14.1 on diamond vs brunswick table

Not Just About Pocketing Balls

One last thing that I thought of after posting...a player in a straight pool match doesn't simply have to pocket balls. That's only half of the offensive aspect of the game. Moving the CB after making a shot is equally important. Whether it's to break up a cluster or get position on another ball to be able to break up a cluster, there's more to the game than shooting a ball into a hole. That's why being able to "cheat" a pocket is an integral part of the game. Most call it "cheating" a pocket, I prefer to call it using all of the pocket.

Ron F
 
lfigueroa said:
Yes, it will make you more precise. But then playing with pool balls on a snooker table would that too, no? It is a delicate balancing act.

Lou Figueroa
Click to expand...

Yes, it is. What one wants out of our game is a personal judgement. I guess if one doesn't make his living with a pool cue, it's truely - just a game...
 
I was just pondering this and Straight pool seems to be the only game I can think of where easier pockets may favor the better player. At least in 150+ point game. Even if the easier table allows the amateur to run 50 balls where he normally would run 20-30, the pro has an easier time running 100's.

When it comes to playing in commercial pool rooms, tight pockets are only good if they are well maintained. I've played on 4.25 inch tables with dirty cloth, poor rails and dirty balls, the table was as tough as the snooker table. It was fun to practice on, but I wouldn't want to compete on it...because that's not pool.

This modern day obssession (or maybe not so modern) sometimes loses sight of the fact that it's not supposed to be as difficult to pocket balls on a pool table as it is on a snooker table. It's not even supposed to be close.

For me, I prefer 4.75 inch pockets for straight pool, 4.5 if the equipment is well maintained.
 
lfigueroa said:
I am not so sure I would go so far as to say you should be able to cheat the pocket -- but I would say that you should be able to hit anywhere inside the pocket, at speed, and have the ball drop.

Lou Figueroa
Click to expand...

Lou, let me explain in a little more detail the point I'm trying to make. In straight pool (unlike rotation games where you are primarily using english off a rail to play position) you are quite often required to use cut angle as the primary tool to play shape. This is especially true because you are quite frequently not even going to a rail at all. You need to be able to manipulate the cut angle for a couple of reasons: 1) in order to alter the tangent line that exists for a shot to the center of the pocket and 2) to control the speed of the CB off the object ball (i.e. a fuller hit to hold down the cue ball's travel and a thinner cut to send it further). And because the position requirements in 14.1 are often so precise, you need to have this tool to play the game correctly. It's just not like 9 Ball where the correct side of the ball almost always gets the job done.

BTW, I know I'm not saying anything you don't know, I'm just trying to better explain my point. :grin-square: I just think pockets must be a certain size and be accepting enough to allow the player some leeway to manipulate the cut angle. This doesn't mean buckets necessarily. Also, no matter how big the pocket is, the position requirements of a certain shot may require you to pot the ball within only 2 3/4" range in order to play a successful shot. Miss this zone to one side and you catch too much point and miss the shot; miss the zone on the other side and you make the ball but miss shape (and perhaps have no shot). The whole rest of the pocket is irrelevant because it results in failure even though you may pocket the ball.. Obviously at some point the pockets are too big because not every shot requires pinpoint accuracy or pinpoint shape, and there shouldn't be too much leeway to manipulate the cut angle anyway. So I'm not an advocate of buckets as the set up needs to be challenging for all aspects of the game. All I'm saying is that what is the acceptable minimum for 9 Ball or 10 Ball is probably not big enough for proper straight pool, and the set up should allow the player some amount of leeway to manipulate the cut angle.
 
To sum it up

Yes, Diamonds present a more difficult 14.1 challenge for the average player. And, given any set of playing conditions, the more skilled player is likely to prevail.
 
lfigueroa said:
Both player playing on the same table is not the point. You could both be on a snooker table -- so what? That is not pool and certainly not 14.1. It is something else.

Lou Figueroa
Click to expand...

Bethpage Black is SUCH a tough golf course, you might need 1.5 to 2 dozen golf balls to finish it (for someone who might shoot around 100 on their local course). Does that mean it's not "golf?" If not, what would you call Bethpage?

Pocket size doesn't dictate whether or not you're playing pool or 14.1 (or any other game). It changes your style / strategy -- but not "the game."
 
Cog Hill

Cog Hill - site of the the 2013 PGA Championship. Can't wait!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CKguqxwhxg

That's golf, right?? Fortunately no, that ain't golf. But it isn't golf because it doesn't meet the standards of The R & A, formerly the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, or the United States Golf Association (USGA). But in the absence of an R & A or a USGA (think pool), anyone can say yes, that IS golf.

Because pool lacks a universally accepted governing body which dictates rules and regulations, there are no wrong answers about what the correct pocket size should be for straight pool - only interpretations and personal preferences. Straight pool on a 3.5 x 7 with 5-1/2" pockets is just as much straight pool as straight pool played on a 5 x 10 with 3-7/8" pockets. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Ron F
 
SpiderWebComm said:
Bethpage Black is SUCH a tough golf course, you might need 1.5 to 2 dozen golf balls to finish it (for someone who might shoot around 100 on their local course). Does that mean it's not "golf?" If not, what would you call Bethpage?

Pocket size doesn't dictate whether or not you're playing pool or 14.1 (or any other game). It changes your style / strategy -- but not "the game."
Click to expand...

I Grew up in Farmingdale {Town Next Door} played on the black about a dozen times...lost many a golf ball on that course...LOL

The Black has earned its name in being the toughest course in america, maybe even the world !!!

-Steve
 
You have hit the nail on the head!It ain't golf for the amatuer but for the PGA player it is,why?Because the PGA player just like the pro pool player is at a way different level then your day to day room player. These guys are practicing and playing alot of hours as well as have alot more talent to play the way they do.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top