OK, most of us heard that line in Pool Hall Junkies. I play Wednesday nights in the Mega Bucks League which alternates games each week with 8, 9, & 10 Ball. In Eight Ball besides games on the wire part of the handicap is where the one receiving the spot gets to take balls off the table when it's his turn after the break. I am basically an improving SL 3 in both in Mega Bucks & APA. Tomorrow I'm playing 8 Ball against a seven. He has played in the Predator & Joss Cup a number of times and twice played on the TV table with Upstate Al calling him a good player. Besides games on the line in a race to nine. (I think 4 or 5) I get to take 4 balls of my choice off the table when it's my turn. Sometimes I think it's a hindrance. All I have to do is miss once and a good player can play out with very few balls to block him. Sometimes I think it's better to waive the balls off the table. Opinions???
Are balls off the table the biggest hustle?
- Thread starter Jeff Rosen
- Start date
good question.
If I recall how this handicap works, you don't remove your balls until you pocketed a ball. If that is right, you have to run 2 balls and the 8. In most cases, seems like it relies on you making the right choices on what 4 balls to remove. If you can't run 2 balls and the 8, you're not likely to beat him by leaving the 4 balls on the table.
You can win every time if...,
The game is called the "Pick and the Pop" that's the game you want. Tell him you want the "Pick" any 3 balls off the table and the "Pop" meaning the break.
After the break study the table, take the balls that are not tied up, that way If you miss he still has to deal with the tied up balls, break them out or get in position to play safe behind them.
If you win a few times he'll more than likely quit or take back the breaks.
The game is called the "Pick and the Pop" that's the game you want. Tell him you want the "Pick" any 3 balls off the table and the "Pop" meaning the break.
After the break study the table, take the balls that are not tied up, that way If you miss he still has to deal with the tied up balls, break them out or get in position to play safe behind them.
If you win a few times he'll more than likely quit or take back the breaks.
It's a 9 footer in a pool room.
I think you didn't read that it is league play. He won't be negotiating rule changes for any individual matchup.
In pool hall junkies, the hustle was, the handicapped player got to remove balls after the break, even if it was the hustler breaking. The hustler benefits when he breaks. After the hustler brakes, the handicapped player removes balls, essentially freeing the table for an easy run out.
If the handicapped player breaks and is allowed to remove balls, it should benefit the handicapped player.
In your system, the handicapped player shouldn't have to remove balls until it is his first shot after the break.
I'm familiar with the league you are talking about. My girlfriend currently plays in it and she too is a skill level 3 in the APA. According to their rule book, in the 8-ball format the lower handicap has the option of taking all, some or none of their handicap balls. This decision has to be made on their first legal turn after the break. After that the handicap is voided. Seems to me it comes down to a choice on the part of the lower handicap. You can take the balls or not take the balls whichever benefits you.
Any balls off the table spot...
If playing eightball, the only way that balls off the table are not a help to the better player is if it's player's choice as to WHEN they are taken off the table.
If you have to take the balls you choose immediately after the break or on your first trip to the table, it is a help to the better player unless you're gonna get out.
Jaden
If playing eightball, the only way that balls off the table are not a help to the better player is if it's player's choice as to WHEN they are taken off the table.
If you have to take the balls you choose immediately after the break or on your first trip to the table, it is a help to the better player unless you're gonna get out.
Jaden
I'm familiar with the league you are talking about. My girlfriend currently plays in it and she too is a skill level 3 in the APA. According to their rule book, in the 8-ball format the lower handicap has the option of taking all, some or none of their handicap balls. This decision has to be made on their first legal turn after the break. After that the handicap is voided. Seems to me it comes down to a choice on the part of the lower handicap. You can take the balls or not take the balls whichever benefits you.
Giving someone balls off the table is a pretty old hustle. I used to give weaker players balls off and I wasn't nearly as good back then as I am now. He's going to beat you most of the time with the spot that he's offered you.
You can try asking for your last 4 instead, which means once you make 3 balls you take the remaining 4 balls off the table and you're shooting at the 8. I doubt he'd give you that spot (I wouldn't give anyone that spot unless we were just playing for fun). He might be willing to give you the last 2 balls. If he's really cocky, he might agree to the last 3.
You can try asking for your last 4 instead, which means once you make 3 balls you take the remaining 4 balls off the table and you're shooting at the 8. I doubt he'd give you that spot (I wouldn't give anyone that spot unless we were just playing for fun). He might be willing to give you the last 2 balls. If he's really cocky, he might agree to the last 3.