Bigger Advantage....

Which rule has a larger impact on games won over the general population?

  • Slop counts

    Votes: 14 36.8%
  • Table open after the break

    Votes: 24 63.2%

  • Total voters
    38

rope_one

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
In typical league setting (i.e. bar box 8 ball) I have always heard the complaint that slop counts on non-8 ball shots is a huge advantage in the rules and makes the game too easy. I have been thinking about this compared with the other rule of the table being open after the break regardless of what is made. To me this has a much larger impact on games. I know this is a difference between to large leagues and my intention isn't a which league is better conversation, but instead which rule impacts the outcome of matches more? I will add a poll if I can figure that out as well.
 
i voted open after the break. for higher skill level players this is a HUGE advantage.

for lower skill levels, the slop is probably the bigger advantage though. open or not after the break, they probably arent going to be able to take advantage of opportunities to b&r
 
This will vary based on the skill level of the opponent. Higher skilled players will have a larger advantage with an open table and lesser skilled players with slop.
 
This will vary based on the skill level of the opponent. Higher skilled players will have a larger advantage with an open table and lesser skilled players with slop.

That's right. You play a safe and they fire hard something might go in and screw you.
 
Depends.

When comparing "no slop" versus "typical tournament rules" versus "slop counts"; No slop makes the game a lot harder, as you have to call all the little nuances of rails, and contact with other balls. On the other hand, with pretty good players (and above) "slop counts" doen not come into play very often. Ask yourself who often does a good player miss a shot that ends up going in a different pocket? Not very, even in games like 9-ball with is inherently (modern era) "slop counts" game.

When comparing "table open after break" to "you are what you made"; this igves the breaking player a big advantage if he can choose a group other than he potted on the break. Choosing after viewing the layout is a big advantage.

So, TOAB > SC.
 
This is a toss-up imho. If a high rated player gets a slop shot, that could mean they're running out. Also, you can go for the two-fer and still shoot no matter which ball goes in, so a high rated player can use the slop to their advantage as well.

The closed break is probably in favor of the lesser-skilled player, since the chances of running out aren't as high, but they're just as likely to get screwed on a closed break.
 
something missing here

it's important to read the whole rule.

4.2 CALL SHOT(BCA)
In Call Shot, obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponent’s right to ask which ball and pocket if he is unsure of the shot. Bank shots and combination shots are not considered obvious, and care should be taken in calling both the object ball and the intended pocket. s,When calling the shot, it is never necessary to indicate details such as the number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms, etc. Any balls pocketed on a foul remain pocketed, regardless of whether they belong to the shooter or the opponent. The opening break is not a “called shot.” Any player performing a break shot in 8-Ball may continue to shoot so long as any object ball is legally pocketed on the break."

Thus a player continues to play only if his object ball is pocketed in the called pocket.

I never played under APA rules but I just read them and can find no reference to
calling a pocket. They talk about the object ball but it sticks in my throat that you can designate an object ball without at the same time calling the pocket. IMHO that is about the stupidest thing I ever heard of. Can someone enlighten me here? If this is true ,I would never play in an APA league.
 
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Slop..........

Isn't this considered the APA .........? If I am correct as long as you hit your object ball first and any of your others balls are pocketed, it's still your shot. If this isn't slop I don't know what is.
I have not played APA for about 5 years, but this is the reason I Quit !!!
5 years ago.


Thanks............Paul
 
In gambling---slop helps you hide your speed. In league play--- call your shots only starts arguements. Just play hit your ball first and then rail contact.
 
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