Only pool tournament players............

JoeyA

JoeyA

Efren's Mini-Tourn BACKER
Silver Member
Please answer this question ONLY if you play in pool tournaments.

I would like to get a consensus of opinion. It seems that I regularly play in pool tournaments and playing at different establishments it is VERY DIFFICULT to get a tight rack playing 9 ball or 10 ball.

If you play in pool tournaments, would you pay, $5 to use a Magic Rack or some other template rack, just for the event?

If not, what fee would you pay to use BRAND NEW template rack? And if you have a particular brand that you like to use, please state which one you like best.

If you don't believe in the Magic Rack and feel it should not be used in tournament play, please state why?

I've been thinking a lot about why the template racks are not used more often and think that the main reason is that some of the better rackers don't want to put everyone else on the same level playing field and will ***** about having it in the tournaments.

Also, if they said you could use a Magic Rack or other approved template rack for racking purposes or another kind of rack, say a standard wood, metal of even plastic rack, would you use the standard rack?

Thanks for responses from all of you tournament players.

JoeyA
 
I actually like the Magic Rack, my only problem is in my area in league and the tournaments I play I have to ask the opponent if I can use it and I also have to make it available to each opponent. Most refuse to use it so I'm stuck using a pretty crappy bar rack. I'll admit that most of the shooters are older guys and normally ask me what the hell it is. There are guys that bring a large wooden rack that get to use that though.

I would in no way mind paying a small fee at tournaments for these to be made available.
 
if the balls are old and worn out, the magic rack won't get them tight either. Delta 13 is the best triangle rack i have ever used.
 
Really don't care what rack is used as long as my opponent is using the same rack. I'd never pay for a rack.
 
On one of our local tours (Predator Pro/Am), each stop utilizes the Delta 13 and it's an excellent rack. Even on rougher tables it's possible to get a suitable rack, much more so than if using a plastic or wooden rack.

This tour is also RYO, so if you put in the time to learn to give yourself a solid rack it can serve as a plus over an opponent whom is not so meticulous with their own racks.

Not so big on the magic rack I just wind up cut breaking on them all day lol.
 
In my opinion, I think the games should be won by the player that plays the best. Not the player that racks the best. So I would say that every tournament should be played with the magic rack.

Every time there's a tournament and they're using a normal triangle, there's always arguments about the rack. If you rack your own and you happen to run a few racks, then it's because you're "setting" up the rack. If you rack for your opponent and they don't break and run a few racks, then it's because you're "setting" up the rack. It's a never ending barrage of excuses.

I watched Corey Duel use the magic rack, with the head ball on the spot, and he consistently made the wing ball and controlled the cue ball and the 1 ball so that he had a shot at it every time!! Now, I myself can't fault him for that because the whole point of this game is to break, run out and keep your opponent in their seat. I figure he did a great job figuring out what to do to maximize his chances for winning. So you fix that by breaking from the box, using the magic rack, 3 balls not including the cue ball must at least cross the middle pocket (they don't have to end up there) and racking the 9-ball on the spot. It only counts on the break when not pocketed in the bottom two pockets.
 
In the spirit of being equally "fair for all" this 'all racked balls touching equally' for all should be a standard especially for any money based games. (Now comes the standard rules for the break speed and pattern racking.) Yes anything that makes the players more equally matched (less cheating) is a good thing for pool. Use of anything that promotes /allows the balls to not be racked 'fairly' turns into a gaff game pretty quickly.

Magic Rack, Solo etc should be the top standard for 'fairness' (with break rules) for all Money based tournaments. Like table time, this should be part of the event fees... It just like any other equipment imo (ie bridges, other racks, chaulk) WE DON'T NEED TO KEEP ADDING MORE FEES. Just build it into the costs... Should we pay more for clean air, clean balls, clean clothe.. 'clean' fair racks?? just make the events respectable so more can justify its costs. We need to grow in a positive direction in pool. Piss in's are YESTERDAY'S standards. See White Diamond Tournament... just saying.

Expect more or stand still and watch us die. just my opinion.

Randy
 
Here's my opinion, for what it's worth.....If I am going to a tournament, I expect them to use the best conditions that they can. That means, tables cleaned, balls cleaned, enough room around the table to shoot unhindered by fixed obstacles (other tables, shelves, ect.) and a decent rack to use. Decent rack especially if the tables haven't been recently recovered and have dimples where they aren't supposed to be.

