To implement this shark, the hustler uses the pool hall's powder and chalk as weapons of mass distraction. This is one of the few efforts that stretch the tolerances of even casual bar-bangers. Most people, observing such behavior, would happily sign a petition to demand a declaration of outlawry. Among groups of regular pool players, the penalty for violating pool hall behavioral standards is exclusion from the group (ostracizing). Continue reading
Many people enjoy telling stories about their experiences (real and imagined) to any interested audience. Good storytellers are always entertaining and fun to listen. A well-crafted and presented tale is almost always welcome. Narratives can range from short, quick and humorous anecdotes through to the longer tall stories with mini-adventures that build to an interesting conclusion. Continue reading
If you watch any amount of professional football and basketball, this trick is used very often. One team gets on a roll and just cannot do anything wrong. The other team calls a time out. And, so often (not necessarily always), the scoring momentum dies when play is resumed. Continue reading
If introspective by nature, you are a careful and thoughtful pool player. You understand the importance of setting up properly for each shot and that fundamentals (stance, setup, and stroke) are necessary to playing a good game. As a thinking pool player you probably have a small library of instructional material that has proven to be effective and helpful. The occasional lessons from pool instructors with good reputations have thoroughly established in your mind the important values of constant and consistent routines. You are a “thinking” player. Continue reading
Many people have habits or personal traits that are annoying. The degree of irritation suffered is dependent on the observer. Such irritants are frustrating enough in the normal world of work and family. But in the pool hall, their effective is enhanced by the environment. Nonetheless, these all affect how well you can concentrate on winning. Continue reading
Here is how the pool hustler applies this shark. He only needs an “apparent” excuse. For example, on a break shot that you racked, the balls don’t spread very well. He becomes upset and accuses you of improper racking. What you don't know is that he took some speed off his break shot. This helps keep the balls clustered so that the table layout validates his accusations of your intentional cheating. Continue reading
Life can be a bowl of cherries or it can be the pits. Any opponent who uses this has chosen the low road and decided to be that bowl of pits. His efforts also put him at the top of your "DO NOT be friends with" list. Continue reading
This is an insidious effort, and one of the easiest sharking tricks that a pool hustler can implement. His compliments on various aspects of your pool game are delivered with obvious sincerity and clothed in good sportsmanship. This shark is successful when you react with touchy-feely enhancements to your self-esteem. Continue reading
There are still a few jurisdictions and countries where smoking in a public place (pool halls, bars with pool tables, etc.) is not strictly prohibited (or totally ignored). These lonely locations are usually in areas where tobacco has not been super-regulated. If you play in pool halls where smoking is still allowed, watch out for this shark attempt. This requires a relatively limited air space with limited air flow. A small bar with a beat-up pool table would be an excellent venue for this effort. It does not work in outdoor situations. Continue reading
This pool shark combines some delaying tactics with the game of hide and seek thrown in. The hustler only needs to use this a couple times during a match to throw your game focus off kilter. It is rarely the only shark being used against you. But, piled on top of other distractions, it can be one more nail in the coffin of your loss. Continue reading
The weekly newsletter gives you ALL the posts for the previous week!!