SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Despite winning numerous pool tournaments, Jim Crawley doesn't think of himself as a pool shark.

Jim Crawley gets ready to take a shot during a pool tournament at After 8 Neighbourhood Billiard Room on Sunday. - Adrian Lysenko/NNSL photo

"No I don't like being called that," said Crawley. "I never shark anyone, I'll play you for a beer maybe but not for money."

As a member of the Yk chapter of the Billiard Congress of America, Crawley has played in various places such as Las Vegas, Toronto and Edmonton.

He recalled his first time playing in a tournament in Las Vegas.

"It was intimidating and exciting; there were about 200 tables," he said.

Even though he's played Vegas numerous times since, Crawley said the biggest tournament he's played was in St. Albert, Alta. It was in 1998 during a nine-ball tournament, but he returned empty-handed.

Crawley started playing at the age of 14 in northern Manitoba.

"I loved the game right from the beginning," he said. "I learned by racking balls and having people beat me."

Crawley said there are no tricks for playing a good game. According to him, it's a bit of skill and chance.

Since Jan. 23, he has won After 8's weekend pool tournament four times.

"It's luck," he said modestly, with regards to his winning ways. "Anybody can win a game of pool."

Although he plays in the league, Crawley, like many of the other players at the After 8 tournament, play for enjoyment and to brush up their skills a bit. For those just starting to play pool, he recommends finding someone who knows the game and learn some different drills.

"Like any sport, the more you play the better you get," said Crawley.

Through his years of playing he said he has met a lot of people, and he doesn't recall the good games, only the bad.

Overall he said the game is changing for the better.

"Pool is not what it used to be," said Crawley. "Before women weren't even allowed, now it's more enjoyable."