At it’s most basic, the pool table is a small battlefield. An excerpt from “The Art of War” is provided with how it applies to the competition between opponents.
This segment is from:
Chapter 11 – The nine situations
The art of war recognizes nine varieties of ground..
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The art of war recognizes nine varieties of ground: (1) dispersive ground, (2) facile ground, (3) contentious ground, (4) open ground, (5) ground of intersecting highways, (6) serious ground, (7) difficult ground;, (8) hemmed-in ground, (9) desperate ground
- (1) When a chieftain is fighting in his own territory, it is dispersive ground.
- (2) When he has penetrated into hostile territory, but to no great distance, it is facile ground.
- (3) Ground the possession of which imports great advantage to either side, is contentious ground.
- (4) Ground on which each side has liberty of movement is open ground.
- (5) Ground which forms the key to three contiguous states, so that he who occupies it first has most of the Empire at his command, is a ground of intersecting highways.
- (6) When an army has penetrated into the heart of a hostile country, leaving a number of fortified cities in its rear, it is serious ground.
- (7) Mountain forests, rugged steeps, marshes and fens – all country that is hard to traverse: this is difficult ground.
- (8) Ground which is reached through narrow gorges, and from which we can only retire by tortuous paths, so that a small number of the enemy would suffice to crush a large body of our men: this is hemmed in ground.
- (9) Ground on which we can only be saved from destruction by fighting without delay, is desperate ground.
Therefore,
- (1) On dispersive ground, fight not.
- (2) On facile ground, halt not.
- (3) On contentious ground, attack not.
- (4) On open ground, do not try to block the enemy’s way.
- (5) On the ground of intersecting highways, join hands with your allies.
- (6) On serious ground, gather in plunder.
- (7) In difficult ground, keep steadily on the march.
- (8) On hemmed-in ground, resort to stratagem.
- (9) On desperate ground, fight.
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There are many types of competitions that can be played.
- Where two players compete in their home pool hall, this is a home competition. The competitive terms will vary from friendly matches to small bets.
- Where one goes to an opponent’s pool hall, usually with a team for a set of matches, this is a league competition.
- Where one competes in a locally scheduled event, you will have some familiarity with the location. This is a small tournament competition.
- Where tables are available as part of community services, such as a senior center, this is casual competition.
- Where qualifier events are scheduled, usually for entry to higher levels, these are regional tournament competitions.
- Where you enter an unfamiliar bar with unknown rules, this is friendly bar competition (only as long as no bets are being made).
- Where you play at a bar at a much lower class level that you are familiar with, this is a dangerous bar competition.
- Where you play at expensive high class pool halls, you are subject to higher standards of play and dress. This is an upper social class competition.
- Where you compete in tournaments with a one loss and out, this is a single elimination tournament.
- Where you compete in a tournament where two losses are required to lose, this is a double elimination tournament.
- Where you compete against every entrant, this is a round robin tournament.
- Where you play a competition with a big entry fee, you are in a high skill level tournament.
- Where you are betting small amounts on sequential matches, you are in a small stakes competition.
- Where you are placing large amounts on your ability to win, you are in a high stakes competition.
Therefore,
- Respect the unofficial standards of conduct of the places you play
- If you don’t know the rules of play, ask.
- Dress and act appropriately.
- Do not over-consume alcohol.
- Observe new environments carefully before participating.
- Make friends with local regulars to develop advisors and allies.
- Do not act foolish, brash, or pushy.
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