Practice shot legal?

[Skin]

Suppose you are left with a shot you'd like to take a swing at first before you shoot it. There is an open table next to you. What happenes if you set a couple of balls up over there and take a whack before you begin your inning?

Legal or not?

There is no "official" rule on it as far as I can find and it seems to me that nobody would think about it when making a game.

Skin

[Fanatic]

Suppose you are left with a shot you'd like to take a swing at first before you shoot it. There is an open table next to you. What happenes if you set a couple of balls up over there and take a whack before you begin your inning?Legal or not? There is no "official" rule on it as far as I can find and it seems to me that nobody would think about it when making a game. Skin

I would say illegal.. first of all if it's before your inning that means that it's during your opponents inning which is distracting, rude and disrespectful to your opponent ...or otherwise known as a sharking tactics.
XOXO
Fanny

P.S--even if you were allowed each table plays different so whats the point

[jbravo2984]

I would say illegal, given the fact that if the opposing player wanted to do the same later on in the set or the night or whatever, there may not be an open table for him to do so. Not to mention that opportunity would not present itself say if there was only one table for the two of you to play on. I would say absolutely not. I do like the thought given to this scenario though. and you're right, I'm sure this is never taken into consideration when making a game. Probably because it shouldn't be allowed regardless of its legality.
my 2 cents-jbravo

[vapros]

Fanny, hold it right there a minute. Are you suggesting that a player might, during the opponent's inning, try to practice a shot that hasn't been left for him yet?

I can't imagine that anybody would let you get away with such a move, anyway, gambling or not. This is how people get hit in the mouth. I agree, Skin, that it does not seem to violate any existing rule, but that doesn't make it acceptable. I say forget it. :rolleyes:

[Fanatic]

Fanny, hold it right there a minute. Are you suggesting that a player might, during the opponent's inning, try to practice a shot that hasn't been left for him yet?

I can't imagine that anybody would let you get away with such a move, anyway, gambling or not. This is how people get hit in the mouth. I agree, Skin, that it does not seem to violate any existing rule, but that doesn't make it acceptable. I say forget it. :rolleyes:

I said it was a no-no (ILLEGAL) i dont get where it says in my post that it's okay to practice a shot during a game--
XOXO

[Skin]

I said it was a no-no (ILLEGAL) i dont get where it says in my post that it's okay to practice a shot during a game--
XOXO

Fanny, somebody is hacking the site to stir up trouble. A juvenile, most likely. A moron for sure.

You can tell because the hacked-in writing here has the same structure as on the other thread.

Skin

[Fanatic]

Fanny, somebody is hacking the site to stir up trouble. A juvenile, most likely. A moron for sure.

You can tell because the hacked-in writing here has the same structure as on the other thread.

Skin

I'm confused everything looks normal to me... except my new cat
XOXO

[NH Steve]

I think that practicing on an adjacent table is universally frowned upon, and as such, could invite controversy -- or more. The World Pool general rules (for tournament play) say the opponent is supposed to stay in their chair. I don't see that being enforced. One Pocket often has relatively quick exchanges of safeties -- I know I often remain standing or leaning.

Looking at the world rules it seems like practicing on an adjacent table might fall under the category of "unsportsmanlike conduct", meaning it could elicit a warning from the ref, and a penalty if it continued, but I couldn't find anything specific about practicing, this was about the closest...

25. Remaining in Player’s Chair
The non-shooting player should remain in his designated chair while his opponent is at the table. Should a player need to leave the playing area during matches, he must request and receive permission from the referee. Should a player leave the playing area without the permission of the referee, it will be treated like unsportsmanlike conduct.

[lll]

I'm confused everything looks normal to me... except my new cat
XOXO
fanny, i thought you caught your cats expression after you made another great shot. looks normal to me:cool:

[gulfportdoc]

I think that practicing on an adjacent table is universally frowned upon, and as such, could invite controversy -- or more. The World Pool general rules (for tournament play) say the opponent is supposed to stay in their chair. I don't see that being enforced. One Pocket often has relatively quick exchanges of safeties -- I know I often remain standing or leaning.

Looking at the world rules it seems like practicing on an adjacent table might fall under the category of "unsportsmanlike conduct", meaning it could elicit a warning from the ref, and a penalty if it continued, but I couldn't find anything specific about practicing, this was about the closest...

