[pwd72s]

Super...not necessarily, the pool/bar thing. That's not so common these days...because if you're old enough to be in a bar, you're too old to become a top player. Maybe even in the old days as well. Willie Mosconi's dad owned a pool hall...when he first started playing, he had to stand on a crate to make a shot.

My honorary nephew, who shoots at near journeyman pro level, doesn't drink. But then, he will enter a bar tournament now and then. So, I guess he spends some time in bars. His problem is that many times if he shows up today, he finds he can't play...his ranking (Fargo rating just below 700) is too high for tournaments listed for below 500 or below 400 players only.