Does anyone one actually think the "push shot" is fair??

Question

Does anyone one actually think the "push shot" is fair??

Answer 1

I assume that you're referring to the push out rule in 9-ball.  I do believe that it is fair, because the upcoming player has the option of taking the next shot or giving it back to the player who played the push out.  It's not like it's a free shot or anything.  Playing a push out isn't as easy as it sounds.  If it's not done properly, you could be handing the game to your opponent.  I think it adds an interesting defensive twist to the game.  Making difficult shots is important, but that's not what 9-ball or any other pocket billiards game is all about.  A good player won't leave themselves too many hard shots, but can still make them when they do arise.  I don't believe it has anything to do with television.  Personally, none of this would be an issue if people could appreciate straight pool.  There's almost no luck involved in straight pool, unlike 9-ball.  In straight pool, the better player always wins, they don't just get lucky.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

P.S.  Yeah, you're right eightbraker.  I wasn't thinking about shorter matches.  I was only thinking about 150+ point matches.  Sometimes a less skilled player can still run 50+ balls and win a short match against a better player.

Answer 2

Is it fair that a player breaks, makes nothing, but gets lucky when the cue ball ends up snookered with no chance of making legal contact with the 1 ball?

The "push" is only allowed that one time per game, and as previously stated, if you don't like the position, give the shot back to your opponent.

Too many players today (especially casual players) seriously underrate defense as part of the game.

Answer 3

it was invented to make things look more exciting on tv  I do not use it and will not play with anyone who insists on trying to use it  Just play it like it lays and don't whine about how tough the shot is  that's what the game is about ...making tough shots

Answer 4

I agree with shooter. The push shot is very fair and adds a bit of a challenge to the one shooting it. It has absolutely nothing to do with television. The push shot was around a long time before they started showing nine ball matches on t.v.. The game of nineball is good for television because it is a quick game and they can show all or most of a match in a 1 hour show. As far as straight pool is concerned it is much more of a challenge than 9 ball because, as shooter said, there is very little luck involved. I don't know about the best player always winning though. I have seen some short games of straight pool like to 50 or 75 where the best player doesn't even get to shoot. And pool is a streaky game , the best player may be a little off that day and lose the match. I think this is true in all games or sports. That's why we have that word upset in the dictionary.But as I said I pretty much agree with shooter on this one as usual.The man knows what he is talking about!