Agree 100%.
How to Pocket the 8-BALL ON THE BREAK
- Thread starter dr_dave
- Start date
Making the 8 on the break is not a win under the WPA "official rules of pool" or in most leagues and tournaments. "Bar rules" and the APA league system are the only rule sets I know of that have this "feature."
It's rare that I swing at the head ball when playing 8ball these days. I'll give it go during warm up to loosen my arm, but it takes a good rack and decent table to make the head ball a solid option.
I break second ball (side based on rack orientation) not as a means to drop the 8, but in a defensive strategy. A tight rack still scatters nicely with high odds of dropping a ball. However a loose rack tends to 'side load' the table with several heavy clusters. I hit the break with outside/draw to pull the CB up table. Works great.
It takes a solid 8 ball player to run out a clustered table so this gives me the best odds at another inning if the break doesn't work out.
I break second ball (side based on rack orientation) not as a means to drop the 8, but in a defensive strategy. A tight rack still scatters nicely with high odds of dropping a ball. However a loose rack tends to 'side load' the table with several heavy clusters. I hit the break with outside/draw to pull the CB up table. Works great.
It takes a solid 8 ball player to run out a clustered table so this gives me the best odds at another inning if the break doesn't work out.
Regular table maybe. Bar table, not so convenient. That reminds me, sometimes the 8 ball comes to a stop right in front or in the jaws of a pocket. I always offer the option to spot the 8 ball before play starts. This is mostly to expedite the game. I prefer it this way; clear runs, no tippy toeing.
@ Chef Jeff, You gotta understand the caliber of play In my parts. The drunks will just (de) fence you to death. It's not something I want to contend with just to stay on a table.
8-ball is the buffet of pool games, with choices abounding. I love all the crazy ways the game goes sometimes, even safety battles. It's why I prefer it to other games. When the 8 stops near a pocket, one can setup such players to pot it early. Or not. etc.
8-ball is a misunderstood game, imho, because it is played in basements.
Jeff Livingston
For sure if the play is enjoyable. There's this herd of clueless drunks though, who's only move is to block and if they got any wits will play an entire game around that dumb hanging 8. Not interested.
For sure if the play is enjoyable. There's this herd of clueless drunks though, who's only move is to block and if they got any wits will play an entire game around that dumb hanging 8. Not interested.
Try this: When they safe when the shot would be better, do it to them in spades! Never shoot a shot, just hook 'em over and over and over. When they ask about it, say you learned it from them and ask them how much fun it is now.
Jeff Livingston
Almost a good idea except for the chalkboard full of deprived poolers. I will use that tack on those that insist on bar rules though. They love to line up their ducks so I often just shoot their balls in besides the more common roll out to nowhere.
Here's how to deal with the chalkboard:
When no one is looking, erase all the names and put yours on top. This works best near 2 am closing time.
Jeff Livingston
Nah. Lot of 'em are friends and besides I get the dirty looks from torturing the obstinate drunks. That's life with no pool rooms and single table bars. lol...
Eh. Different games with different goals. 8-ball is about clearing your balls then sinking the 8. 9-ball is about sinking the 9, period. Since the game allows combos to sink the 9 early, then allowing the golden break is just consistent with that.
That said, golden breaks in bar 8-ball are a clear concession to coin-op tables cause you can't spot a ball. In amateur leagues where a lot of games are played on bar boxes, I can see leaving it in place for that reason as well.
Once again, great video Dave, well done as usual.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
Always enjoy your videos Dr. Dave. Does it make a difference where you place the cue ball depending on table size? On the video it appears that you place the cue ball on the head string about a ball and a half off the rail on all of the table sizes. I'm assuming always on the head string and off the rail enough to get a level cue on it?
I place it far enough from the rail to get the bridge length I want for the speed I plan to use. Having it too close will require more cue elevation which can cause the CB to hop off the table if too much speed is used. About a ball and a half is best for most people.
The VNEA rules give the golden break as an option, with spotting the 8 as the other option. Either is allowed so long as the players agree which is in effect before the game starts. Like the APA rules, it's a concession to coin-op tables not returning the 8 (or any object ball) if pocketed early.
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DeeDeeCues
Well-known member
I disagree. You have performed a legal short by the rules that apply anytime during a game off nine ball.
Eight ball is a call shot game and the eight pocketed early anytime after the break is a loss.
I like the rules that used to require a spot or rerack.