Dear Jeanette

THE BLACK WIDOW ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT POOL LIFE, LOVE AND ETIQUETTE.

(Q) Apparently, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. As I’ve improved at the table, I’ve become more confident in my abilities, but that seems to have offended some players in my poolroom and in my league. You need to have and show confidence, don’t you? How do you successfully straddle that line?

(A) Part of your answer is in the recognition of how your attitude has turned some people off. To stay on the good side of that fine line, I would suggest you pay attention to players you admire who show confidence but don’t offend others. What are the traits that they exhibit that maybe you aren’t exhibiting right now. Do you talk to other players about how strong your game has gotten? I find that the more people talk about themselves, the more insecurity they display. Believe me, great players like Efren Reyes and Allison Fisher are confident in their abilities, but they never flaunt that in others’ faces. The best way to show confidence — and intimdate your opponents — is simply to be decisive and focused in your play at the table. Leave it to others to talk. Respect your peers and they will return the respect.

WRITE JEANETTE AT BILLIARDSDIGEST.COM