Awkward Situation

MastersMaster

MastersMaster

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Recently, I was involved in a match against a guy I play regularly. We play friendly cheap sets, R-4 for ten bucks. Practice mostly. We also converse about various things while playing. This particular night, we were discussing various pool groups and their rules. My opponent likes playing alot of safties. He was up two sets at the time and the score was 2-2. The rack we were playing then was ugly and he played a couple of really good safes. Both times, I kicked multiple rails and narrowly missed giving him BIH both times. He then suddenly blurts out that we are playing with the three foul rule in effect. I said no we weren't because it hadn't been agreed to before we started.

We debated back and fourth insists we are, and with BIH plays a lock safe. I kick but miss the ball by about an inch. He rakes the balls to the foot end and moves his coin. I was pissed and told him that was kind of dirty as we had not even discussed playing with the three foul rule. He broke and ran the next rack, putting him up three sets. Before starting the next set, I made it clear not to pull a stunt like that again and said that if he wanted to play with the rule in effect, to clarify that fact before this set. We then agreed that for future reference, the three foul rule was in effect.

I was still very upset, but was able to channel the anger in the right direction. I took the next four sets and during the fifth set, got my justice by three fouling him at hill-hill. I am curious though, how would many of you handled the situation? Your opinions are appreciated.
 
opinion

I would think playing nine ball three foul is a given cause it's in the rules,but for clarification purposes he should have stated the rule when you were on the first foul not when you were on two.You both learned a lesson clarify the game before and you got the last laugh.
 
In my view, playing the three foul rule is automatic unless otherwise stated.

The fact is, it's very difficult to get a good player (especailly one that can kick, jump and masse well) on three fouls. In this case, your opponent is your friend, so you should just say well played and move on. Clearly, you handled it well. You adapted, even using the rule to your own advantage later in the evening.

You kept your composure and played well, so you get high marks from me.
 
The only thing I would clarify before playing was what rule set you are using. I always play BCA/world standardized, so I would assume the 3 foul rule to be in effect.
 
...i know in certain areas, the three foul rules is traditionally NOT in effect. I never knew this until I learned it here on AZB. If you are in such an area then you really have to specify before you play. If you are traveling you better know whether a "wild Ball" counts on the break also. Some places it does and some it doesn't.
 
Whenever I match up the three foul rule is normally not in effect unless it is agreed to ahead of time. I've never had anyone dispute that, and when people ask if it is during a game and I say no, I've never had anyone dispute that.
 
Seems to me that you handled it just fine!!!!!

The specifics of the game should be discussed before playing.

USPPA does not play 3 foul any longer and alot of the people that I gamble with don't either.

Russ...
 
Although I don't have a rule book in front of me...I would believe he blurted out something about the three-foul rule because he is required to alert the shooter that they are on 2 fouls...which is what he did. I can see how you could construe that as being screwed, but I think he's probably in the right here.
 
3 foul rule is in effect automatically. You would have to specify that it isn't in effect in my opinion.
 
Anytime you play someone, you should establish what rules you are both playing by.

If you're playing by BCA rules, then the 3-foul rule is in effect.
 
mosconiac said:
Although I don't have a rule book in front of me...I would believe he blurted out something about the three-foul rule because he is required to alert the shooter that they are on 2 fouls...which is what he did. I can see how you could construe that as being screwed, but I think he's probably in the right here.
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I agree with mosconiac's take on this. But, to be on the safe side, you should establish the rule before play begins. I personally don't like the three foul rule, but I detest one-foul-bih rules.
 
Rules

3 foul rule is in effect if playing by Texas Express or BCA rules. Just what other rules are there that are played by on a regular basis by lots of people where it isn't in effect? (And the APA is not a relevant source).

Only 'sissies' cry about the 3 foul rule because they can't kick, or someone that doesn't know the defensive end of Pool, so they try to eliminate it so they won't feel 'disadvantaged' in the match...... LOL (I don't like the rules, so lets change them). My suggestion - you better work on your game, your weaknesses are showing!!! If I had to buy a jump cue and learn to make jump shots to keep from getting beat, you can surely learn to kick. (and I kick better than I jump).
 
