Soft/safe Break...ok with TAP

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TeeA

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
SBE written rules stated no "safe" break. With no written TAP language specifically addressing this, my opponent executed a one pocket break...yes one pocket (while playing 8 ball). I asked the ref for a ruling and he said if five balls hit a rail it is legal. Well not anticipating this kind of break I had no one watching it. My real issue was the intent of the break, which was clearing soft/safe. The ref, and later a tournament official confirmed, "you can't tell just how hard a player can break; therefore, how would you determine a soft/safe break."

My contention was twofold: TAP rally in the valley has been a part of SBE for years. If TAP doesn't specifically address this and SBE does wouldn't the SBE rule apply? Secondly, if a ref can't tell the difference between a one pocket break and any normal kind of 8 ball break you shouldn't be a referee.

I had the ref watch the next break by my opponent who again executed a one pocket break, (two balls hit a rail including cueball) but sank the wing ball..."legal break," that's in the TAP rules. Very frustrating as well as the ref knowing my opponent and chuckling it up together between racks.

TAP is apparently the only league in the country that sanctions (rediculous) soft breaks in 8 ball. Even APA doesn't allow it. It belongs in the game of one pocket by nature of the game...but 8 ball?...come on TAP, get real.
 
The TAP Rally is held in conjunction with SBE, but they are separate, and play by separate rules. Keep in mind that the Diamond Pro Invitational was also held in the same venue along with a couple of other events, and each have their own rules.

While I understand your frustration, your complaint is a little harder to understand. Yes, your opponent broke soft, but as you said, there is nothing in the rules that prohibits a soft break, provided that at least 5 balls hit a rail, or ONE is pocketed. Since your opponent did that, the shot was legal. He broke 'defensively' so to speak, which o course caused him just as much trouble as it caused you since you were both playing 8 ball with a soft break and clustered balls.

Regardless, I hope overall you enjoyed the event and playing a lot of good pool. I enjoyed my time at the SBE and look forward to it next year.
-Adam
 
I got one better. An opponent pulled a straight pool opening break shot on me during an 8 ball league match.

No rules against it in the league, nothing could be done about it.
 
We had a team do this to us at nationals this past November. They were stalling trying to force sudden death. The player finally got on the hill, broke hard and ran out with ease.

Personally, I could do without the 8 on the break counting as a win. I think you should have to make all the balls to win or have the opponent scratch on the 8. One shot shouldn't count as a win.

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