New game to try out, opinions wanted...

allen_jr

allen_jr

CanYouRunOut.com
Silver Member
Hi everyone, I came up with a new game format, and I would be interested to see what you all think. It borrows heavily from existing games, and no special equipment is needed - you can play it today. It helps to use a scorecard, but it can be played without and I have those for free download on the website.

With this game, you can post and compare your scores with any player, anywhere. It is you against the table, and the better players will post better scores... Over the course of 9 racks, top players may be separated by only a few points - one accident could cost you a match.

Here is a link to the facebook page (where you can also post and compare scores)
http://www.facebook.com/105StraightRotation

And here is a link to the website:
http://www.105straightrotation.com/


I'm curious to know what everyone thinks. As more people play it, some rules and scoring may need to be adjusted, but I think this could be a lot of fun and challenging.

Thanks, hope you all enjoy!

Allen
 
OK, no problem... just thought it would be more convenient to provide links :) If this is better, then here it is:

INTRODUCTION
Straight Rotation is a game that neutralizes lucky rolls, provides a quantitive way to measure ability, and gives both opponents an equal chance at winning. This game provides a way for opponents to match up that has never been seen before in the world of billiards.

No new equipment is needed, there are no gimmicks in this game. You can play it tonight in your pool room and be matching up with opponents in no time. It’s also a great game to play by yourself - keeping score and always trying harder to do better than your previous attempt. This is a game that provides a distinct scoring system that will truly define the greatest players and allow the establishment of averages and qualifiers for access to professional events.

Adopting methods from other popular games, 10.5 Straight Rotation gives a player the chance to truly dominate his or her opponent without lucky rolls or accidental safeties and rewards proper position play and optimal strategy.



SO HOW IS IT PLAYED?
The game is simple. Basically, all 15 balls are racked as shown below and the shooter can break any way they like. A ball does not have to be pocketed on the break, but if it does, all the better. After the break, the shooter pockets balls in any order they wish, in any pocket. All shots must be called, just as in straight pool. If the called shot is pocketed, and an additional ball falls as well, that is fine and the player keeps shooting. If a ball does fall on the break, that’s fine - it remains pocketed. When only five balls remain, these last balls must be shot in rotation, that is - in number order from lowest to highest. To track your score, keep count of your misses and scraches. You keep shooting after each, but they affect your score. A score is determined as follows: the first 10 balls pocketed are worth 1 point each. The final five balls are scored based on their “face-value”, for example, if one of your last five balls is the 9-ball, you’ll get 9 points for pocketing this ball.

As you may have determined, the perfect score for a rack is 75. If a player is able to pocket the first 10 balls (in any order) and save the 11-15 balls for the final five balls, then they would attain the optimal score of 75.
First 10 Balls worth 1 point each: Total 10 points
Last 5 Balls at face value (optimally): 11 + 12+ 13 + 14+15 = 65 points
Total possible points: 75

Optimal strategy, shot selection, and position play are very important.
At the end of the rack, simply count your misses and scratches. Every miss is minus two points (-2) and every scratch is minus five (-5) points. Not pocketing a ball on the break counts as a miss - so you will not be able to shoot a perfect game - but you still have a chance at a 73!

So, assuming you saved the 11-15 for your last five balls, and you missed 8 times during the course of pocketing all balls, your score would be a 59. (75 possible points minus 16 points for 8 misses)

rack.jpg


________


I've made scorecards and posted them online that are free to download. I'm happy to help with any questions here, and I would love to know what opinions people may have. Thanks!
 
Cool, thanks! Ideally, for competition purposes, you'd want to play something like 4 racks for a best possible score of 300 or 12 racks each for a best possible score of 900. It can be adjusted for whatever length of time you feel like playing... Over the course of more and more racks, two "close" players will end up being separated by just a few points - every shot or miss might make a huge difference in winning or losing.

And unlike other games - your opponents actions don't affect you. For example, your opponent can't miss and accidentally leave you safe and being forced to kick at balls. Your score is based on your abilities alone, not any luck factor brought in from opponent.

