Why is everyone so obsessed...

[Mikjary]

They do all this crap because people hate to lose, but don't want to put the time in to practice. Instead, they find ways to modify and handicap the best players so that it makes it "fair" for everyone else....

Pool is the only sport/game where this really is in effect. In basketball, for example, if a guy shoots better than you, you go practice your jump shots. If a guy out jumps you, you go jump rope every day, etc....

In pool:
A guy breaks better than you - break restrictions (in the box)
A guy runs out more than you - alternate break
A guy makes the 9/10 ball on break - it doesn't count now
A guy jumps better than you - jump/gimmick cues or no jumping rules
A guy plays better safes - no 3 foul rule

Here's some good advice: stop whining and go practice. There are tons of books, dvds and other resources out there, as well as instructors willing to help you improve.
It takes time, but meanwhile, don't basterdize the game of pool because you can't make a ball.

This would be the fix that we're looking for in pool. Quit handicapping every tournament and let the winner be the one with the most fire power. I don't play in handicapped tourneys. I don't like to give or get weight either.

If your opponents are running out, you need to run out more than they do. If you're out gunned in anything you do, don't penalize the better competitors by compensating for your abilities with rule changes. Find a different ballpark or run with the pack. Who knows? You might be on top some day, after you get your education.

Best,
Mike

 

[Mike Templeton]

One of the aspects that makes pool such a great game is that it is not like basketball or bowling. In pool, as long as you are at the table, your opponent can not beat you. Why should they be given a chance to beat you every other game when they haven't earned that chance?

And if your break is really that bad, I'm sure Adam would tell to practice your break. I, on the other hand, would suggest that you learn how to "slug" rack, then spot your opponent the break.

I actually agree House. The only reason I brought up basketball was because that was the example Adam used and I went to college on a bowling scholarship, so I've had a ton of strings of strikes thrown against me. I tell everyone that's what makes pool so great. I use the example that even if you're playing Tiger Woods, you get to tee your ball up and swing at him on an equal playing field, where in pool, you may never get out of your chair. Oh... I've tried practicing the break to no avail. And I've actually been told that for people who play my speed, I have the worst break they have ever seen. Anyone with any slug racking secrets...Please PM me...

 

[master9baller]

With killing all runouts? I think it's truly a thing of beauty when a guy breaks 'em hard and runs out 3+ racks in a row. I think 10 ball is definitely the game for now and the future. I also like winner breaks better than alternate the breaks because every shot has the potential of being your last if you fail. It makes the game more dramatic and gives a guy who is behind 7-2 a chance to win. DON'T make the pockets tighter! DON'T add more balls! Just leave the game alone, it's beautiful just like it is.

Just my opinions of course

I am in complete agreement with you. Especially regarding alternating break formats being unAmerican. How do you come back from a 7-2 deficit racing to 9 if you only break every other time? Also no reward for running out, and the best break and run possible is 1. The worst part for me is that the game loses it's momentum, just doesn't feel the same.

 

[master9baller]

You can turn tables from 2-7 in race to 9 with alternate breaks even against the very best in the world. That said I like winner breaks more though :grin:

You can comeback only if they make mistakes or roll extremely badly. Otherwise your opportunity to comeback when they break is out of you hands.

 

[master9baller]

They do all this crap because people hate to lose, but don't want to put the time in to practice. Instead, they find ways to modify and handicap the best players so that it makes it "fair" for everyone else....

Pool is the only sport/game where this really is in effect. In basketball, for example, if a guy shoots better than you, you go practice your jump shots. If a guy out jumps you, you go jump rope every day, etc....

In pool:
A guy breaks better than you - break restrictions (in the box)
A guy runs out more than you - alternate break
A guy makes the 9/10 ball on break - it doesn't count now
A guy jumps better than you - jump/gimmick cues or no jumping rules
A guy plays better safes - no 3 foul rule

Here's some good advice: stop whining and go practice. There are tons of books, dvds and other resources out there, as well as instructors willing to help you improve.
It takes time, but meanwhile, don't basterdize the game of pool because you can't make a ball.

I think you nailed it!!!!

