9 ball rant

[Tokyo-dave]

I've always been taught, and I still make myself belive that when an opponent shits a ball in, by default, it can be traced to my mistake in letting him back at the table, AND................giving him the chance to take a shitter.
This is an aspect of 9 ball that doesn't happen enough with better players to become a game deciding factor.
However, it's when an opponent doesn't pocket a ball and gets a roll and leaves you hooked that I wish could be addresed somehow.
The recent 10 ball tournament that I played in was close to being ideal rules, but not perfect. It was all call shot, and if a player missed his called shot, but at the same time inadvertantly shit another ball in after first legal contact, the player sitting has the choice of taking over the inning, or forcing the offending player to take the next shot. This was effective in first ending a guys run that in 9 ball otherwise would have countinued after shitting a lucky ball in if he/she has a good look at the next ball in the rotation. However, if the player doesn't have a look at the next ball, he can still be forced to play it leaving the player that created the 'problem' to deal with it himself.
dave

 

[dabarbr]

If there's a ball next to the pocket making the pocket bigger when shooting the 8 it could make the difference between an hanger and a 50/50 win loss

This shot, among a few others, are the reasons why I shy away from playing call shot. Call shot leads to arguments. The only way to play is call pocket. My experience tells me that the lesser the player, the more complicated they want to make the game.

I like the new rules for ten ball these days where you need to call the pocket and with only calling one ball. Any ball sloping in gives your opponent the opportunity to accept the next shot or give it back.

 

[Shaft]

If you don't like 9 ball, play 10 ball instead

Basically the same game (different break of course), but you call the ball and pocket.

The arguments for and against slop:
Those are the rules...............................................(we know THAT, but the question is, WHY???????)
Everyone slops in now and then...............................(so what? why allow it?)
There is luck outside of the pockets, too...................(this is also true in call pocket games, so why allow slop?)
In the long run, the better guy will win anyway...........(you just lost a significant money match, 7-6, on an single slop shot to some guy you never saw before. Feel better?)

BTW, the "better guy" will win more often in call pocket games too. Probably more often than in a luck game.

In my opinion, there is no compelling reason to have slop in ANY pool game between adults. I just don't follow the arguments in favor of it. Except THIS one, which is seldom mentioned:

Bangers will be more willing to play and bet in a game that allows slop, making them easier fish to catch. If the game relied totally on skill, fewer fish would bite.

But this debate has been waged before. Clearly, the rules of 9 ball are not going to change. And, there is a simple solution.

If you really hate slop and someone wants to play you 9 ball, suggest 10 ball instead. If he insists on 9 ball, you can always decline. Or maybe not....maybe you just found a fish.

Live and let live.

 

[poolplayer2093]

This shot, among a few others, are the reasons why I shy away from playing call shot. Call shot leads to arguments. The only way to play is call pocket. My experience tells me that the lesser the player, the more complicated they want to make the game.

I like the new rules for ten ball these days where you need to call the pocket and with only calling one ball. Any ball sloping in gives your opponent the opportunity to accept the next shot or give it back.

i hear those new rules for 10 ball make 2 way shots a no go?

 

[Pushout]

This shot, among a few others, are the reasons why I shy away from playing call shot. Call shot leads to arguments. The only way to play is call pocket. My experience tells me that the lesser the player, the more complicated they want to make the game.

I like the new rules for ten ball these days where you need to call the pocket and with only calling one ball. Any ball sloping in gives your opponent the opportunity to accept the next shot or give it back.

This. I've only heard of call shot in about three different instances. Hustler playing mark who doesn't know enough to know he's being hustled. What he said about the lesser player making the game more complicated. And bar players are notorious for this.

 

[poolplayer2093]

This. I've only heard of call shot in about three different instances. Hustler playing mark who doesn't know enough to know he's being hustled. What he said about the lesser player making the game more complicated. And bar players are notorious for this.

i've heard it used in different small tournaments

 

[justadub]

I'll do ya 1 better. How about when playing 8 ball, shoot whatever ya want but you have to call your "next" shot. I hate when a guy goes for shape on a certain ball, gets hooked and gets to shoot any other ball in his/her group.

How would you like to play under this rule?

We actually play this way at the club I belong to, every once in a while, just to mix things up. It is fun, and a real challenge.

 

[RunoutJJ]

In a nutshell:


Short race in 9 ball (race to 2 or 3) luck can be a big factor...


Long race in 9 ball (7 or higher) the superior player with always win unless they fall over dead


Play call shot/pocket games or dotn complain about it. JMHO :smile: