Each recreational activity has certain guidelines that you need to respect at all times. These guidelines are created so as to avoid conflicts between players. You cannot just enter, say a pool hall, and demand right away that you need to start playing or you offer some unsolicited advice to the players. A true gentleman knows his boundaries and practices proper social skills at all times.

Below are some etiquettes to follow when you want to play pool or billiards:

  • King of the hall format

If you just entered a pool hall, you need to write down your name on a board and wait for your turn to play. Whoever the winner is, he stays on the table and he becomes your opponent. You also have to remember that you, as the challenger, will pay for the fee.

  • Sharking

This is when you intentionally distract your opponent in order to lose a point. This is a form of cheating and this kind of behavior has no place in a pool hall. Be polite and sit or stand away from the table as far as possible if your opponent is shooting. There are some players who would even position themselves at the back of the player who is shooting and then pretend to accidentally bump into the back of the one who is playing, causing him to commit an error in shooting.

  • Hustling

This is one of the bad manners that will surely kick you out of the pool hall. You will pretend that you are not a good player by intentionally losing a match because it involves some betting. Pool is a recreational game and it should never, at all cost, involve money. At the very least, respect the fact that there should be honor among players that bet money.

  • No unsolicited advice

It is not a proper etiquette to give advice to a player on how to play a game. It is better to keep your opinion to yourself and avoid talking to the person on the mistakes he committed. You can only give an advice if it is asked from you.

  • Control language and temper

Try to avoid talking too loud because the person who is making a shot needs to concentrate. Also, when you are on the losing end, control your temper in order to avoid arguments. Always be gracious when losing and do not be boastful when winning.

  • Dress properly

You know very well that you would be doing a lot of bending over to the pool table, so wear something that would not show your undergarments. It is a way of showing respect to the other players.

  • Respect the equipment

Avoid drinking and eating when you are inside a pool hall. Replacing the cloth on the pool table is not cheap, so you would not want to spill some sauce or anything on it. Avoid sitting on the edge of the pool table, as it will cause some damage and it will greatly affect the way the ball travels from one end to the other.

Enjoy the game but always conduct yourself well. Follow all the rules and show respect to the other players.

By Daniel

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