Episode 1: But Wait, There's More

Introduction

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, where the trees stand tall and the air is thick with the scent of pine and moss, lies a secret gem known as The 4T's. It is here, amidst towering timbers and the gentle murmur of a nearby stream, that our story begins. I am J. F. Lynwood, a retired professional pool player turned naturalist, and it is my pleasure to take you on this journey of discovery.

The Setting

The 4T's is a mystical watering hole, surrounded by lush greenery and dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above. The forest is alive with the sounds of nature, creating a serene backdrop for the unfolding events. In the center of this clearing stands a rustic pool table, crafted from the very woods that surround it, blending seamlessly with its environment.

The Characters

Today, I observe two fascinating inhabitants of this hidden world: Big Jim and Hudsquatch. Big Jim, tall and lanky with a long silver ponytail and a short beard, exudes a calm and wise demeanor. His every move is measured and precise, reflecting his deep understanding of the game. Hudsquatch, in contrast, is slightly shorter and heavier set, with a loud and confident personality. His long silver hair is tied back in a ponytail, and he wears multiple necklaces and rings that clink softly with his movements.

The Game Begins

The game of choice today is "But Wait, There's More," a unique twist on the traditional 8-ball pool. The rack is set up with one stripe and one solid ball removed from the back corners, leaving 6 stripes, 6 solids, and the 8-ball. These two removed balls are set aside to be reintroduced later in the game.

Big Jim breaks the rack, sending the balls scattering across the table. The game proceeds in standard 8-ball fashion, with each player aiming to pocket their assigned group of balls—stripes for Hudsquatch and solids for Big Jim.

As the game progresses, Hudsquatch's boisterous style is evident. He takes bold shots, often exclaiming loudly with each successful pocket. Big Jim, on the other hand, plays with quiet precision, carefully considering each move before striking the cue ball.

The Strategic Twist

As Big Jim lines up his shot on the 8-ball, Hudsquatch seizes the opportunity to employ the game's unique twist. He chooses to reintroduce the previously removed solid ball, placing it strategically on the table to block Big Jim's clear shot. Hudsquatch chose the solid ball to limit Big Jim’s easy shots and force him into a difficult position.

Big Jim, adapting to the challenge, calculates the angles and executes a skillful bank shot, successfully pocketing the solid ball first to clear the obstruction. However, his next shot on the 8-ball is hindered by the awkward positioning, and he misses, returning the play to Hudsquatch.

The Climax

Now it’s Hudsquatch’s turn. Just as he prepares to take his final shot on the 8-ball, Big Jim recognizes the opportunity. He reintroduces the previously removed stripe ball, placing it just outside the pocket where the 8-ball sits. This strategic move forces Hudsquatch into an impossible situation.

Hudsquatch takes a deep breath and repositions himself. He attempts to maneuver around the stripe, but the clever placement by Big Jim means that any shot Hudsquatch takes will inevitably combo the 8-ball into the nearby pocket. With a loud exclamation, Hudsquatch’s final shot results in the 8-ball being illegally pocketed, causing him to lose the game.

Conclusion

Hud yells at himself in frustration, realizing he was outsmarted by Big Jim’s clever move. However, he quickly regains his composure, smiling and shaking Jim’s hand. He’s only mad he didn’t see that move coming. Despite the intense game, their friendship remains strong, bonded by their love of the game.

The observers, including myself, have witnessed not just a game, but a demonstration of strategy, skill, and adaptability. The 4T's, with its enchanting atmosphere and intriguing inhabitants, promises many more stories and discoveries to come.

As I pack up my notes and prepare to leave, I am filled with anticipation for the next chapter in this extraordinary world. Until then, I remain your guide and storyteller, eager to share the wonders of Squatch Pool with you.

Technical Rules Manual: "But Wait, There's More"

Objective:

The goal of "But Wait, There's More" is to legally pocket the 8-ball after clearing your assigned group of balls (stripes or solids). The twist involves strategic reintroduction of removed balls to disrupt the opponent's play.

Setup:

1. Rack Formation: 

   - Begin with a standard 8-ball rack.

   - Remove one stripe and one solid ball from the back corners of the triangle, leaving 6 stripes, 6 solids, and the 8-ball.

   - Set the removed balls aside for later use.

Gameplay:

1. Breaking:

   - The game starts with a player breaking the formation.

   - Play proceeds in standard 8-ball fashion, with players choosing stripes or solids based on the first ball legally pocketed.

2. Reintroduction of Balls:

   First Instance:

     - When a player is ready to shoot the 8-ball, the opposing player selects one of the set-aside balls (the stripe or solid) and places it anywhere on the table to disrupt the current player.

     - Example: If Big Jim is shooting at the 8-ball, Hudsquatch can place the previously removed solid ball to block Jim's shot.

   Second Instance:

     - If the first player misses the 8-ball, and the second player then reaches the 8-ball, the first player can reintroduce the remaining set-aside ball to disrupt the second player’s shot.

     - Example: If Hudsquatch is shooting at the 8-ball after Big Jim's missed attempt, Big Jim can place the previously removed stripe ball to block Hudsquatch’s shot.

Conclusion:

- The game ends when a player legally pockets the 8-ball following the clearance of their group of balls and any reintroduced balls if they impact the play.

- If a player illegally pockets the 8-ball (e.g., due to an unavoidable combo shot caused by the opponent’s strategic ball placement), that player loses the game.

Example Scenario:

1. Big Jim breaks the rack and the game proceeds normally.

2. As Big Jim lines up his shot on the 8-ball, Hudsquatch reintroduces the previously removed solid ball, placing it to block Jim’s clear shot.

3. Big Jim adapts and pockets the solid ball but misses the subsequent 8-ball shot.

4. Hudsquatch then reaches the 8-ball, and Big Jim reintroduces the stripe ball, placing it just outside the pocket where the 8-ball sits.

5. Hudsquatch is forced into a difficult position and accidentally pockets the 8-ball illegally, resulting in his loss.

These rules add a layer of strategy and unpredictability to the game, making "But Wait, There's More" a challenging and engaging variation of traditional 8-ball pool.

Episode 1 Field Notes