Jaq?s Untested* Dating Strategies #2: Pool dating
October 4, 2005 by NML
So this week, I decided to go with something I’m familiar with: the pool hall. Admittedly, this strategy is geared towards women rather than men and for that I apologise but would like to point out to the men that this hopes to increase the traffic of women in your local pool hall. So you can relax and do nothing different and still meet someone.
The aim of this method is to find a new way to meet people (men). This method is tried, tested and trusted (by me only). Still, read the disclaimer so you can’t blame me if it doesn’t work for you.
Why play pool?
So why should the pool hall be any better than anywhere else? Well, go into a pool hall and have a look around – men are everywhere and the competition is slim. Not only is there a large selection, they’re a wide variety of ages with the majority ranging from late teens to early thirties.
In the USA last year, 63% of pool players were men – and from my experience in the UK, the percentage here is even higher.
Compare playing pool to a bar or nightclub – you can still have a few drinks to shed those inhibitions; but the icebreakers are easier, people are more laid back and you can have a conversation where you can actually hear each other.
Jon, 29, says of his local pool hall “If women come in here, they will get noticed”. That’s the best part, just by walking in the door, you have their attention, now you only have to take your pick and enjoy the evening.
Finally, you get to catch men when they’re off guard. They’re in there winding down, relaxed, having fun and aren’t there to pick up a date. They don’t have their lecherous eyes on. Nice change.
Ok, so what do I need to do?
First of all, pool halls have a reputation for being seedy mainly because so many of them are. Find one that you like and feel comfortable in – there are loads out there with a good atmosphere, nice clientele and enjoyable music (vital!). If you don’t feel comfortable, go somewhere else.
Now that you’ve found a place, grab a couple of friends and head out. Although a short skirt will definitely, always, every time get the attention of every guy in the place, it’s also likely to expose you ever so slightly. Unless you’re comfortable in a little skirt, ALWAYS wear a pair of good ass jeans**. If you feel the need for additional WOW factor, you can never go wrong with a strappy top.
When you get to the pool hall, have a quick glance inside to get a feel for the place – suss out where the most people are and choose a table in the thick of the action. This opens you up to chatting to more people. If you end up on the table in the far corner, the majority of pool players will only go so far as to watch you from a distance.
Great – you’re on the middle table, playing pool with your friends. What now?
Have a glance around, spot anyone you might like to talk to, but don’t stare – this isn’t a club. Have fun with your friends, look interesting, relax and enjoy the evening. Watch the games going on around you – that hot guy at the next table making a good shot, just calls out for a comment. And he’ll feel more comfortable talking to you if you break the ice. If you spot a guy a few tables away look at him, catch his eye and then look away. Voila! You’re chatting to your man.
If any of your friends are guys, make it obvious that you’re not together. Introduce them as your friend/brother/grandfather. Chat, joke or flirt with other players in the venue. But remember always to have fun, if you aren’t enjoying yourself it shows, get out of there and go somewhere that interests you more.
But what if I can’t play pool?
One of the magical things about pool is it’s one of the few sports where there is no reason women can’t be as good as men, apart from the lack of women playing the game. Keep this in mind as you learn to play.
“If a girl can play, I will notice her” says Cameron, 26. So it does help but there’s no need to be any good. A lot of guys aren’t that good themselves and they don’t expect you to be. They’re often more impressed that you’re interesting and fun enough to try something like pool than they are by your ability.
Play a little and savour every good shot you do play. Some quick tips to help you have a bit of edge:
- Touch your chin to the cue as you play your shot, this helps you line it up a little better.
- A sturdy bridge helps keep your shot steady – push your thumb in tight against your hand and use the back of your palm and your fingers to support your hand. Rest the cue between your thumb and your hand.
- When you have to break, keep your eye on the white ball as you play the shot, for some reason this makes you hit it harder. When playing a normal shot, focus on the ball you’re aiming at. Always follow through.And if you’re not so good, there’s always the chance to ask that guy you’ve been chatting to help you line it up…
Visit Jaq’s blog
*Disclaimer: All methods herein are as yet untested by the author. No liability will be held for failure of or unfortunate events resulting from the implementation of aforementioned methods. Feedback regarding the effectiveness of techniques is appreciated.
**The turn of phrase “good ass jeans” originates from the Don’t Waste The Witty (DWTW) blog (www.karmicplethora.blogspot.com).
A selection of posts
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
[...] I personally recommend the pool hall (see strategy number 2). But only because I’m slightly obsessed and that’s where I picked up my current attraction. *Disclaimer: Actually, this one has been tested. Sorry. Dating Strategies #2: Pool dating [...]