8 ball rule change.
- Thread starter mnorwood
- Start date
I think something as simple as having to play what they sink on the break could make it more challenging. This would eliminate them being able to pick the easier set after the break. Obviously they would still make one of each from time to time, but not having choice after the break could definitely make for more strategically played racks.
Another suggestion could just be to have the pros play last-pocket 8-ball.
Just my 2 cents...
-Brian
Another suggestion could just be to have the pros play last-pocket 8-ball.
Just my 2 cents...
-Brian
If you play call pocket, then I've always thought a straight pool break was in order.
Edit.... Oh, and combinations off any ball also, yours or your opponents. This would allow additional strategy in moving opponents balls.
In essence, a single rack straight pool game with each player needing to call pocket their group.
Edit.... Oh, and combinations off any ball also, yours or your opponents. This would allow additional strategy in moving opponents balls.
In essence, a single rack straight pool game with each player needing to call pocket their group.
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I will only post once here.
You are right. It defies logic that a player must slop a ball in on the break in order to continue to shoot in a called shot game. But do we want to turn the game of Eight-Ball into a game of One-Pocket? I fixed all the racking and breaking strife years ago.
Play under these rules: No Conflict Rules (shoot what you break)
I have run 15 regional events, all my leagues, and all my local tournaments with them. The only people that don't find them acceptable are people that have never played with them. I am giving you my experience. Do what you want.
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Pros 9 footer, shoot what ya make.
8 ball is truly suited for the box. If played on a full size table ''shoot what ya make''. It was always that way till vendors and time constraints made it ''first shot after the brake is open table.'' Rules that were created for reasons that are not directly related to the game itself, but to business models should be closely scrutinized. But till pool is recognized as a true sport in the US, like players of the Caliber of Hohman and Souquet, it'll be perceived just like any other game/contest....skateboarding.
8 ball is truly suited for the box. If played on a full size table ''shoot what ya make''. It was always that way till vendors and time constraints made it ''first shot after the brake is open table.'' Rules that were created for reasons that are not directly related to the game itself, but to business models should be closely scrutinized. But till pool is recognized as a true sport in the US, like players of the Caliber of Hohman and Souquet, it'll be perceived just like any other game/contest....skateboarding.
I think something as simple as having to play what they sink on the break could make it more challenging. This would eliminate them being able to pick the easier set after the break. Obviously they would still make one of each from time to time, but not having choice after the break could definitely make for more strategically played racks.
Another suggestion could just be to have the pros play last-pocket 8-ball.
Just my 2 cents...
-Brian
We have both of these rules, as well as no need to contact the rail and many other differences from WSR, which makes runouts quite unlikely and the games become highly strategic, almost like a hybrid game of pool and chess.
Instead of changing the game, how about changing the race format to match the skill level of the pros. If you're insisting that it's easy for any Pro to break and run, then how about this. Player A breaks and run out. Give player B a chance to also break and run out. If both players get a break and run, then they cancel each other out. Adopt a Ping-Pong rule where you must win by 2 games or more if both are on the hill.
aces805
non iphone user
Must win by 2 is a fantastic rule, but tournament directors will never embrace it (time). When playing heads up, I offer the must win by 2 racks, and many players agree.
Similar to pick-up basketball games, it gives the team thats behind a chance to apply pressure to the leader.
It also negates the importance of winning a coin toss, like how the NFL changed the sudden death overtime rule.
Similar to pick-up basketball games, it gives the team thats behind a chance to apply pressure to the leader.
It also negates the importance of winning a coin toss, like how the NFL changed the sudden death overtime rule.
I don't understand why people want to change the rules of a game all the time. My guess is it would be easier for them to win. I am totally against having to shoot what you make on the break. If you are playing winner breaks then you are suppose to have a reward for winning by breaking the next game, but if you make a ball and that group, stripes or solids, leave you with no shot or a bad cluster of balls then you are being penalize by having to shoot that group. If you want to even things out a little do so by alternating breaks or spot all balls made on the break and the breaker keeps shooting.--Smitty
I think playing last pocket 8 ball or something similar is better than playing a safety break in 8 ball. Or having to take what you make. Nothing is more annoying that having no shot on your group.
Have you ever considered World Standardized 8-ball rules instead of old school or house rules? The newer rules doesn't lock a player into a ball group for making a ball on the break, and penalize a player for not hitting a ball (ball in hand penalty).
http://www.wpa-pool.com/web/index.asp?id=114&pagetype=rules
http://www.wpa-pool.com/web/index.asp?id=114&pagetype=rules
If you think this is actually true, you have not seen a soft break used effectively!
And I should Add:: "How is this different than 9-Ball or 10-Ball?"
When Corey Deuel used a Magic Rack in am 8 ball match against me and others, I didn't notice him slopping in much of anything but he did make a ball almost every break and it was the same ball each rack.
JoeyA
Good points. Smitty.
I wonder what would happen if you make a solid on the break but choose to shoot stripes instead AND you have to immediately (before shooting stripes)spot back up any solids that you have made. A little more traffic on the table for the breaker could be something that makes the game a little more difficult for the breaker to run out.
JoeyA