How do you guys handle loose racks? l was playing in APA Masters League last night and l got two bad racks in a row...l checked the next rack, and sure enough, the one-ball was off one of the balls...l 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? l normally break from the side, but if the rack is loose and l do not feel like saying anything, l break closer to the middle (except l HATE doing that and my break is not as good like that). In my first session, a guy forfeited because he got mad because l was asking him to rerack...l got bad racks in a break contest in the tournament last weekend...It is an epidemic!! By the way, if l do say something, it is usually, ''Oh, it looks like the one rolled off...Would you mind?'' not ''Hey, your rack stinks. Do it over.'' :)

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

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

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 l 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

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

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

During the winter months when we have our weekly tournaments at the bar it is 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 not 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.

l do not play league anymore so this same situation does not happen, but when l did league l would ask for a re-rack. Should the opponent disagree or get mad l simply asked my captain to talk to their captain & get it fixed.done.
In the play l do now (unless against a ''sure nuff player''.never had a problem there) l just ask & if it upsets the guy then great l will just beat him at the table. That said u always have the perfect right to ask for a re-rack.
Luck
K

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

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

Dre O is right. There is nothing that pisses off a pool shark more than not falling for their head games. A lot of times a person will purposely give u a loose rack to see what u will do. Will u check the rack in the first place? Will u have the guts to ask for a rerack? If u do, & he gives u a hard time, how will u 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 ur average shark. Perish the thought that they might have to beat u straight up. This is one of many sharking techniques u will see. My favorite shark is actually the one where the guy acts super-casual, makes jokes & remarks how this game is just for fun & it does not really mean anything. Most beginning players just think that he is being real laid back, but he is actually trying to get u to lower ur guard & get sloppy. There is a million of them. l am sure Johnny is seen them all. Many good here. M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.