MovieChat Forums > Poolhall Junkies (2003) Discussion > Which game is harder?

Which game is harder?

posted 19 years ago by bhmllr
33 replies | jump to latest

I was recently told by someone who claimed to be a serious pool player that 9 ball was harder than 8 ball. Does anyone else feel the same way? If so why?

I personally don't see how. Any short rack game pretty much HAS to be simpler. Plus when you're playing 8 ball (or straight pool) you have to actually create a line (an order for potting your balls) but in 9 ball it's made out for you. That's half your thinking gone already. You also don't have to call in 9 ball and you don't have to 'get to' the 9. In theory you can win a game in a single shot in 9 ball... you have to actually earn your win in 8 ball. I think perhaps the people who think 9 ball is harder think this because they see the pros on TV playing it all the time. Little do they realize this is because 9 ball is a much simpler game to follow and quicker to play and so makes for better TV. 8 ball is rich in safety shots so games can go on forever without a ball being sunk (I've been in a few of those myself). There's also the fact that as you sink your balls in 8 ball it actually gets harder and harder to get shape on your remaining balls. Sure you just sank 6 of your balls but now you have to sink that last ball and make sure you successfully circumvent your opponents' balls AND get position on the 8. In 9 it gets progressively easier. 8 ball also requires a lot more thought about what you're doing. In 9 where you can just sink anything and keep shooting (provided you hit the lowest ball first of course) and even WIN on some random fluke. In 8 if you bash the balls around you run the risk of sinking your opponents ball or losing the game entirely if you sink the 8 by accident.

Now... given all that, how the hell can people say 9 is harder than 8??

Thanks,
MOJO

[–] no_spm_brazil 19 years ago

I started playing pool in 1975, and have played both competitive 8-ball and 9-ball (as well as 1-pocket, 14:1, Snooker, Billiards, etc.). Nine ball has become very popular among professionals, not because it's necessarily harder, but because it suits television. It's fast, simple, and flashy (lots of combos, caroms, jump shots, etc.). The networks would never televise 14:1 or 1-pocket because it would put the viewers to sleep.

Many pros will actually tell you that 8-ball is harder than 9-ball, because 1. You have to shoot around your opponents balls to run a rack, 2. You have to call your pockets (but not always), and it's less likely that your opponent will pick up a cheap win (they have to make all their balls and can't accidentally slop the 8 for a quick victory).

A lot of exclusive 9-ball players don't realize that when 8-ball is played in sets or matches (i.e., race to 7), it can be a very competitive game, just as few 9-ball tournaments or wagers are based on a single game. Moreover, a lot of people think 8-ball is more of a beginners game, but the fact is, it's who your playing that makes the game more or less challenging, and I've seen a lot a heavy weight matches in both 8-ball and 9-ball.

Personally, anyone who restricts him or herself to one game will limit their potential, because each type of game complements one another. For example, there are common shots or strategies in 1-pocket, that can occasionally save your butt in a 9-ball match; and many exclusive 9-ball players won't see it.

[–] angebones 19 years ago

Basically it comes down to what you are USED TO.

If you have always played nine ball you will find Eight ball tough in the beginning. There are more balls, some of which you cant even pocket, and its very defensive sometimes. However as the nine ball player gets used to eight ball they realize the easier parts of the game. You dont have to make them in order, and if you miss and leave a ball in the pocket, your opponent has his own balls to shoot, and that ball will be in the pocket when you come back.

If you have always played eight ball you will THINK nine ball is easier. You will say to yourself "theres 6 less balls and the layout is made for you, how hard could it be?" But when the eight ball player actually PLAYS nine ball, he sees how much a little mistake can cause, and how much tougher it is when your opponent is going for the same balls you are.

So there are easy aspects and hard aspects of both games. In my opinion it depends on which game you are used to because then the tough parts of the other game really shine. In my opinion 8-ball is a little tougher, but I am a nine ball player, which brings me back to my point: it depends on which game you are used to.

[–] jekkyl_ne 19 years ago

I guess it depends on what you mean by hard. I mean, it's alot easier to lose in 9-Ball. I mean, if you're playing an experienced player, he breaks and knocks something in, you're screwed. Although, I prefer 9-Ball over 8-Ball because it seems like there's alot more competition in 9, and competition is fun.

[–] no_spm_brazil 19 years ago

I've heard some people say 8-ball is for "bangers." The fact is, if you're playing a tough opponent, I don't care if it's 8-ball, 9-ball, 1-pocket, 3-rail, Snooker, or whatever, he's going to come at your with everything he's got, and it's up to you to stop him.

Bottom line, it WHO YOU PLAY that creates a challange, the chosen game is irrelevant!

[–] ezed02 19 years ago

overall, it takes more skill to excel in 9 ball. not only are you forced to hit your shots in 9ball, but its also up to you to line up the cue for your next shot. The balls must be made in sequence. Many people can hit theirs, not nearly as many can hit that shot and set their cueball up for their next shot. you haev to do this for 8 ball too, just at a lesser extent. the ability to set your cue ball up for your next shot is what seperates many good players from mediocore players.

[–] manson_goth_fan 13 years ago

here is the thing. Ive played pool for over 12 years, and i just turned 21. Over time, playing for fun, playing for money, hustles, and even tournaments, And in simple, there is no real easy or harder choice of play.

Their both games that can provide complications. THe best way to find out is to play each set yourself. One week play 9, week after play 8. THen you will get a general idea in your own sense. But also keep in mind that a game isnt just defined by the rules of it, but how its played.

I love 9 ball, its unique, harldy ever the same, many combinations, more then thousnads of ways to win, and even more ways to make the other person lose. Yet i hate 8 ball which many say is simpler. To each their own!

[–] travischar 12 years ago

Let me get this straight.

You Americans are arguing about which is harder between 8-ball and 9-ball?

Seriously, have none of you people ever seen a game of snooker?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btmB-p_0QFg

It really amazes me sometimes the way that your 5% of the world's population thinks that you even compare to the other 95% It's a goddamned joke. really.

[–] albertdavin 11 years ago

two totally different games. things that are difficult in 9 ball are easier in 8 ball and vice versa. i've been playing league 8-ball for about 10 years now. i've never played league 9-ball but every once in a while we play 9-ball. there are different aspects of each game that can be easier and difficult to each respective game.

but at the end of the day you have much less room for error in 9-ball.