Racking the 9-ball on the foot spot.

[Irish634]

The last few times I have seen 9 ball matches on TV (Texas Hold 'Em & Skins), I noticed they were racking the 9 ball on the foot spot instead of the 1.

1. What is the purpose behind this?
2. Is it becoming more popular to rack this way?
3. What are the advantages/disadvantages of this.
4. Are most major tournaments using this format now?

I am only curious because I have never been asked to play set this way.

Regards,
Craig

 

[Steve Logan]

Racking

In most events, it depends on the type of rack they are using. Using a Sardo, or any "freeze up" type rack, when the one is placed on the foot spot it is very easy to make a ball on the break. Most times, too easy. Using those racks, I have actually rolled the cue ball with my hand and made a wing ball. The nine is placed on the foot spot to eliminate this advantage and make it more difficult to pocket balls on the break. Pros have worked hard to develop a powerfull and precise break. This ball racking position helps to protect that.
I hope this helps.

Steve

 

[CreeDo]

pretty interesting, I hadn't even noticed this. Maybe we'll start seeing tables with two spots or a pencil mark for the new placement, because I can't tell how to see whether the 9's on the spot or not.

 

[BVal]

pretty interesting, I hadn't even noticed this. Maybe we'll start seeing tables with two spots or a pencil mark for the new placement, because I can't tell how to see whether the 9's on the spot or not.

If you get above the rack you can see pretty good where the spot is when you are racking. You just have to lean over the table which might be difficult for some of the shorter players to do on a 9 footer. I think it the pro events the table is marked for the rack though.

BVal

 

[the420trooper]

The 9 on the spot was instituted to prevent the dead wing ball with a full hit. The joke is that if you just cut one and hit about half speed, the wing ball is dead again. This has effectively killed the need for a power break in 9 ball, because Danny Diliberto breaks just as well as Johnny Archer. Play 10 ball everybody.