Basic List of Spots!

M

MacGyver

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hello, after searching for a long time to just get an *idea* of what specific spots mean, I thought it would be good to gather as much knowledge in one space so later this thread will pop up in searching, or it could be linked to. So please keep the discussion to the definition of specific spots and not personal stories about spots or whether you think certain spots are better or worse, ect..

I'll start with what I think I know:

games "On the Wire" - Your opponent spots you games in a set, such as 4 games out of a race to 7, meaning you only have to with 3 games to his 7.

the break - you get to break each game

"Last pocket" - Your opponent must make the money ball(8 or 9) into the last pocket as the previously made ball(last in group in 8 or the second highest ball on table in 9).

"Bank the money ball" - The money ball must be made via a bank shot by your opponent(or possibly by both if you are better at banks than he is).

Variations - it should also be noted that all spots can either be combined, or have a rule attached such as you only get the spot when you aren't breaking, ect.

Other random rules such as using opposite hand, ect could be used.

9 ball spots:
"giving the X(often 5-8)" or "spotting the X(5-8)" - This means that when running out the table, legally sinking the X ball OR the 9 results in a win. This also means if the X ball on the table is legally knocked in prematurely, you lose the spot and must pocket the nine. Generally if the ball is illegally pocketed by your opponent it is respotted but stays down if you do so.

Additional scenario: "I'm giving the X ball to my opponent, it's my turn after the break. If I call push out and pocket the X ball, will it be respotted or will it stay down?" - It normally would be respotted.

"Spotting the X and out" - Means that legally sinking the X ball or any higher ball on the table results in a win. (ie the 7 and out would make the 7, the 8 and the nine all money balls).

"the straight X" - Spotting a ball other than the nine, but the shot can not be made in a combo/carom shot and must be hit in on its appropriate turn.

"the wild X" - Means knocking in the nine or X ball legally at any time is a win. Can also be said "Wild after the break" meaning it does not count on the break.

Variation - A mix of call X and wild X, the ball can be called until it is the lowest ball on the table, and then it become wild.

"Call X" - You must call your spotted ball in a specific pocket, and not slop in. Also, normally this can also be a combo/carom shot as long as it is called.

"the last 2"(or last X) - Meaning the last 2 balls on the table are both money balls, but that you must be down to only 2 balls for this to come into effect(no combo carom shots on the second highest ball until only 2 are left) this is different than "spotting the 8" in that you always have a spot if on the table with 2 balls left, even if they are the 4 and the 9.


Some 8 Ball spots-

Extra money ball - the last ball of yours at the table can be pocketed instead of the 8 to win.

"Spotting X number of balls"(generally small num, 1-3) - Generally means that X number of balls in your group are removed from the table. This can either be done right after the break by your opponents choosing, by your own choosing, or later in the game at any point you wish(your choice or theirs), or when you are down to a certain number of balls(your choice or theirs), as determined between you and the spotter.

Some one-pocket Spots:

The Break: In 1-pocket is = to 1-1/2 (one and a half) ball spot.

A ball on your break: When I break we play even, when you break I get a ball.

Hand span: A spot that lets you move the cueball 1 hand span in any direction.

Scratches don't count: Obvious...


Some questions:

Also with last pocket, what about carom/combo shots on the 9? must they go in the last previously pocketed ball or are they illegal?

Are there many obvious ones I'm missing? I'll be honest that I don't get a chance to gamble(i'd probably need to large a spot :) ), but wanted a reference and I know much might be missing.

Any input on specific rules and such would be appriciated.
 
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Here's a few one pocket spots:

The Nuts: Making a game you can't lose...

The Break: In 1-pocket is = to 1-1/2 (one and a half) ball spot.

A ball on your break: When I break we play even, when you break I get a ball.

Hand span: A spot that lets you move the cueball 1 hand span in any direction.

Scratches don't count: Obvious...

I'm sure there are a million more, those are the ones I've used most.....Gerry
 
Here in Italy most spots consist in games on the wire, so I'd like to ask a question about the "giving the X" spot. I'm giving the X ball to my opponent, it's my turn after the break. If I call push out and pocket the X ball, will it be respotted or will it stay down?
Thanks :)
 
tom said:
Here in Italy most spots consist in games on the wire, so I'd like to ask a question about the "giving the X" spot. I'm giving the X ball to my opponent, it's my turn after the break. If I call push out and pocket the X ball, will it be respotted or will it stay down?
Thanks :)
Click to expand...

It gets spotted.....if you can make 2 balls on the pushout, you can lock up his money ball.....no charge for that one;).....Gerry
 
in europe, there is no useful handicap system. all spots are games on the wire, which makes it hard to make a fair game. when i am in the US i see any level of player can play against another, however in europe this is impossible.
i had tried a couple of times to apply what i have learned in US, about spotting, somehow i just can't put it in use. people dont want to understand that this is how to different leveled players are made even on the table, they either think its too complicated or cant see themselves getting a spot. they think it's emberassing for them to get weight. so many times i have seen a game not made because of the limits of games on the wire. sometimes the speed of the players are so close that one game could make big difference so they just dont play.
is there any ways you can think of, how i can put this weight system into play? how i can make people listen and believe that this is not just some bulls*** i made up for my amusement, but its a fair system thats been used for so many years??
 
