Alternative to tighter pockets

[Welder84]

When we devalue an observation that goes against what we already think and pump up an observation that falls in line with what we already think, that is known as confirmation bias.

I am a big Fargo believer. And Siming Chen mechanically and statistically is a 780-790 player. Ok, we both agree.

So based on the format (statistical data) Siming gives Wilkie and Mills a big spot.

I have to say no.

Thread 'Stats -- Siming Chen vs. Donny Mills Battle of the Sexes 9-Ball, February 2019' https://forums.azbilliards.com/thre...tle-of-the-sexes-9-ball-february-2019.489634/

So my question would be... Mike Page if Siming is 30 Fargo points higher than Mills or Wilkie would you bet your money on Siming spotting them (based off of Fargo) winner breaks (no special rack rules)?

Wilkie played her for 5k even and he is not delusional. And Mills was breaking with the nine ball on the spot.

I think Fargo is on the money when your statistics are apples to apples. But alternating the break and nine ball racked on the spot rules is apples to oranges.

 

[APA Operator]

Another thought might be taking away the side pockets for men. Just because of space considerations and the cost of real estate to rent or purchase I think the seven foot tables are taking over. In response to that I think that making tables without side pockets or changing to snooker style pockets might keep the difficulty level up.

What if all pockets were adjustable in size (or totally closeable), and there were 6 more pockets, one on each cushion? Then each table could be made easier or harder at will. And what if the adjustability was built into the table, so all you had to do was set the "difficulty factor" and the pockets automatically adjusted? There could even be some randomization settings where the pocket layout changed during the game, leading to more luck AND skill?

 

[ShootingArts]

What if all pockets were adjustable in size (or totally closeable), and there were 6 more pockets, one on each cushion? Then each table could be made easier or harder at will. And what if the adjustability was built into the table, so all you had to do was set the "difficulty factor" and the pockets automatically adjusted? There could even be some randomization settings where the pocket layout changed during the game, leading to more luck AND skill?

It seems like it might be possible to change pocket angles with an adjustment at each pocket. Trick is to keep costs down to make it practical to have any different tables.

I think not too many years down the road we are going to be playing on predominantly seven foot tables if we aren't already. Hard to guess how we can raise difficulty levels without getting crazy. Smaller balls and pockets might be one option.

Hu

 

[boogieman]

Maryjane and jaegermeister.

He said, handicap them, not give them performance enhancing substances.

 

[boogieman]

4 things changed pool forever:
Diamond tables, specifically proliferation of "deep shelf" pockets and fast cushions
Simonis cloth or equivalent (being universal at all tournaments)
Template racks
Alternate break

Together these things contributed to the demise of the "explosive, powerhouse rhytm guy." Rodney Morris, Earl Strickland, Bustamante, those kinds of players. These are characterized by having big breaks, fast playing style, extreme rack running ability (when in rhytm) and strong strokes. All of their advantages have been taken away by the above changes. Sure, their type could still be a top shelf pro, but they now risk losing to people that they might have beaten 11-2 under the old conditions. Those guys were fun to watch and their skill set is not easily tought or aquired, These are more or less natural abilities.

Newer pool matches are just boring to watch compared to older ones, even if there are less misses. I haven't seen a 3 rail draw shot in 20 years of watching professional competition I have to watch old Accu-Stats for that. That shot is no longer needed and is too low a percentage on newer tables, while it could be- and often was a match winner in slower conditions.

Agree fully. I own pretty much all of the template racks, but I've banned them from play at my house. They just make the break too easy, and this comes from a player who is NOWHERE near pro level. Alternate breaks... I don't know, they usually allow more matches to be played, but at the same time, it's really great to see a player get on a run and dominate a table. I think in pro competition we should go back to the standard, the winner of the lag chooses and the winner breaks. It would make lag as important as it used to be.

Simonis is great, and so much fun, but the ol fuzzy stuff is great fun. I recently cleaned and fixed up an old 9' Brunswick 1976 bi centennial model. It had the old school cloth that can get fuzzballs. I've not had so much fun on a table in a while. It's so much better for 1P and probably straight pool too.

Deep shelves suck, it's only a thing due to fast cloth IMO.