Alternating break can be sold by saying that it makes it "more competitive", it just keeps them score closer than it would be if it were played "the best man wins".

 

[Mikjary]

I am in complete agreement with you. Especially regarding alternating break formats being unAmerican. How do you come back from a 7-2 deficit racing to 9 if you only break every other time? Also no reward for running out, and the best break and run possible is 1. The worst part for me is that the game loses it's momentum, just doesn't feel the same.

True dat. Alternating breaks, or even worse, loser breaks! Let's see your game. I want you to grow roots when I'm showing you what me and UPS deliver. Straight pool, too.

If you're doing it to me, I'll be the first one to tell you, "Nice shooting." I didn't say I'd like it, but I def respect it. :grin:

Best,
Mike

 

[sfleinen]

True dat. Alternating breaks, or even worse, loser breaks! Let's see your game. I want you to grow roots when I'm showing you what me and UPS deliver. Straight pool, too.

If you're doing it to me, I'll be the first one to tell you, "Nice shooting." I didn't say I'd like it, but I def respect it. :grin:

Best,
Mike

Mike:

As you can see, this topic of manipulating the game rules to "level" the playing field only applies to the rotation games. You don't see anyone discussing this kind of stuff in straight pool. Winner of the lag decides who will break, and 99% of the time, he/she will nominate the loser to do so. Or, if you really want to "dis" your opponent (say, you're playing a duffer), you call the headball in the side pocket, and do the "kick hard behind the rack into the last row's corner ball, sending the headball two rails into the sidepocket" break. Then make him/her sit while you run 100 and out.

-Sean <-- actually did that once to his practice partner, on a lark, but not to "dis" him

 

[master_cueist]

True dat. Alternating breaks, or even worse, loser breaks! Let's see your game. I want you to grow roots when I'm showing you what me and UPS deliver. Straight pool, too.

If you're doing it to me, I'll be the first one to tell you, "Nice shooting." I didn't say I'd like it, but I def respect it. :grin:

Best,
Mike

lol @ I want you to grow roots when I'm showing you what me and UPS deliver. Thats one of the best things ive ever heard...and when i first started reading this the quote from townsend i thought was awesome about, if you want to play on tighter pockets raise the bet, they will tighten right up. But yours is one of the best i have ever heard

 

[8&snap]

They do all this crap because people hate to lose, but don't want to put the time in to practice. Instead, they find ways to modify and handicap the best players so that it makes it "fair" for everyone else....

Pool is the only sport/game where this really is in effect. In basketball, for example, if a guy shoots better than you, you go practice your jump shots. If a guy out jumps you, you go jump rope every day, etc....

In pool:
A guy breaks better than you - break restrictions (in the box)
A guy runs out more than you - alternate break
A guy makes the 9/10 ball on break - it doesn't count now
A guy jumps better than you - jump/gimmick cues or no jumping rules
A guy plays better safes - no 3 foul rule

Here's some good advice: stop whining and go practice. There are tons of books, dvds and other resources out there, as well as instructors willing to help you improve.
It takes time, but meanwhile, don't basterdize the game of pool because you can't make a ball.

Kind of seems like the affirmative action for pool

 

[LAlouie]

Because the only exercise pool players get are walking around a 9' table or sitting and drinking beer.

OH WAIT!!,,,,you said "obsessed"! I though you said "obese".

 

[poolplayer2093]

i put together a 3 pack playing the ghost today. felt great! i'm a big fan of 9 ball myself. to be completely honest everyone seems to be making a big fuss about having to play 10 ball but all the people i see doing that don't play well enough that it's making all the difference in the world.

sure pros should probably be playing 10 ball but everyone i see demanding to play 10 ball don't play well enough for it to make that big a difference

 

[jrackman]

They do all this crap because people hate to lose, but don't want to put the time in to practice. Instead, they find ways to modify and handicap the best players so that it makes it "fair" for everyone else....

Pool is the only sport/game where this really is in effect. In basketball, for example, if a guy shoots better than you, you go practice your jump shots. If a guy out jumps you, you go jump rope every day, etc....

