Why so many stake threads?

[Wybrook]

With all due respect to you as a player, John Schmidt did win the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship on a stake from this forum. Before that time, he had a demonstrated track record of winning multiple events, gambled high, and was actually well known for his straight pool expertise.

It is no secret that the payouts in pool in 2013 are the same as they were 20, 30, 40 years ago. As I am sure you know, if you compete on the level that John Schmidt does, you have to win, place, or show to break even. Most times, you're playing world beaters, and you're stuck from previous tournaments when you did not win, place, or show.


In sum, it ain't poor money management as much as it is there ain't no money in professional pool.

This is kind of my point... I know there is no money in pool so I have a good career to support myself. There are players who are supporting themselves playing pool, and doing other things, so there has to be money in pool somewhere. All I'm saying is that if you cannot afford your hobby, then do something else or supplement your income so you can afford to. (its a hobby if it has negative cash flow or else you cannot live off it, per IRS)

I know John won the 9 ball that year, but it has nothing to do with his skill level; we all know he plays well.

At Derby last year, I spent about $3k in expenses and I finished about 20th in the overall.. Guess how much I took home from the prize fund? About $1500...and its not because I can't compete... Knowing this, I don't rely on pool to eat.

 

[JAM]

This is kind of my point... I know there is no money in pool so I have a good career to support myself. There are players who are supporting themselves playing pool, and doing other things, so there has to be money in pool somewhere. All I'm saying is that if you cannot afford your hobby, then do something else or supplement your income so you can afford to. (its a hobby if it has negative cash flow or else you cannot live off it, per IRS)

I know John won the 9 ball that year, but it has nothing to do with his skill level; we all know he plays well.

At Derby last year, I spent about $3k in expenses and I finished about 20th in the overall.. Guess how much I took home from the prize fund? About $1500...and its not because I can't compete... Knowing this, I don't rely on pool to eat.

John has tried different pool-related incomes. As I recall, he bought a pool room in West Virginia. He was also the house pro at a pool room down South and in California, I believe. I'm not sure what that entails, though, being house pro as far as income.

I think the truth of the matter is that in order to compete at the level of John Schmidt and above, one must hit balls on a daily basis, get in combat and/or go to two, three, or four tournaments a month. It is difficult to hold a traditional 9-to-5 job, logistically speaking, when you compete on a professional pool level.

I guess it's a Catch-22. Either you live broke and compete professionally or you get a job and shoot pool as a weekend warrior. I can't see anyone holding a 9-to-5 job and competing on a professional level being successful.

My last pool tournament that I attended was in July 2006 for the very reasons you stated. It took me six figures to realize participating in the professional pool tournament trail was not a money-making enterprise. I thank the good Lord every day that I did not quit my day job. :grin-square:

Best of luck to you.