maybe im trying to make much more of this, but I'll ask anyway

[Positively Ralf]

I think we need more details on your tournaments before giving an educated answer. What are the races to?
What are the handicaps?

Besides those two things....it is easier for lower skill level players to run out in 8ball. Reason for this; they don't have to play precise position on any ball..for example=.miss position on the 13 and you can shoot the 11.
Most good players don't mind giving 2/3 games on the wire going to 7 in 9 ball but in 8 ball it becomes a lil tougher.

Whatever BCA rules/races for amateurs are is what the tour uses. And if it matters, they only play on 9 footers.

 

[Get_A_Grip]

What's weird is, after smashing a few weaker players at 8-ball, they wanted to switch to 9-ball. I think because they have a chance to ride the 9 or make an early combo. So while I agree that weaker players generally prefer 8-ball because they think it normally gives them a couple times at the table, against a really strong player playing 8-ball, they may actually prefer 9-ball.

I am generally an 8-ball player and virtually never play 9-ball. But my first time at State playing 9-ball, I took 4th. Go figure. :thumbup: