For players with your own pool cue...?

Question

Personally, I only take my own cue along for a few different reasons: Tournaments, league matches, or going to a pool hall for the specific purpose of playing pool. I never bring my cue along to a bar. I can play nearly as well with a decent house cue with a good tip. In which instances do you use your own cue as opposed to a house cue? When would you never use your own cue? M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

Answer 1

Tournament or league play, I will use my own cue, as well as a few pool halls.  Most pools halls, house cue.  NEVER do I bring my cue to a bar or bowling alley.  I will scour these places for the best house cue I can.  I play strictly for fun (not ever for cash) and have found that bringing your own cue to some tables (even reputable pool parlors) only brings every wanna be gunslinger to your table, to prove something.  I don't need the sh**-talking when I win, or the ridicule when I lose.  So I just leave it at home and use their lumber.

Answer 2

I really enjoy playing pool too. I always use my own cue. I bring it were ever I know there is going to be a pool table. I don't like using house cue's because they are worn and torn and it is really hard find a decent house cue.

Answer 3

Personally I only use my own cue, except for the break. The break I find a decent house cue. The only other times is when my cue is at home and its just too far out of the way to pick it up. I never bring it somewhere just to bring it, like a bar. And just to keep my cue in a good condition, I use a house cue to break.

Answer 4

I use my own cue most of the time. I dont like using house cues. Its very hard to find a decent one that is straight or with a good tip. Plus I have gotten used to and have grown accustomed to my cue. Its a custom sneaky pete made by the owner of Parrot Cues I bought years ago. So I like to show it off too. The only time I dont bring my cue with me to shoot pool is when I want to play for money in an establishment Im not a regular at. Its just like the movies, if you go someplace with a nice cue, or just having your own cue for that matter, other players will think twice about playing you. It will also cause them to quit early or give up less money. Other than that one situation, I use my cue wherever I play.

Answer 5

always use my own cue when playing snooker

Answer 6

I always bring my cues with me. I usually leave them locked in the car when I go to the bars. I like to see who is playing and how good they are before I get my cues. If their are good players inside and they are using their own cues I will go get mine. If the tables are being used by people just for fun I will grab the best house cue I can find. I don't roll them on the table or even check the weight, the tip is the most important part to me. This is a good question though. I probably should leave my nice cues at home. It only takes one drunk person to fall or do something else stupid to break one of them and ruin my night!

Answer 7

I always take my cues with me. We have no pool hall here in smallville and the only time I go to the bars anymore is just to play pool. I am not a drinker and everybody knows everybody ,so I don't worry much about anyone taking my cues.They are always within eyeshot. Trying to find a house cue with a decent tip is near impossible. I'm not going to try to hustle anybody anyway , lol. Years ago a pool hustler stood a chance of getting his *** kicked , today he has a good chance of getting his brains blown out , no thank you. Besides , hustling just gives the game a bad rep. I wanna play the best player in the house. Good question shooter , c ya!

Answer 8

My small town does not have a pool hall.  I go to 3 different bars to shoot pool, and any time I plan on playing I take my cues.  My shooting cue is a Meucci, circa 1990.  I break with a Jack Daniel's stick that I picked up at a yard sale for $5.  I often loan out the JD cue during the night to my buddies or even friendly competitors.  

These are small, local bars where I am known.  When I'm away from my cues I make sure that I can see them, or ask a friend to keep an eye on them.  

Sure, I have to deal with the comment "Look, he has his own stick, he must think he's really good".  I use this for motivation.  When a braggart throws out a challenge like that, the best satisfaction is to totally dominate the game, either by running out or never leaving them a decent shot.  I've taught several loudmouths that every action has a consequence.

I'm not opposed to playing for a little cash, but that's not why I go to shoot, so having a reputation as a good player doesn't interfere with my goal, which is to be the best player that I can be.  Plus, when a lesser player does beat me, it makes them feel really good.  If it happens to be a jerk, I shake hands and move on.  If it is a friendly person, I don't make excuses, instead I tell them how well they played, which key shot in a run gave them the game, what a nice shot they made on the 8-ball, etc.  If we're all there to have a good time, why not help them have a good time by giving out a warm congratulations.  Of course, the ultra-competitive individual who has the need to win every game might disagree.

I understand the desire to take good care of a cue, but I bought my cues to shoot pool with, not to leave sitting at home.