8-Ball Rules

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fast8ballin

The Fastes 8Baller Ever
Silver Member
I was just wondering what most people prefer when it comes to 8-ball rules.

Open after the break (Choice) or take what you make?

And should ther 8-ball count as a win on the break or spot?
 
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fast8ballin said:
I was just wondering what most people prefer when it comes to 8-ball rules.

Open after the break (Choice) or take what you make?

And should ther 8-ball count as a win on the break or spot?
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i prefer take what you make and 8 on the break is a win.

just my preference because thats the way everybody played in my formative years when i was learning the game. im not saying its the only way to play, i can play either way.

the bcapl guys prefer open table and spotting the 8.
 
DogsPlayingPool said:
Open after the break, 8 ball spots. After all, it is a call shot game.
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he didnt mention call shot but yes i prefer that also, but still prefer take what you make and 8 on break as a win.

just because you play call your shot does not mean you cant play 8 on break as a win. if its such a blasphemy to play call your shot along with 8 on break why do people such as buddy hall who played that way teach how to make it ? among joe tucker and several others.
 
lorider said:
he didnt mention call shot but yes i prefer that also, but still prefer take what you make and 8 on break as a win.

just because you play call your shot does not mean you cant play 8 on break as a win. if its such a blasphemy to play call your shot along with 8 on break why do people such as buddy hall who played that way teach how to make it ? among joe tucker and several others.
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It's taught because in many places the game is played where 8 on the break wins. It is primarily a concession to bar box pool played on coin-op tables. I don't know who said it was blasphemy, but asked for a preference I prefer it spot up.

BTW, my point about 8 ball being a call shot game was not just about the break. It is also one reason I think the table should be open after the break. Plus I don't think it is fair that a player who makes a ball on the break (one of the primary goals of the break) should be possibly penalized for it by being stuck with a group that might be in less desirable position.
 
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I am for OPEN after the break and call shot but only calling ball and pocket only no matter how it gets there even the 8-ball. I also think that the 8 on the break should also be a win.
 
DogsPlayingPool said:
It's taught because in many places the game is played where 8 on the break wins. It is primarily a concession to bar box pool played on coin-op tables.

BTW, my point about 8 ball being a call shot game was not just about the break. It is also the reason I think the table should be open after the break. Plus I don't think it is fair that a player who makes a ball on the break (one of the primary goals of the break) should be possibly penalized for it by being stuck with a group that might be in less desirable position.
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i agree with you 100% in your 1st statement. thats how i learned to play. heck im still learning lol.

i dont have a problem playing either way but i do find it more challenging to play under take what you make format. under those conditions you need to utilize kicking, banking, figuring out how to make a ball while at the same time trying to break up a cluster, etc.

like i said i find all the above to be more challenging than making a stripe and deciding to take solids for a possibly easier route.
 
lorider said:
i agree with you 100% in your 1st statement. thats how i learned to play. heck im still learning lol.

i dont have a problem playing either way but i do find it more challenging to play under take what you make format. under those conditions you need to utilize kicking, banking, figuring out how to make a ball while at the same time trying to break up a cluster, etc.

like i said i find all the above to be more challenging than making a stripe and deciding to take solids for a possibly easier route.
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The challenge is still there because just as often it is you left with the difficult layout because your opponent made a ball on the break and took the easier group.
 
I prefer open after break when I'm playing and take what you make when my opponent has no shot. ;)
 
fast8ballin said:
Are there any tours that play 8-ball and what are the rules they use?
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The only "tour" as such that does 8 ball was the IPT, but it is gone.

There are several large leagues in the US that are primarily for eight ball. They tend to have their own rule sets, but the BCAPL and the ACS use the World Standardized Rules or something close to them. In the WSR the table is open after the break and the eight does not count on the break.
 
I think the reason that the 8 ball is considered a win by so many people is because of bar boxes that require coins to play.

If the 8 on the break was not a win or a loss, who pays the next coins to re-spot it?

It is ridiculous IMO, to have a fluke shot (the break) that can win or lose the game. But, when put in the context of alcohol, and bar crowd, it does seem to be the more sensible call.
 
MitchAlsup said:
What if you call the head ball in the side pocket and make it?

I prefer:: "open after the break" with the exception that on pay-machines the rule is: "You are what you make".
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I'm not sure I understand your question. Perhaps you can explain why you would ever want to do that.

In any event, I'm not sure what difference it makes. If playing by "open after the break" rules then the table is open. If not, then you are what you make so whatever the head ball is would be your group, so why call it? I suppose a question would come up if you are not playing "open table" and you make the called head ball as well as a ball of the other group. Perhaps your opponent could insist that since you called the head ball, that is your group. Even then, why put yourself at a potential disadvantage by calling the ball and forfeiting freedom of choice?

Also, I'm curious what a coin table has to do with your preference to play open table or not.
 
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fast8ballin said:
I am for OPEN after the break and call shot but only calling ball and pocket only no matter how it gets there even the 8-ball. I also think that the 8 on the break should also be a win.
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I prefer this.

I know that winning the game on a fluke break is kinda goofy, but it happens so infrequently that it's kind of special when it does happen. I wouldn't be outraged at not having this rule, but I like it.

These are the rules we play by in our room, when it's not league. Add to that the 8 has to go in "clean" (obviously doesn't apply to the break) and that's how we play.
 
I like 8 on break wins. Open after break. BIH on fouls, behind line after break. Eight ball is neutral (can be hit first) if it is still open. Slop counts if playing in a bar (much less arguments). Scratching on eight looses only if you make the eight. I do not care for last pocket or bank the 8 variants.
 
justadub said:
I prefer this.

I know that winning the game on a fluke break is kinda goofy, but it happens so infrequently that it's kind of special when it does happen. I wouldn't be outraged at not having this rule, but I like it.

These are the rules we play by in our room, when it's not league. Add to that the 8 has to go in "clean" (obviously doesn't apply to the break) and that's how we play.
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What is clean this is the kind of rule I do not like. I have seen arguments out of banger who cant run 2 balls when you cut in a ball and it scrubs the rail enroute to the pocket or goes off 2 tits and then falls, call a pocket and if it goes it is good.
 
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