Why would you want a spot?

[mjantti]

I've been playing the same guy here in my town for almost a year now and he refuses to take a spot from me. We play races to 7 for 20 bucks and in the year that we've been playing, he's won maybe 5 sets. Only once did I talk him into taking a spot and it's because I told him I wouldn't play anymore if he didn't take it. We started off even, then to the 8, then the 7, then the 6, then the 5, and then back and forth from the 4 to the 5. We played like that for 2 days then he said he couldn't take it anymore, so now we play even again. I'm not complaining at all because with my income, those $20 sets buy me lotsa Big Macs. However, in the past, when I was still learning the basics about the game, I wasn't afraid to ask for a spot. I knew that in the very near future, those same guys would be asking me for a spot, and that's exactly what happened. Learning to play with a spot or giving up a spot is very different than playing even. All of those "Hero" shots get thrown out the window. Safeties seem to be the best shot at those particular times. LOL. Anyway, just thought I'd share a little experience with those that care to read what I've got to say.

Rude Dog, you are exactly right about learning to play with a spot. If you are playing even with a weaker player, you tend to try stupid shots to keep the break going and trying to run as many racks as possible just because it's nice to run many racks. If you play stronger player without a spot, you tend to think that you should lose and often you do. If getting a spot from a stronger player, you must take advantage of the spot and play well, because that gives you the opportunity to win. If giving a spot to a weaker player, you must play well to win.

I've just recently started giving spots to weaker players. Just some time ago I played against a newbie who is getting quite good and can run a rack or two at best. On a race-to-7 I usually lost 1-4 racks, but now I spotted him 4 racks in the beginning, so it was 0-4 to him, race-to-7. And guess what, I beat him 7-4, 7-4, 7-4, won 21 consecutive racks on him. Giving a relative large spot I brought my A game to play, because I needed to play well to win and eventually I did.

 

[CaptainJR]

You all have definitely convinced me to start giving a spot to players that I think I should. Will certainly get me into the game more. I'm still not convinced to take a spot though. It is probably not for the right reason though. When I do get a win I just don't think I'd feel as good about the win if I had a spot helping me out. After reading the responses here I might reconsider taking a spot from someone I have no chance of beating, but I just never seem to feel that way.

Oh! I do ask for something sometimes. Just thought of it, but I don't know if you could call it a spot because it is use in some tournaments. In the halls around here we almost always play winner break. When I'm playing someone that has beat me regularly, I might say 'lets play alternate break'

Thanks again
JR

 

[sjm]

You all have definitely convinced me to start giving a spot to players that I think I should. Will certainly get me into the game more. I'm still not convinced to take a spot though. It is probably not for the right reason though. When I do get a win I just don't think I'd feel as good about the win if I had a spot helping me out. After reading the responses here I might reconsider taking a spot from someone I have no chance of beating, but I just never seem to feel that way.

Oh! I do ask for something sometimes. Just thought of it, but I don't know if you could call it a spot because it is use in some tournaments. In the halls around here we almost always play winner break. When I'm playing someone that has beat me regularly, I might say 'lets play alternate break'

Thanks again
JR

Captain, you're very much on the right track now. If you have come around to the conclusion that giving a spot will "get you into the game more", you have seen the light. Still, you should realize that the same would be true of someone giving you a spot. If you are, as you indicate, a player who likes to learn the game by playing stronger players, you should do everything in your power to push better players to their highest level, and making them spot you is one way. You'll learn more from a better player if they give you theri best game.

 

[CaptainJR]

Captain, you're very much on the right track now. If you have come around to the conclusion that giving a spot will "get you into the game more", you have seen the light. Still, you should realize that the same would be true of someone giving you a spot. If you are, as you indicate, a player who likes to learn the game by playing stronger players, you should do everything in your power to push better players to their highest level, and making them spot you is one way. You'll learn more from a better player if they give you theri best game.

If them giving me a spot makes them play better, maybe I should give them a spot. Then they'll play so bad that I can win!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

Joking of course, just thought this to myself and couldn't help posting it.

Thanks
JR

 

[macguy]

A lot of talk about spots on here lately so here is what I think.

You've all seen a couple of my posts by now and know that I've played a lot of pool. But I’m wondering if I’m missing out on something here.

I can only think of 2 or 3 players in S. Central Pa. that would spot me anything. I’ve never ask for a spot from anyone. I think this has been good for me up to this point, in that I’ve never had a spot help me out. Anytime I’ve won, I did it on my own, beat the guy, no spot, I beat him. Not that I’m a great player, but I can play even up with many very good players in the area. Certainly only a couple would even consider giving me a spot.

However, I do lose a lot. Many close matches. I win sometimes also, but I lose more than I win. So here is the problem. I’m to proud to ask for a spot and if a player isn’t at least almost good enough to give me one, than I’m not much interested in playing them. Am I a gluten for punishment? I guess you could put it that way.

That’s how I got good, paying the money to the better players.

If you want cheaper lessons we can play for less, but don’t be asking me to give you anything.

JR

Without a spot how can the game be played? I like to play anyone but I am not a sucker. I played some with Parica last time he was around, I can't play him even. In the same respect I give weight all the time usually taking the worst of it. I plan on playing when I go to the pool room not sit around trying to wait for the perfect game.

 

[Williebetmore]

Without a spot how can the game be played? I like to play anyone but I am not a sucker. I played some with Parica last time he was around, I can't play him even. In the same respect I give weight all the time usually taking the worst of it. I plan on playing when I go to the pool room not sit around trying to wait for the perfect game.

Macguy,
Great attitude, you are welcome in Indy any time. We have lots of great players, but an overabundance of lock-up artists (endless haggling, and no game unless they have the Hungarian cinch).