This economy since 2008 and the rise in prices at the "pump" have really hit the "middle" class and the "working" class hard. Those people have tightened their "purse strings" considerably. This has a great impact on "bar action" because the people in this income category are always needing/wanting extra income. People that are "poor" either won't or can't gamble and the wealthy don't need to and look down on hustlers and gamblers usually. The middle or working class are usually the ones in a position to take some minor "risk" (like a gamble) because they can afford a loss, but need the winnings. These people are the "meat" on the bone in "bar" action and they are found gambling on pool less and less because they just won't/can't take risks with their $$. I'm talking about the guys willing to win or lose $60-300 in an afternoon thinking they can win a night out w/ the GF or the next Fri night bar tab.
Also a $60 tank of gas instead of $17 eats up that $85 1st place bar tourney cash way too fast.. It really does come down to geography though.. there are places that a guy that can't runout 2 out of 15 racks can win $1500 starting with $125 and yet there are places it doesnt matter if you string a 6 pack together every other turn @ the table.. There just isn't any action.
Knowing where you are and really knowing how to read a crowd, as well as your opponent is what pays off in the end.
"If you know when to say "yes" and you know when to say "no" ..everybody goes home in a limousine.."
