Chris in NC
09-30-2003, 12:02 AM
Grady Matthews was in our area in northwestern NC / eastern TN this past weekend. He'd heard about our pool room, called before he came to make sure I'd be around, and stopped by on Saturday.
He didn't have but a few hours to spare, so we agreed to play a few sets. In the comfort zone of my own tables and a wager which wouldn't put me under much pressure, I managed to play competitively with Grady. Grady was clearly frustrated with the small-time action, and he let me know that in no uncertain terms. As I was not willing to raise the stakes to his liking, we called it quits after a few sets.
To Grady, playing pool and matching up is all about making a decent living. I respect his position, but that's not my problem or responsibility. By contrast, for myself (which I tried to explain to Grady) running my poolroom and grill for our customers is my living, and my first and foremost priority. I play for the love and enjoyment of the game. I rarely ever leave our room to play in another room or tourney, so any opportunity to play against a quality opponent is limited to road players who somehow manage to stumble in here. Although I'm usually willing to test my skills against virtually any player that comes through our doors, they find out quickly that it will be under my terms - only for an amount to make it interesting for myself, regardless of whether that amount may be enough to satisfy my opponent's needs or expectations. They may take it or leave it, but I will not be forced into playing a game out of my comfort zone.
Grady has great knowledge and can still hit them awfully good - considering he has no distinguishable backstroke. He just starts with his tip about an inch behind the cue-ball and fires forward. It's easy to see why he can play 14.1 and one-pocket quite well, but at least by pro standards has more trouble in 9-ball. Although I would have learned loads more if I'd chosen to play him 14.1 or one-pocket, I figured 9-ball was the only game I'd have any chance of hanging with him.
Unfortunately, Grady wasn't here long enough to have any extra time to work with my son, but hopefully he will be back again. I hope Grady doesn't take this comment the wrong way, but there's no question that in person Grady looks much younger than he appears in front of the camera and in most photos! A colorful character, a very nice gentleman and a serious competitor - who clearly loves and lives the game. - Chris in NC
He didn't have but a few hours to spare, so we agreed to play a few sets. In the comfort zone of my own tables and a wager which wouldn't put me under much pressure, I managed to play competitively with Grady. Grady was clearly frustrated with the small-time action, and he let me know that in no uncertain terms. As I was not willing to raise the stakes to his liking, we called it quits after a few sets.
To Grady, playing pool and matching up is all about making a decent living. I respect his position, but that's not my problem or responsibility. By contrast, for myself (which I tried to explain to Grady) running my poolroom and grill for our customers is my living, and my first and foremost priority. I play for the love and enjoyment of the game. I rarely ever leave our room to play in another room or tourney, so any opportunity to play against a quality opponent is limited to road players who somehow manage to stumble in here. Although I'm usually willing to test my skills against virtually any player that comes through our doors, they find out quickly that it will be under my terms - only for an amount to make it interesting for myself, regardless of whether that amount may be enough to satisfy my opponent's needs or expectations. They may take it or leave it, but I will not be forced into playing a game out of my comfort zone.
Grady has great knowledge and can still hit them awfully good - considering he has no distinguishable backstroke. He just starts with his tip about an inch behind the cue-ball and fires forward. It's easy to see why he can play 14.1 and one-pocket quite well, but at least by pro standards has more trouble in 9-ball. Although I would have learned loads more if I'd chosen to play him 14.1 or one-pocket, I figured 9-ball was the only game I'd have any chance of hanging with him.
Unfortunately, Grady wasn't here long enough to have any extra time to work with my son, but hopefully he will be back again. I hope Grady doesn't take this comment the wrong way, but there's no question that in person Grady looks much younger than he appears in front of the camera and in most photos! A colorful character, a very nice gentleman and a serious competitor - who clearly loves and lives the game. - Chris in NC