Race to 1 eightball.

steev

steev

Lazy User
Silver Member
Our local tournaments are generally race to one, double elimination.

Since we're on a barbox, this means a lot of runuots. I like it because it really becomes a game of mistakes, i.e. you make one, you're probably gonna lose.

It's also good for the tournament in a couple of ways. Lesser players feel they have a better shot at beating the better players in this format, so they keep showing up (and putting their $$ in). Also, one slow match can't hurt the bracket's progress too bad, since it's just one game.

As our pool 'market' is small, keeping players is a big concern. Scare them off, and you've lost them, usually for good.

I guess I'm just rambling, but any thoughts?

-s
 
tucson9ball

tucson9ball

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
steev said:
Our local tournaments are generally race to one, double elimination.

Since we're on a barbox, this means a lot of runuots. I like it because it really becomes a game of mistakes, i.e. you make one, you're probably gonna lose.

It's also good for the tournament in a couple of ways. Lesser players feel they have a better shot at beating the better players in this format, so they keep showing up (and putting their $$ in). Also, one slow match can't hurt the bracket's progress too bad, since it's just one game.

As our pool 'market' is small, keeping players is a big concern. Scare them off, and you've lost them, usually for good.

I guess I'm just rambling, but any thoughts?

-s
Click to expand...


In the late 80's or early 90's, that's how all the bar tournaments were out here in Tucson. You are exactly right, the lower rated players feel thay have a pretty good chance to win. I remember being in tournaments with about 30 players usually.
Normally they would pay out to the top 3 places. This is how many guys subsidized their income back in the day. No added money but what the heck, it was easy if you were the best player there. Unless somebody had a over the top runout, a sneaky safe could usually win a match.
 
JustinHayes

JustinHayes

I'll need an Orange Crush
Silver Member
steev said:
It's also good for the tournament in a couple of ways. Lesser players feel they have a better shot at beating the better players in this format, so they keep showing up (and putting their $$ in).
Click to expand...

Yep, in our smallish community far outside the Dallas area, this is how they do it and it works well and makes for a short night.
 
Spimp13

Spimp13

O8 Specialist
Silver Member
Sure if you don't mind losing to someone who breaks and runs out on you one game. Races to 1 do make mistakes more costly, but also throw the possibility of not shooting into the equation more. I guess next time I will have to rack better so they don't break and run lol!?
 
DogsPlayingPool

DogsPlayingPool

"What's in your wallet?"
Silver Member
I think race to 1 tourneys have merit. I don't play in many tournaments for the very reason they are usually marathon affairs. I'm just not of the notion to enter a Sunday afternoon tournament that starts at noon and still be in the pool hall at 1AM when I have work the next day.

I was up in Santa Cruz on business and the local room had this exact format. It started at 6:30 PM, I was in it to the end and was out the door by 8:30. Since I had to work the next day that is the only reason I even entered.

And the "do or die" nature of every game is kind of fun.
 
The Schwartz

The Schwartz

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Spimp13 said:
Sure if you don't mind losing to someone who breaks and runs out on you one game. Races to 1 do make mistakes more costly, but also throw the possibility of not shooting into the equation more. I guess next time I will have to rack better so they don't break and run lol!?
Click to expand...

Yep we do a little 9 ball tourney around here that's a race to 2 & break-and-runs happen regularly. I like having another chance against a stronger shooter. Mistakes are still very costly though and even the weak shooters can catch fire long enough to win there.
 
Eric.

Eric.

Club a member
Silver Member
Like everyone said, it's the same around here (NJ/NYC metro). Typically, the pro's are excluded (if they are even recognized) but no one is barred. For some reason, maybe due to the small amount of money/winnings, you rarely see anyone above a strong B level in our local tourneys.


Eric
 
TSW

TSW

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I used to play in a format where it was race to 1 8-ball, but if the breaker broke and ran out, the opponent would have an opportunity to match the feat. I thought that was a nice touch to make it more sporting without adding much time.

IMO in a race that short you can't take it very seriously. Luck will have an overwhelming effect on the result, so try to have fun and play your best.
 
catpool9

catpool9

"Rack Um"/ Rusty Lock
Silver Member
1 game/ double elimination/ 8-Ball

Yep thats how most all the tourneys are in Texarkana, seems that everyone has the same chance at winning.


David Harcrow
 
dareads

dareads

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have one near me that I play in when I get the chance. Still not sure how I feel about the format, but I enjoy playing different people of different skill levels.
I also started playing in the line tournament locally and really enjoy that format. Pay your entry fee and play for 2 hours. Win enough games and you get some money. Otherwise, you just paid for your table time and the opportunity to play against different competition. :thumbup:
 
cubswin

cubswin

Just call me Joe...
Silver Member
used to be alot of tournaments around at the bars like that, I personally loved them.

I play in one now and then now, and its great for concentration when you finally get to play. No mistakes allowed most of the time.
 
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