Fragged said:
...i know in certain areas, the three foul rules is traditionally NOT in effect. I never knew this until I learned it here on AZB. If you are in such an area then you really have to specify before you play. If you are traveling you better know whether a "wild Ball" counts on the break also. Some places it does and some it doesn't.
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I gotta agree here, some places it is generally not practiced. It is however house rules here at Strokers unless it's a ring game. But I still ask anyone I ever play before the match starts if the 3 foul rule is in effect. Also you have played this guy on several ocassions before had the rule been used in the past matches or did he just throiw it in this time. Thats the question. If you had not used it before I say you have a legitimate beef with the guy.
 
rules

Snapshot9 said:
3 foul rule is in effect if playing by Texas Express or BCA rules. Just what other rules are there that are played by on a regular basis by lots of people where it isn't in effect? (And the APA is not a relevant source).

Only 'sissies' cry about the 3 foul rule because they can't kick, or someone that doesn't know the defensive end of Pool, so they try to eliminate it so they won't feel 'disadvantaged' in the match...... LOL (I don't like the rules, so lets change them). My suggestion - you better work on your game, your weaknesses are showing!!! If I had to buy a jump cue and learn to make jump shots to keep from getting beat, you can surely learn to kick. (and I kick better than I jump).
Click to expand...

I never said that I couldn't kick. I also resent that you are attempting to put me in a certain category of your choosing without having ever seen me play or know what I am and am not capable of. While I am admittedly not a stone cold champion, I am far from rookie status. Remember, it is much easier to play a lock-up safe when you have BIH.
 
Snapshot9 said:
Only 'sissies' cry about the 3 foul rule because they can't kick, or someone that doesn't know the defensive end of Pool, so they try to eliminate it so they won't feel 'disadvantaged' in the match...... LOL (I don't like the rules, so lets change them). My suggestion - you better work on your game, your weaknesses are showing!!! If I had to buy a jump cue and learn to make jump shots to keep from getting beat, you can surely learn to kick. (and I kick better than I jump).
Click to expand...

I didn't see anyone say they couldn't kick, and if you're referring to me, well, that's a joke you better hope you never get. I can kick if I have to and I don't have to like the chicken-shit rules. Pretty full of yourself, ain't ya?
 
MastersMaster said:
Recently, I was involved in a match against a guy I play regularly. We play friendly cheap sets, R-4 for ten bucks. Practice mostly. We also converse about various things while playing. This particular night, we were discussing various pool groups and their rules. My opponent likes playing alot of safties. He was up two sets at the time and the score was 2-2. The rack we were playing then was ugly and he played a couple of really good safes. Both times, I kicked multiple rails and narrowly missed giving him BIH both times. He then suddenly blurts out that we are playing with the three foul rule in effect. I said no we weren't because it hadn't been agreed to before we started.

We debated back and fourth insists we are, and with BIH plays a lock safe. I kick but miss the ball by about an inch. He rakes the balls to the foot end and moves his coin. I was pissed and told him that was kind of dirty as we had not even discussed playing with the three foul rule. He broke and ran the next rack, putting him up three sets. Before starting the next set, I made it clear not to pull a stunt like that again and said that if he wanted to play with the rule in effect, to clarify that fact before this set. We then agreed that for future reference, the three foul rule was in effect.

I was still very upset, but was able to channel the anger in the right direction. I took the next four sets and during the fifth set, got my justice by three fouling him at hill-hill. I am curious though, how would many of you handled the situation? Your opinions are appreciated.
Click to expand...


Are you playing 8 ball or 9 ball? I thought everybody played 3 fouls in 9 ball.
 
alstl said:
Are you playing 8 ball or 9 ball? I thought everybody played 3 fouls in 9 ball.
Click to expand...

At Chris's Billiards in Chicago, in the handicapped 9 ball tournaments, the 3 foul rule is in effect but only if both players handicaps are 6 or less, or 7 or more. In other words, a 7 cannot three foul a 6 or below, and vice versus, a 6 cannot 3 foul a 7 or above.

At Mark Wilson's "Billiards Bullpen" in his handicapped 9 ball tournament, the 3 foul rule is not enforced, at least it wasn't when I played there some months ago.

As for matching up with someone, every place I've gone has the 3 foul rule in effect. Of course, that rule is negotiable in a money game, but removing the 3 foul rule would usually be negotiated before the match begins.

Flex
 
No, I didn't forget, I had to fly out Jaurez, Mexico on very short notice the first of the month. I'll give ya a shout.
 
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