The Kraken

Two different things you’re talking about there. I have no problem tipping waiting staff, usually around 10% for me. I’m just wondering why tipping culture means that waiting staff should be tipped, but not bar staff, for doing a very similar job in the same establishment. An example. I’m in Spain at the moment and played golf yesterday, afterwards we had a pint in the sun outside the clubhouse. I ordered at the bar and the chap said ‘go and sit down, I’ll bring them over’. He came over with the drinks and a card machine, it was 17 euros (bargain for 4 drinks btw) and I paid and told him to make it twenty. Obviously no problem with doing that. Yet if I had paid at the bar, I reckon I may not have tipped. But, really, I should do if I want to be consistent. It doesn’t make much sense really. We tip because culture tells us we should, and not because logic dictates it.

Why is it different? What is the difference between a barman keeping his bar clean, taking my order, pouring drinks, maybe making a cocktail, and serving me the end products; and a waitress who keeps my table clean, takes my order and serves me the end products?

What’s the customary tip for buying a meal from McDonalds drive thru ? Or Costa coffee for a takeaway coffee? Or my local sandwich shop? Or my local pub when buying a pint? I don’t want to be seen as a tight sod.

I have absolutely no evidence to relate to, so it’s only a personal opinion. I just think darts isn’t quite as point and shoot as one might think. Mostly it is a reasonably equal game, but the 7ft 9” oche distance brings a tiny element of strength into the equation. It may be only a small difference, but I just think that at the very top level it makes a difference.

I think it breaks down into two broad sides. Societal issues are probably by far the biggest ones that affect the situation. Snooker halls, pubs with darts club etc are massively male dominated, and that’s the route to the professional game. So the amount of men to pick from is going to be massively higher. Genetics, much less of a factor (to my non scientific brain) but a small factor nonetheless.

Google AI tells us that no woman has ever recorded a 147 in competition, and the following issues. I am surprised, I thought snooker would be as even as you could get. While snooker is not a physically demanding sport like rugby, male players hold advantages in height, reach, and cue power, allowing for better table access and cue ball control. Statistically, men dominate the sport due to a larger talent pool, better spatial awareness, and higher risks taken in play, whereas women often face lower participation rates and less competitive experience. Key Advantages for Males: Height & Reach: Being generally taller allows men to reach shots more easily, reducing the need for the rest (a technical aid) which is less accurate than a natural bridge. Cue Power: Males typically possess more power, which is beneficial for break-building and controlling the cue ball on a large 12-foot table. Physical Strength & Stability: Larger hands and stronger fingers allow for a more stable bridge, especially in awkward positions. Spatial Skills & Risk-Taking: Studies suggest males often have better spatial perception, which helps in calculating complex angles, and they are generally more likely to take aggressive, high-risk shots. Participation & Structure: The sport has historically been dominated by men, offering higher levels of competition, more experience, and greater opportunities for development. Female Perspective: Skill, Not Power: Top female players have demonstrated that skill can compensate for power, though they may face challenges in endurance over long, high-stakes matches. Sociological Barriers: Often, the lack of women in top-tier snooker is cited as a problem of participation, lack of opportunities, and cultural perceptions rather than purely physiological differences.

No I agree with Weston. It may be a small difference but I think darts is one that’s not quite equal. Snooker I get as an equality, but the 7ft 9in on darts does IMO make a bit of a difference.

Azaz absolutely superb tonight. At various times he reminded me of Lallana in his pomp; a different player as Lallana was more tricky but Finn’s quality with his feet in undeniable and he reminded me of Lallana’s style tonight. Just comfortable to get the ball at his feet and take a few touches while looking for a killer pass.

Finn Azaz has got wood tonight,

Peretz seemed to absolutely flap at that. Come on Saints, hold on to this.

The official Sky comms was disgraceful! I hung on in there for the first half then chucked the IPTV onto the Saints channel for some Adman and Jo.

Absolutely rapid from Larin.

Fuck off. What the fuck was that? Fuck me.

Yeah stinker

Cheech Larin doing some good things and some frankly shite things tonight.