25. Remaining in Player’s Chair
The non-shooting player should remain in his designated chair while his opponent is at the table. Should a player need to leave the playing area during matches, he must request and receive permission from the referee. Should a player leave the playing area without the permission of the referee, it will be treated like unsportsmanlike conduct.
Aside from what you've just posted, I've never seen any written rule on the subject. I have, however, played at tournaments where the TD announces that a contestant's practicing on another table during a match is not permitted.

Doc

[Skin]

I'm confused everything looks normal to me... except my new cat
XOXO

Fanny, something weird as going on with the posts last night on the other thread. Thought it might be happening on this thread, too.

Anyway, what I meant in my scenario for this thread was: the guy you're playing finshes shooting and it is your table now. You look the situation over, see a shot, step over to an adjacent table, set it up, and take one practice whack at it before you shoot on the game table. Technically, all of that is happening during your inning.

I am not advocating doing this because I think it is unsportsmanlike unless both guys agreed it was OK before the game. Just saying that, technically, there would be no rule against it as far as I know, even in tournament play.

Skin

[Artie Bodendorfer]

Fanny, something weird as going on with the posts last night on the other thread. Thought it might be happening on this thread, too.

Anyway, what I meant in my scenario for this thread was: the guy you're playing finshes shooting and it is your table now. You look the situation over, see a shot, step over to an adjacent table, set it up, and take one practice whack at it before you shoot on the game table. Technically, all of that is happening during your inning.

I am not advocating doing this because I think it is unsportsmanlike unless both guys agreed it was OK before the game. Just saying that, technically, there would be no rule against it as far as I know, even in tournament play.

Skin THe cat had a bad hair day.

[usblues]

Can't comment on the legality of it but it is in the area of extremely poor taste to do so.Its just barely acceptable when your playing yourself and nobody's watching except Robert Johnson's devil who made you do it.

[SactownTom]

World Standard Rules

The BCA Pool League has a similar rule.


6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
The normal penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct is the same as for a serious foul, but the referee may impose a penalty depending on his judgment of the conduct. Among other penalties possible are a warning; a standard-foul penalty, which will count as part of a three-foul sequence if applicable; a serious-foul penalty; loss of a rack, set or match; ejection from the competition possibly with forfeiture of all prizes, trophies and standings points.
Unsportsmanlike conduct is any intentional behavior that brings disrepute to the sport or which disrupts or changes the game to the extent that it cannot be played fairly. It includes
(a) distracting the opponent;
(b) changing the position of the balls in play other than by a shot;
(c) playing a shot by intentionally miscuing;
(d) continuing to play after a foul has been called or play has been suspended;
(e) practicing during a match;
(f) marking the table;
(g) delay of the game; and
(h) using equipment inappropriately.

[androd]

World Standard Rules

The BCA Pool League has a similar rule.


6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
The normal penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct is the same as for a serious foul, but the referee may impose a penalty depending on his judgment of the conduct. Among other penalties possible are a warning; a standard-foul penalty, which will count as part of a three-foul sequence if applicable; a serious-foul penalty; loss of a rack, set or match; ejection from the competition possibly with forfeiture of all prizes, trophies and standings points.
Unsportsmanlike conduct is any intentional behavior that brings disrepute to the sport or which disrupts or changes the game to the extent that it cannot be played fairly. It includes
(a) distracting the opponent;
(b) changing the position of the balls in play other than by a shot;
(c) playing a shot by intentionally miscuing;
(d) continuing to play after a foul has been called or play has been suspended;
(e) practicing during a match;
(f) marking the table;
(g) delay of the game; and
(h) using equipment inappropriately.

Tom, (a) distracting the opponent;
what ? is this a joke.
Rod.

[SactownTom]

Tom, (a) distracting the opponent;
what ? is this a joke.
Rod.

Not a joke Rod. Sharking is a word that doesn't come up very often in any rules that I recall reading.

But, you and I know 'sharking' is a form of 'distracting' your opponent.

[jay helfert]

It's a normal tournament rule you CANNOT practice during a match. Been that way for years. Even if your opponent takes a bathroom break between games, you can't get on the table and hit balls. I've stopped many players from doing just that.

Of course with the esteemed BCA rules committee that could all change at a moments notice. They may decide you MUST practice during a match for all I know. These are the geniuses that decided you CAN'T win on the break in Eight Ball (it might happen once in fifty or a hundred breaks) but you CAN still win on the break in 9-Ball (it happens all the time). Makes you wonder if these guys even play pool.

