Automatic Shot Clock

Our most recent Open 9 Ball tournament used a 32 minute per player match clock with each match scheduled one hour and 5 minutes apart in a race to eight (8).

We are continually working to improve the match/player timing that utilizes a simple chess clock. If a player times out while behind in games, they lose the match. We have had a few matches that are tied where both players have used their allotted time. In that case, the players lag for the break and play a single game to determine the match winner.

The least desirable element of using per-player match times is the situation that develops and the ensuing process of completing a match when one player runs out of time with a lead in the match. The player trailing in the match is allowed to pocket balls continuously until they win the match or run out of time. They must rack and break with the clock running, as is done throughout the tournament. Ties are handled as previously described. Cue ball in hand fouls only apply in the case of a scratch. Any other foul results in leaving the balls as they lie and continuing to shoot. Unsportsmanlike conduct results in loss of match. For example, intentionally moving balls with the cue stick or the person, etc.

Do you have a problem with players who are ahead a couple of games trying to run out the opponent’s clock? For example, if I’m up 6-3 and you have only 7 minutes left, can’t I just tie up the balls to prevent you from running out? Especially if you don’t have BIH for regular fouls - I can play deliberate fouls by hitting say the 5 ball into the 7 so they don’t “go” and when I foul my opponent just has to shoot from there?

(I’m assuming at least that if I foul then my opponent has option to make me shoot from there, so if I foul and leave no shot on the lowest ball my opponent can make me shoot? I’m also assuming you have a 3 foul rule).

Justin Bergman vs Tom Cousins

To me that’s 1p. When the players are in the balls and running, it’s a beautiful game. The half an hour of bunting balls waiting for an opening is just bunting balls. Again, if you know the game all that chess is fascinating I’m sure. But if you don’t, it’s not interesting to watch, IMO.
This is the deal with general one pocket:
Don't lose.
They do this whole ritual around how "smart" they play. All they do is rope a dope and hope they score points with the judges.
It's not a chess game either. A player can take any piece and put it where he wants. It's more like guerilla tic tac toe.
And on that note, what do they do with their 100% wild moves?
Nothing. Duck as craftily as possible maybe.

Problem with that (and snooker) is they leave out most of the pool.

They do bet high though. More legit - like it's some kind of international spy game. Wooppee.

I actually like one pocket but I'll always skip around for the good shots and runs.

:ROFLMAO::LOL::p:eek::ROFLMAO:

Dynasphere Challenger set.

It's not a red flag at all.... Just different. It's something to do with the surface finish... It's MUCH glossier than any other ball that I've seen. Because of the surface finish, the balls stay cleaner, for a MUCH longer duration than any other ball that I've used.

The difference in play is only slight. The balls tend to spin more and slide more. Much like a freshly polished set. Though, they play that way for a very long duration.

From my own personal testing:
We started playing with a set of Challengers on our shop table, back in May. We have yet to clean them, and they still look like they did on Day 1.

To compare differences, I decided to switch over to a freshly polished set of Centennials. I have put in about 3 hours of play, (on a Diamond), and have noticed that the balls have the typical black pocket markings (Diamond specific), and fingerprints (from racking). The Challengers showed none of that, in dozens of hours of play.

I have just ordered a set of Aramith Tournament Series balls, to practice for an upcoming tournament. I'll note my observations with those balls. From my past experience with them, they do not stay clean for very long, especially in comparison to the Dynasphere Challengers.

Think what you want, in regards to perceived value, based on the low price... These balls are not just an excellent value, but an excellent set of balls.
Nothing from nothing, but as YOU are the one selling them, I imagine you don’t want that point to considered a red flag. I’m sure to the average banger they won’t notice the difference in play anyway.

What you describe is similar to how those crappy Cyclops balls from China play. Bottom line, Aramith is the standard of the industry and if your balls “play differently” from that standard, I find that a red flag, irrelevant of “excellent value”. As I said in my initial post, cheaper will always be popular with some. To me, it makes an old adage spring to mind, you get what you pay for.

Justin Bergman vs Tom Cousins

I think of one pocket more like soccer. Except for the very few goals and a few good scoring chances, the rest (at least 90 percent of the match) is just a bunch of guys running around the pitch.

I understand for people who know the game, there is all kinds of interesting stuff happening in that 90%. But without the knowledge I don’t get it.

To me that’s 1p. When the players are in the balls and running, it’s a beautiful game. The half an hour of bunting balls waiting for an opening is just bunting balls. Again, if you know the game all that chess is fascinating I’m sure. But if you don’t, it’s not interesting to watch, IMO.
The Soccer metaphor is quite clever actually. This is coming from a 1pkt player btw

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