Deuels Break

[ugotactionTX]

I agree! Yes, it's strange, but it's a legal tool of the game. I also think that it's BS to change the rules because one person has figured a way to get an edge on their opponent by exploiting the break. It would be different IMO if Cory was "soft breaking" , not making a ball and leaving the rack in a mess. BUT, he figured out a way to make a ball on most of his breaks and proceed to try to run out. Which if I remember correctly was the point of the break in 9/10 ball. The industry had no problem with the Sardo rack when it allowed EVERYONE to make that wing ball on just about every break. NOW THAT'S BS! Anyone that puts enough time into learning that break should be allowed to use it IMO.

Also, when I was watching the World Pool Masters. they were not "soft" breaking but were still bound by the rule requiring 2(3?) balls past the head string. What a crock! So now you can smash the rack(traditional break), trying to make a ball and are still penalized for not moving balls uptable? Giving the incoming player BIH even though you made a ball on the break while hitting the rack hard? How in the hell is that a good rule????

 

[Zims Rack]

Times change, people need to change with the times! As new equipment is introduced and legal to use, and someone is able to use this equipment more effectively than others.... should he/she be penalized? Jump cues, gloves, ball racks, scuffers and bridges (just to name a few) are all allowed in our sport! People don't like it that Corey (and others) can soft break really well, so they adjusted the rules to eliminate the soft break. Corey has proven that he not only knows how to use a bridge, but can break and run out with one... is the bridge going to be banned? NO!

If Earl Strickland is against jump cues, but can jump just fine with a standard length cue and decides to start using the jump cue for all of his shots including the break and do it effectivly, will they ban the jump cue? NO!

We (as an industry) are shooting ourselves in the foot all the time. When someone excells in an area, we change the rules to bring that person's expertise (for lack of a better word) back to the average level. Who cares if players have invested more time and energy to figure out how to snap the 8, the 9, the 10 or whatever on the break! KUDOS to those that have been able to accomplish that. We ALL have the opportunity to practice the same amount of time, what we choose to do with that time varies from person to person.

I normally don't chime in on topics like this, I just find it very upsetting that good players are being penalized for the skills. What's next sand traps that cover everywhere but the T box and the greens?

Zim

 

[jason]

Times change, people need to change with the times! As new equipment is introduced and legal to use, and someone is able to use this equipment more effectively than others.... should he/she be penalized? Jump cues, gloves, ball racks, scuffers and bridges (just to name a few) are all allowed in our sport! People don't like it that Corey (and others) can soft break really well, so they adjusted the rules to eliminate the soft break. Corey has proven that he not only knows how to use a bridge, but can break and run out with one... is the bridge going to be banned? NO!

If Earl Strickland is against jump cues, but can jump just fine with a standard length cue and decides to start using the jump cue for all of his shots including the break and do it effectivly, will they ban the jump cue? NO!

We (as an industry) are shooting ourselves in the foot all the time. When someone excells in an area, we change the rules to bring that person's expertise (for lack of a better word) back to the average level. Who cares if players have invested more time and energy to figure out how to snap the 8, the 9, the 10 or whatever on the break! KUDOS to those that have been able to accomplish that. We ALL have the opportunity to practice the same amount of time, what we choose to do with that time varies from person to person.

I normally don't chime in on topics like this, I just find it very upsetting that good players are being penalized for the skills. What's next sand traps that cover everywhere but the T box and the greens?

Zim

Tap, tap, tap. I totally agree.

 

[Black-Balled]

So, where do we stand on Earl's finger extensions?

 

[Zims Rack]

IMO- Corey basically just told the "rule officianados"... It doesn't matter what you take away from my game, I've got a lot of it and I'll keep bringing it!
I don't think it was directed to his opponent!

Zim

 

[AngryPanda]

Times change, people need to change with the times! As new equipment is introduced and legal to use, and someone is able to use this equipment more effectively than others.... should he/she be penalized? Jump cues, gloves, ball racks, scuffers and bridges (just to name a few) are all allowed in our sport! People don't like it that Corey (and others) can soft break really well, so they adjusted the rules to eliminate the soft break. Corey has proven that he not only knows how to use a bridge, but can break and run out with one... is the bridge going to be banned? NO!

If Earl Strickland is against jump cues, but can jump just fine with a standard length cue and decides to start using the jump cue for all of his shots including the break and do it effectivly, will they ban the jump cue? NO!

We (as an industry) are shooting ourselves in the foot all the time. When someone excells in an area, we change the rules to bring that person's expertise (for lack of a better word) back to the average level. Who cares if players have invested more time and energy to figure out how to snap the 8, the 9, the 10 or whatever on the break! KUDOS to those that have been able to accomplish that. We ALL have the opportunity to practice the same amount of time, what we choose to do with that time varies from person to person.

I normally don't chime in on topics like this, I just find it very upsetting that good players are being penalized for the skills. What's next sand traps that cover everywhere but the T box and the greens?

