Call shot rotation games are lame, IMO. That applies to call shot/ call safe rules, especially. They take skill out of the game, instead of adding to it.
Of course straightpool and banks need to be call shot games, but 8,9,10 ball and straight rotation have no need to call shots. Seeing the 2-way shots (both the variation where you hide the cueball if you miss, and the one where you have the opportunity to make one of maybe 2-3 balls, is a skill. Knowing when to shoot them is also a skill. It makes the game more fun and can lead to more aggressive play, which I like.
Sometimes a guy will fluke a ball and win. Happened to me in snooker in a tournament not long ago. Didn't make me want to change the rules. He made a nice break from that fluke, thus he earned the win. If it came down to the final black and he fluked it, then sxxt happens, my friend. In the long run it all evens out.
Of course straightpool and banks need to be call shot games, but 8,9,10 ball and straight rotation have no need to call shots. Seeing the 2-way shots (both the variation where you hide the cueball if you miss, and the one where you have the opportunity to make one of maybe 2-3 balls, is a skill. Knowing when to shoot them is also a skill. It makes the game more fun and can lead to more aggressive play, which I like.
Sometimes a guy will fluke a ball and win. Happened to me in snooker in a tournament not long ago. Didn't make me want to change the rules. He made a nice break from that fluke, thus he earned the win. If it came down to the final black and he fluked it, then sxxt happens, my friend. In the long run it all evens out.
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