Just curious about the 23 rule. If the HC system is correct, and everyone is on the up and up, what difference does it make if you have a full team of 6's ??
I mean, you still have to spot a team of 4's two games every match.... should not this be an even match ? If not, why not ?
This is the grand argument, and here is my take on it.
The handicap seems to give the lesser player a chance to beat the better player, if the lesser players plays at or above his normal ability. And the better player plays at or below his usual game....
Note I said "a chance." I am a 5, which means I have to win three games before an SL7 wins five games, in 8-ball. We have about seven or eight of those level players here actively, and I realistically have a chance against one or two of them in that race.
Why? Because they are better. Simple. They shoot better, get position better, and most importantly they manage the game better. That's why they are better players. Simple.
I don't have an issue with it. I play with most of these guys on a regular basis, so I know the gap in ability. I think the spot is fair enough. I have to play a really good match and hope they dont play their best to win, which seems about right, to me.
Opposite scenario, last night I play a SL3. I have to win four before he wins two. I didn't play very well, but beat him because I played a smarter game. But if he played above his game for even a short while, he could have won.
Is it perfect, no. Is it completely "equal", no. But it works reasonably well most of the time, when people dont screw with the system.