The event organizers have a vision, and the fact that I'm not hooked on their events to this point in no way invalidates that vision. Wishing them luck.
How much longer must we endure this insane format CSI is pushing
- Thread starter dnschmidt
- Start date
If people don't like it, then they can not watch or start their own tour. Players have a choice to play in these or not. One thing I did notice with this that no other tournament has had outside of maybe Mosconi Cup, outside pool money. There is the cripto company and a rum company. Getting outside pool money is a big deal.
Sadly Stu it’s not about that. Of course your right about that. Here’s why it is the way it is. It’s not for pool fans or players.
It’s pure biz.
Think about it, this “short form” format comes at a time when they double the prize $ for players and MR and CSI get in bed-kinda sorta. Hmmm interesting timing. Coincidence?
Ask William Hill, Ladbrokes etc. there’s your answer.
It’s not about pool, it’s about the “Handle”
Best
Fatboy<——-learned a bit about books living in Vegas….
It's ok if people enjoy spot shots, but I'll NEVER watch that. I'm very surprised that professionals haven't complained that CSI are making a mockery of the game they dedicated their lives to. Then again I don't like barboxes either so I'm not CSIs target audience. CSI seems to have found their niche, and are very successful in making pool more random and less skillfull. That is their perogative, but they can't expect diehards to applaud that. We actually don't have to applaud anyone putting money into the sport, especially those who are trying to drastically change it. If appealing to the masses means pool has to be watered down this way I'm out. Most people are idiots anyway and I don't like what they like.
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This isn't about diehard pool fans, hell, we can't even agree on races to 50 or 100 vs races to 11.
If this brings in millions of new fans and puts $$$ in players pockets it'll be the best thing since Hustler and COM.
If it's not for you, don't watch. I rarely watch snooker cause it's not my thing, but I won't be going to the snooker section and bitching about it, I just choose not to watch.
I actually find the spot shots exciting and so will millions of people who don't want to watch a boring race to 11.
Why do you think Darts and Cornhole are so popular? It's because they're quick which makes it more exciting. I have no idea how people watch soccer or baseball, way too long and way too boring. If those games were invented in today's fast paced world they would never survive.
If this brings in millions of new fans and puts $$$ in players pockets it'll be the best thing since Hustler and COM.
If it's not for you, don't watch. I rarely watch snooker cause it's not my thing, but I won't be going to the snooker section and bitching about it, I just choose not to watch.
I actually find the spot shots exciting and so will millions of people who don't want to watch a boring race to 11.
Why do you think Darts and Cornhole are so popular? It's because they're quick which makes it more exciting. I have no idea how people watch soccer or baseball, way too long and way too boring. If those games were invented in today's fast paced world they would never survive.
Willowbrook Wolfy
Your wushu is weak!
I’m pushing for bank the 9 or last pocket. BBBP. Bring Back Bar Pool
Then why bother with the pool at all? Just have a spot shot tournament.
Or a 20 second montage of animals farting.
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While I'm not a big fan of the spot shot, it's brings an interesting twist to the game where the lesser player actually has a chance of winning. In longer races, which we certainly have enough tournaments of, the stronger player will typically dominate. In this short race format, it's a crap shoot (almost).
Players that normally wouldn't hold a candle to the likes of SBV, Woodward, etc, can now compete against them in a legitimate way. Why do you think he's not a fan this format? My assumption is because his edge is now gone. If you catch a decent 700 Fargo at the right time, they can now take the win.
It's definitely good for growing the sport. Getting big outside sponsorship = $$$.
Players that normally wouldn't hold a candle to the likes of SBV, Woodward, etc, can now compete against them in a legitimate way. Why do you think he's not a fan this format? My assumption is because his edge is now gone. If you catch a decent 700 Fargo at the right time, they can now take the win.
It's definitely good for growing the sport. Getting big outside sponsorship = $$$.
