Time schedule

[Roy Steffensen]

I am wondering what you think is average time for matches in tournaments in one-pocket.

I have had big tournaments in 9-ball, and normally I have a time-schedule ready before the tournament for all matches, and what tables they will be played on. This makes it much easier for both spectators and players.

In 9-ball I have used these time-limits:

Race to 5, 1 hour
Race to 7, 1 hour 15 minutes
Race to 9, 1 hour 30 minutes

I am considering making a combined one-pocket and 9-ball tournament, race to 7 in 9-ball. So that means that each match will have a limit of 1 hour 15 minutes.

I would like to run the one-pocket tournament in between the 9-ball tournament, so how much time is AVERAGE for a race to 3?

 

[Bob Jewett]

I ... I would like to run the one-pocket tournament in between the 9-ball tournament, so how much time is AVERAGE for a race to 3?

An average might be also 1:15, but what are you going to do about the 2-hour game that some players may play? You may want some special rule, such as if all the balls are above the line and there are more than three of them, they all spot. Heaven help you if you are running a double-elimination tournament and you get a player in the losers' bracket who does nothing but push balls to balk to wear his opponent down, and that strategy works.

 

[jay helfert]

I am wondering what you think is average time for matches in tournaments in one-pocket.

I have had big tournaments in 9-ball, and normally I have a time-schedule ready before the tournament for all matches, and what tables they will be played on. This makes it much easier for both spectators and players.

In 9-ball I have used these time-limits:

Race to 5, 1 hour
Race to 7, 1 hour 15 minutes
Race to 9, 1 hour 30 minutes

I am considering making a combined one-pocket and 9-ball tournament, race to 7 in 9-ball. So that means that each match will have a limit of 1 hour 15 minutes.

I would like to run the one-pocket tournament in between the 9-ball tournament, so how much time is AVERAGE for a race to 3?

If you want to keep it under 75 minutes, you better play a Race to Two. Two out of three games. Race to Three and you have no chance. A very good rule to speed up One Pocket matches, is that once four balls are above the head string, the next ball that goes up there, you have to spot one ball. The ball spotted is the one closest to the head string or the end rail, whichever you decide on. That way there are never five balls above the head string.

You can also do this with three balls above the head string. The fourth ball up there and you spot one. It works, no more lonnng games.

 

[okinawa77]

Are you mandating a shot clock? If you are, then that may help make your matches a little more predictable on time management.
In 1P, some players will take a long time to shoot a shot. Especially, if they're in a tough spot.