Chris said:

9-ball and 10-ball are better for spectators because the next object ball is dictated by the rules. Spectators don't need to know much about playing to follow the game and see the next shot before it's made.

8-ball adds variables for additional strategy. It's often more challenging to play safe, since the opponent has up to seven different object balls to shoot at. Using all fifteen balls means the table is more crowded. Consequently, the player with the fewest balls on the table is basically losing until they have a legal, makable shot on the 8. Dropping six balls and missing the last remaining ball of the set (i.e., solids or stripes) is a great way to lose the rack. Not every player has the discipline to refrain from dropping any balls until they see the potential to run out in a single inning.

The very aspects of 8-ball that make it more challenging to play make it less fun to watch. Only good players can see the potential runout sequence, and even they often see a different sequence than the pro at the table attempts.

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Sheldon said:

Most rule sets treat “intentional foul” and “unsportsmanlike conduct” separately:

• A “routine” intentional foul (like taking a deliberate foul to break up a cluster in some games) is usually penalized the same as any other foul: ball‑in‑hand and spotting the 9.reddit
• “Unsportsmanlike conduct” covers actions that bring the sport into disrepute or clearly abuse the rules of fair play (for example, moving balls by hand, sharking, or repeatedly abusing intentional fouls).

Under WPA rules, unsportsmanlike conduct can be penalized as a serious foul, up to loss of rack or stronger discipline, but it is at the referee’s discretion.wpapool

In most modern 9‑ball interpretations, the specific tactic you describe—knowingly fouling to knock in a hanging 9 so it gets spotted—is treated as a perfectly legal tactical foul:

• Common league and tournament guidance explicitly notes that pocketing the 9 on a foul results in the 9 being spotted and ball‑in‑hand, and players sometimes choose this intentionally to avoid leaving an easy win.
• As long as you’re not doing anything outside the normal stroke (like pushing balls around with your hand), it’s usually not considered unsportsmanlike and not loss of game.

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