I watched Bonus Ball last night

[watchez]

I watched Bonus Ball for about 30 minutes last night.

The game still doesn't make sense to me -

Hatch misses the black ball and the next time he comes to the table, he is not shooting the black ball but is shootng the purple ball. So you only get one shot at the bonus ball?

Shannon has the orange ball straight in, to the top right corner (his pocket) but instead tries to combo another orange ball into a purple to make it in the opponents pocket so he has a continuation shot?

Scott did a good job announcing although I don't think he should mention SVB in his comments if this is suppose to be the best game with the best players.

Steve Strain was noticeably nervous at times - especially at the interview portion at the end.

Speaking of the interview, don't admit (Archer) that you aren't comfortable with the game and still learning it. That is already painfully obvious as players come to the table and start by asking rule questions to the referee. That to me speaks volumes as to how much some of the players have really put any effort into this. The referee did her homework and knows the rules. There was no hesitation in her at all. The players should be on the same level.

The studio should have black curtains in front of the seating sections. This way if you don't get enough fans/players to show up to watch live then you can close a section down and still make it look like a packed house. Instead it looked like a movie theatre on a Tuesday afternoon. And then Steve Strain states 'it is a packed house here'. Once again, take the shamwow out of it and just be real or do you think that the viewing public is that stupid?

Watchez is the teacher

 

[BeiberLvr]

The rules might need some tweaking, and it will take time for viewers to grasp it all, but it really shouldn't put people off.

Heck, I've been watching basketball for over 20 years, and I (and other fans) still don't understand every little rule.

 

[Nostroke]

I love Shamwows! I have the generics and use them for lots of things.

 

[sjm]

The rules might need some tweaking, and it will take time for viewers to grasp it all, but it really shouldn't put people off.

Heck, I've been watching basketball for over 20 years, and I (and other fans) still don't understand every little rule.

Good point. I've watched the NFL since 1967 and I still am not sure what constitutes an illegal formation.

 

[spanky79]

I watched Bonus Ball for about 30 minutes last night.

The game still doesn't make sense to me -

Hatch misses the black ball and the next time he comes to the table, he is not shooting the black ball but is shootng the purple ball. So you only get one shot at the bonus ball?

Shannon has the orange ball straight in, to the top right corner (his pocket) but instead tries to combo another orange ball into a purple to make it in the opponents pocket so he has a continuation shot?

Scott did a good job announcing although I don't think he should mention SVB in his comments if this is suppose to be the best game with the best players.

Steve Strain was noticeably nervous at times - especially at the interview portion at the end.

Speaking of the interview, don't admit (Archer) that you aren't comfortable with the game and still learning it. That is already painfully obvious as players come to the table and start by asking rule questions to the referee. That to me speaks volumes as to how much some of the players have really put any effort into this. The referee did her homework and knows the rules. There was no hesitation in her at all. The players should be on the same level.

The studio should have black curtains in front of the seating sections. This way if you don't get enough fans/players to show up to watch live then you can close a section down and still make it look like a packed house. Instead it looked like a movie theatre on a Tuesday afternoon. And then Steve Strain states 'it is a packed house here'. Once again, take the shamwow out of it and just be real or do you think that the viewing public is that stupid?

Watchez is the teacher

steve needs to be replaced, he doesnt even know all the rules and cant get people`s names right. Scott is good in the booth. JJ is by far the best in the booth and JS is not bad either.

 

[yelvis111]

..........

I watched Bonus Ball for about 30 minutes last night.

The game still doesn't make sense to me -

Hatch misses the black ball and the next time he comes to the table, he is not shooting the black ball but is shootng the purple ball. So you only get one shot at the bonus ball?

Correct, you only get one shot on the bonus ball.

Shannon has the orange ball straight in, to the top right corner (his pocket) but instead tries to combo another orange ball into a purple to make it in the opponents pocket so he has a continuation shot?

When you have an open shot, the goal is to run to 30. I haven't had a chance to watch yesterday's match yet, but what likely happened was Atlanta could not run to 30 without having to bank the purple from out in front of the NY pocket. That being the case, they probably figured it was easier to shoot the continuation combo as the balls laid at the time then to run orange, black... and then eventually have to bank that purple.

Scott did a good job announcing although I don't think he should mention SVB in his comments if this is suppose to be the best game with the best players.

Amongst the players, Scott and Jeremy Jones are the best commentators by a wide margin. Scott, in particular, really surprised me.

Steve Strain was noticeably nervous at times - especially at the interview portion at the end.

I get the idea that the whole venture is still a work in progress.

