More Poolosophy (Continued)

By Nick Prinsloo

Confines. That cosmic nine-footer needed rails. The game needed rules. The gods only realized that after the first couple of racks, which, naturally, went on for eons before the Prime Referee stopped the match and called it a stalemate.

It was more fun after they added rails to the table, but even more so when rubber cushions were first introduced - obviously only after a great deal of deliberation and a few heated debates between the opposing schools of thought. But in the end everybody was happy, and there was endless excitement after the first ball got banked.

In time (a whole lot of it), more boundaries and rules were added, and when everybody got bored with straight pool, eight ball was invented.

Just like with that cosmic game of pool, the gods realized that the rest of life needed boundaries and rules, too. I sometimes wish that some individuals who walk this earth would realize that too. But that is just my personal opinion. In everyday, day-to-day life we live by certain rules. Some of them our own, some of them imposed on us by others - usually society in general.

So, for us, the challenge lies in overcoming the obstacles - obstacles often inadvertently created by ourselves - but still moving within certain confines - confines often inadvertently created by ourselves. How can I pay my rent - if I don't get out of bed early enough to get to work because I played pool until 2 am this morning - without stealing, or selling drugs? How can I beat Johnny Archer the next time I play him without cheating or sharking him?

You see what I mean? Life is a game, just like pool. It has ups and downs, rolls and jelly rolls, victories and defeats, winners and losers. It has laws to play by, and it has obstacles and little struggles to overcome. Without those little struggles, life becomes boring. Without the eternal struggle between opposing entities, life ceases to exist. And so do we.

Of course the idea is not to make those obstacles bigger than they really are. And also to make those obstacles worth overcoming. Don't start a drug habit if you need a little challenge in life. Don't play Efren Reyes for money if you don't yet know how to put draw on the cue ball. Don't develop a tick just when you hit dead stroke and every shot becomes boring. Choose constructive challenges. Play with purpose. Always have an end goal in mind, and never lose sight of it.

As with pool, learn by observing others, preferably more accomplished individuals. Learn from your own mistakes, but also those of others. Establish your own consistent technique. Preferably one that works. Stick to that technique, but don't be afraid to experiment with new ideas. Stick to the rules - your own, but also those laid down by our so-called superiors, or peers. But don't be afraid to review them from time to time. Add rails to your table, or add a few more balls or pockets. Try a new cue, or invent a new game. One with enough confines and obstacles to keep you interested, but not so many as to discourage you altogether.

Got game? Got life?