Zim

IMO, your flat out wrong. The players themselves are the ones that dont like the break, they all can do it as proved at the World 9-Ball championships last year. Just because someone figured something out does not make it necessarily better for the sport. Why was the spitter banned from baseball? Why was tackling at the knees deemed illegal in Football? Because the majority of players themselves thought they were bad. The players themselves have made this decision.
Even if he is protesting you dont do it in way that EVER disrespects your opponent, intended or not.

 

[Zims Rack]

Just because someone figured something out does not make it necessarily better for the sport.

You're right, it shows how dedicated the participant is!

Why was the spitter banned from baseball?

IMO, this is not the same thing. The spitter required an outside source, a soft break does not, just skill! Not all pitchers can throw an effective curveball, but yet some have mastered it... is it banned or even frowned upon when used?

Why was tackling at the knees deemed illegal in Football?

Again, IMO, this is not the same thing. Tackling at the knees could cause injury to a participant, not the soft break! If a qtrback has speed, is he banned from making a running plays and restricted to only passes?

Even if he is protesting you dont do it in way that EVER disrespects your opponent, intended or not.

IMO, I wouldn't consider it disrespect to me, just a damn good player!

I'm not trying to get into a pissing contest, just opinions, like many others.
Zim

 

[Jason Robichaud]

I think changing the rules it BS. It has been x # of balls must hit a rail for years. If he is breaking and driving that number of balls to the rail... let him break. Making 3 go past the head string is crap. Maybe they should make a rule for the guys that hit them too hard, 3 balls min 5 balls max. That way everyone is hitting about the same. Maybe just get a machine to hit them the exact same every time.... Deuel has a right to be pissed!

 

[AngryPanda]

You are right this isnt a pissing contest. Your getting off the fact that Deuel pulled this BS in a professional tournament. And if you were playing someone you didnt know in a serious match and he this pulled this shit, You'd be darn pissed, and that is the disrespect. Given Deuel and Mika's history I doubt they are friends.

What do you think is drawing people to come play and/or watch pool?
The one thing that, regardless of skill level, Everyone takes notice of?
Baseball has its 100 mph fastball, Football has the Hail Mary bomb, Basketball its mid-court 3. For Pool its the Big Break!

9-ball is so popular because everyone wants to try and hit a big break.
If this sport is to grow it needs to draw. If people wanted to watch a softbreak they go and watch straight pool! And as beautiful and challenging as straight pool is, what do you think the turnout to watch these matches are compared to 9-ball?

Or would you really like to see everyone in your local league suddenly start using a bridge to break???

 

[ragbug74]

Jay is currently doing commentary on the stream from the Predator event and he said he talked to Corey about the bridge break. Jay said that Corey said it allows him to really hit the break hard. I didn't see any video/pictures of him breaking with the bridge, but he must have been blasting them based on what Jay said. Did anyone see how he was actually breaking with the bridge?

 

[Thecoats]

You are right this isnt a pissing contest. Your getting off the fact that Deuel pulled this BS in a professional tournament. And if you were playing someone you didnt know in a serious match and he this pulled this shit, You'd be darn pissed, and that is the disrespect. Given Deuel and Mika's history I doubt they are friends.

What do you think is drawing people to come play and/or watch pool?
The one thing that, regardless of skill level, Everyone takes notice of?
Baseball has its 100 mph fastball, Football has the Hail Mary bomb, Basketball its mid-court 3. For Pool its the Big Break!

9-ball is so popular because everyone wants to try and hit a big break.
If this sport is to grow it needs to draw. If people wanted to watch a softbreak they go and watch straight pool! And as beautiful and challenging as straight pool is, what do you think the turnout to watch these matches are compared to 9-ball?

Or would you really like to see everyone in your local league suddenly start using a bridge to break???

I disagree, I think the break is what most people dislike about nine ball and is why many of the more prestigous tournaments and big money matches are moving to 10-ball.

I also am struggling to see where Corey is being so unprofessional, maybe it should be a requirement to hit every shot as hard as one can hit it, that would sure add to the elegance of the sport

 

[Cuebacca]

Jay is currently doing commentary on the stream from the Predator event and he said he talked to Corey about the bridge break. Jay said that Corey said it allows him to really hit the break hard. I didn't see any video/pictures of him breaking with the bridge, but he must have been blasting them based on what Jay said. Did anyone see how he was actually breaking with the bridge?

LMAO!! That is awesome! Thanks for the report.

If Corey somehow figures out how to make a 40 MPH break with the bridge, how long before they outlaw that too?

 

[StevenPWaldon]

In the 1989 French Open (Tennis), Michael Chang pulled an underhanded serve to throw off his opponent to become the youngest French Open winner. To this day, that shot is famous and not mocked. You do what you can to catch your opponent off guard, and if that means breaking with bridge then so be it.

Honestly I would like seeing someone break with the bridge more than I would them slamming the break; for the curiosity factor, and the lunacy of it all.

You are right this isnt a pissing contest. Your getting off the fact that Deuel pulled this BS in a professional tournament. And if you were playing someone you didnt know in a serious match and he this pulled this shit, You'd be darn pissed, and that is the disrespect. Given Deuel and Mika's history I doubt they are friends. ...

