Checking the Rack

[westjer]

When I rack the balls I always try hard to give my opponent a good rack. What I have found is that most opponents don't try as hard to make sure that a rack is tight. I have started to check racks much more frequently now. I'm not looking for all the balls to be touching, in nine ball I am happy if the front 3 are touching and in eight ball the front three are touching and the two ball directly behind the 8 aren't gapped as that is what will give a mud rack.

I'm not saying that my opponents are purposely trying to give bad racks, but just aren't concerned with it unless it gets inspected. I am awlways polite and say thanks after they have racked them tight, still you occasionally get the few who act as is you've insulted them by looking at the rack.

Anyone have any opinions on how they handle this?

 

[thrasher789]

I only recently started looking at my own racking techniques and that of others but I know what you're saying, I havn't read it (maybe you have) but there is a great book out about how to read the cracks in a rack and how it will affect your break (I forget the name of this book right now, sorry) that I bet you would find really interesting for situations where an opponent continually gives you a loose rack.

 

[PKM]

I only recently started looking at my own racking techniques and that of others but I know what you're saying, I havn't read it (maybe you have) but there is a great book out about how to read the cracks in a rack and how it will affect your break (I forget the name of this book right now, sorry) that I bet you would find really interesting for situations where an opponent continually gives you a loose rack.

You're probably thinking of Joe Tucker's book. You can find it on his web site, http://www.joetucker.net/start.html

 

[xidica]

It's called "Racking Secrets" by Joe Tucker. I haven't read it personally because I can't find a copy for sale, but hear it's got a wealth of information.

 

[mszelis]

What I normally do is leave the piece of chalk down at the table by the rack so that way when I check the rack it doesn't look as obvious.

 

[vagabond]

I only recently started looking at my own racking techniques and that of others but I know what you're saying, I havn't read it (maybe you have) but there is a great book out about how to read the cracks in a rack and how it will affect your break (I forget the name of this book right now, sorry) that I bet you would find really interesting for situations where an opponent continually gives you a loose rack.

If you stand too close to me checking the rack when I am racking I will say to you ``sir you have bad breath``.heeee,heeeeeee

 

[Samiel]

I think I'm too trusting...

Last night playing 9-ball, I broke and ran the first rack against my opponent. The next rack was somewhat bad, but I didn't think too much of it. Hill-hill, I broke and maybe 3 balls came loose. In the end, my opponent won by accidentally two-railing a bank in and getting out (he plays near pro speed).

I guess I should starting checking racks.

What do you guys generally look for to make sure it's a decent rack?

 

[brandoncook26]

It's called "Racking Secrets" by Joe Tucker. I haven't read it personally because I can't find a copy for sale, but hear it's got a wealth of information.

If you buy Charlie Bond's book on breaking, there is a reprint of Tucker's book inside. It's like a two for one.

His name is ceebee on here, or go to www.breakrak.com

 

[Johnnyt]

What a lot of people don't know about Joe Tucker's "Racking Secrets" is that it not only shows you how to tell a bad rack, but also tells and shows you how to take advantage of it by making the 9. Johnnyt

 

[calcuttaman]

I think this is why the BCAPL and other tours have gone to "Rack your own." I think it eliminates alot of the issues you brought up.

 

[TheOneGnat]

I think this is why the BCAPL and other tours have gone to "Rack your own." I think it eliminates alot of the issues you brought up.

That's why I have made the tournaments that I run "Rack your own" as well. Too many complaints of bad racks. Funny thing is now the only people that complain are the ones who were mostly to blame for the loose racks to begin with. And their complaint... Too many people running out on them! These players are definitely not hackers either.

 

[Mr Slate]

What I normally do is leave the piece of chalk down at the table by the rack so that way when I check the rack it doesn't look as obvious.

Good idea :thumbup:

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

Rack your own. End of any problems. If it is the custom to rack for each other where you play and you are concerned about offending someone by constantly checking their rack or suggesting you rack your own, just tell him you would prefer that you each rack your own because you would feel bad if YOU gave HIM a slug rack.

 

[stljohnny]

Joe's book should be available here: (the /start.html link was broken)

http://www.joetucker.net/products.html

While racking your own though - if you start moving that nine towards the pocket each time, the opponent has the option to check the rack as well - true?

 

[TheOneGnat]

Joe's book should be available here: (the /start.html link was broken)

http://www.joetucker.net/products.html

While racking your own though - if you start moving that nine towards the pocket each time, the opponent has the option to check the rack as well - true?

Absolutely. Your opponent has the option to accept or reject your rack. I they can't come to an agreement that the tournament director or ref or captain racks it for them and that is that (which I still have yet to see).

 

[sliprock]

While racking your own though - if you start moving that nine towards the pocket each time, the opponent has the option to check the rack as well - true?

I've heard that some of the rack your own tournaments have a rule where a nine on the break only counts if it goes in one of the top 4 pockets. If it goes in one of the 2 behind the rack, it's spotted and the breaker continues to shoot.

 

[ridewiththewind]

I look at it this way...if I am checking your rack, then it means you probably gave me a reason to do so. Once you have given me that reason...I am going to check your racks every single time I play you.

The only one's who typically take offense are those who were racking sloppy on purpose, and got caught at it. If you start b*tchin' about having to re-rack...I will simply ask you to take a closer look and tell me if YOU would accept such a rack for the break. That usually shuts them up, and in short order, the racks become more acceptable.

Why do I make a big deal of this? Because when I rack up a game, I rack as if I were racking for myself, and I expect the same courtesy.

Lisa

 

[Tennesseejoe]

It's more imporrtant to check the opponent's rack when it is rack yor own.

 

[ShootingArts]

An excellent point!

It's more imporrtant to check the opponent's rack when it is rack yor own.

Joe,

That is an excellent point. Messing with racks goes both ways.

Back to the original topic, I think Joe Tuckers two DVD set on racking and breaking is better than a book could be, some things are better seen than read. I have the DVD's and haven't seen the book so I could be wrong.

After watching the DVD's I have a simple solution to racking issues. I always inspect in tournament play. Usually the other player will ask if there is a problem. "No, I'm just looking for things to exploit." Tightens racks up nicely and they are dead straight on the table too! :thumbup: After watching the DVD's I do know how to exploit racks with gaps or that are at an angle so I'm not talking BS and if they keep on with the sloppy racks I will take advantage of them. I was playing a very strong player and on the very first break of the match I snapped in the nine ball purely on a fluke after checking the rack and telling him I was looking for things to take advantage of. He was very careful after that.

Hu

 

[NewStroke]

Luckily we play with a dentist. He brings his x-ray with him and checks every rack. I can't tell you how many lives he has saved by finding microcracks in the ball.