Just thought I'de share, I joined a 9-Ball APA League, with a women I work with. Went down and filled out the application last week, I start on Thur! I don't play 9-Ball much since I normally play in a bar, and it's always 8, but It should be fun. We play on Thur nights in a little bar with three 7ft tables in decent condition. Not much more to say just thought I'de share, anything I should know?
So I just joined a league....!
- Thread starter todd2000
- Start date
I hope you enjoy the league. Scoring is a little different from regular 9 ball in that you get a point for each ball you make and 2 points for the 9 ball. You play a race to a certain number of points. You can lose every game and still win your match. Just do your best and have fun and you'll enjoy the league.
Here's what you should know. Be prepared for the onslaught of responses here telling you how much you will hate it.
(I enjoy my league very much. I bet you will too.)
I figured as much, I've seen people complaining
What exactly do people not like about it?Yeah I know
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It is like everything, some like it, some don't. I play APA 9 ball and just started double jeopardy. Because of the handicap system, the better player does not always win. Lucky rolls count, If you are a 4, you need to make 31 balls. A 2 only needs to make 14, I think. So it sort of levels the playing field. However, it is possible to sandbag, shoot shots that look close but are really safeties, etc. So some see it as a less challenging endeavor. But it is a good night out, I enjoy my team mates company and camaraderie. I say enjoy it. If you don't like it, don't play after this session.
If the BCA had a local league, I would play, but not around here that I am aware of. If you don't like the handicap, join the APA masters division.
If the BCA had a local league, I would play, but not around here that I am aware of. If you don't like the handicap, join the APA masters division.
Good job, enjoy yourself and remember, it's supposed to be fun. (at every level of competition)
I have also recently started.... I am a low ranked player so I actually like the handicap 
It allows me to be competitve even though I dont shoot 5 times a week or have 20 years of experience under my belt.
I think you will enjoy playing as it is a fun night out.
It allows me to be competitve even though I dont shoot 5 times a week or have 20 years of experience under my belt.
I think you will enjoy playing as it is a fun night out.
Well, I shoot 5 times a week, all APA. I can tell you it's as fun as you make it. If you're going for the fun, make sure the people on your team know that too. If you're going to compete, again, make sure the people on your team know that. If you've got a guy on your team who's mainly there to drink and occasionally wants to play pool, it's better to know that before the session gets rolling. 
As far as anything you really need to know, get familiar with the rule book, or make sure someone on your team is the "rules guru". There are lots of little things you can get screwed for not knowing, and you're better off being at least familiar with everything if not actually conversant with every page of the book. That being said, try to avoid being a rules nazi. League is still supposed to be fun.
As far as anything you really need to know, get familiar with the rule book, or make sure someone on your team is the "rules guru". There are lots of little things you can get screwed for not knowing, and you're better off being at least familiar with everything if not actually conversant with every page of the book. That being said, try to avoid being a rules nazi. League is still supposed to be fun.
georgem1223
Registered
I play APA and BCA, and I love playing both. People will try to convince that one is much better that the other, but they both have their merits. I have met a lot of people from both leagues and a few have become friends outside of the pool world, and to me that was the leagues greatest value. Take the time to enjoy the game and find find a team that shares your goals and you will be happy. Shoot good.
9ball is one of the more fun ways to play apa. Since you get credit for every ball, you don't have to feel robbed if you made 8 balls and the other guy picks up a 9 ball you rattled (though most would argue you deserved it haha).
Scorekeeping can feel like a real chore, you have to be on the ball constantly observing every single ball that got made and mark every inning and safe (easy to miss those, and they go a long way towards figuring out your handicap). If you can look past the boring 'grading' it's a fun night out.
Try to remember it's 9 ball and there's gonna be upsets, bad rolls, etc... league brings out a serious side in most players but don't go overboard thinking you need to stress out and nitpick and argue. Just have some fun.
Scorekeeping can feel like a real chore, you have to be on the ball constantly observing every single ball that got made and mark every inning and safe (easy to miss those, and they go a long way towards figuring out your handicap). If you can look past the boring 'grading' it's a fun night out.
Try to remember it's 9 ball and there's gonna be upsets, bad rolls, etc... league brings out a serious side in most players but don't go overboard thinking you need to stress out and nitpick and argue. Just have some fun.
I figured as much, I've seen people complaining
With that question, you really are asking for it
a 2 needs 19.
I play double jeopardy on wed nights. I am the captain and love it because everyone will get to play at least 1 time.
There are a lot of good people playing in the APA, unfortunately you have a few that ruins it for everyone. If you have very experienced players on your team, take advantage of the coaching. If you get advice, and you don't understand. Ask what is the intent.
