Breaking at the world pool masters?

Question

I have been watching repeats of the world pool masters 9 ball from earlier in the year and noticed that the soft cut break (which I don't like) wasn't being used as much, and players seemed to be breaking more towards the centre of the table than the edge.

I think it may have been down to the rack being a little higher up the table.

Was this the case and is this the way to go for the game of 9 ball rather than using the break box.

also wanted to note that the suggested category for this and a previous question was sports>billiards, could Y!A be trying this out to see if we get rid of the stupid swimming questions.

Answer 1

I am not sure if I really understand the question.  I  personally like to break better with the soft break.  Fallacy with the power break is that you scatter them and then as what I would call being a B to C player I cannot run out....all I do is spread them for the A player to run out. With the soft break, it keeps them together and I can "d-up" a little more and it drives the C player crazy when I cover them up....you are right about the "swimming pool" questions...I always try to put a "smart" answer back so as to get their attention as to what section they are in....no luck, they "swim" right back in!!!.....the break is so important in the "pro" game...what I hate is when I get an A player and he wins the "flip" to break....seem like I am kicking the rest of the match or just racking....love the game and the "info" in this section from "true" pool players....other part I don't like is the "bs" about the "video pool" game that everyone ask and ask the same question!

Answer 2

There are different ways tournament organizers have tried to deal with the soft cut break: moving the rack up so the 9 ball is on the spot, breaking from the box, and requiring a certain number of balls to cross the head string. I prefer one of the first two options. I guess at the pro level, anything's ok though. At the lower levels, I haven't seen anyone really master the soft cut break and be able to run out as often even if the balls are spread. It can be a good defensive move, so I wouldn't take it away from the game.