Which is the easier game?

[pete lafond]

It would be interesting to know why 8 ball was selected as the game for the Sigel-Jones match. I doubt that it is the general publics familiarity of the game of 8 ball as most people also know 9 ball and nine ball would be the easiest game to explain the rules to someone new to pool. Also keep in mind that a slower cloth is used. I believe the intent was to create a format that yields a better balance to the match. (This is a guess only. I would be interested in knowing why 8 ball was selected as the game.)

 

[pooltchr]

This question really has no answer. I personally am better at 9 ball, but that is the game I play more often. Both games require the same basic cue handling skills, but the strategy is completely different. So which ever game you are more comfortable with, or have spent the most time playing, will probably be the easier for you. Both games can be equally difficult, but for very different reasons.
Steve

 

[lewdo26]

It would be interesting to know why 8 ball was selected as the game for the Sigel-Jones match. I doubt that it is the general publics familiarity of the game of 8 ball as most people also know 9 ball and nine ball would be the easiest game to explain the rules to someone new to pool. Also keep in mind that a slower cloth is used. I believe the intent was to create a format that yields a better balance to the match. (This is a guess only. I would be interested in knowing why 8 ball was selected as the game.)

Pete, in the Q&A section of the IPT site, Trudeau explains why 8 ball was chosen. Apparently he has the diametrically opposed view, that there is more luck in 9 ball, and that 8 ball would favor the STRONGER player rather than the opposite.

As far as the "playing the layout" issue, I think you make a reasonable point, but in 8 ball it is much more complicated than that. In 8 ball you can stack up your percentages for a runout even though a runout is already possible. Especially if your opponent doesn't have a chance of running out. Therefore, if the layout presents me with a 60% chance of getting out, should I go for it? Well, it depends... If you have a move or safety that will give you a 75% chance of getting out next shot, then you DON'T go for the runout even though you are the favorite.

It's a matter of "playing both groups." Sometimes you're forced to go for a runout since the opponent's balls are all in pocketable positions. Some other times you may want to delay a runout on purpose, simply to improve your chances while the opponent's balls are tied up.

So... I think "playing the layout" is deceptive terminology when applied to 8 ball. I'm sure you know that already and we're going to disagree for the remainder of our lives, but you started it!

 

[Rickw]

I play both games on different tables. I played in an 8b bar league out of a pool hall. When we played at home, we played on 9 foot Diamonds. When we played away, the tables could be 8 footers or 7 footers. We definitely had a huge advantage playing at home. The bar tables didn't really bother me that bad except when they were just awful tables and that happened at one particular bar. The balls would button hook before they stopped rolling. AWFUL TABLE!!!

Given the choice if I'm playing for money or in a tournament, I'd rather play 9b on the 9' table because I feel I have more control over the game and the possible outcome. Playing 8b, sometimes after the break, you know you don't have a tinker's chance in Hell to win the game. I played a game like that once, all my balls were clustered in three different areas of the table with no break out shot available. The other guy's balls were wide open and several were hangers. In 9b, your both shooting at the same balls so you're on more of an equal footing. They are just different games and there are pros and cons for each.

 

[Snapshot9]

Solve both with 1 stone ...

Play what I call 'Dakota 8 ball'. (This is the way I
practice).

Same as 8 ball, except after the 1st ball is made after
the break, the player has to shoot his balls in ascending
order (like 9 ball) before shooting the 8 ball. The opposing
player has to do likewise. And yes, if the player breaking
makes a ball on the break, he must either shoot the 1 or the
9 ball on an open table. If a ball is not made on the break,
the incoming player can shoot any ball the first shot, but
then has to shoot in ascending order after he selects either
the solids or stripes.

I use this game to play players that are better than me. Do I
really have to explain why?

Why Dakota 8 ball? I just liked the sound of it... lol

 

[shinyballs]

Play what I call 'Dakota 8 ball'. (This is the way I
practice).

Same as 8 ball, except after the 1st ball is made after
the break, the player has to shoot his balls in ascending
order (like 9 ball) before shooting the 8 ball. The opposing
player has to do likewise. And yes, if the player breaking
makes a ball on the break, he must either shoot the 1 or the
9 ball on an open table. If a ball is not made on the break,
the incoming player can shoot any ball the first shot, but
then has to shoot in ascending order after he selects either
the solids or stripes.

I use this game to play players that are better than me. Do I
really have to explain why?

Why Dakota 8 ball? I just liked the sound of it... lol

This is what I play with one of the old timers here. I've always called it Rotation 8-ball. However, we play that you can go both up or down in order, 7-1, 1-7, 15-9, or 9-15.

 

[pete lafond]

So... I think "playing the layout" is deceptive terminology when applied to 8 ball. I'm sure you know that already and we're going to disagree for the remainder of our lives, but you started it!

The layout changes each time go to the table. The layout is what you have to work with, or rather confronted with. It is up to you to decide how you will work with it. Playing a safe may be one way. I am not disagreeing with you only sharing some thoughts.

During 8 ball play, the whole layout of what you had to work with changes each time you opponent steps up to the table. Even if the cueball is moved without touching another ball as the cue ball is also part of the layout. Each shot or safety has a purpose, and sometimes more than one. To play a safe only to play a safe is not using a turn at the table wisely. There is a lot to 8 ball, I do not disagree. I am only stating that if I were to play Reyes in a race, I would choose 8 ball because I have more options to create hell. 9 ball would be my last choice even with the luck. (Give me a player who rides the 9 ball often and I would almost always win.)

I put up a thread asking if you were to play a much better player, what game would you choose to give yourself a chance to win. Responses are interesting, check it out.

Just sharing some thoughts. I do like 8 ball for leagues because many weaker position and shot making players win big sets.