[gulfportdoc]

These are the geniuses that decided you CAN'T win on the break in Eight Ball (it might happen once in fifty or a hundred breaks) but you CAN still win on the break in 9-Ball (it happens all the time). Makes you wonder if these guys even play pool.
I've always disagreed with you on that, Jay. I don't believe that ANY pool game should be won on the break shot; 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, or whatever. It's not a skill shot. I'm assuming that they keep that rule in 9 and 10-ball so as to wow the TV fans. You know-- the same type of viewers who think that Oprah is great.

Doc

[One pocket Smitty]

Suppose you are left with a shot you'd like to take a swing at first before you shoot it. There is an open table next to you. What happenes if you set a couple of balls up over there and take a whack before you begin your inning?

Legal or not?

There is no "official" rule on it as far as I can find and it seems to me that nobody would think about it when making a game.

Skin
My answer to this is even if there is not a rule for this, which I think practicing durning a game would be cause for DQ. My question is this, would you want someone else do that to you. If you are honestwith yourself I think you answered your question.---Smitty

[Cowboy Dennis]

I will give my opinion, for what it's worth. And I'm talking about gambling, as I usually am. I don't give a damn what you do before you shoot your shot. Stand on your head, spin around, and put your feet back on the ground. Do anything you like on any table that you like. Just get to our table and shoot your shot when it's your turn.

Anyone who does something like this isn't likely to win anyway. I could not possibly care much less. Just get to our table and shoot when it's your shot. Practicing a shot on a nearby table will not make you hit it better on our table. Practice away, then come over and pay.

[Skin]

I will give my opinion, for what it's worth. And I'm talking about gambling, as I usually am. I don't give a damn what you do before you shoot your shot. Stand on your head, spin around, and put your feet back on the ground. Do anything you like on any table that you like. Just get to our table and shoot your shot when it's your turn.

Anyone who does something like this isn't likely to win anyway. I could not possibly care much less. Just get to our table and shoot when it's your shot. Practicing a shot on a nearby table will not make you hit it better on our table. Practice away, then come over and pay.

FINALLY, the voice of praticality!

Skin

[SJDinPHX]

I will give my opinion, for what it's worth. And I'm talking about gambling, as I usually am. I don't give a damn what you do before you shoot your shot. Stand on your head, spin around, and put your feet back on the ground. Do anything you like on any table that you like. Just get to our table and shoot your shot when it's your turn.

Anyone who does something like this isn't likely to win anyway. I could not possibly care much less. Just get to our table and shoot when it's your shot. Practicing a shot on a nearby table will not make you hit it better on our table. Practice away, then come over and pay.


I agree Dennis, I shall try to point out how trivial hitting a few balls around on another table really is...IF you have the ability to FOCUS.

For those of you who may not have had the privledge of gambling with one Ronald Allen, his mastery of "The Shark" is legendary.

I would like to point out his tried and true methods on this delicate subject. This is his M.O., whether it be cash action or quite often, even in a very controlled tourmament evironment.

1. He is always in, (at the very least) your peripheral vision.

2. He is always talking to... (a) his stakehorse, (b) his lady, (or your lady) (c) a railbug, (d) If none of the above are handy, he will talk to himself, or his opponent.

3. Quite often a,b,c, and d, all at the same time.

4. He could have been a poster child for ADD (had we known of it back in the day)

5. If you look up "perpetual motion" in Webster's, there is a picture of RA.
If he thinks you are easily distracted by it, if there is no nearby table to bang balls on... he may try to use the one you are both playing on.

6. He will also (rarely) try remaining quiet and still, and act the perfect genleman, which is so out of character, he knows it may un-nerve many opponents...much like waiting for the other shoe to drop.

This will give you a very limited view, of what gambling with him was like.
If you complained about his antic's he would cease and desist (for maybe 30 seconds) then, knowing he had gotten to you, he would start mumbling under his breath, what an unfair, poor sport, nit-picking asshole YOU were.

The mystery of it all, is how he cheated major bodily harm many times over. He had an uncanny sixth sense as to just how far he could push any given individual. Many times I have been in with him, and I knew we would not get out alive.(not as crazy as Bucktooth, but almost)

Another amazing talent, was how he instantly transformed himself, into the most focused individual on earth when it was HIS shot.
This quality was, I believe, the key to him becoming possibly the greatest one pocket player, that ever lived.

