On loose racks and etiquette?

Question

How do you guys handle loose racks? I was playing in APA Masters League last night and I got two bad racks in a row...I checked the next rack, and sure enough, the one-ball was off one of the balls...I ALWAYS make sure the first three balls are frozen, but it seems that so many people don't...What are they looking for when they look down at the rack?? Do you ask for a rerack or do you adjust your break? I normally break from the side, but if the rack is loose and I don't feel like saying anything, I break closer to the middle (except I HATE doing that and my break is not as good like that). In my first session, a guy forfeited because he got mad because I was asking him to rerack...I got bad racks in a break contest in the tournament last weekend...It's an epidemic!! By the way, if I do say something, it's usually, "Oh, it looks like the one rolled off...Would you mind?" not "Hey, your rack stinks. Do it over." :)

p.s. I do know the difference between a bad rack and a bad break :)

Answer 1

I don't play league anymore so this same situation doesn't happen, but when I did league I would ask for a re-rack. Should the opponent disagree or get mad I simply asked my captain to talk to their captain and get it fixed...done.

In the play I do now (unless against a "sure nuff player"...never had a problem there) I just ask and if it upsets the guy then great I'll just beat him at the table. That said you always have the perfect right to ask for a re-rack.

Luck

K

Answer 2

They got it covered You do not have to break a bad rack and dont ,

In 9 ball the break is the most important shot except the 9 so dont let someone mess it up for you it sets the pace for the entire game if it doesnt win it .Dont give it up

Thanks Bobby

Answer 3

During the winter months when we have our weekly tournaments at the bar it's always rack your own. We've been doing it for years and never had any problems. Whats a guy gonna do, complain about his own rack?But if you can't rack your own you have every right to ask for a rerack. Show the racker the problem if need be and have them try it again. If the problem persists talk to an official.

Answer 4

Ether buy a power rack or you have to roll the rack and tighten it with your fingers.

Answer 5

Let them re-rack, no problem. You don't have to accept a bad rack. If the other guy gives up, fine too.

Answer 6

The rack is their problem if a real B hole ask the ref to rack Hey some people just cant rack a tight rack but you dont have to break into it .

at least show it to the ref.No way in H I will break a loose or off centered rack You are well within your rights to ask-demand -a rerack

     Good one Kid

Thanks Johnny

If all else fails hit him with one of those earrings

Answer 7

it's not your fault they don't know how to rack properly...i always make sure (if i lose the lag) that all balls are touching eachother and it's a tight rack..it's just good sportsmanship...when you see a ball loose from the others, that decreases your odds of making a good break. by asking him to re-rack, it's showing that you're not up for some piddly c**p, and the game means something to you..if they get mad, it's poor sportsmanship..(why don't they call fouls on those ppl?)..if he forfeits...good for you...one less headache to worry about..lol...but never let your guard down and give in to his/her bad rack..u see it wrong, make him/her re-rack..if it's wrong again...re-re-rack...still with error again..bring a ref over and have them re-do it for you or have them sit there and "babysit" until it gets done right :)...it's YOUR game..Dre.O

Answer 8

It is not an easy issue to handle....everyone will react just pretty much like you pictured.....lost a hill match when the loose rack did not make anything and he ran out....will always ask for a rack again....in our tournament the loser racks his own and breaks as well....have had it come up and really does not bother me.....but one guy just persisted and persisted and I just finally just told him to rack to  his own satisfaction.......saw that the "Sardo Rack" is down to less then $50.....maybe I will just get one just to pull it on this same guy next time.......

Answer 9

Dre O's right.  There's nothing that pisses off a pool shark more than not falling for their head games.  A lot of times a person will purposely give you a loose rack to see what you'll do.  Will you check the rack in the first place?  Will you have the guts to ask for a rerack?  If you do, and he gives you a hard time, how will you react to that?  The possibility that they might have a serious player on their hands with an impenetrable mind is enough to send shivers down the spine of your average shark.  Perish the thought that they might have to beat you straight up.  This is one of many sharking techniques you'll see.  My favorite shark is actually the one where the guy acts super-casual, makes jokes and remarks how this game is just for fun and it doesn't really mean anything.  Most beginning players just think that he's being real laid back, but he's actually trying to get you to lower your guard and get sloppy.  There's a million of them.  I'm sure Johnny's seen them all.  Many good answers here.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.