League: The Diet Coke of Pool?

[cjlos]

This is absolutely correct and I believe the weakest part of the APA. It drives me bananas when an opposing team puts up a 2 or a 3 against me when there are 6's or higher who are eligible.
Win or lose I like to play the best on the opposing team.
Koop

Couldn't agree more. Unfortunately, most teams are constantly in a state of flux as their players get ranked up. As a 6 in Denver I rarely play unless it is against anyone 6 or higher. Consequently, it makes more sense to play BCA or ACS for the bulk of my nights out - which I do. I like APA for the concept of bringing new people into the sport but hate it on a night to night basis if I am forced to play lower ranked players most of the time. For the most part we league players are pretty respectful of non-league players. Truthfully, most of the non-league players that I have been approached by I have *pounded*. I wish I had a dollar for every guy that approached me wanting to play that was "too good now" for the APA but couldn't run 4 balls without missing every single time. Am I a good player? NO! A 6 in Denver is probably a strong 4 (or worse) in New York or Philly. It just kills me when the players that feel like you need to gamble or "put your money where your mouth is" think that just because you won't gamble with them you are a lesser player a nit, or big fish in a little pond. I gamble a little mostly ring games etc. but w 2 car payments/house payment/daycare well over 1K per month etc., there isn't much left over except for special occasions unless you are wealthy - which I am not. The people that approach you to gamble often don't have these requirements or *worse* don't acknowledge them. If you win, you are likely to be stuck there for hours until someone is drained.I have to go to work in the morning. Its fine to gamble once in a while but I'm not gonna gamble with every schmoe that walks up to me just to feel like I am not a coward. Gimme a friggin break. I know where I am in the pecking order already and there are *lots* of guys that can clean my clock. At this point I know who most of the big guys are. I don't need to fork over money to them to rediscover them.

 

[Egg McDogit]

The 6s and 7s come in thinking they are world beaters and make comments about how everyone in the place plays but are scared to play $10 sets.

it amazes me...there are 6's and 7's in my area that have no idea what's out there. I've played a couple of 6's and 7's who seemed to really think they were at the top of totem pole. I consider myself to fall into the kia sportage speed...and they all quit me by the 2nd set.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

it amazes me...there are 6's and 7's in my area that have no idea what's out there. I've played a couple of 6's and 7's who seemed to really think they were at the top of totem pole. I consider myself to fall into the kia sportage speed...and they all quit me by the 2nd set.

Well, they kinda are at the top of the totem pole. It's just a short pole.

 

[SkippyFL]

Why would you assume a 7 can beat a 2 in his/her sleep in a handicapped match?

It's true that playing against a less skilled player you won't get the same leaves - they won't be as able to safe you deliberately or to avoid accidentally leaving you an easy shot. So your first shot after their turn will be affected. But if you're really at a level where you're stringing that many balls together, that's a low percentage of your shots.

If you don't bring those aspects to the table - if they're "sleeping" - you may not beat that 2 after all.

Mary

The idea of handicapping is to make things "even" so that a 7 has to playing to his handicap has to play good to beat a 2 playing to his handicap level. Same as matching up in a money game. In ideal conditions with both players playing at the level they should they should break even over time. Like flipping a coin.

Skippy

 

[the kirkwood ki]

Sorry Mary

Why would you assume a 7 can beat a 2 in his/her sleep in a handicapped match?

It's true that playing against a less skilled player you won't get the same leaves - they won't be as able to safe you deliberately or to avoid accidentally leaving you an easy shot. So your first shot after their turn will be affected. But if you're really at a level where you're stringing that many balls together, that's a low percentage of your shots.

IMHO it's a very enjoyable aspect of the game to successfully get out of a safe or difficult leave, and it's true that that's something you don't get to practice against a less skilled player - but there's more to the game than that, such as your own shotmaking, position play, and your *own* ability to leave your opponent in a bad spot.

If you don't bring those aspects to the table - if they're "sleeping" - you may not beat that 2 after all.

Mary

True nothing is better than to get out of a difficult leave and I have seen a 2 beat a seven. But from what I've seen, that's very rare and only because of the handicap.But what do I know? I don't play in leagues.Just MHO sorry if I offended you.I said I wasn't trying to offend anyone when this thread started.

 

[a_susie_cue]

I agree that most of the 6's and 7's are good shots and if they were to play their "best" game, odds are I would lose. However, I have seen too many of them just want to run out every rack and get themselves into trouble. They get mad when they lose to a player of lesser ability, however, if you don't play safe, you'd better watch out. Also, I can not stand it when a guy think he should win against a girl. Gender doesn't really play a role in pool except for the break where a guy usually can break with more force.

