The
Dot System:
A Simple and Effective Way to Make Perfect,
Beer Pong Racks
[3/6/2007]
For the more anal members of the beer pong community, the
setup of the cups at the beginning of a match can never
be exact enough.
As of this writing, there are two preferred ways of obtaining
a perfect rack. Unfortunately, they are not without their
flaws.
The first method is to paint circles on the table in a pyramid
formation, thus dictating where the cups should be placed.
There are two problems with this. First, a painting of a
6-cup pyramid is useless for a 10-cup game and vice-versa.
There is no flexibility. Second, painted circles generally
look ugly. Although there are exceptions, in our experience,
it tends to lessen the overall appeal of the table.
The other method is to purchase manufactured "beer
pong racks". These are triangular racks similar to
those seen in 8-Ball Billiards, except they provide grooves
in which you place your cups. While this does in fact provide
a great rack, it does not assist in centering the rack in
the middle of the table. Also, these racks tend to eliminate
the possibility of cups being knocked over and spilled by
shooters. Some people may appreciate the added cleanliness,
but it is our opinion that knocked over cups are a part
of the game that should not be eliminated.
That being said, we are proud to present a simple and effective
solution for obtaining not only perfect pyramid formations,
but perfect "re-racks" as well. As an added bonus,
it will also preserve the aesthetic beauty of your table.
We have dubbed it "The Dot System".
The Dot System is simply three small dots placed at each
end of the table, in a centered position. The middle dot
is painted on the median of the table, approximately 1 and
1/8 inches from the edge. The other two dots are exactly
48 mm to the left and right of the middle dot (and yes,
we use both the English and Metric system to make measurements,
because we're awesome like that).
 |
How
to setup The Dot System |
When setting up cups for a new game of beer pong, you only
need to ask yourself if your back row has an odd or even
number of cups. For example, if you are setting up a six
cup pyramid, your back row will have three cups, which is
an odd number. Simply put the middle cup of your back row
on the middle dot and assemble the remainder of the pyramid
around that cup. Just like that, you now have a perfect
formation that is also centered.
 |
A
Setup of 6 cups. |
For a 10-cup formation, your back row will have four cups,
an even number. Simply place the two middle cups on the
left and right dot, respectively, and assemble the remainder
of the pyramid around that cup.
 |
A
Setup of 10 cups. |
The Dot System also works perfectly with re-racks of every
kind. Just take a look at the photos below.
 |
A
Re-Rack of 2 cups |
 |
A
Re-Rack of 3 cups |
 |
A
Re-Rack of 4 cups |
 |
A
Re-Rack of 5 cups |
The
WBPF has been using The Dot System for over a year and has
proven very effective in the promotion of tidy racks and
re-racks. In the ARENAS
section of our websits, The Dot System is shown in place
on the green triangles of Gah Gardens and will be included
in all future tables that we create. So for anyone out there
planning on constructing/painting their own table, consider
including this feature. Your party guest will like you slightly
more and your opponents slightly less.
Back
