As a new player to the league, you default to a '3' handicap (average random person playing at a bar) unless you request and the League Operator agrees to grant you a higher handicap if you know you're substantially higher.
In time, you'll settle to your 'true' level at which point matches should generally be competitive given the adjusted race, making it a bit more enjoyable than shooting fish in a barrel.
That said... If you wouldn't think of socializing with the people on your team away from the table, or don't feel comfortable at your home location, you're never really going to enjoy it. Regular APA is essentially for most people a social club that plays pool, and if you don't enjoy the social aspects, leave it or find a team you will - put the potential for competitive awards (trophies, vegas, etc) as a secondary.
I've been playing with the same team for over 20 years now (4 of us from the original group, at least) and have an absolute blast every time we play, win or lose. We've made it to Vegas a couple of times, but that was just a bonus vacation to spend with those I grew to consider close friends. I'd consider myself a B+ player (7 in 8, 8 in 9) so while I wouldn't be anything close to a star, I'm certainly competent enough to participate in Masters, but as it's on the same night as my 'forever' team I forewent that option in favor of knowing that every Monday I'll have a fun way to unwind with friends from the start of the week.
In short... You know you enjoy pool. Find teammates with whom you would enjoy spending time without playing pool, add the pool, and you have a recipe for fun.
In time, you'll settle to your 'true' level at which point matches should generally be competitive given the adjusted race, making it a bit more enjoyable than shooting fish in a barrel.
That said... If you wouldn't think of socializing with the people on your team away from the table, or don't feel comfortable at your home location, you're never really going to enjoy it. Regular APA is essentially for most people a social club that plays pool, and if you don't enjoy the social aspects, leave it or find a team you will - put the potential for competitive awards (trophies, vegas, etc) as a secondary.
I've been playing with the same team for over 20 years now (4 of us from the original group, at least) and have an absolute blast every time we play, win or lose. We've made it to Vegas a couple of times, but that was just a bonus vacation to spend with those I grew to consider close friends. I'd consider myself a B+ player (7 in 8, 8 in 9) so while I wouldn't be anything close to a star, I'm certainly competent enough to participate in Masters, but as it's on the same night as my 'forever' team I forewent that option in favor of knowing that every Monday I'll have a fun way to unwind with friends from the start of the week.
In short... You know you enjoy pool. Find teammates with whom you would enjoy spending time without playing pool, add the pool, and you have a recipe for fun.
