As an industry, one of our largest challenges has been trying to settle on a consistent set of rules. That is difficult enough when the game has several large amateur leagues that maintain their own established rule sets, while the world-standardized rules continue to evolve and often look quite different.
The confusion only increases when another organization introduces what it calls “International Rules.” Especially in today’s wildfire internet environment, Ultimate Pool regularly posts rules scenarios on Facebook that would drive many people who have played American 8-ball for decades absolutely insane.
They are entitled to play their version of the game, but it is much closer to UK 8-ball or blackball than the traditional solids-and-stripes game most American players recognize. I wish they would simply present it that way instead of using a name that suggests it is the international standard
Sorry, my response got mixed with your post…..response below
I don’t know how the league is doing in different areas. In my area I don’t think it will last. I don’t like the rules or format. And from what I see and hear from others I am not the only one who doesn’t like it. In my particular division I think we lost half the teams after the first session. Another one lost teams as well, I’m not sure of the exact percentage. I spoke with someone who gave it up from the other division and we had similar opinions. I am playing because you have to keep playing to have a shot at qualifying for nationals and the team has to keep going. We finished second in the last session and have to play this one to go to the qualifier. When you compete you try to win, so I hope we go far. When our journey ends this year at whatever stage, I won’t play it again. I don’t think I am the only one. I wish success to our league operator and I think any success for hem can only help the sport, etc…. But people will just vote on it by playing the league or not.
