Then i think the only handicap you should be allowed to play with is the break. If you break and get the first shot after the break, even if you don't make a ball on the break, but not bih, you have to accept the table as is, if you can beat the ghost then, i think that is a better test of your skills than starting with bih. If you can't beat the ghost, it won't be because you gave up your turn at the table because of a dry break, if you always get the first shot after the break. How many of you feel you can still beat the ghost without bih to start? This test is no different than playing another person, only difference is you have the guarantee of continuing to shoot after the break even if you didn't make a ball on the break, only difference is if you miss you lose, because the ghost or the other player is guaranteed a run out if you miss.