I spent only 1 season in the APA, and I'll be more than willing to share my experiences.
I spent only 1 season in the APA, and I'll be more than willing to share my experiences.
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It is what it is.
Any league. All leagues all have their pluses and minuses. Take it for what it's worth and just have fun hanging out and making new acquaintances.
As you advance in your own skill level, you will determine what is good and bad and learn to live with it.
For some league players, it's about having a night out and having fun. Some take it more serious. Some will be loud. Some will be soft and courteous and there is always one a-hole in crowd somewhere.
Meanwhile, for some sections of our beautiful country, APA is truly the only game in town and your choices are to join it or not. Other sections have a small variety of types of leagues that they can join.
Always keep your options open so that if one doesn't fit in with your game, another might.
Walrus mentioned keeping on top of the rules, this is true. Study them and learn them but as he mentioned, dont' become an all out nazi about it.
Good luck to you during your time involved in it.
Any league. All leagues all have their pluses and minuses. Take it for what it's worth and just have fun hanging out and making new acquaintances.
As you advance in your own skill level, you will determine what is good and bad and learn to live with it.
For some league players, it's about having a night out and having fun. Some take it more serious. Some will be loud. Some will be soft and courteous and there is always one a-hole in crowd somewhere.
Meanwhile, for some sections of our beautiful country, APA is truly the only game in town and your choices are to join it or not. Other sections have a small variety of types of leagues that they can join.
Always keep your options open so that if one doesn't fit in with your game, another might.
Walrus mentioned keeping on top of the rules, this is true. Study them and learn them but as he mentioned, dont' become an all out nazi about it.
Good luck to you during your time involved in it.
League is a lot of fun, and most people will be there to have fun and enjoy themselves. But just like anything, there will always be that one guy who is a jackass. Sometimes it can even be an entire team. There is always that one though.
If you can avoid that idiot/team as much as possible, and ignore them when you do have to play them, you will have a lot of fun.
If you can avoid that idiot/team as much as possible, and ignore them when you do have to play them, you will have a lot of fun.
dont worry about the haters. See for yourself what you think and like a few others said, focus on having fun.
imo apa 9ball is more enjoyable than 8ball. The handicaps are extended out to 9, which makes it a more accurate assessment of a players speed and the few twists to the rules (no jump cues, no push out) all allow the lesser players more of a chance to beat better players.
i also love barbox 9ball and all the higher level tournaments for apa I have been to are on the small track.
imo apa 9ball is more enjoyable than 8ball. The handicaps are extended out to 9, which makes it a more accurate assessment of a players speed and the few twists to the rules (no jump cues, no push out) all allow the lesser players more of a chance to beat better players.
i also love barbox 9ball and all the higher level tournaments for apa I have been to are on the small track.
I agree, scorekeeping for APA 9-ball is definitely a challenge. Ya gotta pay attention! That's why it's good to have a few people who are capable of doing it right, so you can take turns. I like to do it, but all night would be tough. If everyone gets along, it's good to have the scorekeepers from both teams sitting near one another so they can help each other out.
After having played APA 8-ball for 2 years it was a lot of fun getting into 9-ball. Playing each one helps my game in the other.
Nothing against APA or any league, but I can't stand the scoring system APA uses for 9 ball.
The point-per-ball stuff isn't 9 ball and sucks. If you want to count balls sunk to determine a winner, then go play straight pool! And if a guy keeps getting "robbed" because he makes most of the balls but the other guy ends up making the 9 and winning, then the first player needs to get honest about his shooting skill, learn to duck, and learn some basic strategy at 9 ball!
The point-per-ball stuff isn't 9 ball and sucks. If you want to count balls sunk to determine a winner, then go play straight pool! And if a guy keeps getting "robbed" because he makes most of the balls but the other guy ends up making the 9 and winning, then the first player needs to get honest about his shooting skill, learn to duck, and learn some basic strategy at 9 ball!
I'll echo what James told you. You might find little nuances of how things are run, you will find that people will whine about the LO and how things are done if you lend them your ear. Don't let them Pee on your parade, watch how things go and make up your own mind.
Just take it for what it is, a night out with friends and have a good time.
Sure, you'll run into A holes, thats a given. Don't let them spoil your experience.
You'll make a ton of new acquaintances in the pool world and hopefully you will look forward to each night out.
We start our Vegas league tonight. Been practicing all summer so chomping at the bit to git going myself.
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How about the guy who gets 'robbed' because he makes most of the balls including the 9 ball, but the other guy wins because of the spot?