Fic help.

[iiradned]

The professional pool matches that are broadcast play a game called 9 Ball.

As the name says they use only 9 balls instead of the usual 15 numbered 1 through 9 and are racked (prepared for play) in a diamond formation with the 9 in the center as opposed to the triangular for all 15 balls.

Players try to sink the balls in number order starting with 1 and ending in 9.
If a player misses a shot or sinks the white cue ball he gives up his turn. Players must hit the next number in the sequence without hitting any other ball. If a player cannot sink his planned ball he may opt for a safety shot, which is where the player deliberately tries to place the cue ball where it is blocked by another ball that the next player MUST avoid hitting.*

If in sinking a lower number ball a player also sinks the 9-ball the game is won by that player. Players usually play best of 3, 5 or 7 games.

One thing common in the gameplay of all billiard games is that a player must keep one foot on the ground at all times.

* This is the origin of the term "behind the 8-ball". In both 8-ball and 9-ball the object ball (the 8 or 9 which would win the game) cannot be hit unless it is their turn to be sunk or hit by another ball when sinking a ball they mean to sink. Sometimes while playing 8-ball the ball a player needs to sink is somehow blocked by the 8-ball, which a player cannot hit first or he loses his turn.

[fems]

Yes, but I'm specifically asking about 8-ball, as that is commonly played in (American) bars.

[Amara D'Angeli]

Oh, and one more thing: do you have to call out the suit (striped vs solid) you're playing for after breaking or isn't that necessary? I mean, it's kinda obvious you'll be playing for the ones you've potted any/the most of after breaking, but I guess you could be aiming to pocket one (your favored, but unspoken, suit) and accidentally pocket the other if you hadn't called out the shot/suit first... So, is it a rule to call a suit after breaking but before your second shot?

You are whatever you sink first. I'm not sure if you have to declare if you don't sink one on the break.

[SF_and_Coffee]

Nothing is called on the break, as you aren't trying to sink a specific ball; you're just breaking and what goes in will determine whether you're stripes or solids. If you sink an equal number of each on the break, you can choose one or the other. If you sink nothing on the break, you don't get to choose: instead, your opponent does. Oh, and relatively few people play nine ball in the US. The most common game played inn the States is the version we've been discussing that uses all fifteen numbered balls.

[fems]

Thanks. I figured it was like that but then some site said you had to call your suit after breaking (if you pocketed one or more balls) but prior to your second shot. I really should stop googling because it will only lead to more confusion!

[Gatefan1976]

Nah, "suit" is not called till a ball gets sunk.
and don't stop googling, that would be silly

[BruTak]

Who would take command in a multi-national multi-service operation?

Just whichever officer happens to be the most senior?

[SF_and_Coffee]

Thanks. I figured it was like that but then some site said you had to call your suit after breaking (if you pocketed one or more balls) but prior to your second shot. I really should stop googling because it will only lead to more confusion!

Sorry, I was responding on my phone and may not have made myself entirely clear.

Yes, if you sink one or more balls on the break, then you DO have to call before you shoot again. I meant that nothing is called PRIOR to the break, because when you break you're really just breaking up the rack. You might try to send a certain ball to a particular pocket, but most people's break isn't accurate enough to do that, so calling prior to breaking would be silly. (I've seen people do it jokingly anyway, but it doesn't actually count.)

If you don't sink anything on the break, though, then you don't get to call.

[fems]

Nah, "suit" is not called till a ball gets sunk.
and don't stop googling, that would be silly

Sorry, I was responding on my phone and may not have made myself entirely clear.

Yes, if you sink one or more balls on the break, then you DO have to call before you shoot again. I meant that nothing is called PRIOR to the break, because when you break you're really just breaking up the rack. You might try to send a certain ball to a particular pocket, but most people's break isn't accurate enough to do that, so calling prior to breaking would be silly. (I've seen people do it jokingly anyway, but it doesn't actually count.)

If you don't sink anything on the break, though, then you don't get to call.

Okay, thanks.

*makes note to edit scene later*

[SF_and_Coffee]

When you finish writing it, if you want to have it looked over by someone familiar with the game, let me know and I'll be happy to give it a read.

[Seaboe Muffinchucker]

Who would take command in a multi-national multi-service operation?

Just whichever officer happens to be the most senior?

I think the highest mucky-mucks (i.e., presidents, prime ministers, viziers) decide who's in charge. But it's a good question. You should let us know what you find out.

Seaboe

[BruTak]

I think the highest mucky-mucks (i.e., presidents, prime ministers, viziers) decide who's in charge. But it's a good question. You should let us know what you find out.

Seaboe

Hmm... Well, in that case, I'll just do it the old fashioned was and make something up.

[fems]

When you finish writing it, if you want to have it looked over by someone familiar with the game, let me know and I'll be happy to give it a read.

Thank you. I appreciate the offer but it's just a small part of a scene (I just wanted to get the rules/details right) and I think it'll be fine after everyone's help.

[iiradned]

Who would take command in a multi-national multi-service operation?

Just whichever officer happens to be the most senior?

I think the highest mucky-mucks (i.e., presidents, prime ministers, viziers) decide who's in charge. But it's a good question. You should let us know what you find out.

Seaboe

Usually the one from the nation providing the most troops, financing or whatever metric you choose.

Historically when ever the multi-national op included US personnel the C-in-C for the op is from the US. He may appoint subcommanders from allied countries the American is the one in charge. This was by virtue of the US being the biggest most powerful military involved.

[BruTak]

Usually the one from the nation providing the most troops, financing or whatever metric you choose.

Historically when ever the multi-national op included US personnel the C-in-C for the op is from the US. He may appoint subcommanders from allied countries the American is the one in charge. This was by virtue of the US being the biggest most powerful military involved.

Fair enough.

What I have in mind is small scale op.

Since (as far as we know) the standard SG team comprises of four members, I'm going with a double sized team of eight people - well, seven humans and one dog.