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Table 8: The *Art* of Hustling
Some people, or some hustlers rather, find that hustling in itself is a science. There are certain things that must be met, while there are things that should be avoided at all costs. The art of hustling is knowing how, when, and under what circumstances you can win the most money. (Or whatever you're playing for)
Let me clear up a few things...when two people play straight up for money, that is not hustling. Simply playing for money is pool with a costly twist. Hustling involves *actively* looking to beat your opponent out of as much money as possible, by holding back your talent for a certain amount of time.
Sounds complicated...yes, to a certain extent, it is difficult to hold back your talent until you see the right moment to carpe diem, BUT a few things must be met (not all together now) in order to properly hustle.
- You MUST be a formidable player. How will you hustle if you suck?
- Your opponent must want to play for money. That's simple enough.
- You MUST know how to read people. Knowing when to dump and play accordingly is important.
- Dump like a pro. When you lose, make them think you ``actually" lost. =[:-)
- Know when to stop: hustling is fine, but don't let the other person know that they've just been hustled...make yourself look extremely lucky
- Don't be an asshole...people spot that. And then nobody wants to play you. Be the nice guy who likes to play for $5-10 bucks a game.
- This numbered list is getting old...
- BE SURE you are not being hustled. If the games are coming too easily, then something could possibly be wrong.
TECHNIQUES
Ok, here's the situation. You finally found some guy in the pool hall to play you for a few bucks a game. You've been watching him and his friends play all night, and you are really confident in that you are about to REALLY cash in. The only problem is, he doesn't want to play for that much. You know deep down you could crush this guy...but like I said before, you want to make some money. What do you do?
This section will provide you with a few tips on how to build up confidence in your opponent. Confidence that will make him (or her) want to play for more money.
If you have your own cue, DON'T use it in the beginning. As a matter of fact, it is best not to let your opponent know that you have a custom cue. Using your own cue adds to an intimidation factor...in a regular game, this is fine, but when hustling, use a good house cue.
Once the big money game arrives, THEN bring out your cue. That's when you'll want it.
Assuming you are at least ``good" at pool, you probably have become comfortable being around the table. You have developed an "aire," which displays confidence. When hustling, act like you are new to the game...
In the first few games, (if you are going to dump anyway), use a crappy bridge. A feeble, unsteady upen bridge makes your opponent smirk. (You get to smirk when you take his money.)
A great trick: For the first game, DEMAND for the break...saying how good you break...then once your opponent gives it to you, all you have to do is miscue!!! Then take it back, and on the next time up, aim for the edge of the apex ball, and scratch...this little show is extremely lucrative.
When chalking...act like you are inspecting the tip of the cue. Be sure to be VERY meticulous, getting each section. Take a while chalking also.
When looking at your choices, huff and puff...make yourself seem unconfident and unsure.
Seem overly amazed when you "pull off" special shots. Make a simple bank shot seem like the greatest thing since Thundercats. (Confused about that last one? lol).
I want you to email me any OTHER suggestions you have for this page.
I know you have some techniques...all you hustlers out there.
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