9ball Different Rules?

tduncan

tduncan

Bet something...
Silver Member
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qphuIlYQgk

Came across this & kind of enjoyed watching some of it. These type of rules make it a little more exciting & more for tv with two halves. Thoughts? With the development of Bonus ball etc. & people trying to change pool to be more fun to watch, I llike this type of pool.

Make sure to check out the end of the first half. Very exciting & no different than a basketball player making a shot from half court as the buzzer sounds.:eek:
 
Last edited:
I agree there is an air of excitement that relates purely to skill, however the game seemed to be missing the drama associated to many matches that include safety play as well as the time necessary to strategize. It was a very entertaining production and that style of play would probably gain a wider audience.
 
I guess if we have to dumb down pool to make it appeal to the masses, the pros will play anything if there is a decent prize fund. But I'd rather have pro pool succeed because more people take up the game seriously and want to watch all the nuance the game involves when played at the highest levels. If you watch a tournament where there is a knowledgeable crowd, some of the loudest applause are for the good creative safety or a successful kick/re-safe.
 
I don't know that this is dumbing down pool. I think we just live in a time where pool has transitioned over the last 10-20 years. If you pull up older tournaments like this (although this one is specifically offense only), you see a much more aggressive offensive game.

Yes, 9 ball did always have safety play in the game, but 20+ years ago it was mainly only used as an option if you were in real poor position. Now people play percentages much more. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, just different.

Look at 8 ball. 20+ years ago there were no safeties at all, and we all know what people felt about you as a player if it was even suggested you were playing safe. Now it is commonplace amongst all rule books as a strategy in order to get BIH in order to increase your odds of winning.
 
I personally do like the aspect of kicking/safety play. I would like to see that included with this highly offensive game, with a time limit or halves.

The shot clock would certainly help speed the game up & put pressure on the player as it is done in football/basketball.....make a split second decision. That seperates the men from the boys.

My main point is a match of pool can take 20 minutes or 2 hours. The timed halves help you fit it into a somewhat predictable time slot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top