Just replace the shootout with an alternate break tie breaker and I think you have something that will appease more viewers.
Lag for the break in the third set. Alternate break. First to go ahead by 2 wins.
You're still deciding the match with actual pool, and someone has to screw up for the other to win.
Lag for the break in the third set. Alternate break. First to go ahead by 2 wins.
You're still deciding the match with actual pool, and someone has to screw up for the other to win.
I guess that's the angle some are arguing against. At least it's not handicapped...lol
boogieman
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that ping.
Good thoughts. I don't really like the format either, but it might make it more palatable to a casual audience. That "sudden death" shootout can show an audience the amount of respect that good players have to give every shot. It ads excitement for a casual viewer. It's bunk for most of us.
Anecdotally, at work I was watching one of the matches that went into a shootout. We were on lunch break. A few of my co workers (non players) really liked the idea and really tuned in on the shootout section. 3 guys watching a shootout on a cell phone.
People have too short of an attention span to watch pool, but just enough to watch a shootout.The only redeeming things I see about the shootout would be that it could encourage someone to put on a "pool clinic" and win 2 in a row instead of taking part in it. It also can give the person who is behind a reason to buckle down and win the second set. At this point, it's about branding and having it as a talking point.
Has Mike Page updated his analysis as to whether the shootout is still producing favored winners at the same percentage as another set?
LMFAO
Right or wrong, I actually like watching a shootout. The pressure you see on the faces of the top players is very noticeable and real, and not seen durring normal game play, and for me, actually adds some excitement to the game. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy watching good play, but the shootouts really add some excitement to the game, and it's obvious why the top pros don't like them. I really don't think this format is scripted for the viewing of your really top players, but for the larger market of everyone else. If it works and grows the sport, that's a good thing. If not, I guess they can try something else. It's refreshing to see a push to actually grow the sport. Time will tell if it was a change for the good.
The detractors of the format, the same people over and over again, are not the ones paying the bills. The format is successful. Live and let live. Dont like it? Fine. Dont watch it.
There is room in our sport for this format AND longer races. Support both. I do. I dont play 10 ball, but I watch it. I dont play straight pool, but I don't want straight pool to end. There are many things in life I dont like. But I'm not here to try to convince others they shouldnt like it either. Like I said.... live and let live.
The several that dont like the format have an option.... pool your money together and put on your own tournament. Use whatever format you like. Make it successful. I'll watch it.
I suspect the 2 races to 4 with spot shots will evolve over time. Be patient... just wait and see.
There is room in our sport for this format AND longer races. Support both. I do. I dont play 10 ball, but I watch it. I dont play straight pool, but I don't want straight pool to end. There are many things in life I dont like. But I'm not here to try to convince others they shouldnt like it either. Like I said.... live and let live.
The several that dont like the format have an option.... pool your money together and put on your own tournament. Use whatever format you like. Make it successful. I'll watch it.
I suspect the 2 races to 4 with spot shots will evolve over time. Be patient... just wait and see.
Based on the general selfish nature of competitive pool players. It could be argued that anything pros grumble about is most likely good for the growth of the game...lol.
I think you hit on the psychology of the short format and shootout. Players in longer races typically get a chance to get comfortable at the table. If you get a couple behind, you still have a chance to get in a groove. This is exactly why many dont like alternate break.
The short races dont allow a player, even top players, to get into any type of comfort zone. It adds stress. You need to start with your "A" game right from the start. And the spot shot adds an element of stress to it also. One miss and you could be out.
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Mike Page's analysis does not support the suggestion that this format gives the lesser player a greater chance to take down a big name. He had determined that the lesser player will have exactly the same chance to win in this format as they would in a race to eight.
So no, it's not a crapshoot. With Fargo in parentheses, the last three of these were won by Mario He (801), Fedor Gorst (823) and Alex Kazakis (801). Look for more of the same. Cinderella stories happen in pool, but don't look for one in this event series.
