"What manners, what class!" is either a negative or positive depending how you comport yourself at your favorite poolroom. Behave yourself and read this simple set of rules for pool… with… cool.
1. Use a Pool Table as a Dining Table, Ashcan or Easy Chair
Respect for the great baize battlefields of pool includes placing your bridge hand on the table, not your behind. Sitting on the rails of a table will ruin the surface. For best play, the level is to be to tolerances of thousandths of an inch. Do you sit on tables or chairs at home?Food and drink are also a no-no and halls that serve refreshments must constantly guard against their patrons’ mess. Dirt and stains add to throw and ruin play. How to learn if you’ve aimed accurately but the ball failed to pocket due from grease or liquid induced throw? And, all owners dread cigarette burns on the felt.
2. Blurt Foul Language
Pool needs to shake its Depression-era reputation as a game for bums. Speak the King’s English as best you can upon all occasions. Be a proper ambassador for our magnificent, complex sport.3. Shoot Vicious Massé Shots
The best massé technique includes a precise but gentle stroke. Bangers slam their stick as hard as possible in a vain effort to add spin to the cue ball. If they miscue they tear strips from the cloth or dent the table’s slate. A very poor, hard massé will break a cuestick.4. Gamble Where Disallowed
We’re not talking about a race to three of 9-ball for a can of Coke between pals but real gambling. Laying cash down where the sign reads “No Gambling!” is done at your own peril, and where there is illegal gambling at a pool hall there is a hustler waiting to snatch your cash as well.5. Become a Juvenile Delinquent
The law still raids a pool hall every so often where there is underage drinking or attendance inside regular school hours. Vice and undercover cops are on watch at a pool hall if it contributes to the delinquency of minors or has otherwise sunk below a healthy family atmosphere.Pool halls serving alcohol typically restrict the hours when unaccompanied minors may visit.
6. Sell Cues or Wares Without Permission
If you are a courteous and knowledge salesperson, many room owners will look kindly on your selling pool equipment (like a personal cue you want to rid yourself of to another player) at their hall. Other players get to test your cue(s) and add the spice of variety to their experience at the owner’s poolroom.If the hall sells pool cues already, however, they may frown on you as possible competition. Ask the management before initiating sales to strangers.
