Best pool game for tv?

sr 9ball

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
What would be the best game for tv and why?

For years it's been 9ball. But I think watching 9ball gets boring. About 90% of the time there is a set pattern to play position. On the other hand, 8ball there are alot of different patterns. Whether to play the breakout or to play a bank, it's endless. It would keep us guessing on how they are going to run the rack which would keep us interested.

Most of us az'ers are serious about pool. And out of all the pool players in the USA, there is a small percentage of us serious players. Most average pool players play bar 8ball.

I know 10 ball is the choice of most pros because its the most challenging. But I believe 8ball is the most interesting and I bet it will get the best tv ratings.

What are your thoughts?
 
Three ball, with a progressive jackpot on ties.(ring game style for tournaments) Anyone that has a pulse can understand this game. I love pool and the other games but honestly most people have no idea what great pool even is.
 
women in bikinis
any game

it would sell
im a realist not a chauvinist
 
Short rack bank pool?

Non-players or those without much pool knowledge could understand the call-your-shot aspects of the game while being impressed with the skills. People probably won't get as bored watching a 5-and-out as they would watching a mapped-out 8b or 9b run. They'd also be more likely to try to show some of the shots to others or at least attempt them on their own. Regular players would also find it interesting with the level of play and skill involved. The other games tend to cause a loss of interest with most spectators unless they've got a reason to watch. And show the cash.. like poker, pool's known for $$ riding on games and that catches attention.
 
WI bca state tourney, there is about 800 8ball players. Only 30-40 are master caliber. Most of the A and B players don't understand how to run a rack sufficiently. And when an A or B player gets the chance to play a master caliber player, they will only play a few racks cause there just donating money.

If it were on tv, they would watch it every week and learn patterns the masters play without losing there paycheck. And just maybe the wife's or/and girlfriends would start to enjoy watching the game we love. And let us go to the pool hall or tavern to play.
 
Edited 14.1 because it commands respect, people know that there is no way they could do what they are seeing. They can't lie to themselves about being able to do it...That is why 14.1 is a real sport, it takes real dedication. It's is not a game that a guy can win because he hit's the balls really hard...
 
Since you didn't specify any country .... :D

In the U.S. - Nothing

In the rest of the World - Snooker
 
Each week run a qualifier tournament in two major cities. Winners get a payed trip to the game show. Race to 5, winner takes 5 grand and a chance to play a game of short banks. 100 for the first bank and It keeps doubling for every ball you make. Before u bank your ball you need to say your taking the next bank (for a little twist), or say I'll stop at 800 if I make this bank. Miss your last bank and U win nothing.

And of course have the rack girl in a bikini!

I'd be watching that every week. Hopefully getting on the show!
 
Edited 14.1 because it commands respect, people know that there is no way they could do what they are seeing. They can't lie to themselves about being able to do it...That is why 14.1 is a real sport, it takes real dedication. It's is not a game that a guy can win because he hit's the balls really hard...

All of us serious players completely agree. But for the tv ratings, most average players don't go to the bar and play 14.1. Anyways how would a race to 100 make it on a hour show?
 
One Pocket

One Pocket but edit the video to only the shots made and the exciting shots and balls that all most go in and hang. mDuring the commentary you educate the viewers about something they have never heard of. Full view with on screen diagrams. Must be presented up front in a way to gain interest. Must have a catchy elevator speach / teaser.

No, prolly not but it would be cool
 
All of us serious players completely agree. But for the tv ratings, most average players don't go to the bar and play 14.1. Anyways how would a race to 100 make it on a hour show?

Cut out the walking around time, show each and every shot from setup to contact to all balls stopped, do not show the time between shots such as the player walking around weighing all his options (I know there is a lot to be learned from that but we are talking TV here) and playing like a turtle (I play slow myself) is not good for TV at all.

Say there is 150 shots in an average high caliber match if you have 8 seconds per shot that would be 1200 seconds which is 20 minutes if you showed 16 seconds per shot that would be 40 minutes plenty of time left over for commercials and some of the walking around you probably need 18 minute or more per hour commercials to be profitable. As for me I could do without a ton of intro and hand shaking at the end but of course I like pool.

Watch John Schmidt when he is in gear he runs racks 4-5 per rack and can run a 100 in 20-30 minute great to watch would not need much editing at all on him. Do not think you will find many great player who work that fast but if you edited the others down they could make it look quick like thaqt and it would be great.

I would rather see alot more editing with 9 ball on TV but show all of the shots. I think sometimes the women edit out way to much of a match.

I have a better idea for TV Circus pool details are coming
 
Cut out the walking around time, show each and every shot from setup to contact to all balls stopped, do not show the time between shots such as the player walking around weighing all his options (I know there is a lot to be learned from that but we are talking TV here) and playing like a turtle (I play slow myself) is not good for TV at all.

Say there is 150 shots in an average high caliber match if you have 8 seconds per shot that would be 1200 seconds which is 20 minutes if you showed 16 seconds per shot that would be 40 minutes plenty of time left over for commercials and some of the walking around you probably need 18 minute or more per hour commercials to be profitable. As for me I could do without a ton of intro and hand shaking at the end but of course I like pool.

Watch John Schmidt when he is in gear he runs racks 4-5 per rack and can run a 100 in 20-30 minute great to watch would not need much editing at all on him. Do not think you will find many great player who work that fast but if you edited the others down they could make it look quick like thaqt and it would be great.

I would rather see alot more editing with 9 ball on TV but show all of the shots. I think sometimes the women edit out way to much of a match.

I have a better idea for TV Circus pool details are coming

14.1 All offence. 25 grand for anyone to beat mosconi's world record. With some editing.
 
The best game for tv would be one based on a reality show where they keep cutting to players' monologues and have a bunch of sub plots such as romances, players stressing out how they are going to make the next tournament, backstabbing, etc.

It would have to have some stupid lineup like a "southern hillbilly", ghetto street hustler, couple nits, a washed up pro, couple single female players, couple rail birds, and so on.

The theme would be about the drama of trying to be the next big pool star and the show would be called, "Behind the Eight Ball".
 
The main advantage with 8 ball is that you don't get confused about which ball they are shooting at next. It is very difficult to see the numbers of the balls on TV. Only problem is that it can take a very long time for an 8 ball rack, especially when advanced strategy is needed. There would have to be a strict 30 second shot clock
 
The best game for tv would be one based on a reality show where they keep cutting to players' monologues and have a bunch of sub plots such as romances, players stressing out how they are going to make the next tournament, backstabbing, etc.

It would have to have some stupid lineup like a "southern hillbilly", ghetto street hustler, couple nits, a washed up pro, couple single female players, couple rail birds, and so on.

The theme would be about the drama of trying to be the next big pool star and the show would be called, "Behind the Eight Ball".

Could film it in Houston. I know of several pool halls that fit the description to a tee.

We got:

-the actual Hill Billy
-a ton of ghetto street hustlers
-plenty of nits and rail birds
-dozen's of girls that play real good
 
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