I just can not stand how 7 ball is played today on TV. It is a travesty to the original game of 7 ball. The original game I played, the breaker chose a side pocket and the opponent got the other side pocket for the 7. It was played just like 9 ball except for having to make the 7 in one of the side pockets.
I would like to see it played (considering the TV matches too):
1) Safeties allowed (played like 9 ball).
2) Breaker has to call right side or left, opponent gets the other side.
3) 7 ball has to be call pocket on the side you have chosen.
This way, it still goes fast, and is not 'automatic' with having to play the 7 to a pocket on the side you called. (3 pockets available).
I think this version would be more interesting, and take more skill than the current version played.
I would like to see it played (considering the TV matches too):
1) Safeties allowed (played like 9 ball).
2) Breaker has to call right side or left, opponent gets the other side.
3) 7 ball has to be call pocket on the side you have chosen.
This way, it still goes fast, and is not 'automatic' with having to play the 7 to a pocket on the side you called. (3 pockets available).
I think this version would be more interesting, and take more skill than the current version played.