Intentional Fouls on Coin Operated Pool Table
2/13/2011 5:02:38 PM
Intentional Fouls on Coin Operated Pool Table
At our local bar we typically play with respect for the game, rules, and each other... recently a new guy comes in and while playing 8-ball, after each side has been determined, typically due to his own poor position play, he intentionally aims, shoots, and pockets one of his object balls by hitting "others" balls first, he also intentionally aims and hits others balls first and or in a foul combination in order to break up a potential upcoming combination for the other player, etc. I've probably played pool with over 500 different people in my life and no one else has done this intentionally, over and over. At least five of the regulars and the Bar Owner disapprove of this so called "strategy". I have tried to discuss it with him and he stated that there is no written rule about it, it's a bar room table and the ball / balls stay in the pocket, just as if it was improperly pocketed by accident. I've tried to advise him to play otherwise, have asked that he play with respect to the other player, etc. and that we disapprove of this... then he called me "insane" three to four times. Go figure!
Comments? Does anyone have any suggestions to resolve this matter... other than "taking him outside"?
This question relates to the following billiard rules:
Intentional Fouls on Coin Operated Pool Table
Replies & Comments
gibson on 2/13/2011 8:37:05 PMOne of the many problems associated with Bar table 8 ball. Coinop rules led to the all balls stay down rules. This type of play usually results in the guy being blackballed from playing or in some quarters black eyed from playing. My game improved 1000 per cent by getting away from 8 ball and playing different games on a regular pool table. Other problems were the heavy or oversized cue ball which is nearly impossible to draw back; intentional scratches with the eight ball behind the head string with the oncoming shooter having no shot at the 8. The reason 8 ball is so popular is that it is one of the few games you can play on a coin op table and that a crummy player can win with a good ball setup against a better player with a lousy ball setup. Most 8 ball players don't like to play nine ball because it exposes their lack of shooting skill and position play. There are more rules arguments per minute in 8 ball than any other game. The argument I here from most 8 players is that 8 is a better game than 9 because there is no slop in 8. My response is that good players never hit slop shots because they don't need to.
jags on 2/14/2011 3:18:20 PM
You are completely off base on this. He is playing the game according to the rules and you trying to get him to purposely not take the best shot available is not just wrong it would be stupid. The rules are the rules and there is no "ethical" section that says you can't foul if it is the best strategy.
Fenwick on 2/14/2011 5:21:27 PM
While he technically is playing within the rules? he's still a nit. Bar rules vary greatly!
If you play ball in hand for a illegal hit he's going to lose in the end.
If not play his game and follow the golden rule. Do onto others as they do onto you. Sew him up by playing a safe.
In my world he would not get a game but I don't play in Bars.
backbone11 on 2/14/2011 7:25:57 PM
Thanks guys... at least two of you. All the skilled regulars and moderately skilled players at our Bar and the majority who have commented on two other forums agree, including one certified pool instructor who suggests, "When in Rome"... Since the guy is a visitor from out of town, if he refuses to follow our lead, he doesn't need to play on our table. Simply, go elsewhere.
I'll be the first to admit, I'm far from perfect, but it still surprises me when certain individuals feel the need to immediately become insulting because "others" refuse to tolerate the... lets call it, "weasel mentality". When playing in a competition, some think they can pick and choose which rules apply (to their advantage), then ignore the rules (that will penalize them), typically they are attempting to cover up the real issue; their personal lack of skill. This guy would loose 8 out of 10 games without his tactics. Instead he looses about 4 or 5 out of 10. I've dealt with it on the golf course for over twenty years and obviously other endeavors in life share individuals with the same mentality.
Evidently my expectations for most of mankind to have a modest level of "intestinal fortitude" is an archaic notion.
Cheers, Bob's Your Uncle, and Good Day!
Mitch Alsup on 2/14/2011 9:49:59 PM
This really is the only thing you can do. Ball In hand, and beat him. Sooner or later if beaten often enough he will figure it out.
Jay Janzen on 4/23/2011 2:58:20 PM
If a Particular player is not respecting the house rules, then don't play with him.
Simple, isn't it? If there is a prize pool at stake, if this player shows up, let him enter... and no one else does. (Hint, Hint, Hint) Your local organizer should be immediately getting the message the other players send.
_ Respect Earns Respect _
Nuf Said.
Thanks for the suggestions... I guess I originally failed to say that we generally do not "play ball in hand" rules, that's why his "strategy" was seen as "Dirty Pool". We even started playing said song on the jukebox (S.R.V.) when he would put quarters on the table. He got the hint and has since stopped playing.
Intentional Fouls on Coin Operated Pool Table
- Title: Intentional Fouls on Coin Operated Pool Table
- Author: backbone11
- Published: 2/13/2011 5:02:38 PM