He also had some very rare qualities very few people possess, he could be very entertaining, a lot of fun, and extremely aggravating, all at the same time. You could NOT stay mad at him for very long.
I know, because I have tried, many, many times.

The only way to obtain any hint of normalcy from him, was to get him stuck, real good, to where he was afraid you would quit on him if he didn't lighten up on the sharking. Much easier said than done...right John H. ?

PS One other thing, he is the undisputed master of "the bite". This is not a knock on the guy, but God help you if he has your number, and he is broke somewhere, or worse yet, if he spots you in person.
There are tons of stories out there, on this subject, and, trust me, they are ALL TRUE !

[gulfportdoc]

The first time I met RA was in 1969 at Big Momma's in North Hollywood. He had just beaten a strong local shortstop, who himself was way over my head. He walked up to me and said, "Well what do YOU play?" I told him I played the xylophone. He said he'd never heard of that one before. I once offered him a hit from a pint of Hennessy cognac I was carrying. He said, "Nah, I don't drink that cheap shit."

Doc

[fred bentivegna]

I agree Dennis, I shall try to point out how trivial hitting a few balls around on another table really is...IF you have the ability to FOCUS.

For those of you who may not have had the privledge of gambling with one Ronald Allen, his mastery of "The Shark" is legendary.

I would like to point out his tried and true methods on this delicate subject. This is his M.O., whether it be cash action or quite often, even in a very controlled tourmament evironment.

1. He is always in, (at the very least) your peripheral vision.

2. He is always talking to... (a) his stakehorse, (b) his lady, (or your lady) (c) a railbug, (d) If none of the above are handy, he will talk to himself, or his opponent.

3. Quite often a,b,c, and d, all at the same time.

4. He could have been a poster child for ADD (had we known of it back in the day)

5. If you look up "perpetual motion" in Webster's, there is a picture of RA.
If he thinks you are easily distracted by it, if there is no nearby table to bang balls on... he may try to use the one you are both playing on.

6. He will also (rarely) try remaining quiet and still, and act the perfect genleman, which is so out of character, he knows it may un-nerve many opponents...much like waiting for the other shoe to drop.

This will give you a very limited view, of what gambling with him was like.
If you complained about his antic's he would cease and desist (for maybe 30 seconds) then, knowing he had gotten to you, he would start mumbling under his breath, what an unfair, poor sport, nit-picking asshole YOU were.

The mystery of it all, is how he cheated major bodily harm many times over. He had an uncanny sixth sense as to how far he could push any given individual. Many times I have been in with him, and I knew we would not get out alive.(not as crazy as Bucktooth, but almost)

Another amazing talent, was how he instantly transformed himself, into the most focused individual on earth when it was HIS shot. This quality was, I believe, the key to him becoming possibly the greatest one pocket player, that ever lived.

He also had some very rare qualities very few people possess, he could be very entertaining, a lot of fun, and extremely aggravating, all at the same time. You could NOT stay mad at him for very long.
I know, because I have tried, many, many times.

The only way to obtain any hint of normalcy from him, was to get him stuck, real good, to where he was afraid you would quit on him if he didn't lighten up on the sharking. Much easier said than done...right John H. ?

PS One other thing, he is the undisputed master of "the bite". This is not a knock on the guy, but God help you if he has your number, and he is broke somewhere, or worse yet, if he spots you in person.There are tons of stories out there, on this subject, and, trust me, they are ALL TRUE !

Dick, those observations are so on point that I would like to maybe, PLAGIARIZE them, and use them verbatim in some future book. I personally experienced all of the above.
the Beard

[jrhendy]

For those of you who may not have had the privledge of gambling with one Ronald Allen, his mastery of "The Shark" is legendary.

The only way to obtain any hint of normalcy from him, was to get him stuck, real good, to where he was afraid you would quit on him if he didn't lighten up on the sharking. Much easier said than done...right John H. ?

PS One other thing, he is the undisputed master of "the bite". This is not a knock on the guy, but God help you if he has your number, and he is broke somewhere, or worse yet, if he spots you in person.There are tons of stories out there, on this subject, and, trust me, they are ALL TRUE !


