8 Ball & 9 Ball... Winner Break vs. Alternate Break.. A compromise?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Scottster
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Scottster

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I like the the opportunity for both players to get a chance at the table with the Alternate break format. I also like watching players string racks together.
I dont like the alternate break because it diminishes a players momentum, and makes it almost impossible to come back from a 2 or 3 game deficit. Granted, if the losing player didn't make make a mistake, he wouldn't be behind, perhaps the "mistake" boils down to dry breaks. I dont like "Winner Breaks" because the opponent may never see an inning at the table, therefore never getting a chance to retaliate.
I have put some thought into a happy medium. I would like to see a format that has alternate breaks. However, a player has the opportunity to break and run three racks in one inning. After the third successful runout the break would then be returned to the other player.
I believe this would give players the chance to make a comeback, keep matches more interesting, and the pressure on both players throughout the match.
 
I'm sure ...

Cliff Joyner would object since he just won $5,000 for running 7 racks in the IPT qualifier ... lol

Then, to your idea, you have the flip side, never getting to see a 5-7 pack,
and when the match was close coming up on a hill-to-hill situation. Say, the player down runs 3 racks to get hill-to-hill, and then has to surrender the break to his opponent, thereby affecting his momentum of the moment.

Might be okay for tournament play, but I don't think players would agree to it for big money games.
 
Yea Scott, I was referring to tournament play. The Midwest 9 ball tour (for example) switched to alternate breaks, once a lead is established on a bar box to 9. I believe it is almost impossible to stage a comeback.
If a player is down 8-5 and puts a 3 pack together, yes he is surrendering the break, but at least it is a match once again, the player exiting the table has put the pressure on his opponent and he had better perform flawlessly. 8-5 alternate break the player who is down has a very slim chance of making the match exciting or coming back.
 
I think they should just have race to 15 games at all tournaments. That way if someone runs out the match, then you just saw something incredibly special. But since thats not likely to happen, you don't have to worry about one player not getting any opportunities.

Also there should be tie breaks for hill hill matches. Such as a player has to win by two games, like in tennis. I find hill hill matches to be anti-climactic. The best player of the day doesn't neccessarily win, just the guy who got the right break at the right time. Luck plays too much of a part in that scenario.
 
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u forgot one, i played 2weeks ago in a tournament wich had loser breaks rulez. in case of hill hill, the person who won the toss, breaks. I think its a very good way of keeping matches interesting, and all i can say is, there where ALOT of hill hill matches, and well... weird enough... no one did complain about it. not saying they liked it, they didnt not like it..
 
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