Good luck, I'd like to know what you think!

Allen
 
Thanks for the link, I have never heard of Fargo before... and you are right, they are similar in nature. And yes, it does bear many similarities to my dad's Q-Skill game as well, we discussed that when I showed it to him...

Hopefully these games will all add to the range of games available for players to choose from!
 
Sounds like fun ...

and it is sort of similiar to what I call 'Dakota 8-ball', where you have to shoot the solids or stripes in rotation before shooting the 8 ball. You break, and it is open after the break, but you must shoot either the one or 9 ball to start the rotation. It is kind of a combination of 8 and 9 ball, and will improve your regular 8 ball game.

Try it, it is not as easy as it sounds ...
 
I really like the concept...

I may even end up making this my game of choice. Might even try to set up a tournament using it.

Just alternate racks so no one gets too cold or too much of an advantage from rythm.

I like it, incorporates pure shot making ability with the skill to maneuver the CB for rotation putting the more difficult part as worth more.

While it costs you to miss or to scratch, it's not a match loser at face...

Everyone gets an equal chance regardless of how well one person plays.

I really like this. I am definitely going to play it.

I may even try it on the snooker table with the skill balls.

Jaden
 
Like someone said its like Fargo. But you can switch to rotation anytime then balls count two points. If you think you can run the last ten then you switch. However anytime you miss, rack em. Play single or with a friend or gamble if you like.

I like Fargo, your game is interesting but I feel is less of a challenge. Not just that but I don't need a calculator to keep score! lol It sounds interesting though and I might try it sometime. Thanks, either one will help position play which we all need.

Rod
 
Snapshot9 said:
and it is sort of similiar to what I call 'Dakota 8-ball', where you have to shoot the solids or stripes in rotation before shooting the 8 ball. You break, and it is open after the break, but you must shoot either the one or 9 ball to start the rotation. It is kind of a combination of 8 and 9 ball, and will improve your regular 8 ball game.

Try it, it is not as easy as it sounds ...
Click to expand...

That doesn't sound easy at all... Going in order with all those blocking balls out there? Early in the rack could be torture.
I guess one ball in hand, the a few balls get cleared out, but it definitely sounds like a hard game.
 
Great way to judge/compare offensive skill

allen_jr said:
Hi everyone, I came up with a new game format, and I would be interested to see what you all think. It borrows heavily from existing games, and no special equipment is needed - you can play it today. It helps to use a scorecard, but it can be played without and I have those for free download on the website.

With this game, you can post and compare your scores with any player, anywhere. It is you against the table, and the better players will post better scores... Over the course of 9 racks, top players may be separated by only a few points - one accident could cost you a match.

Here is a link to the facebook page (where you can also post and compare scores)
http://www.facebook.com/105StraightRotation

And here is a link to the website:
http://www.105straightrotation.com/


I'm curious to know what everyone thinks. As more people play it, some rules and scoring may need to be adjusted, but I think this could be a lot of fun and challenging.

Thanks, hope you all enjoy!

Allen
Click to expand...

This sounds great. I'm looking forward to trying it.

The only possible down side I see at this point will appear when very low skilled players are in the mix. It may take a really long time for an APA SL2, for instance, to finish a rack of 10.5 Straight Rotation. With most other formats, his/her opponent doesn't have to sit long before getting back to the table.

Thanks for the game! Trial begins tomorrow. :smile:

Richard Andrews
Harvest, AL, USA
Bumpers Billiards of Huntsville - US Open Championship Qualifier
https://www.facebook.com/groups/400126910024900/members/#!/events/403167493039640/
 
rpandrew said:
This sounds great. I'm looking forward to trying it.

The only possible down side I see at this point will appear when very low skilled players are in the mix. It may take a really long time for an APA SL2, for instance, to finish a rack of 10.5 Straight Rotation. With most other formats, his/her opponent doesn't have to sit long before getting back to the table.