No way would I like to be paying extra for equipment that should already be there. Especially if I bring my own magic rack, and then the director wants to charge me for using it. I am free to use what ever cue I want, I should be free to use whatever rack I want.
 
Being primarily a bar/league player, occasional tournament player, I like having good equipment when I can get it.

Last time I ran a tournament, I tried to introduce the Outsville Accu-Rack. Even had two of the three provided gratis courtesy of the Renfro. Problem is, people are resistant to change, and except for a few, most went back to using the shitty plastic racks, and even insisted they worked better. Dumb rednecks.

Hardest part to overcome is resistance to change.

Edit to add: I feel I should mention that the tournament I mentioned was 8-ball, with loser racking. I will never hold a RYo tournament.
 
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I think templates are the way to go. They give a far more consistent rack than traditional triangles.

And no I wouldn't pay extra to use a template versus a triangle (but I play in penny ante tourneys anyway).

However, I've never understood why there isn't a set pattern to the balls for a particular game? That way everyone plays with the same pattern, and the manipulated 'randomness' is a thing of the past.

So in 9 ball, every rack is say: 1, 4 -5, 7-9-8, 3-6, 2

The templates should take care of random gaps.

Shrug
 
me...

Magic Rack, 9 on the spot, break from the spot. I'll pay 10$ more to have this setup to any tournament I go.
Chris N.
 
I played in a tournament at Brickyard Billiards a couple of weekends ago. The guy running the tournament did an excellent job in my opinion. In the Player's meeting, he asked for a show of hands of those favoring using a Magic Rack and those against. It was overwhelming in favor. The facility provided the racks and no additional charge.

When the Magic Rack is on, I like it. Seems like a number I've seen lately are a bit off. Renfro is sending me a couple of the new Solo racks to try. I liked the old ones as they seemed to adapt to mis-sized worn balls where the Magic Rack doesn't do this at all. So in general, I'd strongly prefer a Magic Rack type device be used.

And yes, I'd have no issue paying a few bucks extra to have one used in the tournament.
 
JoeyA said:
If you play in pool tournaments, would you pay, $5 to use a Magic Rack or some other template rack, just for the event?
Click to expand...

No

JoeyA said:
If not, what fee would you pay to use BRAND NEW template rack? And if you have a particular brand that you like to use, please state which one you like best.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't pay an additional fee. If it were included in the entry/green fees, that's a different story.

JoeyA said:
If you don't believe in the Magic Rack and feel it should not be used in tournament play, please state why?
Click to expand...

I don't have a problem with using the magic rack, but I have a problem with rack your own and a magic rack.

JoeyA said:
Also, if they said you could use a Magic Rack or other approved template rack for racking purposes or another kind of rack, say a standard wood, metal of even plastic rack, would you use the standard rack?
Click to expand...

Are you asking, if there was a tournament that allowed multiple rack styles, would we use a template rack?
 
I have not used the magic rack enough to comment on it. I did see the turtle rack in the mezz west state event this weekend and it seemed okay. Personally I like the Delta 13 triangle.
 
Chuck Fields said:
Nope, IMO they are part of whats wrong with the game.
Chuck
Click to expand...

What is it about the template racks that makes them wrong for the game?

rhatten said:
In the spirit of being equally "fair for all" this 'all racked balls touching equally' for all should be a standard especially for any money based games. (Now comes the standard rules for the break speed and pattern racking.) Yes anything that makes the players more equally matched (less cheating) is a good thing for pool. Use of anything that promotes /allows the balls to not be racked 'fairly' turns into a gaff game pretty quickly.

Magic Rack, Solo etc should be the top standard for 'fairness' (with break rules) for all Money based tournaments. Like table time, this should be part of the event fees... It just like any other equipment imo (ie bridges, other racks, chaulk) WE DON'T NEED TO KEEP ADDING MORE FEES. Just build it into the costs... Should we pay more for clean air, clean balls, clean clothe.. 'clean' fair racks?? just make the events respectable so more can justify its costs. We need to grow in a positive direction in pool. Piss in's are YESTERDAY'S standards. See White Diamond Tournament... just saying.

Expect more or stand still and watch us die. just my opinion.

Randy
Click to expand...

