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| *SportsComet>>>Snooker & Pool |
What makes you turn up the heat? |
I'm curious under what kind of pressure you play best. Money (if so, how much), tournaments (weekly or tours?), league (weekly or higher level?), or no pressure (just practicing with a friend?)? Can you feel the pressure physically (i.e. faster heartbeat, sweating, perhaps)? What's too much pressure and what's not enough (if applicable)? What specific factors contribute to a higher level of play (spectators, e.g.)? I have a good example for you from last night. After work, I made plans to meet a friend at the neighborhood bar and I showed up a little early. I knew I'd be playing some pool so I asked the bartender for quarters and this guy at the bar asked me if I was going to play some pool and if I wanted to play. I said "sure" and that it was his table, so we could play by his rules. After that was worked out, he asked if we could play for $5 per rack. When he said that, something clicked inside me, even though it was a small amount, I found myself playing some of the best and smartest bar pool I can remember playing. My heartrate increased slightly but it sharpened my senses and my instincts. It actually helped improve my "pool thinking". Strategy and execution became just a little easier and more natural. I've learned how to breathe properly to dilute the adrenaline in my system so I didn't feel overly tense (adrenaline is the enemy of pool players as it promotes large muscle movement). I made enough to pay for the night's drinks even before my friend showed up, and this guy was pretty good by bar patron standards. I played a few more games with this guy while my friend waited patiently. After the guy left and I was playing my friend for no money, I noticed a slight decrease in my play. Honestly, my friend was no where near the player that the stranger at the bar was. I was still playing very well, as I was playing well earlier, and perhaps alcohol was a factor. Still, even the smallest wager gave me an extra boost. I'm not a money player at heart, but $5-10 dollars per rack does make it more interesting for me. I'm not sure that I would feel as good about playing for more than $20 per rack. It's just that I'm a youngster and I don't have a huge bankroll to waste one night and win back the next. I really couldn't afford to lose more than a few racks. If I had a stakehorse, I'd probably feel better about losing his/her money. So for this example, it was just the right amount of pressure to make me play my best. I tend to play better against strangers (or good players that I've played before) and with something at stake, even if it's just control of the table from a loudmouth who sorely needs a lesson in humility. I really don't mind an audience. Sometimes, it's actually kind of a rush to show off a little. Just being honest. Over the years, I've become pretty savvy to hustles and sharking techniques and I can pretty well drown out the railbirds. I can't really do leagues right now because of my work schedule and I've had bad experiences with leagues in the past. I'd love to get into a "real" league sometime. My entire league experience has been with Scotch-doubles 8-ball (yuck, unless your partner is named Fisher, Lee, Oushcan, Korr, etc.) I tend to do well in tournaments and as I read my answer, I almost wonder if I'd do better in tournaments if I placed some small bets on the side. M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee. Do not normally play for money other then tournaments.....but it is always easy to play "up" when you are play one of the best players at the time.....you play a "winnie"....you play like a "winnie".....the opposite when I play a winner....do feel the pressure in the tournaments but not to the point where I sweat ....but just need to get into the routine to play the same each time whether I am playing a "Bill" (our best player)....or a beginner....Bill plays me no different...whether for fun or money, he will play the same each time......mainly the player that I play determines my level of play. Level of play is also known as your game.My game is from 75 cents to $1,000 the player realy does not matter it is 100% money . When I say $1,000 I will play for more lots more but at that level on up I play the very best I can play. Pressure NEVER you cant afford it A dead give away when you ask someone what their game is and they say 9 ball I know they dont have a clue Most bar players have a $2 game it makes their day to win a beer and they play the best they can to win it my place is no exception a $10 game here would scare them to death and if you beat them 1 time they quit But im off on another book so thats what it is with me Later Kid Johnny Unless you mean a cold night I'm not a money player , just don't have that in my blood. I think I play my best pool when I'm playing for my team or in a tournament , but I definitely don't always play the best I can. Thats where my buddy Mike and I are different. Mike is a money player, one of the best I've ever seen. I asked Mike the exact same question '' What makes you turn up the heat?'' and he told me this. He said'' I don't have to turn it up because I never turn it down''. Whether I'm playing with my buddies just for fun or I'm playing some guy I never met for 1000 bucks a set I always, without a doubt , play the best game that I can play. He also said that no matter what he never thinks about the money. As far as he is concerned there is no money , no pressure , no competition , no nothing just his game. I've set in on quite a few of his matches against some of the finest players you can imagine and I think I've only seen him lose twice. I've never seen him sweat and I've never seen him choke so maybe he's onto something huh? What works for me is that I am a "Team" player. Whether it's with the 5-player team, the 4-player team or the "doubles" tournaments. I probably put pressure on myself too much because I want the team to win and if I don't contribute by winning my matches I feel I let my team and teammates down. 23-year league player. |
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