Thanks for the game! Trial begins tomorrow. :smile:

Richard Andrews
Harvest, AL, USA
Bumpers Billiards of Huntsville - US Open Championship Qualifier
https://www.facebook.com/groups/400126910024900/members/#!/events/403167493039640/
Click to expand...

Where is Harvest??? I'm from blounstville out near guntersville and Arab and I don't know of Harvest....

I may try to make it there for the us open qualifier. Im living in Cali but have some business in Guntersville.

Jaden
 
It sounds like you reworked your dads rating system.
Do I hear another forum tournament in the works?

Chuck
 
allen_jr said:
OK, no problem... just thought it would be more convenient to provide links :) If this is better, then here it is:

INTRODUCTION
Straight Rotation is a game that neutralizes lucky rolls, provides a quantitive way to measure ability, and gives both opponents an equal chance at winning. This game provides a way for opponents to match up that has never been seen before in the world of billiards.

No new equipment is needed, there are no gimmicks in this game. You can play it tonight in your pool room and be matching up with opponents in no time. It’s also a great game to play by yourself - keeping score and always trying harder to do better than your previous attempt. This is a game that provides a distinct scoring system that will truly define the greatest players and allow the establishment of averages and qualifiers for access to professional events.

Adopting methods from other popular games, 10.5 Straight Rotation gives a player the chance to truly dominate his or her opponent without lucky rolls or accidental safeties and rewards proper position play and optimal strategy.



SO HOW IS IT PLAYED?
The game is simple. Basically, all 15 balls are racked as shown below and the shooter can break any way they like. A ball does not have to be pocketed on the break, but if it does, all the better. After the break, the shooter pockets balls in any order they wish, in any pocket. All shots must be called, just as in straight pool. If the called shot is pocketed, and an additional ball falls as well, that is fine and the player keeps shooting. If a ball does fall on the break, that’s fine - it remains pocketed. When only five balls remain, these last balls must be shot in rotation, that is - in number order from lowest to highest. To track your score, keep count of your misses and scraches. You keep shooting after each, but they affect your score. A score is determined as follows: the first 10 balls pocketed are worth 1 point each. The final five balls are scored based on their “face-value”, for example, if one of your last five balls is the 9-ball, you’ll get 9 points for pocketing this ball.

As you may have determined, the perfect score for a rack is 75. If a player is able to pocket the first 10 balls (in any order) and save the 11-15 balls for the final five balls, then they would attain the optimal score of 75.
First 10 Balls worth 1 point each: Total 10 points
Last 5 Balls at face value (optimally): 11 + 12+ 13 + 14+15 = 65 points
Total possible points: 75

Optimal strategy, shot selection, and position play are very important.
At the end of the rack, simply count your misses and scratches. Every miss is minus two points (-2) and every scratch is minus five (-5) points. Not pocketing a ball on the break counts as a miss - so you will not be able to shoot a perfect game - but you still have a chance at a 73!

So, assuming you saved the 11-15 for your last five balls, and you missed 8 times during the course of pocketing all balls, your score would be a 59. (75 possible points minus 16 points for 8 misses)

rack.jpg


________


I've made scorecards and posted them online that are free to download. I'm happy to help with any questions here, and I would love to know what opinions people may have. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Where does the cue ball go after a scratch
 
I used to play a game by myself for practice alot.

You take all 15 balls and run the stripes in any order you want and then run the solids in order. I didn't keep score, it was just for practice.
 
Snapshot9 said:
and it is sort of similiar to what I call 'Dakota 8-ball', where you have to shoot the solids or stripes in rotation before shooting the 8 ball. You break, and it is open after the break, but you must shoot either the one or 9 ball to start the rotation. It is kind of a combination of 8 and 9 ball, and will improve your regular 8 ball game.

Try it, it is not as easy as it sounds ...
Click to expand...


Haha, I don't think it sounds all that easy to begin with!

Interesting game, I like this - I've never heard of it before. Although I've played my dad 8-ball this way, he has to shoot in rotation and I do not. Still can't beat him though! :)
 
Jaden said:
I may even end up making this my game of choice. Might even try to set up a tournament using it.

