Internet based challenge matches - can it be done?

[JoeW]

Just finished the “V” thread and found it to be the usual AZ blowout. Glad I stay out of those things any more. Life is too short for such aggravations. Fortunately, Mr. Wilson came through again.

However, the discussion leads to an idea that might be good for pool if someone could figure out a way to do it.

You know how you can play chess at a distance (in the old days pre-internet) by setting up two boards? I wonder if something similar could be done for a pool match? All that is needed is an overhead camera and two referees who would arrange the balls as needed when a player misses. Then we could all watch John play Lee across two continents.

This is just a rough idea and I am sure there are complications, but if someone had a way to work out the bugs it might lead to a great way for some internet based action and for some great pool matches.

Someone could probably try to do it locally first and then expand across the net.

 

[mnorwood]

Just finished the “V” thread and found it to be the usual AZ blowout. Glad I stay out of those things any more. Life is too short for such aggravations. Fortunately, Mr. Wilson came through again.

However, the discussion leads to an idea that might be good for pool if someone could figure out a way to do it.

You know how you can play chess at a distance (in the old days pre-internet) by setting up two boards? I wonder if something similar could be done for a pool match? All that is needed is an overhead camera and two referees who would arrange the balls as needed when a player misses. Then we could all watch John play Lee across two continents.

This is just a rough idea and I am sure there are complications, but if someone had a way to work out the bugs it might lead to a great way for some internet based action and for some great pool matches.

Someone could probably try to do it locally first and then expand across the net.

That's one hell of an idea. I like it. :thumbup:

 

[100kbet]

I dont see this working for a few reasons.

its impossible to get those 'just maybe' shots replicated correctly on another table.
what about cloth speed, pocket tightness, roll, etc.

 

[JoeW]

I dont see this working for a few reasons.

its impossible to get those 'just maybe' shots replicated correctly on another table.
what about cloth speed, pocket tightness, roll, etc.

It does seem that things would have to be standarized in some way. Same table same cloth, same balls, etc. However, another thought that occurred is the idea that some type of projector could be set up that would show the actual layout of table 1 on table 2 that could be used to position balls.


It is likely that someone will say that one of their rails was dead and that the game was not comparable. Over time and with refinements things could be reasonably standarized and players woud have to agree to play under the known limitations.

More importantly, think of the possibilities for international challenges, West coast vs East coast someone with a large bankroll in Chicago vs some Southern boy with backers, etc. I suspect that some of the rail birds could set up some gambling ventures and like boxing there could be pay per view to see X play Y with everyone on the net.

Another possibility is something like six pocket, as has been described here on AZB (as well as on their own site). The game might change with something like equal offense (which might or not be fun to watch).

The "just maybe shots" would become a part of the game and its limitations.

I think that some enterprising soul might even come up with a standard rig that could be purchased and hooked up in any room and you might even be able to play your brother-in-law in another state.

At this point it is just an idea to kick around. Heck it might even have other applications than playing pool. Net II and all that.

 

[Bob Jewett]

... You know how you can play chess at a distance (in the old days pre-internet) by setting up two boards? ...

Revive Internet Equal Offense. Add streaming video from both (or all) sites.

 

[SoundWaves]

Revive Internet Equal Offense. Add streaming video from both (or all) sites.

Sounds like fun!

 

[Johnnyt]

Revive Internet Equal Offense. Add streaming video from both (or all) sites.

Could you explain this more Bob for us no tech guys? This is a very good idea and I'd like to see it work and help if I can. Johnnyt

 

[Bob Jewett]

Could you explain this more Bob for us no tech guys? This is a very good idea and I'd like to see it work and help if I can. Johnnyt

Equal Offense is straight pool but you start from a smash break and are limited to 20 max run from each break. The detailed rules are surely on-line. Internet Equal Offense tournaments were run for two or three years back when we had dial-ups to connect to the Internet. Some sites had to email their results in to the coordinator.

There are probably some records of it still on-line. Search for IEO, maybe. Sven Davies was the main instigator.

 

[Johnnyt]

Equal Offense is straight pool but you start from a smash break and are limited to 20 max run from each break. The detailed rules are surely on-line. Internet Equal Offense tournaments were run for two or three years back when we had dial-ups to connect to the Internet. Some sites had to email their results in to the coordinator.

There are probably some records of it still on-line. Search for IEO, maybe. Sven Davies was the main instigator.

Thank you Bob. Johnnyt

 

[IplayBAD]

best way to do this would be to establish the game and post no show dough with a neutral 3rd party.

 

[Bigtruck]

Equal Offense is straight pool but you start from a smash break and are limited to 20 max run from each break. The detailed rules are surely on-line. Internet Equal Offense tournaments were run for two or three years back when we had dial-ups to connect to the Internet. Some sites had to email their results in to the coordinator.