I met Ronnie in the late 50's at Hollywood Billiards in LA when I was a teenager. I was a fair snooker player on a 5 x 10 and played equally as well one handed. He offered me 4 pts with one red ball and we agreed on a game. This was one of my first "Road Trips" from Monterey Park, about 15 miles from this room. After we set the table up and were ready to start, he walked over to the side pocket and stuck the $$ in it. I stood there looking at it like the rube I was. Ronnie said "That's the up $$ kid, how long you been on the road". He quit after a few games ahead because I wouldn't jack the bet.

I never could get him stuck real good Dick, but did come close a couple times.

In the early 80's Ronnie brought in some player from Chicago to the Golden Cue in El Monte where I was hanging out. He put the guy on me playing 9 ball and either had his game overated or my game underated and I beat them for a bit. He took the heat and offered me a one pocket game I couldn't turn down and we bet a fair amount on a short set. I was sure I had the nuts, was playing well with a lot of confidence and after all, it was my home court. It went hill/hill and I had a big lead in the last game. He came up with some amazing desperate shot and won the set. Ronnie Allen just did not let guys like John Henderson beat him.

Regarding the bite, I am still on the active list and don't want to comment here for fear of being removed LOL. I hope Ironman reads this post and relates the story about the false teeth. It is a classic.

He is in town and I may see him this weekend. It will cost me some $$ but it will be worth it. Two old guys who are still out there trying.

[Cowboy Dennis]

Dick, those observations are so on point that I would like to maybe, PLAGIARIZE them, and use them verbatim in some future book. I personally experienced all of the above.
the Beard


Freddy, you can't plagiarize them, that would be illeagle.

[Cowboy Dennis]

I agree Dennis, I shall try to point out how trivial hitting a few balls around on another table really is...IF you have the ability to FOCUS.

For those of you who may not have had the privledge of gambling with one Ronald Allen, his mastery of "The Shark" is legendary.

I would like to point out his tried and true methods on this delicate subject. This is his M.O., whether it be cash action or quite often, even in a very controlled tourmament evironment.

1. He is always in, (at the very least) your peripheral vision.

2. He is always talking to... (a) his stakehorse, (b) his lady, (or your lady) (c) a railbug, (d) If none of the above are handy, he will talk to himself, or his opponent.

3. Quite often a,b,c, and d, all at the same time.

4. He could have been a poster child for ADD (had we known of it back in the day)

5. If you look up "perpetual motion" in Webster's, there is a picture of RA.
If he thinks you are easily distracted by it, if there is no nearby table to bang balls on... he may try to use the one you are both playing on.

6. He will also (rarely) try remaining quiet and still, and act the perfect genleman, which is so out of character, he knows it may un-nerve many opponents...much like waiting for the other shoe to drop.

!


Dick,

Since we have now successfully hi-jacked Skins thread let's continue. One of the most subtle sharks that I have seen came from California John. At least how it came about was subtle. I don't remember playing him 9-ball but I've seen him do this to many players. I'm sure it's not original.

If you were shooting the 4 ball and the 5 & 6 were easy but the 7 was tough, he would position himself in front of where he knew you would be on the 7. You could not claim that he had just moved there because he had been there for three shots. And he would always be reaching for a cigarrette or a cup of coffee when you were shooting the tough 7. And conversing with the sideline right as you shot was another favorite of his.

But moving in front of shots, two or three shots ahead of time, was his specialty. I've never seen anyone else do it.


Dennis

[lll]

must say for a somewhat naive rookie thats slick

[KindlyOleUncleDave]

It's a normal tournament rule you CANNOT practice during a match. Been that way for years. Even if your opponent takes a bathroom break between games, you can't get on the table and hit balls. I've stopped many players from doing just that.

Of course with the esteemed BCA rules committee that could all change at a moments notice. They may decide you MUST practice during a match for all I know. These are the geniuses that decided you CAN'T win on the break in Eight Ball (it might happen once in fifty or a hundred breaks) but you CAN still win on the break in 9-Ball (it happens all the time). Makes you wonder if these guys even play pool.

You get 'em down and I'll stake you. They are nits of the first order.

[SJDinPHX]

I met Ronnie in the late 50's at Hollywood Billiards in LA when I was a teenager. I was a fair snooker player on a 5 x 10 and played equally as well one handed. He offered me 4 pts with one red ball and we agreed on a game. This was one of my first "Road Trips" from Monterey Park, about 15 miles from this room. After we set the table up and were ready to start, he walked over to the side pocket and stuck the $$ in it. I stood there looking at it like the rube I was. Ronnie said "That's the up $$ kid, how long you been on the road". He quit after a few games ahead because I wouldn't jack the bet.