I really don't know berberov, perhaps you should make a thread asking such a question....

So please keep the discussion to the definition of specific spots and not personal stories about spots or whether you think certain spots are better or worse, ect..
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edited so it doesnt drone out longer in the thread: I honestly dont know much about spots nor spots in europe, and dont worry about it, Its just many topics on this forumn I see quickly become impossible to find good info, so I just wanted to keep the info and post count ratio as close to 1 as possible. in fact, if you want to delete your post, I'll delete mine as well :)(also to others that replied, feel free to delete as I'll be adding them to top post as well right now)
 
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MacGyver said:
I really don't know berberov, perhaps you should make a thread asking such a question....
Click to expand...
sorry man, i must have missed that... i didnt do it on purpose.
 
MacGyver said:
"the wild X" - Means knocking in the nine or X ball legally at any time is a win. Can also be said "Wild after the break" meaning it does not count on the break.
...

What does "Call 8" mean? That your opponent must call it? or you get to choose which pocket they make it in, do you choose this right away or when its that shot or on the spot right before that?
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It is the opposite of "the wild X" , as listed above. Instead of lucking it in, you have to call it.
MacGyver said:
I'll be honest that I don't get a chance to gamble(i'd probably need to large a spot :)
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Why do I have a hard time believing people, when they say this? ;)

Tracy
 
Sorry MacGyver, me too. BTW good thread and good idea editing and updating ur 1st post.
Let me just thank Gerry for his smart tip... ;)
 
Further question on Call spots:

If playing the call X, does that mean that you can still combo/carom it in as long as it is a called shot, or it is like straight X where you must wait until all lower balls are cleared?

Also is it call pocket or call shot, generally?

Also a question for one-pocket hand span spot... I'm assuming that it is a once per game spot, or are you talking about every single shot?


As for not gambling, I only started playing about a year and a half ago, and i'm only just now getting to the point where I can run out more than handful of times in a set, so I'm holding off until I get up to speed.
 
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MacGyver said:
Further question on Call spots:


If playing the call X, does that mean that you can still combo/carom it in as long as it is a called shot, or it is like straight X where you must wait until all lower balls are cleared?

Also is it call pocket or call shot, generally?
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I would say, unless otherwise specified, it may be made by carom or combo. Also unless specified, only the pocket needs to be called. Just a side note, if someone wants to gamble and they want every little nuance of a shot to be called, don't play them. There is a good chance, that there will be an argument and that it will escalate.

Tracy
 
MacGyver said:
Hello, after searching for a long time to just get an *idea* of what specific spots mean, I thought it would be good to gather as much knowledge in one space so later this thread will pop up in searching, or it could be linked to. So please keep the discussion to the definition of specific spots and not personal stories about spots or whether you think certain spots are better or worse, ect..

I'll start with what I think I know:

games "On the Wire" - Your opponent spots you games in a set, such as 4 games out of a race to 7, meaning you only have to with 3 games to his 7.

the break - you get to break each game

"Last pocket" - Your opponent must make the money ball(8 or 9) into the last pocket as the previously made ball(last in group in 8 or the second highest ball on table in 9).

"Bank the money ball" - The money ball must be made via a bank shot by your opponent(or possibly by both if you are better at banks than he is).

Other random rules such as using opposite hand, ect could be used.

9 ball spots:
"giving the X(often 5-8)" or "spotting the X(5-8)" - This means that when running out the table, legally sinking the X ball OR the 9 results in a win. This also means if the X ball on the table is knocked in prematurely, you lose the spot and must pocket the nine. Generally if the ball is illegally pocketed by your opponent it is respotted but stays down if you do so.

Additional scenario: "I'm giving the X ball to my opponent, it's my turn after the break. If I call push out and pocket the X ball, will it be respotted or will it stay down?" - It normally would be respotted.

"Spotting the X and out" - Means that legally sinking the X ball or any higher ball on the table results in a win. (ie the 7 and out would make the 7, the 8 and the nine all money balls).

"the straight X" - Spotting a ball other than the nine, but the shot can not be made in a combo/carom shot and must be hit in on its appropriate turn.

"the wild X" - Means knocking in the nine or X ball legally at any time is a win. Can also be said "Wild after the break" meaning it does not count on the break.

"Call X" - You must call your spotted ball in a specific pocket, and not slop in. Also, normally this can also be a combo/carom shot as long as it is called.

"the last 2"(or last X) - Meaning the last 2 balls on the table are both money balls, but that you must be down to only 2 balls for this to come into effect(no combo carom shots on the second highest ball until only 2 are left) this is different than "spotting the 8" in that you always have a spot if on the table with 2 balls left, even if they are the 4 and the 9.


