Templates vs usual wooden racks and break balls

I am imagining the probable English (watching too many snooker matches) solution to this would be to mark the last object ball, re-rack, and then replace the OB. Is there a reason that this wouldn't be a better solution (other than tradition, of course)? It would remove the variable of different auxiliary equipment from the equation.

Thank you kindly.
I believe that is already the routine in a refereed tournament, regardless. Even if the ball is outside the line, it has to be marked & replaced if it would interfere with racking.
If a very close ball doesn’t interfere when using a template, but would be inside if a line had been drawn, then it likely couldn’t be pocketed anyway. At least the run could continue with the break ball on the headspot.

Templates vs usual wooden racks and break balls

I am imagining the probable English (watching too many snooker matches) solution to this would be to mark the last object ball, re-rack, and then replace the OB. Is there a reason that this wouldn't be a better solution (other than tradition, of course)? It would remove the variable of different auxiliary equipment from the equation.

Thank you kindly.
There are some break balls that would be nearly unplayable if the rule was changed to "interfering with a ball in the rack." For example, a ball nearly touching the back of the rack.

Filter

Back
Top