What's funny is you actually think you're getting away with those. (Guess who is harmed most by your actions?)
Jeff Livingston
Your greatest Shark Tactics
- Thread starter dom_poppa
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What's funny is you actually think you're getting away with those. (Guess who is harmed most by your actions?)
Jeff Livingston
Having read this thread, I've come to realize that there are some who are quick to label sharking as cheating but I suspect that most of them have done it themselves and didn't even know it.
Pool is not a game played by robots who simply approach the table, shoot and then sit down. This is a social game that often involves interaction between the players on multiple levels.
Since the vast majority of all communication is non-verbal, everything you do can be interpreted in one way or another and as such has the ability to influence your opponent.
The vast majority of sharking techniques are never recognized or easily identified as sharking tactics by the opponent!
The fact that some people are able to use subtle techniques to gain an edge is a part of many games and sports. That doesn't necessarily make it cheating. Strategy is multi-dimensional as well.
When boxers verbally demean their opponent...no one cries foul.
When hockey players slam an opponent into the wall even though the puck is at the other end of the rink because he wants to send a message......people cheer.
When a poker player starts dickering for information in a "heads up" challenge because he's trying to illicit some information on whether to call or fold......nobody penalizes him.
Look at Earl Strickland's behavior.....Is picking a fight on a regular basis a form of sharking?
Minnesota fats was known for talking incessantly at his opponent during play.....and yet he's one of the most beloved pool icons. Isn't this sharking? If so, why would we reward this "cheater" with such accolades?
The same thing applies to pool....it's a social game that involves social interaction. If you're able to use that interaction to your advantage, without breaking the rules, then you are simply playing the game at a higher level.
The real challenge is knowing where to set the limits on what is subtle enough to be effective without crossing the line of acceptability.
That line is always moving based on what you know about the area, your opponent and even the game.
If you fail to recognize the influence of social dynamics or "sharking", even in it's most subtle form, you are destined to always be its victim and not its beneficiary.
Pool is not a game played by robots who simply approach the table, shoot and then sit down. This is a social game that often involves interaction between the players on multiple levels.
Since the vast majority of all communication is non-verbal, everything you do can be interpreted in one way or another and as such has the ability to influence your opponent.
The vast majority of sharking techniques are never recognized or easily identified as sharking tactics by the opponent!
The fact that some people are able to use subtle techniques to gain an edge is a part of many games and sports. That doesn't necessarily make it cheating. Strategy is multi-dimensional as well.
When boxers verbally demean their opponent...no one cries foul.
When hockey players slam an opponent into the wall even though the puck is at the other end of the rink because he wants to send a message......people cheer.
When a poker player starts dickering for information in a "heads up" challenge because he's trying to illicit some information on whether to call or fold......nobody penalizes him.
Look at Earl Strickland's behavior.....Is picking a fight on a regular basis a form of sharking?
Minnesota fats was known for talking incessantly at his opponent during play.....and yet he's one of the most beloved pool icons. Isn't this sharking? If so, why would we reward this "cheater" with such accolades?
The same thing applies to pool....it's a social game that involves social interaction. If you're able to use that interaction to your advantage, without breaking the rules, then you are simply playing the game at a higher level.
The real challenge is knowing where to set the limits on what is subtle enough to be effective without crossing the line of acceptability.
That line is always moving based on what you know about the area, your opponent and even the game.
If you fail to recognize the influence of social dynamics or "sharking", even in it's most subtle form, you are destined to always be its victim and not its beneficiary.
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Somebody takes my cue there is definitely going to be a beating but not of the figurative pool game variety.
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Vegas Al
Registered
No kidding. I play with a run of the mill 300 dollar Joss but if anyone messes with it they're going to be sh*tting out teeth for a week.
dom_poppa
Banned
brilliantly put.
People are very aware of Sharking Tactics and will put up with them to a certain point because its disprespect, could cost you more than you ever dream.
Sometimes your opponent is shooting away from you and it's too obvious to go to the other side of the table and get into their line of sight. Well, you can shark from behind your opponent too.
When they get down on their shot, their feet should be a shoulder's width apart or more. This presents an opportunity for you to ever-so-subtly kick them in the balls right before they take their shot. I've never seen anybody able to withstand this level of sharking.
If they get mad, just tell them they had a bug on them and you were just killing it for them.
This post says a lot about your true character....not to good.
dom_poppa
Banned
You mean the "I haven't played in months" bit and then proceed to run out. I hate it when people do that to me.
They say they haven't played in months but they are still willing to gamble and ask for a huge spot.