Bar Billiards players, the perceptions?

[Colemanator]

Someone recently said to me when I told them that I played Bar Billiards,
'You're all a bit like trainspotters'
what do you mean, I said,
'well, real ale and pipe brigade' became the reply,
no, we're not like that I said,
'yes but it's the perception of the game,a bit boring, like chess clubs, men with long scarves, beards and bordering on eccentricity' they said
Hmm, eccentric me, well maybe a bit 8-)

Has anybody else come across this opinion before?

When the game comes up in conversation, like with people at work, reactions are normally something like:

Oh yes I saw a table in a pub once
or
It's a bit of a dying art, isn't it ?

My answers are usually:

It's a very difficult game to learn to play to a reasonable standard
and
Because of this, youngsters prefer to take up Pool
but
This means that us old 'uns don't have to retire early as in some sports, and some players are still stars of the game well into their seventies.

[Q]

Dec 9, 2008 20:46:23 GMT Colemanator said:

Someone recently said to me when I told them that I played Bar Billiards,
'You're all a bit like trainspotters'
what do you mean, I said,
'well, real ale and pipe brigade' became the reply,
no, we're not like that I said,
'yes but it's the perception of the game,a bit boring, like chess clubs, men with long scarves, beards and bordering on eccentricity' they said
Hmm, eccentric me, well maybe a bit 8-)

Has anybody else come across this opinion before?

You've just described Tommo ;D
Did they mention anything about hair? ...... or lack of it 8-) :o ;D :-*

Dec 9, 2008 23:01:23 GMT Q said:

You've just described Tommo ;D
Did they mention anything about hair? ...... or lack of it 8-) :o ;D :-*

I'll own up to the chess-playing, Q, but who's been talking about the back, sack and crack ? ;D ;D ;D

[Colemanator]

Dec 9, 2008 23:10:43 GMT tommo III said:

Dec 9, 2008 23:01:23 GMT Q said:

You've just described Tommo ;D
Did they mention anything about hair? ...... or lack of it 8-) :o ;D :-*

I'll own up to the chess-playing, Q, but who's been talking about the back, sack and crack ? ;D ;D ;D

I play chess too Tommo ;D not very good but I do know the rules 8-)

Another challenger for when you come to Jersey next year then. ;)
Or in between rounds at the Bucks Open ?

[Chris_Sav]

Haven't had a game of chess for yonks!!

Better find a PC programme for some practice before I challenge the master!

Sav

This is quite a good one to hone your skills with, I find:

psiox.vanbarel.com/

[Colemanator]

I have a cracking little electronic chess set ;D
Andy Chambers is a good player, but then again maths teachers generally are.

Dr Beeching put a stop to trainspotting here in Thrapston 8-) ;D

Dec 10, 2008 8:22:44 GMT Colemanator said:

Andy Chambers is a good player, but then again maths teachers generally are.

He's a granddad too, they make excellent chess players. ;)

Re: your electronic set, I still have one that margo bought me about ten years ago, it doesn't 'learn from experience' (ie do the moves any different again the next time if you beat it) - but it's good for brushing up technique on.

The PSION that I first got on a 3.25 floppy on the other hand can play to Master level, and if you make an indiscretion in the opening it's in at you like a rapier. Certainly taught me to build my defences sound.

[specialone]

In Mid-Sussex, Bar Billiards players are thought of as 'Top of the Range', 'Group one', Sexual athletes. This is entirely due to the work of the prez.
The Prez

Dec 11, 2008 23:08:45 GMT specialone said:

In Mid-Sussex, Bar Billiards players are thought of as 'Top of the Range', 'Group one', Sexual athletes.

There you are, Mr Northamptonshire who started this thread.
What do you say to that ? ;D

[specialone]

Tommo
No more posts about a '3.25 floppy'. This is not the image we wish to give.
Thank You.
The Prez

Aye aye Mr President, I get the picture.

All the President's Men are supposed to be finely honed sexual athletes. Certainly round Haywards Heath way no sheep are safe. ;)

[Matt]

Dec 11, 2008 23:33:24 GMT tommo III said:

Aye aye Mr President, I get the picture.

All the President's Men are supposed to be finely honed sexual athletes. Certainly round Haywards Heath way no sheep are safe. ;)

;D

On Tuesday at work, Im insistant I leave on time as I play bar billiards and the response i get is somewhat of a giggle and dare i say it "how old are you?"

On a wednesday, I have to leave to play pool. The response is usually, see you later.

P.S I used to be a very good chess player and for 3 years remained unbeaten for cubs (!!!) my school and in sussex school competitions.
As for Trainspotting, well if its anything like the film, Ill give it a damn good go!!!! :P

[CraigC]

Sorry, but Trainspotting has reminded of one of the most horrific scenes in cinema history, The Worst Toilet in Scotland ???