Build the cost of Magic Racks? Where do the promoters of these tournaments recoup the additional costs?

Maybe, the tournament promoters should offer the template racks for sale, for anyone that wants to use them. Players could share the cost of the racks. 64 players, 32 matches, 32 Magic Racks. How much does that cost?

Neil said:
Here's my opinion, for what it's worth.....If I am going to a tournament, I expect them to use the best conditions that they can. That means, tables cleaned, balls cleaned, enough room around the table to shoot unhindered by fixed obstacles (other tables, shelves, ect.) and a decent rack to use. Decent rack especially if the tables haven't been recently recovered and have dimples where they aren't supposed to be.

No way would I like to be paying extra for equipment that should already be there. Especially if I bring my own magic rack, and then the director wants to charge me for using it. I am free to use what ever cue I want, I should be free to use whatever rack I want.
Click to expand...

I agree, a player should be allowed to use whatever rack they prefer to use.

leto1776 said:
Being primarily a bar/league player, occasional tournament player, I like having good equipment when I can get it.

Last time I ran a tournament, I tried to introduce the Outsville Accu-Rack. Even had two of the three provided gratis courtesy of the Renfro. Problem is, people are resistant to change, and except for a few, most went back to using the shitty plastic racks, and even insisted they worked better. Dumb rednecks.

Hardest part to overcome is resistance to change.

Edit to add: I feel I should mention that the tournament I mentioned was 8-ball, with loser racking. I will never hold a RYo tournament.
Click to expand...

pocket said:
I think templates are the way to go. They give a far more consistent rack than traditional triangles.

And no I wouldn't pay extra to use a template versus a triangle (but I play in penny ante tourneys anyway).

However, I've never understood why there isn't a set pattern to the balls for a particular game? That way everyone plays with the same pattern, and the manipulated 'randomness' is a thing of the past.

So in 9 ball, every rack is say: 1, 4 -5, 7-9-8, 3-6, 2

The templates should take care of random gaps.

Shrug
Click to expand...

So you are for template racks but don't want to pay extra for them? I understand that in one way.

devorator said:
Magic Rack, 9 on the spot, break from the spot. I'll pay 10$ more to have this setup to any tournament I go.
Chris N.
Click to expand...

$10 seems like a lot more than I think would be needed to have a template rack used. I agree, 9 ball on the spot, but I prefer allowing players to break from the box but alternate break.

nobcitypool said:
I played in a tournament at Brickyard Billiards a couple of weekends ago. The guy running the tournament did an excellent job in my opinion. In the Player's meeting, he asked for a show of hands of those favoring using a Magic Rack and those against. It was overwhelming in favor. The facility provided the racks and no additional charge.

When the Magic Rack is on, I like it. Seems like a number I've seen lately are a bit off. Renfro is sending me a couple of the new Solo racks to try. I liked the old ones as they seemed to adapt to mis-sized worn balls where the Magic Rack doesn't do this at all. So in general, I'd strongly prefer a Magic Rack type device be used.

And yes, I'd have no issue paying a few bucks extra to have one used in the tournament.
Click to expand...

I think Magic Racks alter with use and bending etc. That is why they need to be replaced periodically. If a player has a problem with the existing racks, they should have additional racks available for sale.

DAVE_M said:
No



I wouldn't pay an additional fee. If it were included in the entry/green fees, that's a different story.





I don't have a problem with using the magic rack, but I have a problem with rack your own and a magic rack.

What is the problem with rack your own and a magic rack?



Are you asking, if there was a tournament that allowed multiple rack styles, would we use a template rack?
Click to expand...

Yes

brophog said:
I'd pay five bucks for good balls and cloth.
Click to expand...

Most of us seem like we would like to have the best equipment available.
For me a few more bucks or a couple of more dollars for a tournament that is costing me at least a couple of hundred dollars isn't going to break me.

JoeyA
 
Maybe I'm spoiled, but most of the pool halls in my area take good care of their balls and tables, and provide magic racks at no charge, so I would not pay extra for any of that.
Playing 10-ball, I don't mind using the magic rack, because it still requires immense skill to make a ball, have a shot and the 1, and runout.
With 9-ball, I've worked hard to be able to break with power and control the cue ball, but with most tournaments using the magic rack these days, it's frustrating to see everyone and their mother soft-breaking and making 2-3 balls with a perfect layout.
 
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