I never could get him stuck real good Dick, but did come close a couple times.

In the early 80's Ronnie brought in some player from Chicago to the Golden Cue in El Monte where I was hanging out. He put the guy on me playing 9 ball and either had his game overated or my game underated and I beat them for a bit. He took the heat and offered me a one pocket game I couldn't turn down and we bet a fair amount on a short set. I was sure I had the nuts, was playing well with a lot of confidence and after all, it was my home court. It went hill/hill and I had a big lead in the last game. He came up with some amazing desperate shot and won the set. Ronnie Allen just did not let guys like John Henderson beat him.

Regarding the bite, I am still on the active list and don't want to comment here for fear of being removed LOL. I hope Ironman reads this post and relates the story about the false teeth. It is a classic.

He is in town and I may see him this weekend. It will cost me some $$ but it will be worth it. Two old guys who are still out there trying.


John,

Lewis (Ironman) rarely posts here, he may not even lurk, so having some spare time, I will tell the forum the story, as Lewis related it to us.

To set it up properly, I must tell you, Lewis, like John and I, knows RA very well, but being the old, hardcore, experienced grinder that he is, he has tried (unsuccessfully, like most, I might add) to avoid the "Big Bite" and keep RA within the limits of his budget.
Like John and I, and about 200 others, he is on RA's speed dial, and a regular recpient of.."the call"

Also, like all of us, he has heard all the... "car broke down in Bumf--k, Egypt", and the, "If I don't pay this fine, I'm going to jail, man"...stories as only RA can plead them.
So RA, never short on creativity, knew he had to come up with new "material"

Ronnie has had a full set of dentures since he was a young man. Lewis knew that, so heres the tale.

Phone rings, Lewis answers. "Lewis this is RA, you won't believe what happened to me". (Lewis can tell, Ronnie is talking without his teeth in.)
Lewis says, "I might, whats up"
RA continues his mush-mouthed explanation.
"I was driving down the freeway last night, and I had to sneeze, I rolled the window down, and sneezed so hard both my upper's and lower's flew right out the Goddamn window" !

RA knew Lewis would know dentures were expensive to replace,thus making his chance for a decent "score" quite promising.

He kept on with his pitch, sensing Louis was weakening....until Lewis interrupted him and said....."Ronnie, Ronnie, calm down,...did you forget you called me,...drunk, with this exact same story two months ago" ?

Ronnie hung up on him.

I have another equally hilarious story involving Amarillo Slim (also in the rotation) which I shall save for another day.

[fred bentivegna]

Excerpt from The GosPool According To The Beard:

"Brooklyn Johnny Ervolino (now departed; a great player and an old friend). I once tried to bite him at the Fred Whalen tourn. in Los Angeles. He turned me down, citing that he was broke. Six months later I ran into him at the Stardust tourn. in Las Vegas, where on a roll I won about $15,000 on the dice tables. He bit me for $900! His compelling justification for the bite was this original line: "When you was broke and desperate in LA, and you come to me asking for money, what did I say to you?" My reply was a dumb, blank, inquisitive stare. Johnny continued, " I told you if I had it, you could get anything you want, right? Now, how are you going to treat me?" Behind that seemingly, flawless logic, I eagerly un-assed the $900. It wasn't until later, when I came to my senses, that I realized that he had never actually given me anything but a promise. In reality, he turned me down! I did learn something, though. What a wonderful way to duck the incoming bite, and then pave the way for a future bite for yourself."

the Beard

Bite Hall of Fame:
Ronnie
CornBread
Bugs
Ervolino
Wade Crane
Little Frankie Filerino from Jersey City
(If I could somehow recover the bites from the above I could buy an aircraft carrier.)