Some 8 Ball spots-

Extra money ball - the last ball of yours at the table can be pocketed instead of the 8 to win.

"Spotting X number of balls"(generally small num, 1-3) - Generally means that X number of balls in your group are removed from the table. This can either be done right after the break by your opponents choosing, by your own choosing, or later in the game at any point you wish(your choice or theirs), or when you are down to a certain number of balls(your choice or theirs), as determined between you and the spotter.

Some one-pocket Spots:

The Break: In 1-pocket is = to 1-1/2 (one and a half) ball spot.

A ball on your break: When I break we play even, when you break I get a ball.

Hand span: A spot that lets you move the cueball 1 hand span in any direction.

Scratches don't count: Obvious...


Some questions:

Also with last pocket, what about carom/combo shots on the 9? must they go in the last previously pocketed ball or are they illegal?

Are there many obvious ones I'm missing? I'll be honest that I don't get a chance to gamble(i'd probably need to large a spot :) ), but wanted a reference and I know much might be missing.

Any input on specific rules and such would be appriciated.
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Good post but I don't think the breaks in 1-hole is only worth a ball to a ball and a half. I think it's worth two or three balls if I remember from what someone told me.
 
Nice post. Some other things that come to mind for nine ball:

Combination spots
More than one spot in one deal, such as the six and the last two.

Wild in Sequence Only
This means that the money ball is wild once you get up to it, but it's call until then. If you're getting the "seven wild in sequence only", any combo or carom played early in the rack to pocket the seven ball would have to be called. Once the lowest numbered ball remaining is the seven ball, it is wild.

Variable Spots
I recall playing a guy some nineball in winner's break format, and he gave me the called eight in racks I broke but the called seven in racks he broke.
 
LastTwo said:
Good post but I don't think the breaks in 1-hole is only worth a ball to a ball and a half. I think it's worth two or three balls if I remember from what someone told me.
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Maybe it depends on player ability, but Grady, and most top flite 1 pocket player will tell you over time, the brake will equal out to a ball and a half almost exactly. He states this on more than one of his videos, and his word is gold IMO on game making and spots......Gerry
 
berberov said:
in europe, there is no useful handicap system. all spots are games on the wire, which makes it hard to make a fair game. when i am in the US i see any level of player can play against another, however in europe this is impossible.
i had tried a couple of times to apply what i have learned in US, about spotting, somehow i just can't put it in use. people dont want to understand that this is how to different leveled players are made even on the table, they either think its too complicated or cant see themselves getting a spot. they think it's emberassing for them to get weight. so many times i have seen a game not made because of the limits of games on the wire. sometimes the speed of the players are so close that one game could make big difference so they just dont play.
is there any ways you can think of, how i can put this weight system into play? how i can make people listen and believe that this is not just some bulls*** i made up for my amusement, but its a fair system thats been used for so many years??
Click to expand...

double that. never played for money in pool, but when I played snooker, whoever u are playing there is no balancing AT all. all play the same rulez, wich makes it very very difficult to gamble, and probably the reason why u wont see many gamblers in europe..
 
MacGyver said:
"Spotting the X and out" - Means that legally sinking the X ball or any higher ball on the table results in a win. (ie the 7 and out would make the 7, the 8 and the nine all money balls).

"the straight X" - Spotting a ball other than the nine, but the shot can not be made in a combo/carom shot and must be hit in on its appropriate turn.
Click to expand...

I think on the straight x, that if I were giving someone the 6 and it went in early by me, they lose all advantage and have to pocket the remaining balls. If I can't get out, therefore I try to make or hide his 6 if I can, so once it's down, the game is even again. In other words, they do not also get the 7 and 8.
 
Linda: How is that different than what i've posted(I dont include anything about higher balls except when including the phrase "and out")?

thanks to others!
 
i know i'm a little late, but:

i've spotted people crazy sh*t like "you can pick any house cue and i'll play with it" in combination with other spots. also, playing one-handed can usually find you a game :D
 
If I'm gambling nineball against a better player, I'll ask for a foul spot meaning they are always on one.
 
There are so many handicaps that you missed:
Bank all balls.

Can only run X number of balls and have to play safe thereafter.

Odds on the money.

Play one handed. One handed jacked up.

Play opposite handed.

Play with the bridge on all shots.

Can only shoot into X pocket(s).

Play behind the back.

Mum Pool (first one to talk loses).

Letting someone else break the balls/ shoot banks/ etc.

Cannot jump shots.

Opponent gets ball in hand on every shot.

Some of the crazier handcaps I've seen include:
Play with your fingers.
Shoot without a leather tip.
Dip your tip in a glass of water on every shot.
Shoot looking the other way.
Stand on one foot.
Shoot with the opponents glasses on.
must do 5 pushups after each shot.


the list goes on and on...
 
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