New US Open Rack & Break Rules "Could" Be A Fiasco

[Pushout]

Just like the U.S. Open in golf, Barry always strives to make our U.S. Open the toughest test in pool possible. On this I concur with him.

I agree. I've seen too many posts lately about making the pool games "more fair" which in a lot of cases, is about making the game easier. I've asked a couple of times if pro players were approached for their opinion on the subject

 

[Paul Schofield]

Just like the U.S. Open in golf, Barry always strives to make our U.S. Open the toughest test in pool possible. On this I concur with him.

My appologies. I thought that the rule change was put in place to make things go smoother and faster. I did not realize that you wanted to make things harder. I will say no more.

 

[jay helfert]

I agree. I've seen too many posts lately about making the pool games "more fair" which in a lot of cases, is about making the game easier. I've asked a couple of times if pro players were approached for their opinion on the subject

Yes, we got quite a bit of input from several top pros. Almost to a man they preferred racking the nine on the spot. It's not a perfect solution, but it appears to be an improvement over racking the one on the spot. This method is now used in many other major events, i.e. all Matchroom events, the Challenge of Champions, 2014 World 9-Ball Championships and more.

 

[jay helfert]

My appologies. I thought that the rule change was put in place to make things go smoother and faster. I did not realize that you wanted to make things harder. I will say no more.

Thank you Paul. To make things go "smoother and faster," we've found 'Rack Your Own' accomplishes that. Of course, a shot clock also helps in slow matches. :smile:

 

[AngryTurtle]

Just like the U.S. Open in golf, Barry always strives to make our U.S. Open the toughest test in pool possible. On this I concur with him.

I agree wholeheartedly! One comment however, I would expect to hear some player complaints about this, there ascertain are in golf in the heat of the moment. I bet those same players agree with making the test the toughest possible when viewing it from a bit more distance.

 

[Petros Andrikop]

Just like the U.S. Open in golf, Barry always strives to make our U.S. Open the toughest test in pool possible. On this I concur with him.

Using a "big" box instead of a "small" one, still makes the game hard enough, maintaining some of the spectacular part of it.
But almost eliminating the break factor is not about hardness, it's exactly the opposite.
What is real hard, is that some players work harder in the break in order to reach the ones that have already done it. That is hard, and fair in 9ball.
Anyway, we will know soon how the new setup works or not in a major singles event.
Thank you for repplying Sir, best of luck to all people getting involved in the US open in any way.
Petros

 

[itsfroze]

Point well taken, but eliminating tilting of the rack does not eliminate all racking improprieties.

Of coarse it doesn't but does that mean they shouldn't take steps
in a positive way to lessen the opportunity's, like marking
a center line to make it obvious when someone's tilting the racks ?

 

[Black-Balled]

Whatever the rules, whatever the format, the cream always rises to the top. Just wait until there are just eight left and you'll see that the great ones are the ones still in the hunt for the title.

And to recount what I took note of in another thread:

... take a look at the US Open golf tournament. The rough is longer and the fairways are narrower. Consequently, the tee shot, the first shot played on every hole, is made more difficult, and more difficult second shots must be played. The US Golf Association feels that such a setup befits our national golf championship. Pool players always talk about wanting pool to be more like golf. If so, a tougher setup in a national championship should not rub them the wrong way. On the contrary, the tougher setup befits the occasion.....

No doubt, the countless apologists on this forum will come out in droves if their favorite players don't win. I always look forward to that on this forum because there are new excuses every single time.

May the best man win.

I think that is the proper perspective to take: it is gonna be a battle, no matter who the combatants are. I can't wait-figuratively:grin:- until the Show gets going.

It is always great pool.

 

[NitPicker]

While they may have tougher fairways, obstacles in golf...this is not the same as breaking rules with pool. In golf, you are not required to tee off from a specific spot (except behind a line) or drive a specified distance or get penalized for placing a (legal) shot more to your liking. Tougher courses are the equivalent to tougher tables but do not equal fundamental rule changes. There are rules of the game, and rules of conduct and in my opinion, neither should have to be sacrificed for the other. To me, it just seems like folks take the easy way out because it's easier to enforce a fundamental rule change than it is to enforce rules of conduct.

Just for clarity, me personally, I don't think I mind different rules in pool all that much. I think for me I'd just like to see some (more) tournaments played more traditionally. I do feel that much of the mystique and character have been lost with all the changes over the years. That is all.

 

[Petros Andrikop]

While they may have tougher fairways, obstacles in golf...this is not the same as breaking rules with pool. In golf, you are not required to tee off from a specific spot (except behind a line) or drive a specified distance or get penalized for placing a (legal) shot more to your liking. Tougher courses are the equivalent to tougher tables but do not equal fundamental rule changes. There are rules of the game, and rules of conduct and in my opinion, neither should have to be sacrificed for the other. To me, it just seems like folks take the easy way out because it's easier to enforce a fundamental rule change than it is to enforce rules of conduct.

Just for clarity, me personally, I don't think I mind different rules in pool all that much. I think for me I'd just like to see some (more) tournaments played more traditionally. I do feel that much of the mystique and character have been lost with all the changes over the years. That is all.

Some good points here too.

 

[sjm]

Of coarse it doesn't but does that mean they shouldn't take steps
in a positive way to lessen the opportunity's, like marking
a center line to make it obvious when someone's tilting the racks ?

Yes, I agree.