Numerous times watching Shane and Carlo play the breaker gave up the table after making a ball. What is the exact rule on a legal break that was being used? Thanks.
World 9-Ball Break Rule
- Thread starter BarTableMan
- Start date
Three balls(balls pocketed count as one) must get to the kitchen on the break. So, if you only make one ball but two more balls don't get to headstring its illegal break.
Balls must cross the headstring. Rules aren't real clear whether its base-of-ball or entire ball.
I'd say it's explicit:
Regulation 18 WPA Rules for 3-pt Break Requirement:
18. THE THREE POINT BREAK RULE
(1) On the break shot, a minimum of three object balls must either be pocketed, or touch the head string line, or a combination of both. For example, if one object ball is pocketed, then at least two object balls must touch the head string line; or if two object balls are pocketed, then at least one object ball must touch the head string line.
To touch the head string line means that the edge of the object ball must reach (break) the string line.
Very good.
Except that isn't the version of the rule they played by per their website. The whole thing is absurd. Just hold a "WPA" event and don't play by actual WPA standardized rules.
They played "pass the head string": http://qbsf.qa/pub/world-9-ball-tournament-information/#tab-1435826822463-23-1
Also, your quoted rule, is that actually for 9 ball, or just a standard def of that type of rule?
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It is the WPA 3 point rule regulation (Regulation 18), and it stands on its own. The 3 point rule is referenced in the 9-ball rules. I'm sure they wrote it that way in case they wanted to reference the 3-point rule for any other game. So, if you're playing a 9-ball match, and you exercise the 3 point break rule, then you use Regulation 18.
What part of this rule are you saying they weren't playing by? (edit: I see your update. I would say that the wording needs to be consistent. I would send a note to the tournament website for clarification. I would suspect they would easily rewrite to be exactly the WPA wording)
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I wrote to I believe the WPA a few years ago when they started including that misguided absurd rule in the 9 Ball event and they stated at the time that the tournament organizer could make changes to the rules as they wanted.
Just now took a look at the WPA 9 ball break rule.
"2.3 Legal Break Shot
The following rules apply to the break shot:
(a) the cue ball begins in hand behind the head string;
(b) if no ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one or more rails, or
the shot is a foul
(c) additionally, and only when Three Point Break Rule is used, if no ball is pocketed,
three balls must cross the head string, or the break is considered ‘dry break’. (See
Regulation 18, Three Point Break Rule.)"
So that is only a "rule" if someone chooses to "use" it in their event.
I love the often repeated statement that it is done for the fans and or tv audience. Ok, fine for a Matchroom made tv special. Not for a WPA Championship. I guess I like to think fans are a little more educated than to think seeing someone slam a ball is important. Where is the Stat guy on here with how many people did "hard" breaks and still had to go sit down after making a ball, LOL. And it is really the opposite that takes place, all the fans going WTF is that guy sitting back down for after he made a ball.
Hopefully CSI doesn't use this break rule in the WPA 10 Ball.
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Yes, the 3 point rule is an option. The history of the rules of our sport have always included "optional rules" including call shot, 2-shot rollout, etc.
They point to the Regulations section if you choose use the 3-point rule.
I'm sure they could improve on the presentation of all these rules.