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WNT, WPA and 2026

U
sjm said:
The game has too much tactical play today. Nobody is suggesting that we go back to the looser pockets that were in vogue until about a decade ago, but 9ball on 4 1//4" pockets is, in my opinion, a better game to watch than what we are getting in WNT play. Rest assured, the game's not too easy for the pros on 4 1/4" pockets. With the tough breaking rules and 4" pockets now in use in WNT majors, we rarely see more than a three pack. In fact, many players go an entire WNT season without producing even one three pack. The WNT break rule, with the narrow break box and the nine on the spot are what have made the game so difficult.

Pool fans are like snooker fans. They appreciate good tactical play, but thirst for breathtaking offense. Slow play, already a big issue in WNT events, has been an even bigger problem since the break rules and pocket sizes were made more stringent.

Not saying you shouldn't enjoy the current product. It's what you like and that's great. My opinion is that WNT has misjudged the taste of far too many pool fans in making the game more tactical and, ultimately, more difficult.
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The Matchroom break doesn't make the game too difficult. Pros get the 1 a very high percentage of the time, and even as a pretty mediocre amateur I get it about 50% of the time (took the game up 2 years ago and play 1-2.5 hours a week, though did have lots of previous English pool experience).

My club has 4.1" pockets and it just feels the right difficulty level to be fun as an amateur. The idea of pros on 4.25" pockets sounds ridiculous to me. Just had a lesson with a pro (on his table) and he said his pockets are 3.7". The funny thing is by the end of the lesson I was potting more on them than I normally do into 4.1" pockets. Maybe because I played snooker/English pool first, but to me the idea of pros on 4.25" pockets just seems wrong. I want to watch the elite be challenged.
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WNT, WPA and 2026

J
sjm said:
This scheduling clash was entirely on Matchroom. Las Vegas Open dates are always announced at least a year in advance. The PLP without Filler, Gorst, SVB and Shaw was a consequence of poor schedule planning by Matchroom.
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You are right, but a careful reading of my post shows I did not blame anyone for the clash of dates between the Las Vegas and PLP events.

I merely noted that when dates clash, the two companies are, in fact, in competition for eyeballs and sponsors. The idea floated by Karim that Predator is not in competition with the WNT is ... incorrect, to be as neutral as can be. Of course they are!
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WNT, WPA and 2026

V
sjm said:
Not saying you shouldn't enjoy the current product. It's what you like and that's great. My opinion is that WNT has misjudged the taste of far too many pool fans in making the game more tactical and, ultimately, more difficult.
Click to expand...
Some watch the game for pure entertainment while others prefer to see tactical display of professional talents. I prefer a more difficult game where someone can run a 3 pack over one where they run a 6 pack on buckets. The same reason why I prefer 10 ball over 9 ball. However, I am not getting into the arguments (anymore) as to which is better.

Everyone has their own preference, which is fine with me. Some people like to watch games where the commentators speak more to the people in the chat rather than discussing the game ... for me that's time to reach for the mute button.

Speaking of preferences, I do not like practicing 8 ball by myself, watching it on TV/Streams, but I love playing it against an opponent. I am actually glad to see Predator bringing back 8 ball tournaments for the players, but I don't spend much time watching them.
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Ott cue

Jbyrd
I’m looking for a Ott Custom cue. Must have points and veneers and be wrapless. Prefer 58” but would consider 60”. Budget is $2500+or- a few. Let me know if you have anything. Thanks for the offers. I’m no longer looking.
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PK CUSTOM CUE

C
$2050 OBO Shipped
Pk Custom Cue by Cody Cash

4pt cue Padauk into Bem
Butt 15.1 oz
2 Shafts 4.0 oz 13 mm
Pin 3/8x10
Leather Wrap
Spear inlays
Dash ringwork

Test hit condition
Trades considered in my favor
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WNT, WPA and 2026

sjm
jbart65 said:
I was going to write about this, but my posts were long enough. Besides, this is the only Predator event held in tandem with a huge amateur event, and it mostly encompasses the U.S., not the entire pool world. Still, a great thing for Predator.

I know I am a relative newbie to the game, but I am less of a fan of the fast and loose heritage of 9 ball.

I've watched tons of old matches. They are entertaining. Yet I think the older version of the game is too easy for today's pros. They are more precise shooters, imo, and have adapted surprisingly quickly to 4-inch pockets. So I prefer the WNT approach by and large. I think there is more strategy involved and more chances for players to turn the tide.

I know this subject has been debated endlessly and I am not trying to open a can of worms. It's really a matter of opinion or preference, but I personally find 9-ball matches between top WNT pros quite riveting. The margin for error is exceedingly thin.
Click to expand...
The game has too much tactical play today. Nobody is suggesting that we go back to the looser pockets that were in vogue until about a decade ago, but 9ball on 4 1//4" pockets is, in my opinion, a better game to watch than what we are getting in WNT play. Rest assured, the game's not too easy for the pros on 4 1/4" pockets. With the tough breaking rules and 4" pockets now in use in WNT majors, we rarely see more than a three pack. In fact, many players go an entire WNT season without producing even one three pack. The WNT break rule, with the narrow break box and the nine on the spot are what have made the game so difficult.

Pool fans are like snooker fans. They appreciate good tactical play, but thirst for breathtaking offense. Slow play, already a big issue in WNT events, has been an even bigger problem since the break rules and pocket sizes were made more stringent.

Not saying you shouldn't enjoy the current product. It's what you like and that's great. My opinion is that WNT has misjudged the taste of far too many pool fans in making the game more tactical and, ultimately, more difficult.
Click to expand...
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