Really? It’s like this, a lot of players cried like girls when the wing ball went all the time when the 1 was racked on the spot, and as it still should be. So then some genius changed the rules of the game to rack the 9 on the spot to stop the automatic wing ball. Then good players did what they do, they experimented and discovered with the cut break they could make the 1 in the side and often the wing ball as well. They’ve made up new rules for break boxes, racking the balls in a way never intended, putting the 2 in the back all the time, then making it be randomly placed when guys figured that out. Good players experiment and find a way, and the only thing that has been consistent the last 25 years or so is the constant whining about it. It’s 9 ball, it’s meant to fast and action packed, that’s its appeal. If you don’t like it, don’t watch or play it, watch or play something else. Many say 10 ball is the way but that’s no different with the 2 balls behind the 1 going to the sides and the corner balls going 4 rails. Many say alternating breaks, that’s changing the rules and game into something it’s not. This isn’t golf or tennis where everyone always gets a turn. Most people that really appreciate the sport like to watch packages strung together. If you’re a fan of “safety battles” then play or watch 1 pocket or 14:1. I once heard someone describe 9 ball as a game for gunslingers, that’s very true. It’s a test of a players ability to control the table when it’s their inning. It’s also a test for players to maintain their composure in the chair and whether they can rise to the occasion when an opportunity presents itself. They need to put the 1 back on the spot, no break box and let the game be what it is. If they don’t like the game as it is, then play 15 ball 61 rotation or go back to 14:1. This constant changing of the rules to appease the “everybody gets a chance to play, everyone gets a participation trophy” generation borders on ridiculous. Leave the game alone, if you don’t like it as it is, take up a different game. I’d rather watch lopsided shellackings than “safety battles”, those are as boring as watching paint dry.