There are probably some records of it still on-line. Search for IEO, maybe. Sven Davies was the main instigator.

The new game that's out, 6 Pocket, makes it possible to have a match between 2 players in different locations.

You could also have a big tournament with players from all over the world competing from their local rooms!!

Ray

 

[Bob Jewett]

The new game that's out, 6 Pocket, ...

Umm... as far as I can see, that's just equal offense without a break shot. No need for a new game that takes less skill unless you want to aim for the weaker players.

Here is the Internet Equal Offense web site, which includes the story of how it developed and the rules for Equal Offense (for those who don't have a BCA rule book). http://www.ieotour.com/start.html

 

[Bigtruck]

Umm... as far as I can see, that's just equal offense without a break shot. No need for a new game that takes less skill unless you want to aim for the weaker players.

Here is the Internet Equal Offense web site, which includes the story of how it developed and the rules for Equal Offense (for those who don't have a BCA rule book). http://www.ieotour.com/start.html

Bob,

John Schmidt really likes 6 pocket and so do I!

Their handicapping system is fashioned after golf. Something the odds makers could really use to wager with.

By the looks of the website, they could use some marketing help!

By their own stats, they said that 95 % of the players don't get to the break out shot. Maybe that's what gave the 6 pocket guys the idea?

Ray

 

[Fast Lenny]

I believe it to be already in the works, lasers will be used to show where the balls need to go and then they would be placed there, kind of time consuming IMO but magnetic balls that would be pulled into position would probably be the way to go.

 

[Shawn Armstrong]

Just finished the “V” thread and found it to be the usual AZ blowout. Glad I stay out of those things any more. Life is too short for such aggravations. Fortunately, Mr. Wilson came through again.

....Then we could all watch John play Lee across two continents.

Lee is currently in Canada. John is in the US. All it would take to have these guys match up is a roadtrip or a cheap flight to a central location. Lee is heading down to the US for a few days, and is looking to move down to the US. This matchup could become a reality if Lee wanted it to.

 

[matta]

You know how you can play chess at a distance (in the old days pre-internet) by setting up two boards? I wonder if something similar could be done for a pool match? All that is needed is an overhead camera and two referees who would arrange the balls as needed when a player misses. Then we could all watch John play Lee across two continents.

Why not just simplify it and have them both take turns playing the ghost? That way you'd only need to similar tables with similar pockets to make it fair. You'd still need a ref or maybe a webcam for reffing.

You get one point per run out. You can play races or ahead sets.

matta

 

[JoeW]

Why not just simplify it and have them both take turns playing the ghost? That way you'd only need to similar tables with similar pockets to make it fair. You'd still need a ref or maybe a webcam for reffing.

You get one point per run out. You can play races or ahead sets.

matta

Something like that could be done, such as equal offense, six pocket, etc. However Net II is about social networking and getting people involved in real time as one (of several) methods for improving (?) social interaction. Wii and similar developmets are about getting people to be more physically active. All of these are seen as "good" things. IPODS allow for instance fan attraction to a particular topic along with some forms of interaction.

There have been several discussions about how to improve pool, the image of pool, and how to get people involved. I think that most of us agree that to some extent it would be good if we could expand the pool horizons in term of the number of players, sports fans, money for tournaments, etc.

I doubt that sports such as golf or tennis can come up with the type of innovations for competitive play that are implied here. Golf does have some pretty fancy computer control indoor courses that I played on may years ago and could probably get involved in some form of net II type of culture.

Given the nature of pool playing with its relatively small field (4 X 9 table), standardized equipment and the competitive nature that can have sports fan appeal it just seems that some innovations might be just the shot in the arm that pool needs.

While I am not a fan, speed pool has attracted a following and this suggests that some types of innovations could be beneficial. I am not presuming to say exactly what those innovations should be and merely point out the confluence of many ideas that might spark someone's interest.

I used to take several ideas like these and make a little money. Now that I am retired and no longer interested perhaps others may see the opportunities. It does take some creativity, motivation, and commitment.

 

[JoeW]

Here is another phenomena that may be of use. Consider online poker that seems to have wide spread international appeal. It seems that people like the idea of gambling in a situation where there is missing information so long as they have some control over the amount of money they wager.

A pool match (race to 7 as in seven card stud) is similar to a card game where you have some, but not all, information about the outcome. If the player/fans had a system in which they could "bet", "stand", or "call" before and following each game (the flop?) would that create more fan appeal in a professional match? Of course it would be necessary to find a way to give them one or more "hole" cards for apparently increased control of the gaming situation.

With a little work, a system of software could be created that not only monitored the game, but also allowed for the formation of something like a poker table with 9 - xxx player fans adjusting their bets as needed.

It is live, interactive, cuts across several countries and it just might be a heck of a lot of fun. Most of the pieces needed to create such a system are currently available.