Sorry accidentally deletedthis question.. Bar+billiards etiquette?

Question

Okay, so i used to be a hardcore shark in my early teens as we had a table in the basement, i had my own cues and books about billiards and stuff. The only people i couldnt beat were older family members like uncles. But billiards is something that ran in the family...

well ive lost touch.

Any pool hall ive been to seems shady, hustlers, gangsters, and alcohol. There happens to be a pub down the street that has tables(i forget how many).... i want to get good again. It was such a good feeling, yes winning, but just making a good shot, strategy, and style.

I am not very comfortable going into a drinking establishment alone, but i would like to play again.

Is it rude to shoot a game by yourself?

What do i need to know to have a good safe time?

thanks guys

Answer 1

Bar room "etiquette" (if there is such a thing) says if you're playing on a coin-op table, you must accept all challenges if there are no other empty tables. In other words, you cannot play by yourself unless there are other tables that are empty. This does not mean you must play money games or anything, you just must play anyone who puts their quarters on the table.

It sounds like you haven't spent much time in bars at all, and in your mind you're greatly exaggerated the 'dangers' of scummy bars. I have played in some of the crappiest bars in some pretty bad neighborhoods, and have never, ever had anyone mess with me for any reason. If you go in, keep to yourself, and refuse all offers for money games, nobody will do anything bad to you. There are always people playing by themselves and not looking for action in actual pool rooms, so if you go to one of those, you should have no problem getting in some quality practice time without be bothered by others. Worst case scenario, someone might call you a pansy or something if you refuse a $5 a set match, but they'll move on to someone else before too long, and won't pick a fight or anything.

So my advice is to go to an actual pool hall, order a Pepsi, get a table, and keep to yourself. You'll be fine.

Answer 2

I go into a bar by myself to practice all the time. If there is more than one table, I rack up and knock em down. Put on some good music and I practice. I quit for several years due to a back injury, but 3 years after my surgery I gradually started back. It was march of this year, I am now better than I was years ago. I keep to myself, I have met some great people, who will occasionally ask if I want to play, and if I feel up to it I will, if not, I tell them I need a few practice shots, and coulld we play in a few minutes. If there is one table then absolutely you have to take the challenge. And if you walk into a place that has one table don't hesitate to put quarters down. If they tell you they are in the middle of a game and they are playing for money, just tell them the only money you are playing for are the quarters you put up. Tell them you'll play for a beer, but don't get suckered into that money c**p. Learn league rules and join a team. That is really fun and you travel to different bars with teams every week, and that is a good way to get your foot in the door at pool halls you may feel more comfortable in.  ON THE BREAK BABY!!!

Answer 3

Just do a search for pool halls in your area.  There must be some kind of place the don't serve booze.  You can always check out a bowling ally too.  They usually have tables.  Good luck with the game.  I have been playing competitive pool for about 9 years now... I have the Grey's to prove it... haha

Answer 4

A non-drinker in a bar???Dont worry I have had 3 bars in 30 years-Off and on- I dont even drink as far as shooting alone I hardly ever play any one at the bar Its just no point they just play that bad there is no chalenge to it

I will play my wife most times because she wants to learn

But just choose your rooms there still places I wont even go into and I have two knives 1 gun and an  attack wife with me just pick your spot you will be OK have fun

                                 Later Johnny