Alternate Break or Winner Break

[Cameron Smith]

In a pool match, a game is like a goal scored in other sports.

The match is like a game won.

The team that makes a goal gives up the ball in other sports.

Imagine Duke getting the ball back everytime they make a basket. Imagine the run they could put together! Wow...that would be so exciting to watch them run maybe 30 baskets in a row! Score after 15 minutes: 60-0.

And then the opposing team would have a "chance" (how generous) to catch up. oooooooo....imagine that excitement....NOT! The stands would be empty, the TV black, and the fans spending elsewhere.

How would the fan (that we want) want to view this game? Not YOU, but the average fan? That's my question.

Jeff Livingston

Basketball does not equate to alternate breaks rather it is more like loser breaks.

You can not compare these other sports to pool, snooker or carom billiards. In Basketball, Football or Tennis both teams or players are involved at any given point in the match. They can take control of the point or ball if they are good enough. Yes it would be a tremendous advantage in these sports to allow the scoring team or player to maintain control of the ball, however the point is moot because we are no longer discussing anything that has anything to do with pool.

No matter how good a pool player you are, it is impossible to take your opponents turn if they don't miss. Which means should you find yourself trailing 9-1 in a race to 11 alternating breaks, the chances of you winning are almost zero to nil. Change that winners breaks and you can potentially win provided you play some excellent pool.

What makes people assume that the average fan wants to watch alternating breaks? You generally see less racks run out and more safteties, which can be boring even for rabid fans.

 

[chefjeff]

Basketball does not equate to alternate breaks rather it is more like loser breaks.

You can not compare these other sports to pool, snooker or carom billiards. In Basketball, Football or Tennis both teams or players are involved at any given point in the match. They can take control of the point or ball if they are good enough. Yes it would be a tremendous advantage in these sports to allow the scoring team or player to maintain control of the ball, however the point is moot because we are no longer discussing anything that has anything to do with pool.

No matter how good a pool player you are, it is impossible to take your opponents turn if they don't miss. Which means should you find yourself trailing 9-1 in a race to 11 alternating breaks, the chances of you winning are almost zero to nil. Change that winners breaks and you can potentially win provided you play some excellent pool.

What makes people assume that the average fan wants to watch alternating breaks? You generally see less racks run out and more safteties, which can be boring even for rabid fans.

I didn't make myself clear in my last post on this thread...I am for LOSER breaks.

Jeff Livingston

 

[Fred]

I dont assume the average fan wants to see alt. break, they clearly dont.
But if pro pool is ever gonna see big $$, they are gonna have to grow a fan base. I dont think winner break 9ball is gonna get the job done.
Justin Nuder

 

[Neil]

..............

 

[Hail Mary Shot]

Obviously, not everyone is going to be satisfied, no matter what the format is. To the guy that thinks it compares to football or basketball, try this once. Next time your opponent is at the table, when he takes a sip of his drink or something, quick jump up for that interception and start shooting. Just make sure you have your helmet on, 'cause I think your'e going to be needing it. To those that prefer alt. break--- If you win on the hill and you snapped in two nines, and your opponent had several scratches on the break because the cueball got kicked in by another ball after he parked it nicely in the center of the table, and you know he is the better player, do you really feel good about the win? Or do you just feel you got kinda lucky and escaped that match? I know I feel a whole lot better when I actually beat someone that is supposed to be better. That's how you move up in the pool world.

Every Win should be cherished ! I haven't met a pool player yet who felt bad at winning and just handing over the match to his losing opponent.

 

[crosseyedjoe]

Obviously, not everyone is going to be satisfied, no matter what the format is. To the guy that thinks it compares to football or basketball, try this once. Next time your opponent is at the table, when he takes a sip of his drink or something, quick jump up for that interception and start shooting. Just make sure you have your helmet on, 'cause I think your'e going to be needing it. To those that prefer alt. break--- If you win on the hill and you snapped in two nines, and your opponent had several scratches on the break because the cueball got kicked in by another ball after he parked it nicely in the center of the table, and you know he is the better player, do you really feel good about the win? Or do you just feel you got kinda lucky and escaped that match? I know I feel a whole lot better when I actually beat someone that is supposed to be better. That's how you move up in the pool world.

Eeennnnggg!!! Does this scenario even worst when it's winner's break?

BY the way what is the big difference between a run pattern of 6, 1 missed and taken rack then 6, from 6 side by side runs and 1 missed and taken rack for the win?

 

[crosseyedjoe]

I dont assume the average fan wants to see alt. break, they clearly dont.
But if pro pool is ever gonna see big $$, they are gonna have to grow a fan base. I dont think winner break 9ball is gonna get the job done.
Justin Nuder

Now consider an American player VS Philippine player or any player from another country. If your a non-pool player audience from America and watching the game, will you be satisfied if you only see your player once or twice during the whole match?

I guess, I'm one of those that doesn't think about individual games anymore. I take the game as a whole. Alternate break offers a more competitive format than winner's break both in appearance and game flow.