[SJDinPHX]

Excerpt from The GosPool According To The Beard:

"Brooklyn Johnny Ervolino (now departed; a great player and an old friend). I once tried to bite him at the Fred Whalen tourn. in Los Angeles. He turned me down, citing that he was broke. Six months later I ran into him at the Stardust tourn. in Las Vegas, where on a roll I won about $15,000 on the dice tables. He bit me for $900! His compelling justification for the bite was this original line: "When you was broke and desperate in LA, and you come to me asking for money, what did I say to you?" My reply was a dumb, blank, inquisitive stare. Johnny continued, " I told you if I had it, you could get anything you want, right? Now, how are you going to treat me?" Behind that seemingly, flawless logic, I eagerly un-assed the $900. It wasn't until later, when I came to my senses, that I realized that he had never actually given me anything but a promise. In reality, he turned me down! I did learn something, though. What a wonderful way to duck the incoming bite, and then pave the way for a future bite for yourself."

the Beard

Bite Hall of Fame:
Ronnie
CornBread
Bugs
Ervolino
Wade Crane
Little Frankie Filerino from Jersey City
(If I could somehow recover the bites from the above I could buy an aircraft carrier.)

Good story Fred, Slim Preston once told me, if he could somehow recover all the bites from RA, (not even counting other pool player's) he could easily pay off the National debt... Of course this was long before Obama took the reins. :eek:

[jay helfert]

Excerpt from The GosPool According To The Beard:

"Brooklyn Johnny Ervolino (now departed; a great player and an old friend). I once tried to bite him at the Fred Whalen tourn. in Los Angeles. He turned me down, citing that he was broke. Six months later I ran into him at the Stardust tourn. in Las Vegas, where on a roll I won about $15,000 on the dice tables. He bit me for $900! His compelling justification for the bite was this original line: "When you was broke and desperate in LA, and you come to me asking for money, what did I say to you?" My reply was a dumb, blank, inquisitive stare. Johnny continued, " I told you if I had it, you could get anything you want, right? Now, how are you going to treat me?" Behind that seemingly, flawless logic, I eagerly un-assed the $900. It wasn't until later, when I came to my senses, that I realized that he had never actually given me anything but a promise. In reality, he turned me down! I did learn something, though. What a wonderful way to duck the incoming bite, and then pave the way for a future bite for yourself."

the Beard

Bite Hall of Fame:
Ronnie
CornBread
Bugs
Ervolino
Wade Crane
Little Frankie Filerino from Jersey City
(If I could somehow recover the bites from the above I could buy an aircraft carrier.)

How could you leave Keith off that list? He should feel insulted! :)
And Tony Banks is in the "Biters Hall Of Fame".

[wincardona]

Excerpt from The GosPool According To The Beard:

"Brooklyn Johnny Ervolino (now departed; a great player and an old friend). I once tried to bite him at the Fred Whalen tourn. in Los Angeles. He turned me down, citing that he was broke. Six months later I ran into him at the Stardust tourn. in Las Vegas, where on a roll I won about $15,000 on the dice tables. He bit me for $900! His compelling justification for the bite was this original line: "When you was broke and desperate in LA, and you come to me asking for money, what did I say to you?" My reply was a dumb, blank, inquisitive stare. Johnny continued, " I told you if I had it, you could get anything you want, right? Now, how are you going to treat me?" Behind that seemingly, flawless logic, I eagerly un-assed the $900. It wasn't until later, when I came to my senses, that I realized that he had never actually given me anything but a promise. In reality, he turned me down! I did learn something, though. What a wonderful way to duck the incoming bite, and then pave the way for a future bite for yourself."

the Beard

Bite Hall of Fame:
Ronnie
CornBread
Bugs
Ervolino
Wade Crane
Little Frankie Filerino from Jersey City
(If I could somehow recover the bites from the above I could buy an aircraft carrier.)
I'm surprised at you for not mentioning one of the all time greats. St. Louie Louey.

[fred bentivegna]

I'm surprised at you for not mentioning one of the all time greats. St. Louie Louey.


My brain is operating at half speed trying to penetrate the Vicodin curtain. Louie and Keith certainly qualify for the top ten along with another worthy candidate that I left out, Cliff Joyner.

the Beard

[jrhendy]

How could you leave Keith off that list? He should feel insulted! :)
And Tony Banks is in the "Biters Hall Of Fame".

I think almost every time I cashed a ticket at Santa Anita Race Track, Tony would appear like magic when I had the cash in my hand.

He beat me out of a G Whiz at Great America in Sacramento one time and still bit me before he got out of town.

The really good ones know not to ask for too much and are hard to turn down. It's easier to fork over a little and get it over with, but the stories you get with the larger bites are so creative they are often worth the price.