him, or play him one or two games, lose, then suddenly have to leave. So when no one else whants to play these guys, I'll play them all day long. If I lose every single game, good! I'm learning...
Why? Because I don't improve when playing in these tournaments.
I improve when playing better players than myself and playing in tournaments where I am lucky to win one game.
This is the exact opposite to some other players I know. They will *only* play in tournaments where they can get in the money or win. Or they will only play against other players they can win against. They are not improving any.
But I like this because a really good player will walk in the door and no one will play him, or play him one or two games, lose, then suddenly have to leave. So when no one else whants to play these guys, I'll play them all day long. If I lose every single game, good! I'm learning...
Black Cat 5791 said:1. The competition
2. The experience
3. To gauge my skill level advancement
4. The money
5. Get to play and learn without spending alot. ie: $10 dollars a week
Black Cat
I like Fred's list too. In my area the best players show up for the weekly tourneys and calcuttas. The level of league competition can be too inconsistent here, ie many of the best players are cool towards the 5 man BCA leagues - too much time spent and not enuf action.
I normally play tourneys to compete individually with and learn from the best in the area. The decent chance of placing in the money is a bonus! Of course the sheer fun of BS-ing with all the characters is a part of it too.
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Great question. I started playing local tournaments a year ago, and the experience of playing superior players with no handicap improved my game quickly and dramatically - it forced a level of concentration that I never had in league play. Goals started simple - win one match. Now I realize that while it's unlikely I'll win money, I might get three or four match wins and some cheap lessons. While it started as an aid to league matches, now I would give up league play much quicker than tournaments.jjinfla said:
Also, it might not be like this everywhere, but most of the higher-handicap players at our pool hall have been willing to give tips to help improve my game - thanks guys. Sorry to say I'll be leaving the area in 7 weeks, but look forward to visits, and hope to find a similar environment in Portland.
why play?
For the fun of it.I am not playing pool to be a pro.I don't think that many people do.It is more to have a recreation and get away from the daily grind of life.If you just play to win tournaments or just play to win money gambling,you will not see the real entertainment of the sport.Don't get me wrong,I will play my hardest and win my fair share of games and tournaments) but,I still have a good time doing it.I am not good enough ,and I'm sure most players are not, to make a living off of it.So,just go out and have a good time.You will win more games,and matches,by not putting to much pressure on yourself and having a good time.Okay,that's enough zen bull@#%$for one day.
For the fun of it.I am not playing pool to be a pro.I don't think that many people do.It is more to have a recreation and get away from the daily grind of life.If you just play to win tournaments or just play to win money gambling,you will not see the real entertainment of the sport.Don't get me wrong,I will play my hardest and win my fair share of games and tournaments) but,I still have a good time doing it.I am not good enough ,and I'm sure most players are not, to make a living off of it.So,just go out and have a good time.You will win more games,and matches,by not putting to much pressure on yourself and having a good time.Okay,that's enough zen bull@#%$for one day.
Wow What a great question...I remember 20 years ago being unable to play for a dollar at the local bar, but kicking everyones butt if there was no money involved. from nerves, from the thought of playing for money.Whatever it was I just couldn't play.. It's not like a dollar was going to break me but it always made me play like crap to play for money. It was mental on my part not being able to play. but over the years I have learned to deal with the different things that mess with my mind and cause me to shark myself. That is why I play tournaments, Its the other things but also to keep focused. In tournaments, you have to stay focused. What better way to put some pressure on yourself and feel the adrenaline when you make that great shot or beat a player (in your mind) you never thought you had a chance with. I go to the bar when I want to have fun beating the boys, but for the adrenaline rush, its a tournament.
Kim
Kim
I do it because its a good way of being able to see your SPEED, and see what you need to improve on.
Plus, depending on what the bracket draw is, you might get a couple of so so matches which can build your confidence and lead to making the $$$
Also going outa town to play in tournaments is a good way of seeing how you fair against people who you dont know, and who dont know you.
And playing in Open tournaments are kinda a cheap lesson if you get matched up against a Pro. And when i do play in these i always look at how they play shots to see what i can do to make the shot easier, or get better position.
And if you watch the whole tournament, only a Idiot couldnt walk away with more knowledge of knowing what to do in certain situations.
Dave
Plus, depending on what the bracket draw is, you might get a couple of so so matches which can build your confidence and lead to making the $$$
Also going outa town to play in tournaments is a good way of seeing how you fair against people who you dont know, and who dont know you.
And playing in Open tournaments are kinda a cheap lesson if you get matched up against a Pro. And when i do play in these i always look at how they play shots to see what i can do to make the shot easier, or get better position.
And if you watch the whole tournament, only a Idiot couldnt walk away with more knowledge of knowing what to do in certain situations.
Dave