A thread like this comes up every few months or so, and I'm always amazed...
Good players rarely seem to have any problems with the nuances between APA/BCA rules, 10-ball rules, 7-ball rules, etc.
So, why is there such amazement at "Bar Rules"?
Yes, 8-ball "Bar Rules" aren't all standardized, but, any where west of the Mississippi, I've found them usually to consist of:
- Must call the entire shot (kisses, banks, etc.).
- Rarely need to call movement off the long bank on the way in.
- No fouls, other than scratches.
- As such, defense is generally frowned upon. Some friends of mine have become rather adept at miscuing at times when they would prefer not to break up a cluster, and that the only path available to them.
- Whatever balls are made on the break determine whether you are shooting at big or small balls.
- A scratch gives the shooter the cue ball in the kitchen. If the only balls that he has available are also in the kitchen, he has to kick up the table and back.
- Even though safeties are not generally allowed, if your next ball is the 8-ball, and the 8-ball is in the kitchen, it is considered a genius shot for your opponent to purposely hit the cue ball straight into a pocket (thus making you kick at the 8-ball).
Yes, the rules suck, and, ironically (given that the entire shot must be called), make the game a lot more susceptible to luck. I'm not suggesting that good players should
like the rules, but am surprised that they are always so surprised by them. Seriously, have you guys never played in bars before?
Just think of it as a different game...