This Is What I Bring To The Table
by Mike McDonald

I have been thinking again, about pool and me. I was wondering what I do for the game

I know what the game has done for me and what it has not done for me over the years. It has not made me rich financially, but I do know a lot of people, quite a few of them I can consider friends. It has given me hours upon hours of enjoyment, no one playing any other sport can surpass the shear pleasure I achieve when I have a pool cue in my hand. The satisfaction I get from showing a young person the intricacies of this game is beyond words. Watching the way a player improves, learns to love the game in their own way, and knowing I had something to do with the pleasure they feel gives me the feeling of belonging to something.

But all of this is being selfish, what do I bring to the game?

A. Above all I bring sportsmanship: 
    1. If you beat me in a game or in a match, I will shake you hand strongly and with sincerity congratulating you on your   victory. You deserve it.
    2. If I beat you I hope you will treat me the same.

B. Competition:
    1. I will always give you my best game, win or lose you will   know I beat you or you beat me and I never gave you anything.
    2. I expect the same from my opponent.

C. Friendliness:
    1. In league play especially, I will shake your hand when I see you, or if you are particularly pleasing to my eye I might give   you a hug. I am always ready for a game with anyone that wants to play, just come up and ask. If you want some instruction   or maybe a fresh way of looking at YOUR game come see me we will work together.

I am sure there are a lot more that this wonderful game has done for me, and a lot more that I bring to the game. I promise to continue to improve my game and help you with yours should you feel you need help.