what handicap

[pocket]

If I want to even a match against a better player what is the easiest way to do it?

I've read here about playing a race, as I understand it, one player must get to a larger number than the other thereby giving an advantage to the player needing to reach the lower number.

Is that correct?

I've also read that some are given less balls to shoot. This one I am less certain of than the race.

So playing eight ball, the better player gives me a two ball advantage. Does that mean that once I get to the last two balls I win (my last object ball and the eight ball)? Or the last two object balls are removed, then I play the eight?

Sorry for all the newb questions, but heck, I'm a newb.

 

[nine_ball6970]

If I want to even a match against a better player what is the easiest way to do it?

I've read here about playing a race, as I understand it, one player must get to a larger number than the other thereby giving an advantage to the player needing to reach the lower number.

Is that correct?

I've also read that some are given less balls to shoot. This one I am less certain of than the race.

So playing eight ball, the better player gives me a two ball advantage. Does that mean that once I get to the last two balls I win (my last object ball and the eight ball)? Or the last two object balls are removed, then I play the eight?

Sorry for all the newb questions, but heck, I'm a newb.

Typically that would mean you could remove two balls after the break. If your opponent plays better than you do, then that spot may actually help him more since there will be less obstacles for him. I think a game spot is the best way to even things up a bit in 8 ball.

 

[bdorman]

Typically that would mean you could remove two balls after the break. If your opponent plays better than you do, then that spot may actually help him more since there will be less obstacles for him. I think a game spot is the best way to even things up a bit in 8 ball.

Do you ever remove two balls at the end of your run? In other words, I get to pocket five solids, remove my last two solids and then pocket the 8-ball.

In my playing group we've always just used a games-spot because it's simple. But usually when a really good player (9-games needed) plays a weak player (4-games needed) the good player will win 9-0 or 9-1. The weaker player can't run out while the stronger player can.

 

[cigardave]

Spotting balls in the game of 8-ball is not that common.

However, getting games on the wire is.

So in a race to 7, getting 3 or 4 games on the wire would be a rather sizeble spot.

 

[pocket]

Spotting balls in the game of 8-ball is not that common.

However, getting games on the wire is.

So in a race to 7, getting 3 or 4 games on the wire would be a rather sizeble spot.

Not sure what "on the wire" means - I assume a reference to the beads that keep score "on the wire" above a pool table?

So for arguments sake, what about in 10ball, or 9ball, getting games still the most common handicap, or do you give a ball or two in those games? If so how is it implemented?

 

[Banks]

Not sure what "on the wire" means - I assume a reference to the beads that keep score "on the wire" above a pool table?

So for arguments sake, what about in 10ball, or 9ball, getting games still the most common handicap, or do you give a ball or two in those games? If so how is it implemented?

Try it for cheap and find out, that'd be the best way to know.

 

[Black-Balled]

When handicapping, you can do whatever you want. BAlls off end or beginning, games to weaker player. pick the stick the other guy uses, $ odds, no shoes, Tang has to wear a dress. A beer every 15min, no smoking, no talking, no chalk, can only mak a certain amount of balls in a row...

I am sure I missed one.

Like Banks said, gonna have to play to find out.

 

[DallasHopps]

I saw some guys doing a ball-spot handicap that seemed to actually work in 8 ball... at least better than the old "take 'em off the table after the break" routine. Just shift the money ball up or down. If the weaker player has low balls, make the money ball the 6 or 7. It gives him fewer object balls and the stronger player has more. You still have the trade-off of more safety play potential, but if you need more than a game race difference it might be a start.

 

[Tony_in_MD]

Pocket

Taking balls off the table in 8 ball for the weaker player is a hustle.

It makes running easier for the better player, and gives him more balls to use (his) to trap you in a safe. He/She is still confident that against the weaker player he is still getting enough turns at the table win with fewer of your balls in the way.

Spotting games won is a much better handicap.