I've had it happen twice this year now so I'm curious if I'm in the wrong and if I could have been dq'd for it. Both times I was on the hill and had I lost it would have been hill/hill with my opponents break. So after I broke I broke down my break cue and put it in my case. The first time was at an MPA tournament and my opponent didn't even see me do it. A buddy of his told him and he told me he could have me dq'd for it. The second time was at State tournament and the guy went crazy about it but didn't end up calling a ref. Is it bad form to break down my break cue before the game is over? I've always done this and never had a problem when I know I'm not going to break again.
Question for tournament players about a rule
- Thread starter Dockter
- Start date
If you could have been DQ'd, then it must be a local rule. I know players who break down their cue and swap to a different one during league. I have also broken down my break cue as I have decided to go 2nd ball break at 8 ball. Also, if you are on the hill, then if it is winner breaks, then by default you will not need your break cue again. Sounds either fishy or extremely pedantic to me
" A man goes to the doctor". He says, "Doc, every-time I do this it hurts like crazy". The doctor says "Don't do that".
I other words, why do something that can be questioned when you don't have to. Were you right, yea probably, some may call it a shark move. You say it is your break cue, it could be argued the break is no different then any other shot and you are playing with two cues. Either way why expose yourself to possible problems. I would not do it again
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WPA rules state 1 and only 1 specific set of circumstances when breaking down/unscrewing
a cue can be considered a forfeit (loss of match, not a DQ).
1.11 Concession
If a player concedes, he loses the match. For example, if a player unscrews his jointed
playing cue stick while the opponent is at the table and during the opponent’s decisive rack
of a match, it will be considered a concession of the match.
Your example is done by many players and there is nothing wrong with what you are doing.
a cue can be considered a forfeit (loss of match, not a DQ).
1.11 Concession
If a player concedes, he loses the match. For example, if a player unscrews his jointed
playing cue stick while the opponent is at the table and during the opponent’s decisive rack
of a match, it will be considered a concession of the match.
Your example is done by many players and there is nothing wrong with what you are doing.
Thanks Dave. The MPA event was using WPA rules and I know our SD state tournament follows some of the same rules. I'm going to be more careful with it as I'm not trying to shark anyone or anything but be it league or a tournament, if it's my last break I break the cue down and put it away when I'm done. I've always done this and never ran into a problem then this year I have 2 guys that get mad about it.
That answers your question, don't do it. You are about to play a last critical game, you don't need any distractions like regarding your break cue. Set the cue aside and pay attention to the game. What are you doing worrying about putting away your cue at this time anyway.
Yeah, I'm going to be more careful about it. I guess it all comes down to breaking the habit of doing it because I've always done it. If I use my jump cue, when I'm done I break it back down and put it away. If I'm not going to break again I break it down and put it away. I'll admit I played poor in both of these matches and probably didn't deserve to win so maybe they were frustrated that they just happened to be playing worse.
If I break down my break cue early because I will not be using it anymore, I will wait until my opponent is racking the final rack.
I always make sure not to unscrew any cue while a game is in play.
I always make sure not to unscrew any cue while a game is in play.
I would not call a foul for this in a similar situation. It happens frequently in pro tournaments. There will always be situations like this that are not specifically addressed in the rules. This calls for good judgement by the tourney official(s), something sorely lacking at times.
I've heard the rule but I always assumed it meant playing cue. It just seems a weird rule to me because does this mean I have to call a ref over if I want to change my shaft?
I understand the reason the rule was put in place, just like raking the balls, saying good came or conceding in some other way. It's whatever I guess. If people are going to get mad about it I'll change my habit and be more careful with it. It just seems like a move to get a win that you don't really deserve but it's something I should be able to easily fix.
I understand the reason the rule was put in place, just like raking the balls, saying good came or conceding in some other way. It's whatever I guess. If people are going to get mad about it I'll change my habit and be more careful with it. It just seems like a move to get a win that you don't really deserve but it's something I should be able to easily fix.