In pool:
A guy breaks better than you - break restrictions (in the box)
A guy runs out more than you - alternate break
A guy makes the 9/10 ball on break - it doesn't count now
A guy jumps better than you - jump/gimmick cues or no jumping rules
A guy plays better safes - no 3 foul rule

Here's some good advice: stop whining and go practice. There are tons of books, dvds and other resources out there, as well as instructors willing to help you improve.
It takes time, but meanwhile, don't basterdize the game of pool because you can't make a ball.

I agree with you 100%. cowboy up you so called pool players and you know who you are, go practice or go on the womens tour and cry, but then the girls never seem to cry so I guess you can't go there. I would like to see it go winner break, this would make the lag possible the most important shot of the match, not like what you see today, guy's just hitting the ball up and down the table because their going to break the next game anyway. I also would like to see 9 ball or 10 ball on break wins and the 3 foul rule. As for jumping I could take it or leave it, as I think making nice kicks are a thing of beauty but so are some jump shots.

 

[RogerChambers]

9 Ball

Throughout my meager fifty-some years of living, I have seen pool games come, go, and evolve. I am no professional but only a recreational shooter who sometimes plays in tournaments. I say "Leave 9 Ball Alone."

When I was younger, the game of choice (at least for us) was Straight Pool. Nine ball was around but not as we see it today. The game seemed to evolve, mostly in my opinion to meet the TV crowd. I am somewhat dumbfounded by watching some players at the local poolhall play 9 Ball because they will jump a ball but cannot string four balls together for an out. Personally, I think 9 Ball, as with any pool game, can be a thing of beauty when played right and it is great to watch people string four or five racks in a row. How can one not acknowledge their achievement? Again I say, "Leave it alone."

One of my best memories was when I was playing in a local tournament against a player whose playing skill was far above me. It was a race to seven and he had me down 5-1. I bore down and tied it (with the help of a 9 on the break) to 5-5. I lost but I felt good because I adapted to the environment, the table, the loud mouth at the next table, etc. Also, it was kinda fun watching him squirm a little in his chair. I gave it my best and lost. There is no shame in this.

I've ranted enough. To say more would be repeating and agreeing with the others. I love the saying about tighter pockets and raising the bet. Worked against me....lol. I also like the saying by Luther Lassiter, "If you need weight, you need practice."

Just my two cents.:grin:

 

[justadub]

i put together a 3 pack playing the ghost today. felt great! i'm a big fan of 9 ball myself. to be completely honest everyone seems to be making a big fuss about having to play 10 ball but all the people i see doing that don't play well enough that it's making all the difference in the world.

sure pros should probably be playing 10 ball but everyone i see demanding to play 10 ball don't play well enough for it to make that big a difference

I can barely put three balls together, much less three racks. And even I see the humor in people crying about 9-ball.

You are 100% correct.

 

[jmurphy]

They do all this crap because people hate to lose, but don't want to put the time in to practice. Instead, they find ways to modify and handicap the best players so that it makes it "fair" for everyone else....

Pool is the only sport/game where this really is in effect. In basketball, for example, if a guy shoots better than you, you go practice your jump shots. If a guy out jumps you, you go jump rope every day, etc....

In pool:
A guy breaks better than you - break restrictions (in the box)
A guy runs out more than you - alternate break
A guy makes the 9/10 ball on break - it doesn't count now
A guy jumps better than you - jump/gimmick cues or no jumping rules
A guy plays better safes - no 3 foul rule

Here's some good advice: stop whining and go practice. There are tons of books, dvds and other resources out there, as well as instructors willing to help you improve.
It takes time, but meanwhile, don't basterdize the game of pool because you can't make a ball.

Think of it this way,
Pool is the ONLY sport in the world where your opponent does not get a chance to play. Now I saw the Mike D. break and run the set out on Johny Archer and it was something to see but as good as that was it does not show the fans who the best player is. See in golf every player has to chance to win via their play on the course, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Hockey, Darts, etc............... when a person/team scores the other person/team is given the ball, puck etc... and given their chance to show what they can do. I like winner breaks for all the reason everyone else already mentioned however alternating breaks puts pool more in line with other sports.