Doubles question

[bluenose1940]

When playing doubles, is there an official rule that states how the order of play should be decided at the start of the game?

I have found something in the official rulebook that says simply that the order of play must remain the same throughout the frame but, that it can be changed at the start of each new frame if desired.

What I can't seem to find is anything that says how the order of play is decided at the start of the first frame. Do each pair decide who will go first by the toss of a coin, with the winner having the choice?

My initial thoughts are that if the order can be changed at the start of each frame, then it stands to reason that each pair can decide between them who should be first and break off.

Thanks for any help with this.

[DeanH]

Order of Team members is up to the team members themselves by whatever means they wish and is made clear to the opponents and officials (if any) and, as you say, the order stays the same for that Frame.
Usually, as you say, it is purely "oh Bob you go first mate".
If the order within the Team changes for the next Frame, again make this clear to the opponents and official, and again stays the same for this Frame. I usually find this is when errors occur as they have gotten used to playing after a certain opponent for a whole frame and forget. I often write the order down on a blackboard or at least a bit of paper and have it on display
Nothing in the Rules dictates how the order within a Team is made.
Once I saw the guys do an arm-wrestle!

[bluenose1940]

Thank you DeanH

[Cue crafty]

Bluey - mines a Laphroaig 😉