Updated Rules: 9-ball option

5aheadforpinks

Nit Picker
Silver Member
Here is an update for the rules of 9-Ball Option...

Use BCA 9-ball Rules as a guide to anything not listed. Slop counts, unless specified beforehand.

Rack and break same as nine ball. An object ball (lowest numbered) must be shot first after the break. 9-ball on break equals one (1) point and is spotted.
Play in rotation, but after any object ball is made (except on break) you have an option to shoot the 9-ball in for one (1) point; the 9-ball is spotted, and you must shoot the lowest numbered ball next. Or you can continue to run the balls in rotation until you get a decent shot on the 9-ball.
If a player misses the 9-ball at any time, the incoming player HAS to shoot the lowest numbered ball before he can shoot at the 9-ball (except when the nine is the last ball).
You can combo or carom the 9-ball in on any shot for one (1) point, as long as you hit the lowest numbered ball first.

Play to a specified point value (ie: 20, 30), unlimited number of racks.

3-Foul rule equals a subtraction of five (5) points but a player can never have negative points.

(Alternative):
Play the same, except you count each object ball as a point, and can only solidify those points by sinking the 9-ball anytime after you pocket your first object ball.

If I missed anything, Ill edit this post.
 
Better players

would love this game because they would be getting a 9 ball after every
numbered ball, and therefore reach the point total faster.

Could play hell with spots though.
 
I revised the game per your above. It's at the same place it was before:
http://billiardsdrills.com/archives/games/9_ball_option.php

Here's another alternative I proposed in my writeup:
An alternative scoring option builds up a "bank" of points for each ball in the current run. Players "cash out" and earn their points by making the nine. In other words, if you make the 2, 3, and 4 ball, you have three points in the bank. If you then make the nine, you earn three points. If you miss the nine, the bank keeps your points. Yet another alternative is to leave the points in the bank and allow whomever makes the nine to earn the points. This option really makes you think twice about going on long runs, because one slip up and your opponent can easily win five, six, or even more points.

I think that option might add a lot of excitement to the game.
 
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