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Oh, when you start to really pay attention to the wordage of APA rules, there are some really odd (and interesting) gaps. Like, the opponent has the right to move the ball back UNLESS a foul was committed. Then, the balls stay where they are. Imagine having BIH and you just want to move a...

I meant to type "not unusual". I'm tired. It's Monday. The refs here are often inexperienced.

I actually don't think the rulebook is very clear when it comes to this. What happens is, someone says "The rule clearly states the cue ball is always live" therefore, it is always a foul to move the cue ball. However, the rulebook *also* states, "If any of the following fouls are committed...

Seriously, can anyone think of a scenario where the non-shooter could commit a foul (outside of unsportsmanlike conduct)? I understand the APA rule-set is meant to be a sort of introduction to pool but they have essentially created wordage that allows for such an occurrence.

I agree but then again, these were two fairly inexperienced players here. People who have been around the game a long time would probably find a ref to help out. On the other hand, in most situations of this nature, I usually call over my opponent and say, "Can we agree not to call fouls on...

I agree but in local APA events, it's not usual for the referees to lack a degree of experience.

I was fascinated because I don't think any rulebook talks about it.

So, last night, I was watching an APA Tri-Cup match and an interesting ruling scenario came up. The shooter accidentally moved a ball and correctly stood-up to negotiate moving it back. The referee instructed her to ask her opponent to move it back. In her attempt to restore the balls, the...

I was going to watch the replays on Youtube anyway but SJM's assessment only makes me want to more so. I really enjoy the comments made about being first to the shot. This is something I think about in my own game but can't say I was paying close attention to it as I was watching the match...

For many of us, pool is more than just a game. This is a culture we live in. It defines us in many ways. We may be parents and lawyers and mechanics and engineers but when we allow ourselves the time for our minds to wander, we're pool players. Robert Byrne not only helped us build the tools...

I know exactly what you speak of. I usually lift the back end of the rack first, then I move it forward. That usually eliminates the stick-factor. That said, I'm curious how a new Diamond rack performs versus one that's gotten some use.

Awesome! I sorta throw this into the same category as chalk discussions. Everyone seems to gravitate to the most expensive option and once a degree of unbiased scrutiny is applied, the results can be surprising. I'm confident the Delta 13 is going to get a solid score but I'm curious to see...

Sorry for sounding skeptical but, I'd like to know more about what makes the Delta 13 a better rack. Like, I get it. It's really really strong unlikely to ever bend or wear. But, if I'm using a Diamond rack or one of those hard plastic racks, what is the exact difference? Like, are the...

I don't know. Being able to make a wager on a pool tournament might change things. It's like horse racing. I have zero interest in horses. Like, I couldn't be more disinterested. But, when the Kentucky Derby is on TV, I can't look away and I'm often making a wager. Legalized gambling for...

Just food for thought for those looking for the perfect rack. If the balls aren't racking right, it's first important to determine if it's the rack or the balls. The primary problem with the Delta 13 rack is price. Even their cheapest model ($50) is significantly more than your average...

Legalized gambling for pool can mean lots of things. It probably wouldn't change much for your local poolroom though. As stated, calcuttas and gambling already exist and I doubt any changes in the law would have any impact. That said, the pro events could definitely see a change. Betting on...

These are all excellent answers but something to keep in mind is cloth condition. Many competitive players on this forum may only play on a Diamond during a tournament. In those conditions, the cloth is usually new which can make the pockets play easier. Poolrooms like Society may only...

I do agree with your opinion on both of these examples. Doing a masse with BIH in kitchen to return to the kitchen or contacting a rail before crossing the head string doesn't have to be illegal. Not only can I not think of a sane reason to do either, I would welcome my opponents to try. When...

That's not exactly how I interpret the WPA rule and I thought we clarified that in previous discussions but correct me if I'm wrong. This WPA rule seems to allow shooting at an object ball that rests in the kitchen so long as the point of contact is outside the kitchen. No masse, no kick. I can...

When I first moved to Texas, I went to a few poolrooms. I started with the ones near me and was left alone completely. I didn't even stay an hour. Then I went up to Skinny Bob's and in a matter of minutes, players were asking me to gamble, asking if I wanted to play in the weekly tournaments...