Speaking of the interview, don't admit (Archer) that you aren't comfortable with the game and still learning it. That is already painfully obvious as players come to the table and start by asking rule questions to the referee. That to me speaks volumes as to how much some of the players have really put any effort into this. The referee did her homework and knows the rules. There was no hesitation in her at all. The players should be on the same level.

Of all the players during the season, I got the impression that Johnny Archer understood the strategy of the game least. Clock management, shooting sequence, game-play tactics and "moving"; he seemed to be the least innovative with regards to all of it. OTOH, he never misses, so he's got that going for him.

The studio should have black curtains in front of the seating sections. This way if you don't get enough fans/players to show up to watch live then you can close a section down and still make it look like a packed house. Instead it looked like a movie theatre on a Tuesday afternoon. And then Steve Strain states 'it is a packed house here'. Once again, take the shamwow out of it and just be real or do you think that the viewing public is that stupid?

Black curtains are a great idea. Also, there are seats for like 50 people. How "packed" can that house get?


Watchez is the teacher

Overall, I really enjoy watching the pros playing the game. In particular, the team aspect (see Lombardo, Hunter) and the shot clock (see Williams, Charlie) apply very unique stresses on the players.

The big advantage to Bonus Ball's current format over matches in traditional games is that you can realistically tweak it so you can guarantee that an entire match can be fit into a 2 hour, television slot. I suppose you could do the same if you introduced a shot clock and a game clock to 8, 9 and 10 ball matches, but it wouldn't translate to one-pocket or even straight pool.

Taek

 

[jeffj2h]

One thing that I struggled to keep up with was safety strategy. If I'm watching 9 ball, I can spot a safety opportunity quickly. But in BB you have to think about 2-way shots a lot that involve getting position in your pocket on your next color and at the same time denying your opponent a shot on his next ball in his pocket. The teammates constantly were yelling out things like "they are on orange next" to help their shooter plan a safety or 2-way shot.

 

[Wraith]

I watched too last night and to me the game doesn't make sense and I don't see the skill in the game.

 

[KRJ]

One thing that I struggled to keep up with was safety strategy. If I'm watching 9 ball, I can spot a safety opportunity quickly. But in BB you have to think about 2-way shots a lot that involve getting position in your pocket on your next color and at the same time denying your opponent a shot on his next ball in his pocket. The teammates constantly were yelling out things like "they are on orange next" to help their shooter plan a safety or 2-way shot.

It's 1P on steroids What's not to like? For all those that think 1P is too slow, this is the fast pace version... though technically you get "3" pockets, not just "1" !!!!

 

[Atlatlien]

It's 1P on steroids What's not to like? For all those that think 1P is too slow, this is the fast pace version... though technically you get "3" pockets, not just "1" !!!!

That was kinda the feeling I got too. There's a little straight pool feel in there as well such as when shooting the black and trying to get a breakout on the rack.

I thought it was pretty damn cool. I had never really given it a chance before. I'm hoping ESPN 3 carries it much more often because I'll be watching it. I can't bring myself to buy PPVs for it though.

 

[KRJ]

I watched too last night and to me the game doesn't make sense and I don't see the skill in the game.

yep. no skill even bangers can see this is not an easy game... it takes some strategy to play it !!

 

[markgw]

That was kinda the feeling I got too. There's a little straight pool feel in there as well such as when shooting the black and trying to get a breakout on the rack.

I thought it was pretty damn cool. I had never really given it a chance before. I'm hoping ESPN 3 carries it much more often because I'll be watching it. I can't bring myself to buy PPVs for it though.

There is not only a little straight pool, but one pocket strategy is also involved. I think the game format is amazing and I was a hater. Watching last night completely turned me around. This is a great game and an exciting format. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time<<<LOVE IT!!!

 

[jay helfert]

Good point. I've watched the NFL since 1967 and I still am not sure what constitutes an illegal formation.

Same for me with Ice Hockey. They would do well to explain the rules a few times during the season to help gain some new fans. That goes for any pro sport.

 

[DRW]

Bonus Ball

I too, watched for the first time last night. They have to post some rules to keep the live and streaming audience up to snuff. I kind of thought the coaching from the bench was a little APA like. All of the players were pro's and should not have to be told what can be done. Some players appeared to be as confused as the viewers. It was better than what was on TV at the time. I'm sure as time goes on, it will be more professional looking.

 

[Luxury]

Watchez make some good points. Hearing the players tAlk/coach is the best part IMO.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bdorman]

Note to pool promoters:

The shot clock makes all the difference! BB is a strategic game like one-pocket, but a viewer doesn't have to wait two minutes between shots while the shooter decides what he's going to do.

I'd love to see Efren play BB. He'd eat these guys alive.