9-Ball needs to be fixed

[maha]

being able to make 2 balls on the break 20 percent is almost criminal. that only happens because they make the one in the side most times. so they get to play 7 ball those times. instead of the old ways as many games were all 9 balls on the table after the break or 8 balls and who knew where the next ball to shoot would be.

 

[fuggles]

Look at what happens in 10 ball when a ref racks with a triangle. The pros can't reliably make a ball on the break so they safety break. And leave the incoming player having to push out. Its ridiculous. 9 ball is a stupid game. Can't be fixed. Or

Break box. 9 on the spot. 3 point rule. No golden break. 9 ball last. No jump cues.

 

[InsertCleverNameHere]

We have that.
The problem with 9-ball imo is that the path to run out is easier to get on than in more interesting games, like 10-ball for example. 10-ball is more likely to: have dry breaks, no easy first shot, clusters after the break, and have more balls in play that could potentially narrow the window for playing shape or getting hooked.
You're a professor. 10-ball introduces more variables, hence, more challenges, difficulty, and entertainment value for the spectators.
I'm a solid player. I can say without a doubt that 9 ball is easier to break and run than 10 ball.

Just remember every time you say it’s more enjoyable for spectators that you’re talking about like minded pool players.

Who you are absolutely NOT talking about is people curious about pool or might be, people who aren’t indoctrinated already, and people who play pool as a means to hang out with others socially only but occasionally will watch pros on tv. We as a community keep trying to meddle with a game to make it “more spectator friendly” when in reality none of the changes have accomplished that.

They may at times make it better for pool players viewing pleasure but that absolutely in no way shape or form brings new eyeballs to the arena.

And No, I definitely don’t know the answer to accomplish that either.

 

[boogieman]

9 ball last.

I was with you up until this point. In my opinion this removes the very soul of 9 ball. We have a Monday night league that has this rule. It beats not playing pool but it's not 9 ball.

The reason we do it is because it's 5 person teams and we play each opposing player 1 game, so you play all 5 opponents once. This makes sense for single games, but if you're doing anything over a race to 5, the 9 riding tends to not make a huge difference in the outcome.

Don't get me wrong, it's okay to play that way, but it really does take a lot of excitement from the game.

 

[boogieman]

Just remember every time you say it’s more enjoyable for spectators that you’re talking about like minded pool players.

Who you are absolutely NOT talking about is people curious about pool or might be, people who aren’t indoctrinated already, and people who play pool as a means to hang out with others socially only but occasionally will watch pros on tv. We as a community keep trying to meddle with a game to make it “more spectator friendly” when in reality none of the changes have accomplished that.

They may at times make it better for pool players viewing pleasure but that absolutely in no way shape or form brings new eyeballs to the arena.

And No, I definitely don’t know the answer to accomplish that either.

Scantily dressed ring girls and a pro wresting level of storyline. Imagine how fun it would be to see your favorite player cut a promo before and after the match. The storyline would basically need two branches depending on who wins. I know this sounds stupid, but do you remember liking player's idiosyncrasies, style, and antics before they all turned into robots?

Jason Shaw challenges SVB to an arm wrestling contest before the match and we get to see it. Real "ring" entrances, complete with theme music and pyrotechnics. The current reigning champion comes to the ring with the championship belt and must defend it, etc.