why is 8-ball most popular (not tournaments)

[PGHteacher]

Good point... I never really thought about the actual differences in gameplay. It is even simpler when some say they don't play with call shot... I wonder when ot became the most well-known game though. The 8 ball is just so fascinating, maybe.
This probably sounds stupid, but I have never played on nor seen a coin-operated table before... So I have no idea how that works. I have only played at billiard/pool hall, someone's house, or an arcade, and even at an arcade where there happen to be tables, you just give them an ID and they give you the balls and chalk.

Just curious; where are you from?

 

[Donny Lutz]

Best post

I like 8 ball because it has both a chess and checkers mode..

in checkers mode aka banger mode
you blast the break pick a group and make as many as you can.. each player does that for several innings with one finally getting to the 8 ball.. then you get the cheesehead who extends that misery even further by playing last pocket.. because they are to cheap to rack the balls again...


or you get chess mode aka run out mode for the big kids

lots of moving and problem solving strategically setting up your out while playing safe and trying not to let the next guy do the same...

two entirely different worlds wrapped up in one game..
largest possible appeal = largest possible audience

Best post on this thread, followed closely by "softshot" and "swest".

Donny L
PBIA/ACS Instructor

 

[Bob Jewett]

... Granted, some rules get skewed, ...

Which is actually a feature since it allows more "personal interactions" into the competition. Some people enjoy this possibility.

 

[jbullerjr]

I think there is also another side to it...

A lot of new players think they are "winning" because they have made 5 of their balls and you have made none.
Even if you run out from that point, they "almost beat you."

 

[pwd72s]

Lock N Load<---- Trying to remember the last time I played 8 ball!
I give up.
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.

Ah-HA! Now we know the game that might, just maybe, allow an edge over lock n' load. :wink:

 

[Ghosst]

A lot of new players think they are "winning" because they have made 5 of their balls and you have made none.
Even if you run out from that point, they "almost beat you."

I've played that guy too, seems to get around quite a bit.