Can/should 9-ball be made harder?

[Travis Bickle]

The jump cue has, on average, reduced the penalty one must pay for poor position play. In my opinion, if you snooker yourself, you should pay a stiff penalty, just as the old masters did.

SJM, I don't blame you for hating the things, because they make a nasty noise and the shot's just not pretty, but I can hardly remember the last time I saw somebody rescue their runout with a jump. On the other hand, the jump cue INCREASES the penalty for a SLOPPY SAFETY. You can't jump out of a good one, right? It's also kind of exciting, and how often does it really lead to a runout for the jumper?

I kind of like it for a run-and-gun game like 9 ball.

 

[mantis99]

I believe 9 ball is a hard enough game already. Any game on tv will be one that people watching will try to play. If they donot have any success, then they will lose interest more quickly. Also, most people who do not play a lot or that well, watch because they are amazed at the ability of the players. Making run outs more difficult would take away from that. Pro players jumping balls and making the OB is one of the more sensational shots on tv, so why take away. If we want more tv exposure, then pool needs to be as much on the level of the average player or fan as it is for the experienced player. Making it more difficult will only alienate the less experienced person, and those who would rather see a run out, than a chess match that they can not appreciate as much. I say leave it as it is.

 

[Cameron Smith]

Personally I would love to see rotation tournaments.

There are a couple of problems with the game though.

1st. in the early stages it is way too easy play a safe.

2nd. A player can run the 1-9 and miss, allowing his opponents a five ball run (10-15) to win the game.

Nevertheless I think these issues are not that big. The better player will inavariably win.

 

[ironman]

A truly superb post. I think the jump cue falls into this category. Fellow poster onepocketchump did sensitize me to how much skill there is in jump shots, but I'd still like to see them banned, because I think that nothing is more sacred than position play in pool, and anything that reduces the penalty for position poorly played doesn't sit well with me.

Make firewood out of them.

 

[jazznpool]

I'm old school. Jump cues are pathetic and rediculous IMO. If you can do it with your regular cue, cool.

Martin

 

[Nick B]

1. 9 Ball - On Spot
2. Call all safeties. "Fluke Hooks" or misses allows incoming player push option
3. You hook yourself on position and no jumping out.
4. Successful called hooks = No Jumping.
5. No slop shots on money ball. Miss called money ball and you loose turn. No two way stuff.

10Ball would still allow best player...nut just hot/luckier breaker win more matches.

Nick

 

[Snapshot9]

Suggestion

This is a little different, so give it a little thought:

1) If a ball is made on the break, the breaker's opponent gets to name a pocket for the 9 ball. If the breaker accepts the pocket, the opponent has to accept the pocket also for the 9 ball.

If the pocket is rejected by the breaker, then the 10 ball is spotted on the spot, and the game continues. If there are already ball(s) on the spot, the 10 is spotted behind them per normal spotting rules.

Now, if the breaker does not make a ball on the break, the breaker gets to name a pocket for the 9 ball, and the above rules apply to the opponent.

A) Winner breaks.
B) Race to 11.
C) Racks 4,8,12,16,20 the pocket has to be accepted. (Every 4th game).

Allows for stringing racks, adds some 'thinking' back in it like 2 shot out, and the off racks where the 10 is spotted can add something too.
Think about if balls are tied up, and don't look like they can be broken out, that makes it real interesting on what pocket for the 9 ball might be chosen, and whether it would be accepted or not.

Like I said, a little different.....

 

[VIProfessor]

I don't think that running racks in 9-ball needs to be made any harder, although I agree with those who say that 4.5" pockets are about right. At that size, a pocket requires accuracy, but it still makes it feasible to spin the rock around the table when necessary. The format, in my opinion, that provides viewer interest as well as rewarding the better players is winner breaks, race to 11. Under the two set format currently employed by ESPN, the maximum number of games in a match is 19. In a race to 11 the maximum is only two games greater, and the producers will edit for time anyway.

Stringing racks together is part of what makes the game interesting to viewers, in my opinion, and it is what adds such pressure to the game. The fact that any mistake could possibly cost you the set regardless of the score produces the kind of historic chokes and heroic comebacks that become the stuff of legend.

Finally, the way to make pool exciting is to sell the game to the sponsors and the viewing audiences. We need more player features, more pool stories, and most of all, we need more money! Do you think all those people would be watching the WSOP if first prize was $25,000?

In short, we don't need to make the game harder. We just need to do a better job of selling it.

 

[Maniac]

Uh, I think the percentages are a little off on the poll. As of this post there is about a total of 160% voted. What gives???

Maniac

 

[gromulan]

Uh, I think the percentages are a little off on the poll. As of this post there is about a total of 160% voted. What gives???

Maniac

The poll let you choose multiple options.

 

[Stones]

For most B and C players, I believe the current rules for 9 and 8 ball are fine.

For serious A players and pros, I like to see one foul full rack rotation. Now, that would be a dog fight!

Think about it. How do you think the Efren and the gang from the Phillipines got so good?