Or would you really like to see everyone in your local league suddenly start using a bridge to break???

 

[Zims Rack]

What do you think is drawing people to come play and/or watch pool?

The same thing that all professional events is, the pros have more talent than the average player and people like to see this displayed.

The one thing that, regardless of skill level, Everyone takes notice of?

Good/bad stroke!

Baseball has its 100 mph fastball, Football has the Hail Mary bomb, Basketball its mid-court 3. For Pool its the Big Break!

Disagree, pool has the run out! Fastball- bank shot, Hail Mary- 3 rail kick, Mid court 3- jump shot...that's how I'd compare!

9-ball is so popular because everyone wants to try and hit a big break.

Players like 9 ball because it's easier to run out, tv likes 9 ball because it's faster!

If people wanted to watch a softbreak they go and watch straight pool And as beautiful and challenging as straight pool is, what do you think the turnout to watch these matches are compared to 9-ball?

IMO, Lack of understanding/education about 14.1 is why there's less straight pool events and spectators than 9 ball. It's not too hard to comprehend the objective of 9 ball for any "active" pool player.

Or would you really like to see everyone in your local league suddenly start using a bridge to break???

If that's what it takes for my players to feel like they are improving or to help build self confidence, I'll personally teach them how to use the bridge properly!

 

[Zims Rack]

Resolution...(joking of course)

ALL Professional players must wear a 3 piece suit with tie during matches, play with 1 cue, no jump cues, no break cues... break, play, jump ALL with the same cue. No talking allowed during the entire match, unless to clarify a shot and only to the referee residing over the game. Shake hands and wish your opponent good luck, play the match, shake hands and tell your opponent good match.

This will make for awesome TV and would give all of us something to really talk about!

Come on people, let the pros play the game that everyone else is playing, just because they are better than the average doesn't mean they should be playing by a different set of rules. If you have a problem with the way someone shoots or how well they play, then get your butt off of the computer and your reclining rolling leather chair and grab your cue(s) and go practice against someone that is obviously BETTER than you are! Banging balls around by yourself in the conforts of your own home will not improve your game much at all.

Zim

 

[Johnnyt]

Just when I thought I had seen everything. Breaking with the bridge. I know he hits the rack where he wants with the bridge. GOOO Corey. LMAO. Johnnyt

 

[spoons]

I admire Corey for his creativity and his skill. I also would like what's best for our sport to prevail. I don't think Corey's done anything "wrong" necessarily, as long as he's within the rules. But, that doesn't make him completely "right" either. I think the best we're going to do with this one as a pool community is to discuss differing opinions with the understanding that we're dealing in gray area.

Now having said that, I know I'm not very bright. I ask questions better than I answer them, but these are the things that come to mind for me...

Who actually saw this match? Did Corey use the bridge for every break? What was his actual technique? We joke about him coming up with a way to break harder with the bridge, but is that really all that far fetched? Is it possible that he's seen the writing on the wall with regards to the soft break and he's already been working on something else? And, with his bridge hand free, could his break stroke be a lot less restricted allowing him to break harder?

As for whether it's good or bad for the sport, I won't pretend to know that either. But, it did occur to me that something like that might grab some attention even from the casual player. Be honest now....after seeing/hearing/reading about this break, how many of us have tried, or intend to try breaking with the bridge? Now translate that to the kind of exposure that ESPN, Sky Sports, or whatever your local carrier is. If that break showed up on TV, how many more people would try it, especially if it works?

I'm no pro, I'm not even an A player. I'll maybe run a rack now and then. Even so, just about everytime I play with my buddies or at a bar or whatever, I get asked if I can do trickshots. People do seem to have noticed our sport for the trick shots. Would a 40mph break with the bridge grab people's attention like Trick Shots do? I don't know.

What do you all think?

 

[Zims Rack]

Most people would agree that the lower your body is to the table and the more level your cue is the chance of you seeing the shot better and stroking your cue strighter increases, right?

What if a pro pool player decided to start playing on his knees so that his eye sight is perfectly level with the table and he starts to stroke the cue with a dart stroke and a longer stroke? Will players be banned from playing on their knees? If so, then anyone disabled and playing while in a wheel chair must be banned also. (I'm not criticizing anyone that plays while in a wheel chair, I have a couple friends that are disabled and play very well) While in a wheel chair, your eye sight is at the level of the table and your stroke is nearly perfectly level.

Someone else mentioned something about: follow the rules that are in place, just use them to your advantage!

Just more observations!
Zim

 

[alstl]

Why would anybody care whether he breaks with a bridge or not? I was watching and he got a good spread. If somebody thinks he got an advantage they can use the bridge also. IMO it is a mistake to restrict creativity in the sport.

 

[Jason Robichaud]

The whole thing is a joke. The object of the game is to break and run. If you do that, they place restrictions. If you break so you can play safe, they place restrictions. Sounds like they want average pool. I'm not going to sit and watch or pay for that when I can go play it all day long!!!