Pool Hustling?

Question

This is a topic I have alwasy been interested in, hustling seems to be an accepted practice, I am no means world class but was rated a 5 in APA out of 6 so I am much better than the avg. joe walking into a bar on any given night. My questions would be, is it wrong morally or legally to hustle, and what are the worst things that has happened to up and comming sharks as a result of winning after a hustle?

worst that has happened to me was a fist fight that i wasnt too worried about to begin with.

Answer 1

I could see some people having moral issues against hustling.  The art of the hustle is essentially to scam a guy out of his money.  I'm not so sure about the legality of it.  It's borderline gambling, but if you're pretty sure you're going to win, is it really gambling?

I haven't seen any first hand experiences of hustles gone bad.  It helps if you're personable, can sell it off as a joke, or buy the guy a drink afterwards.  But if you want to read some stories, I'd recommend Kid Delicious' book: Running the Table.

Answer 2

I see a lot of folks are answering more than you've asked.  This is short: morally wrong?  trust yr gut feelings.  Worst thing: getting shot or stabbed or hammered by the loser's friends.

Answer 3

Hustling at the game of pool has never been accepted as anything other than a ruse.  Think about it, most people consider being "hustled" as being conned, or tricked, especially when there is a bet involved.  I have seen some pretty vicious things happen to people who were accused of hustling at pool.  Understand, there is a big difference between a pool hustler and a pool shark.  Most everyone is aware of a pool shark's skill.  A pool hustler, on the other hand, is someone who conceals his skill to entice players to gamble.  Most players can accept losing fair and square, but that's not in a hustler's nature.  You may get more "money" games being a hustler, but you have to ask yourself, "Is it worth it?"  The ultimate trick is to hustle without being found out, if that's your particular gig.  By the way, gambling on pool is not illegal, you are betting on your skill, not on luck.

Answer 4

Hustling pool is all good kid, just as long as you don't hustle the wrong guy.  You have to be smart about what you are doing.  Its mostly small time anyway now a days.  There isn't any money in pool anymore, thanks to texas holdem.  Also, I would love to bet against the guy who is going to make the 6 or 7 rail kick shot 9 outa 10 times.  Sounds like easy money to me.

Oh gee, I'm such a mark.

Answer 5

I am a touring pro and instructor who was a former hustler. To answer your question, get a feel of who your dealing with. Are there a lot of people with him? Yes you can get into some fights and that sorts thing but thats when you hustle wrong! Don't deceive your opponent, rather only beat him by a ball or 2. To be a good hustler you have to create the thought in there head that you were just lucky to win. Take some banks cross side rather that the cut it will show you don't have good views on shots. Hit them harder than you normally would to shot you pound the balls rather than finesse them. The biggest thing is to shoot a shot safety. Shoot a ball at your pocket with no intention of making it. But me more focused on hooking the cue ball. This looks like a lucky leave to them and is a great shot by you! Don't get up and run the table!  They will run faster than you would think. I have students who are in the APA at your skill level so I know you have a grasp on whats going on with the table. With this you shouldn't get your thumbs broke. Hope this helps ya if not email me and I can show you things about hustling that will blow your mind! Good luck!

P.S. To better answer your question I have seen people get shot for husltling. As far as it being illigal probably somehow?

Answer 6

Its a whole diffrent game that is played on a pool table and not talking down to you but no league player can match a true hustler - They make it look like their is no way you can lose just before you do .Being able to beat your buddies or other league players will not get you ready to compete with that kind of player

Can you run 10 or 12 racks ,Make a 6 or seven rail kick shot 9 out of 10 times They will make you think your little sister can beat them until the money gets right then its to late your broke

Most of the trouble is when you take that easy bet you cant lose and can or will not pay up They introduce you to their 2 or 3 freinds with no necks now its Hospital Time ,I dont want to go color of money on you but hook up with a real hustler for awhile at least and learn the ropes.And rem never play your teacher he may teach you all you know but very rarely will he teach all he knows to anyone

The true king of the hustle was Eddie Taylor from Knoxville Tn He once threw a national Tourn to Lassiter just so he didnt look to good for a "Real" game coming up

No where that good but watch Keith Mc Creedy sometime Thats his style away from cameras

Answer 7

Well if you are a 7 then you are a pretty good player that's for sure.  I think it is morally wrong to hustle an obviously weaker player since you are basically going to just take his money however, if you get into money matches with someone who looks to be about your skill level it could be an interesting match.  I would be very careful about hustling though since there are some people who may not take kindly to it and you could end up with a cue smashed over your head or worse.  I suppose as long as you choose your opponent carefully you could make a few extra bucks by hustling.