Just alternate racks so no one gets too cold or too much of an advantage from rythm.

I like it, incorporates pure shot making ability with the skill to maneuver the CB for rotation putting the more difficult part as worth more.

While it costs you to miss or to scratch, it's not a match loser at face...

Everyone gets an equal chance regardless of how well one person plays.

I really like this. I am definitely going to play it.

I may even try it on the snooker table with the skill balls.

Jaden
Click to expand...

Thanks! You've picked up on the reasons I like it too... And if you do a tourney, I would definitely rotate racks so each player gets to the table often...

I've got lots of ideas, I'm just gonna list them:

- You could have a "leaderboard" type thing. In reality, all players in an event could be competing against all other. For example, two great players could draw each other, and 2 mediocre players draw each other. The "great" players will end up with higher scores than the medicore players - and the draw won't mean that one great player gets sent home while 1 medicocre gets to advance... Their scores just get compared overall.

- Suppose you had a pro event 32 players, 8 tables. The first 16 players could play at say 11am, 12 racks each. Then the other 16 could play at 2pm. Then, the first "flight" of 16 could play again at 5pm, and the second flight play again at 8pm. One full day of competition (not ending too late), and every player has had an equal chance at shooting 24 racks for a possible 1800 score. After 3 days of this, the best possible score would be 5400. I think that some top scores would be very close, separated only by a few points... I think this would be exciting! Also, if this were in a poolroom, the fans get to see their favorite players shoot a ton of pool!

- players could be matched up on day 2 based on their performance from day 1

- in the event of a tie at the end, players could play a "sudden death" type match, where the first one to lose a rack ends up in 2nd.

Anyhow, just some thoughts... I'm glad you like it! Let me know how things work out once you play it some. Will be adding a simpler scorecard to the website, once that can also keep track of more than just 4 racks.

Also - if you have them, try using the bead counters above the table to track misses and scratches each rack...

Thanks again!
 
Rod said:
Like someone said its like Fargo. But you can switch to rotation anytime then balls count two points. If you think you can run the last ten then you switch. However anytime you miss, rack em. Play single or with a friend or gamble if you like.

I like Fargo, your game is interesting but I feel is less of a challenge. Not just that but I don't need a calculator to keep score! lol It sounds interesting though and I might try it sometime. Thanks, either one will help position play which we all need.

Rod
Click to expand...

Haha, thanks - I agree Fargo sounds more challenging. My intent was to try and neutralize variables and give everyone a chance at the same score -and then see who performs best over time. Keeping score isn't really all that complicated, because typically everyone will keep 11-15 for the last 5 balls, so you are usually just subtracting from 75. However, accidentally pocketing a high ball will alter your score dramatically...

Thanks for taking the time to read about it and offering some input! Best of luck to you...
 
rpandrew said:
This sounds great. I'm looking forward to trying it.

The only possible down side I see at this point will appear when very low skilled players are in the mix. It may take a really long time for an APA SL2, for instance, to finish a rack of 10.5 Straight Rotation. With most other formats, his/her opponent doesn't have to sit long before getting back to the table.

Thanks for the game! Trial begins tomorrow. :smile:

Richard Andrews
Harvest, AL, USA
Bumpers Billiards of Huntsville - US Open Championship Qualifier
https://www.facebook.com/groups/400126910024900/members/#!/events/403167493039640/
Click to expand...


Yes, I agree - weaker players may get frustrated -- same way I do on the golf course banging the ball all over the place :)

The cool thing though, after a few racks of playing - you can really start to establish an average and a handicap, just like bowling. So now, an APA2 for example may get like 20-30 points per rack. Something along these lines could develop. Of course there is sandbagging to consider, but it will be hard to hide once a player starts posting 60's and such when they were posting 30's. Their average can adjust real quickly. And unlike other games where a player can stall to keep their rating down, there is nowhere to hide in this game. You either score high or you don't.

But yes, it could take a while for beginners to get through a rack, I agree.

Thanks for taking the time to read about and consider the game!
 
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