Play By Play?

I was approached by the ladies who run the OnTheRail stream at the very beginning of the BCAPL Texas state tourney.

They asked if I would like to try something new.

They thought that my "fans" would love to follow me online and see my progress DURING the matches.

First of all, I doubt people want to follow me THAT closely.  Second, I was honored they wanted me to test it, but I was apprehensive.  Third, I really wanted to focus on my matches.

You see, I'd have to use their tablet or my phone and take score after each GAME - not each match.  I I thought it would actually be distracting for myself AND my opponent if I was to take score on an electronic device after every single game.

And I also thinks that's a little bit pressure to know my scores are online in real time.  She would have wanted me to advertise I was testing it, and I don't need any extra added pressure, lol.

I told her I was flattered she asked me, but since I was the defending champion, I just didn't want to do it during my first match, esp since I knew who we were to be playing in the first round of scotch doubles.

After we won, I again didn't want do do it because it was a tough team and friends.  I just imagined all these things in my head : distraction, upsetting my opponents, me not concentrating on my game, etc.

I went back and told them I didn't feel comfy.  She said, "maybe singles?"

Well, I was defending champion for that event, too, lol, and I really didn't want any distractions or interference.

I think if everyone does this, it would be okay, but having just a few people test it without it being well advertised would just be bothersome to myself and my opponents.  I know I would care more about how my opponent felt about me taking score on an electronic device and if I was bothering them, instead of focusing on my game.

And I had SEVERAL hill-hill, close, emotional matches and as I reflect back, it definitely would have not been good.

The website is called http://www.scoresaloon.com if you want to check it out.  Maybe this will be something in the future for all pool players?

Giving the Nine Ball

In my 20s, I was taught by June Hager Walter not to give ANY ball to my opponents.

Even if they are straight-in on the 9-ball (or 8-ball if I'm competing in 8-ball), I don't give it to them and make my opponent shoot the shot.

So, I've kept that philosophy for the last 20 or so years.  I just don't give balls to anyone.  At anytime.  No matter what during competition, I just wont do it.

And, a few times, that straight-in shot was missed, or they miscued, or they got impatient and missed.

The problem arrives when my opponent is giving me the 9-ball.

This happened in my match on Sunday on the Omega Billiards Tour (where I AGAIN placed 17th out of 80 players and took down that Last Lady prize of $75!).

My opponent was kind and when I had a straight-in, easy 9-ball shot, he gave me the ball/game.  But later on when he had an easy shot in front of him, I did not return the favor.

While I felt kinda bad, it was no reflection of him, but just something I was taught and therefore live by.

But, it did cross my mind if he wondered why I didn't give him easy 9-balls, and I felt kinda bad for it.  But, I stayed with my philosophy for the entire match.  I know it's common courtesy to return the favor, but it's not a "rule."