9ball Rack

[Fatboy]

It seems the text of the rule is needed here:


"5.2 RACKING THE BALLS
The object balls are racked in a diamond shape, with the 1-ball at the top of the diamond and on the foot spot, the 9-ball in the center of the diamond, and the other balls in random order, racked as tightly as possible. The game begins with cue ball in hand behind the head string."


Any pattern racking is illegal ("cheating"), whether racking for yourself or your opponent.

If I'm giving up a ball to someone, it going behind the 1 ball everytime. Thats not cheating thats just smart pool.

 

[CharlesUFarley]

Actually, the ball at the back of the rack is easy to predict...it will end up at the breaking end of the table (close to or frozen on the short rail isn't unusual) and the 9 will usually stay at the racking end. That's why a lot of people will put the 8-ball at the back of the rack, to leave distance between the 8 and 9. The 1-ball will usually go back to the breaking end (if it doesn't drop in the side), and putting the 2-ball at the back of the rack will actually help a runout because it will be at the same end of the table as the 1.

I know the tendency is for the back ball to travel toward the breaking end of the table, but it has to NOT hit something on it's way there.

 

[muttley76]

I am curious, if pattern racking is wrong, shouldn't checking the rack be wrong as well? For anyone that doesn't know, the gaps in a rack can tell you where to break from to make the corner ball. That is a gained advantage, so what is the difference between that and pattern racking or even racking in general?

 

[Shortside K]

do a search on "pattern racking".

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

If I'm giving up a ball to someone, it going behind the 1 ball everytime. Thats not cheating thats just smart pool.

That's a very good point and I agree with you 100% on this. In fact, when I grant the ball I would state that it gets racked behind the 1 so it will get racked there regardless of who is doing the racking.

But I think that giving weight is a negotiated arrangement that is somewhat separate from the standard rules of the game.

Originally posted by Pushout
Depends on what rules you are playing by.

This is true. My post assumes the game is being played under World Standardized Rules. Obviously, if you are playing by some other rules, your own rules or no rules at all, rack them any way you want.

 

[SupaFoo]

I am curious, if pattern racking is wrong, shouldn't checking the rack be wrong as well? For anyone that doesn't know, the gaps in a rack can tell you where to break from to make the corner ball. That is a gained advantage, so what is the difference between that and pattern racking or even racking in general?

Simple. The rack is supposed to be both tight and randomized. If you're checking the rack and you find gaps and you shoot differently because of what you see, it's because you've been put in a disadvantageous position by your opponent (whether they meant to or not) that shouldn't happen in the first place. That's just my opinion, at least. :smile:

 

[Pushout]

Simple. The rack is supposed to be both tight and randomized. If you're checking the rack and you find gaps and you shoot differently because of what you see, it's because you've been put in a disadvantageous position by your opponent (whether they meant to or not) that shouldn't happen in the first place. That's just my opinion, at least. :smile:

Not according to Joe Tucker. When I see those gaps I take advantage of them and make a ball on the break more often than not.

 

[Kyros]

Yeah, those things are terrible.

 

[CharlieHustle]

You're right about the 2 ball, just make sure its opposite the guy breaking if you want to lesson the chance of him running out. Don't put it on the wings or the bottom.

 

[ftgokie]

Great responses from everyone....this has (to me) been a most informative thread. Thank you all!