3rd event with "No Conflict Rules"

Paul Schofield

Paul Schofield

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
On Saturday, I ran my third Nine-Ball event with the "No Conflict Rules"

http://www.goldcrownbilliardseriepa.com/noconflict.html

It could not have gone better. No one was "pattern racked". No one was requested or forced to re-rack the balls. Every player was guaranteed to play at regular and predictable intervals. There was not even one argument over racking and breaking the balls. The event moved quickly and smoothly. There were no complaints about the "No Conflict Rules". As a matter of fact, there were actually a handfull of compliments.

The net result is that the weaker player gets to play more, the matches are closer, and the better player wins more often. These net results make the rules acceptable to all. The rules make perfect sense.
 
Interesting way to play...

I've not seen these rules before, but they seem to make a lot of sense. Anyone else have any experience with them?
 
I played in it

First let me say that this is a VERY well run poolroom. I'd love it if it were my regular room, but it's too far away.

The no conflict rules are named well. There were no conflicts - period. The only people I imagine that would not like playing under these rules are the ones that have a powerful break, because they will lose that advantage and those that pattern rack or otherwise manipulate the racks in their favor.

The net effect of these rules is to completely take the break out of the game. There is no way to gain an advantage - legally or otherwise.
 
the only thing i don't like is, i still feel you should have to make a ball on the break to stay at the table. but, you can't argue with success. so congrats! i'm glad the events are working out and appearantly getting good reviews. anything that brings more people to playing is a good thing. good wishes toward continued growth in the events. btw. the room looks amazing congrats on that as well.
 
just a side note went back to the site and tried to read a little. why is the info written in another language, help the rest of us out:grin:
 
Saturated Fats said:
First let me say that this is a VERY well run poolroom. I'd love it if it were my regular room, but it's too far away.

The no conflict rules are named well. There were no conflicts - period. The only people I imagine that would not like playing under these rules are the ones that have a powerful break, because they will lose that advantage and those that pattern rack or otherwise manipulate the racks in their favor.

The net effect of these rules is to completely take the break out of the game. There is no way to gain an advantage - legally or otherwise.
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Thank you for the compliments. From a tournament directors standpoint, I can't tell you how rewarding it is to run these events. The players are more aimiable and more sociable. Some players drove a long way and they were guaranteed to get to shoot (not just break). Every player of every caliber deserves that.

I need to add that the break actually becomes more critical under the "No Conflict Rules". A break where a player is required to hit the balls fairly hard, get a good spread, control the cue ball, and control the 1-ball, is very difficult to do. This is much more skilled than a smash break with the slopped ball. We have players that have spent months developing a successful control break.

I think if every player thought it all the way through, they would conclude as I have, the smash break and the slopped ball should have no place in our favorite games.
 
Couple questions.

It says "Breaker shoots after a legal break". Does that mean they shoot no matter if they made a ball or not?

Also, what happens if 2 balls do not pass the Center String? Opponent re-breaks? Ball in Hand? Control passes where the balls came to rest?

Thanks!
 
stuckart said:
Couple questions.

It says "Breaker shoots after a legal break". Does that mean they shoot no matter if they made a ball or not?

Also, what happens if 2 balls do not pass the Center String? Opponent re-breaks? Ball in Hand? Control passes where the balls came to rest?

Thanks!
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Making a ball on the break is not a requirement in order to keep the table.

If two balls do not break the center string vertical plane, the incoming player gets ball in hand. Base of the ball, ball in the side pocket, or a ball hitting the side pocket point and going back toward the rack...these all are good.
 
jrt30004 said:
the only thing i don't like is, i still feel you should have to make a ball on the break to stay at the table. but, you can't argue with success.
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Remember that it is the ball on the break that is the root of all the trouble: Racking, re-racking over and over, checking the rack, approving the rack, rejecting the rack, mush racks, racking gadgets, breaking gadgets, multiple racking strategies, slowed matches, and it goes on and on. This is just the beginning. The other argument is "Why are we starting all our games with a slopped ball?" We can do better than this. Get rid of the ball on the break requirement and all this crap just goes away. It's just that simple.
 
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The 4th event using the "No Conflict Rules" will be in early November.

Read them, develop a control break, and try them out. I am confident you will like them.
http://www.goldcrownbilliardseriepa.com/noconflict.html

I am anticipating a good turnout. Our expansion will be complete by that time. We will be out of the construction dust. An additional 4000 sf will be added to our existing 10,000 sf facility. Added will be 14'X10' projection screen, 15 flat screen tvs, a party room, a sun room with 8 door openings to an outdoor balcony, a couple more bar tables, shuffle board, an atrium with a central stair case from the existing pool room and bar, and the potential for periodic live entertainment. It will be good.
 
Slopped Ball????

I think Donnie Mills would have something to say about that "slopped ball" on the break comment.....81 of 82 5 balls made in the same corner pocket....LOL
 
equipment dependent

Bank2Win said:
I think Donnie Mills would have something to say about that "slopped ball" on the break comment.....81 of 82 5 balls made in the same corner pocket....LOL
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This is exactly my point. Donnie's success is first off "equipment dependent". What this means is that conditions must be right and the balls must be racked a certain way for a ball to be planned on the break. Therefore he must use a breaking gadget and take special care in racking (extra time) and controling such things as dirt, humidity, and cloth condition. This all means conflict, slow matches, and rack manipulation.

I will say it again: The focus of the break should be to get a good spread on the balls, control the cue ball, and get a good first shot. This is hard enough and good enough. The "No Conflict Rules" places focus on where it should be.

http://www.goldcrownbilliardseriepa.com/noconflict.html

The ball on the break is nonsense and should play NO roll in any of our favorite games...particularly in Eight-Ball.
 
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