by Bogus Name

Created on: August 21, 2007

Whether you are a newbie, intermediate, or expert player, knowing how to behave properly at a pool hall is very important. Though it requires some self-control, etiquette at a pool hall is simple to learn. Just follow these six steps:

1) Leave the attitude at home and the chalk on the rail

After a miss, some aggressive players like to fancy themselves to a long bout of chalking their cues. This effectively completes two things: wastes the opponent's time and the chalk.

2) Unnecessary noise is unnecessary

No one needs your take on their shooting. Regardless of how ridiculous your opponent's decisions may be, it is considered bad style to talk to an opponent, especially during the run. If you want to say something, let it be positive or nothing at all. If you want to compliment, keep it short and simple or use the age old compliment of tapping the butt of your cue against the floor.

3) Be Modest and Respectful

Many pool players believe that if they are winners, they don't have to modest to other players. However, this is not true. You will find that a pool hall, the best pool player is often very modest, otherwise no one will bother playing with them. Even if you lose a game, you can still build respect by being respectful and by accepting your lost.

4) Legality Check

If you believe your shot might be cause a dispute over whether the shot is foul or legal, you should check the shot with a referee before you take the shot. This is a good precaution since you may find that your opponent's original testimony may change after you have taken your shot.

5) Please Stay Seated

Don't stand up until your opponent has finished taking his or her shots. This is considered poor form as it can be very distracting to an opponent if someone is standing behind them as they are attempting to take a shot.

6) No Sharks Allowed

Sharks are probably some of the most hated individuals in pool halls. Hustling is risky and can be very dangerous. Characteristics of sharks include disputing what is obviously legal, purposely distracting opponents, trash talking, aggressive chalking, and other contemptuous behavior.

So by following these six steps you can quickly build respect for yourself at the pool hall regardless of your skill level. Building respect at a pool hall is not hard, it just requires self-control and modesty.

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