Hustling Pool

Pocket billiards, commonly called "pool", has reached out from the dark smoke-filled holes to become one of the most popular TV-and-Family-Friendly sports today.  Top professional players sell books, videos, and billiard equipment.

But most people don't strive for championships, or even to become serious competitors.  They just play to have fun with friends.  And pool can be a lot of fun.  For the novice to pocket balls can be a great ego boost.  Some players practice and play to improve the small muscle dexterity and hand-eye coordination, and they want to improve and win.

Even in the family-safe recreation centers and pool halls, there are sharks.  They troll the bars and anywhere there are tables, looking for the fish with some money and the delusion of skill.  I grew up in that environment.  I've been the fish and I've been the shark.

So, with no prejudice for motive of readers, I share some of my observations.  For readers aspiring to be the shark, you may find some insightful instruction herein.And for fish who don't want to be reeled in, hopefully you will no longer be chum.

When two competitors of relatively equal ability meet in this sport, the victor in the match will be the one who effectively affects the other.  There are many tricks to achieve this.  Some are blatant and obnoxious.  No self-respecting (and be assured... they hold themselves in very high regard!) hustler would, for example, talk to the other player when they are at the table shooting.  That sort of rudeness will, at best, get a player banned from the establishment, and, worst-case scenario, could result in bodily harm.

There are, however, subtle ways to affect an opponent.  Let's use two two characters for the sake of this illustration, calling them "Pete" and "Joe".  They are casual acquaintances who have agreed to play some Nine Ball for a few dollars.  Although Pete is perhaps technically superior, Joe is the more experienced gambler.  You will see that the better player seldom beats the better gambler in a money match.