10 ball was often the preferred game for ring games among top players in about the 1970s. Where's Helfert when you need him? Usually those games were played with "try to hit" and "maybe shoot again on a foul" rules. The current version of 10 ball with call shot and such was invented recently, I think.
Right here Bob, covering your back as usual. :wink:
You are right about most everything as well. They were playing Ten Ball in the ring games in Johnston City way back in the early 60's. Playing five and six handed it might take to long to get a turn if they played 9-Ball. Ten Ball was a more challenging game and thus perfect for a ring game with the likes of Cornbread Red, Eddie Taylor, Jimmy Moore, Boston Shorty, Ronnie Allen and Jersey Red.
Playing "try to hit the ball", you got to see some amazing run-outs by these great players. Remember, if they missed they might not shoot again for several games. So they had to go for it on all shots. There was no safety play allowed! I saw some incredible shots (and run-outs) by these great players. If a player failed to hit the object ball, the incoming player could make him shoot again. On a scratch, all balls spotted up and the incoming player had BIH behind the line. He also could make the guy who scratched shoot again if he didn't like the shot.
Other players who frequented these games, included Johnny Ervolino, Detroit Whitey (with a new backer every night), New York Blackie and Danny Jones (also with fresh backers). Usually it was $20 a man (nice stakes 45 years ago - you picked up $100 by winning one game). A big winner for the night might make well over a thousand, a healthy score in those days. I did see some games later on in the 60's where they played $50 a man. That continued into the 70's with ring games at most tournaments. The new breed of Ten Ball money players included Jim Mataya, Denny Searcy, Jimmy Reid, Richie Florence, Jimmy Marino, Grady Mathews, Jim Rempe and Buddy Hall.
