Would I sound like a jerk?

I understand

Wow, this is actually a really good thread! Reminds me of all sorts of things...

June Hager Walter once told me to never compliment my opponent (it can increase their ego, I suppose).

I have also learned since then from books that if you compliment an opponent at the right time, it will shark them. I'm not referring to when someone is down on a shot - I'm referring to when someone is on a run several games in a row and they are in the zone, sometimes you can stop it by saying something to them about how well they are playing; that in turn makes them think about what they are doing and free-stroking no longer occurs (this does not work with seasoned players, btw).

As for your original question.... I don't think you will be able to get people to stop saying that - especially since it's a rule now not to talk to your opponent (in most tournaments).

Some people really are just being nice by saying that and you need to get more experience in focusing so it doesn't bother you. I like some of the ideas /advice in this thread. What helped me was "Mental Toughness Training for Sports," which teaches you how to get in the zone.

I do have to admit that I know someone who cannot stand it when people say "nice shot." It throws them off, also. As friends, we try not to say anything to help this person out, but it sure sucked during team events not to be able to say anything to only one person on the team!

Additionally, in tournaments you will eventually hear snapping or clapping for good shots... so, more practice is needed for you to not let all of this bother you.

Good luck!
Melinda
 
This is a very interesting topic and something near and dear to my heart so here's my 2 cents worth:

I have played a lot of 3-cushion billiards in my life, much more than I have played pool (excluding the last 6-7 years). In 3-cushion it is commonplace to snap your fingers, tap your chalk on your shaft, tap your cue or say nice shot when a really nice shot is made. Whether your playing for fun, money or tournaments it seems to be the norm. It's such a beautiful game that all that play are fans and appreciate the great shots. It became my habit and a show of good sportsmanship.

I moved to Colorado about 7 years ago and during a weekly 9-ball tournament I was accused of sharking for the very thing that showed good sportsmanship in 3-cushion, saying nice shot after an extremely nice shot was executed. And that wasn't the last time it has happened. Please let me add that I only say nice shot if indeed it was a really nice shot, I never over use it. I have tried to be more aware of it since but it still slips out by habit. I do not consider this type of "nice shot" comment sharking and it doesn't bother me

Here's what I hate: when people say nice shot 3-4 times a game after mediocre shots at best; when people say nice shot when you make a shot but they know you will not have good position (and only then); when they say nice shot before you even stroke the ball because it is a good idea/choice; and when they say nice shot after a miss (even though they are probably trying to say nice stroke or something like that). This I believe would lean towards sharking. If you occasionally say nice shot when it really is a good shot, I believe you are just being a fan. I know that I have no intent of sharking my opponent when I say "it".

I say we all play 3-cushion and forget all this nonsense ;) :D.

Dave
 
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I prefer tapping my cue to show appreciation.

I hate it when someone says "nice try" when I miss. It feels so patronizing, especially if it is said after I miss straight forward shot.

Regardless, when I'm playing well it does matter what someone says, it won't affect my game. If I'm playing poorly, just about anything can be a distraction (excuse).
 
Cameron Smith said:
I prefer tapping my cue to show appreciation.

I hate it when someone says "nice try" when I miss. It feels so patronizing, especially if it is said after I miss straight forward shot.

Regardless, when I'm playing well it does matter what someone says, it won't affect my game. If I'm playing poorly, just about anything can be a distraction (excuse).
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As a beginner I was playing with a more experienced aquaintence. He tried a tough shot and missed. At the time I didn't understand why he got mad when I said "You took a good poke at it" I just didn't know any better.

Banger
 
you wouldn't sound like a jerk imho. If you don't like to be interrupted while playing, even with a nice shot. It's totally understandable, if he can't understand that, I'd guess he wouldn't be in a tournoment or maybe he is a casual player who just go play for fun, I know we all do play for fun but in tournoment we want to win too! So therefore the players in that field i'd imagine will be classy and might understand to not interrupt the opponent, If you'd ask me that, I would respec it. and tell you (Sure thing my friend, I will not say a word during the race)

but thats just me.
 
I hate it too, but I'm in a phase right now to learn how to ignore the whole world, and Just focus on the table while its my turn, I really try to forget the entire planet completly. on my turn! Just learning! Didn't get the hang of it yet as of now, heehe :)
 
hang-the-9 said:
If I asked the league to make a rule to ban "nice shot" "good try" type of chatter? Or at least ask the person I'm playing to hold off on that.
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Yes, demanding such a rule would make you a jerk. Most people like to give and receive gestures of good sportsmanship during a match, and these short comments, virtually never made while you are over a shot, are the simplest example.

Nonetheless, if you ask opponent to desist from it, that is within reason, and it is hard to imagine an opponent that would not comply with such a request.

Having said this, I would be prepared to give your rule suggestion greater consideration if a shot clock were in effect (although I do not know of a league that uses a shot clock), as comments, though only marginally, can cost a player a couple of valuable seconds to plan and execute the next shot.
 
Klopek said:
Maybe it's just me, but I always thought "Nice shot" or "nice try" was a rhetorical comment.

I have never said "thanks" or even acknowledged those type of comments while playing someone. Never seems to piss them of because they keep saying it.

Also, I don't expect it in return, I'm not saying it to start a conversation, I'm just tipping my hat.

There was a thread recently started regarding a person getting upset when they made a nice shot and the opponent didn't say "Nice shot".

I guess you're damned either way.:)
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Wow, thanks for all the replies, did not expect so much. I think the best thing for me would be to just ignore it. It's not so much hearing what the players say, it's taking time to respond that bugs me. And some of the people don't just say "nice shot" they go on about how badly they are being beat, or that they are just racking, things like that. Then there are all the "tough luck" things where the cue ends up hidden or rolls off. Yea, thanks, I can see what happened, no need to let me know how badly you feel about it.

Some people are really looking for something when they make a nice play, I see people take a shot, then look at me or at whoever is watching as if to say "did you see that, I need to see if you saw it". I know if the shot I took is hard and I know you know. But truthfully, to me, it's just another shot. I'm more upset if I don't get shape after a hard shot than I am if I miss it.
 
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