The format of the tournament is that of a ring game with all players in the same game of 10-ball.  The players will draw for the initial break and shooting order.  Every ten games, the winner will retain the break, but the other players will redraw for shooting order. The value each player is in for is progressively increased every 20 games.  It will start at $50 per man; and after 20 games it increases to $100 per man; then to $250 per man at game 41; then to $500 per man at game 61; then $1,000 per man at game 81; and finally should more than o­ne player remain after 100 games, it goes to an all-in situation at Game 101 where each player is putting up their entire holdings.  In the unlikely but exciting event that two or more players could survive 20 games playing all-in, the finishes will be determined by the relative holding of the player after the 120th game.  There is also an all-in provision should some player be holding less than the value of the game.  In this case, they could o­nly lose or win (from each player) the amount they have to put up. 

While the basic rules of the game are fairly standard with for a ring game in which all ball spot and the cue ball is in hand behind the headstring or in the kitchen o­n all scratches, o­ne rather innovative rule is being used in this the inaugural 10-ball invitational ring game tournament.   Rather than the usual o­ne-foul ball in hand or honest effort, the first of which doesn't lend itself to a ring game and the second of which doesn't work in a ring game, they will be playing a "two-foul, three-foul, ball in hand" rule.  The incoming player may take the shot following a foul by the prior shooter or may as them to shoot again.  If asked to shoot again and a second foul is committed, it is treated like a scratch, and the incoming player may take ball in hand behind the headstring, or they may have the shooter shoot again.  If the shooter commits a third foul, the incoming player is awarded ball in hand anywhere o­n the table.  Severe penalties may be imposed for unsportsmanlike conduct, though with this group that rule should never come into play.

The scores of the game are being kept by computer and displayed o­n a TV screen next to the tournament table, as well as at another location in the room for the sweaters and railbirds.  Thus, the players don't have to worry about keeping track of the money and can focus o­n the game itself.  The computer display shows the number of the game being played and its value, along with each player's name, shooting order, and respective balances.  The program has been tested extensively and works perfectly at keeping the running balances for each player, taking account of the all-in provision, tracking the value of each game, and so o­n.

A video camera has been installed (no sound by choice) and is focused o­n the ring game tournament table.  The action will be displayed o­n a TV in the front of the room and is also being video-taped.  Following each game, while the balls are being racked, the computer output of the scoreboard will be fed to the video tape rather than the camera feed.  Thus, someone watching the game monitor or the videotape later can keep up with who is winning and losing.

The tournament is directed by Prof. R H Gilmer, owner of Southern Billiards, and news of the event has been spread via the internet.  Thanks to the Internet, it is being talked about in poolrooms across the country.  The fact that a little poolroom in Mississippi is drawing players from New Jersey to west Texas is proof positive that Grady and Greg have o­ne heck of an idea.

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