Question on Stevie/Justin argument thread

[Maniac]

Regarding the age-old argument concerning "call pocket" games versus "slop counts" games, I want to ask this question.

Would it be feasible to have a professional tournament where the standard rule of "slop counts" is in place but if the two opponents agree before their match to play a "call pocket" match (or vice-versa), then they could be allowed to do so? Would this be a nightmare for the referees? Too confusing for the players?

The stipulation of course would be that BOTH players had to agree beforehand on which format to use (and in a timely fashion) otherwise the tournament appointed rules would be in place (whichever those may be).

This way if two amatuers are paired up, they could play the "slop counts" rule and if two seasoned professionals are paired up, they may choose to use the "call pocket" rule.

Is this just a dumb question or could this have any possibility of working???

Maniac

 

[Blackjack]

Regarding the age-old argument concerning "call pocket" games versus "slop counts" games, I want to ask this question.

Would it be feasible to have a professional tournament where the standard rule of "slop counts" is in place but if the two opponents agree before their match to play a "call pocket" match (or vice-versa), then they could be allowed to do so? Would this be a nightmare for the referees? Too confusing for the players?

The stipulation of course would be that BOTH players had to agree beforehand on which format to use (and in a timely fashion) otherwise the tournament appointed rules would be in place (whichever those may be).

This way if two amatuers are paired up, they could play the "slop counts" rule and if two seasoned professionals are paired up, they may choose to use the "call pocket" rule.

Is this just a dumb question or could this have any possibility of working???

Maniac

I don't know of any player at the pro level that "counts on" slop shots to get the job done. I think its a non-issue. of course I've seen league players do backflips and high fives after shitting in the 9 on some crazy stab in the dark shot - but keep it in its context. IMO, call shot is a non-issue. Just have the pros play 12 ball - or full rack rotation.

 

[Maniac]

Just have the pros play 12 ball - or full rack rotation.

I've always thought full-rack rotation would separate the wheat from the chaff :thumbup:!!!

I was just trying to figure out an ameniable answer to the debates going on in the Stevie/Justin thread. Obviously, Stevie's comments prove that there are some pros that favor a "call pocket" format.

Maniac

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

I don't see it happening where the rules for any given match are altered by the players. Obviously it would be very confusing for the spectators who are watching a room full of tables with matches going on each.

For all the crap 9 Ball gets on here, it is not going away any time soon. Like it or not, lucky shots like the 9 on the snap seem to draw the biggest response from those watching. Also, a game of 9 Ball goes faster than 10 Ball so it is a better game for tournaments in terms of pace of play. If you want to eliminate some of the luck associated with 9 Ball then just play 10 Ball instead of trying to change 9 Ball. But for a given number of tables you will probably have to shorten the races to get the tournament done in the same amount of time.

Frankly, luck just isn't that much of an issue when the game is played on the professional level. Yeah, occasionally a player has to deal with being hooked after their opponent misses a shot - there are some good rolls and bad rolls. Some people feel that an incoming player should never have to deal with a lucky shot like that left by an opponent who missed but left a hook. I sort of disagree, I think it is part of the game to have to deal with bad rolls and catching the occasional unlucky break.

I'd say that rather than trying to take some of the luck out of 9 Ball it would be a better idea to equalize its effect by playing longer sets. And there is always 10 Ball. :grin:

BTW, another reason I don't want to see 9 Ball changed is because I also don't want to see 10 Ball changed. Decide which game you'd rather play and play it. But let's not change either one.

 

[alstl]

Slopping in balls rarely determines the outcome of a match between good players. More of an excuse for losing than anything else.