Racking Secrets

Tennessee Joe6

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Jan 10, 2005
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393
From
Middle Tennessee
Since it is almost impossible to get or make a perfect rack (for various reasons ie. balls out of tolerance, ect.)--- Does anyone have any tips for inspecting the rack and how to break when there are certain gaps in balls?
 

gulfportdoc

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Jun 25, 2004
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12,654
From
Gulfport, Mississippi
Tennessee Joe6 said:
Since it is almost impossible to get or make a perfect rack (for various reasons ie. balls out of tolerance, ect.)--- Does anyone have any tips for inspecting the rack and how to break when there are certain gaps in balls?

TJ, if you're talking about one-pocket; it's important for all 5 balls on the side of the rack your breaking to be frozen. If there's a gap, either the 4th or 5th ball tends to kick out, which often causes the cueball to scratch.

I've also found that the #10 thru #15 balls tend to be less worn, since they're not used in 9-ball. I try to use 3 of those for the headspot apex of the rack for a tighter fit. They're also easier to see. :eek:

Doc
 

Tennessee Joe6

Verified Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2005
Messages
393
From
Middle Tennessee
gulfportdoc

gulfportdoc

Thanks for the info---that was some of what I was trying to get since I don't get a chance to play much one pocket. I should have known that it would take a "bone bender" to inspect the spaces.
 

gulfportdoc

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Joined
Jun 25, 2004
Messages
12,654
From
Gulfport, Mississippi
Tennessee Joe6 said:
Thanks for the info---that was some of what I was trying to get since I don't get a chance to play much one pocket. I should have known that it would take a "bone bender" to inspect the spaces.
Right you are, Tennessee! I've inspected lots of spaces in my time... ;)

Doc
 

iusedtoberich

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Dec 31, 2004
Messages
146
I like to put the one, the five, and the 9 as the first three balls on the side I'm breaking from because they are the brightest and easiest to see. Putting the stripes there instead because they have less wear is an excellent idea. Thanks for sharing gulfportdoc.
 

lfigueroa

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Jul 17, 2004
Messages
2,493
Some general thoughts about racking for 1pocket:

If racking their own: some guys will not place the one ball up front because
it's the ball that takes all the abuse from breaking at 9ball, and might be
a tad smaller than the other balls.

Similarly, they won't put the eight up front, because it is the ball most
frequently stolen (do they still use them for gear shift knobs?) and, having
been replaced, won't match the rest of the set.

Some will always put high contrast balls up front, or brighter colored
balls, so they can see the spot between the first two balls more clearly.

Others will only use the 10-15 up front, the thinking being that these are
the balls used least (because of all the 9ball play) and will help give a
better rack up front on the critical balls.

Some will place the eight and/or all the dark colored balls in the corner
closest to their opponent's pocket. Of course, all the bright ones go on
their side.

If racking for the other guy, reverse all above logic :)

Lou Figueroa
 
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