[seymore15074]

I would like to know everything there is to know about weight! I play 9-ball, and I usually give games not balls.

What I mean is, if I am giving the 8, is there a standard practice for this? Should I rack the 8 up top for my opponent? On the break, should the ball spot if it is pocketed? Does my opponent win if it is pocketed on the break?

Is there some kind of standard?

Also, how much of a handicap is this over that? Is there an ordered list of weight to go through while adjusting?

For example:
1 game to 5
2 games to 7
the last two
2 games to 5
call eight
3 games to 7
wild eight
etc...

[Demondrew]

Just a bump to bring it back to the top. It's a good question. I don't gamble for anything big, but it would be nice to know if there were a protocol for giving weight. Weight can make games more even and more fun for both players, even if you leave out the gambling equation.

[seymore15074]

The last two days I've been giving up the wild 8 to a buddy of mine. We played for a slim jim (25 cents) a set. After a long night of back and forth, I was up 2. The next day, I finally quit down 2. We'll have to settle this tomorrow!

The spot is just right, it's one heck of a work out. I have to get out to win. As soon as I tire out and "rest" for a few shots, I loose a set. Then I have to work hard again...it's a great workout, but I'm having trouble keeping the pressure on him set after set.

[Demondrew]

Ok, what's the wild eight? Are you playing 8 or 9 ball?

[seymore15074]

I'm playing 9-ball. The way my buddy and I agreed (before playing) is that if he makes the 8-ball legally, he wins. Including on the break. He does not need to call a pocket, because it's wild. This basically gives him two 9-balls.

[Demondrew]

Thanks I have heard the term before just didn't know what it meant.

[Drew]

Giving weight is pretty complicated. It is usually just trial and error. If you're just practicing with your friends, the best way to handicap is by giving games. This forces your opponent to still actually have to win games. Playing 9-ball, you usually give balls. A wild ball is a ball you can make at any point in the game to win. You can make a called ball at any time to win, but you have to call it. You can also give multiple balls, like 7 and out. This means you can make the 7, 8, or 9 at any time to win. I like giving out last balls. For example, you can give the last 2 balls and your opponent will have to wait until only 2 balls remain on the table to win. In other words, he must make one of the last 2 balls to win. In 8-ball, the only fair way to spot an opponent is by giving him games. In straight pool and snooker you can give up points. In one-pocket your weight usually looks something like 10-6 or 9-7. This means you must make 10 balls before he makes 6. Play some cheap sets with the gamblers in your pool hall and you'll soon gain a lot of experience with giving and receiving weight.