Why have they changed the rules in the Mosconi cup?

Question

This year, on the break, three balls must cross the 'baulk' line otherwise it's a foul break. This has never been a rule before. What was the thinking behind bringing in thes rule change? Do you think it's a good one.

Answer 1

well i think its really more for the TV viewing than for any real game play advantage. The soft breaks at last years cup made it so predictable as to how it would go!!

anyway i think it will be better and better as the day progress and the "cut" break helps get that 1 ball in the pocket... plus the 30 sec shot clock does help..though Drago need's to read the rules...it not shoot the entire rack in 30 secs!!!

Answer 2

Back at the World Championships in Manila a few weeks ago, a lot of players were utilizing a soft break, guaranteeing making a ball and getting good position for the run out.  Some players complained that this made the game too boring and predictable, so the Mosconi Cup break rules were changed.  Also for the Mosconi Cup, the 9 ball is racked on the spot rather than the 1 ball, so the whole rack is moved up and the cue ball must start "in the box", or between the non-middle diamonds on the short rail.

I think the 3 ball rule is ok, but I don't know if they needed to change so many of them at once.  I would've started with the "in the box" rule first and maybe add the others later.  Or just change the game to 10 ball so you still maintain a triangular rack.