I like nine-ball and I like the idea behind it, but fundamentally it bothers me a bit. Ten-ball solves the technical tolerance but it lacks the fluency and the often-times appreciated silent communication of nine-ball, as well as deliberate two-way shots and safeties.
What do you think of a middle ground being: regular nine-ball and "spot what goes in early"... for any ball including the 9.
The idea being you get the two-ways and you keep your turn, but you need to adapt your plan for the spotted balls. If your opponent unintentionally locks you up, you still need the kicking skills to get out it and reverse the safety just like in nine-ball. Nobody needs to say words out-loud to call balls. If opponent flukes a ball, they must prove that they can still run-out when the ball comes back on the table, which may be a little bit more fair.
The only downside I see is the accumulation of a string of spotted balls on the head string, but may expose the skill requirement for precision long-distance safety play.
Thanks for reading my public brainstorm dump. Cheers
Nate
What do you think of a middle ground being: regular nine-ball and "spot what goes in early"... for any ball including the 9.
The idea being you get the two-ways and you keep your turn, but you need to adapt your plan for the spotted balls. If your opponent unintentionally locks you up, you still need the kicking skills to get out it and reverse the safety just like in nine-ball. Nobody needs to say words out-loud to call balls. If opponent flukes a ball, they must prove that they can still run-out when the ball comes back on the table, which may be a little bit more fair.
The only downside I see is the accumulation of a string of spotted balls on the head string, but may expose the skill requirement for precision long-distance safety play.
Thanks for reading my public brainstorm dump. Cheers
Nate