 

[MaryD]

The idea of handicapping is to make things "even" so that a 7 has to playing to his handicap has to play good to beat a 2 playing to his handicap level. Same as matching up in a money game. In ideal conditions with both players playing at the level they should they should break even over time. Like flipping a coin.

Skippy

That's exactly my point - thanks.

M

 

[Rackin_Zack]

Well, they kinda are at the top of the totem pole. It's just a short pole.

I wish I could get some of the people playing in the leagues to realize this. I keep telling them that even though I'm a 7 in APA and TAP that I am not a great player. I try to tell them that, perhaps, I am a B- level player but they don't believe me.

 

[Koop]

I agree that most of the 6's and 7's are good shots and if they were to play their "best" game, odds are I would lose. However, I have seen too many of them just want to run out every rack and get themselves into trouble. They get mad when they lose to a player of lesser ability, however, if you don't play safe, you'd better watch out. Also, I can not stand it when a guy think he should win against a girl. Gender doesn't really play a role in pool except for the break where a guy usually can break with more force.

Agreed. For the most part, a solid 6 or 7 should beat a legitimate 2, 95 out of a 100 times if played correctly. Where I see the higher handicaps run into trouble is when they try to get to cute thinking there is no way they could lose and wind up scratching on the 8 or making the 8 out of turn.
Although I admit I would rather play 6's and 7's, I never take a 2 or 3 lightly because I've been burned enough to know better.

 

[Koop]

I wish I could get some of the people playing in the leagues to realize this. I keep telling them that even though I'm a 7 in APA and TAP that I am not a great player. I try to tell them that, perhaps, I am a B- level player but they don't believe me.

I got one better. From the sounds of it you may be a little better than me but probably close in skill.
There was a poster on the wall advertising the Joss N.E. 9-Ball Tour and my guys were curious to know if I was playing
I looked at them like they were crazy. They couldn't believe it when I told them I'd just be making a donation and would very easily go 2 and out.
I guess it's all frame of reference and these poor souls think I can actually compete with the big dogs because I may or may not run a rack of 8-Ball on a Monday night

 

[Egg McDogit]

I wish I could get some of the people playing in the leagues to realize this. I keep telling them that even though I'm a 7 in APA and TAP that I am not a great player. I try to tell them that, perhaps, I am a B- level player but they don't believe me.

the best thing you can do for them is make sure they get played

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

I wish I could get some of the people playing in the leagues to realize this. I keep telling them that even though I'm a 7 in APA and TAP that I am not a great player. I try to tell them that, perhaps, I am a B- level player but they don't believe me.

Look, the APA has its place. I mean, I played in it for four years and had a lot of fun. I think everyone should step into the limelight from time to time and the APA definitely provides it. In fact, I think being in such an environment from time to time can do wonders for your inner confidence so long as you continue to expose yourself to higher-level play. Alone, the APA will make you naive. As one segment in your poolplaying life, the APA can be a real trip. If you can do it and understand that real pool awaits elsewhere, I think you'll maintain a healthy perspective. In sum, I think it's perfectly alright to be Pool God for a day.

 

[cjlos]

I agree that most of the 6's and 7's are good shots and if they were to play their "best" game, odds are I would lose. However, I have seen too many of them just want to run out every rack and get themselves into trouble. They get mad when they lose to a player of lesser ability, however, if you don't play safe, you'd better watch out. Also, I can not stand it when a guy think he should win against a girl. Gender doesn't really play a role in pool except for the break where a guy usually can break with more force.

Definitely true. Many 6s and 7s want to run balls to intimidate a lower ranked player. If the lower ranked player keeps their head about them and manages to win a game they are often on the hill and turn the tables effectively force the stronger player to play *their* game. Higher ranked players hate this as they are often forced to play a cat and mouse game, blocking off pockets and creating clusters, which can be tedious or else they lose. Your innings might exceed 3 times your average innings. If playing a standard 2 or 3, a higher ranked player should win 90%+ of the time if they are patient. The problem arises if they make a mistake or the player is new and underranked. It is not fun and I try not to be matched up like this unless it is a playoff or important match. It is fun and instructive for the lower ranked player but generally it *sucks* for the higher ranked player.

 

[MaryD]

True nothing is better than to get out of a difficult leave and I have seen a 2 beat a seven. But from what I've seen, that's very rare and only because of the handicap.But what do I know? I don't play in leagues.Just MHO sorry if I offended you.I said I wasn't trying to offend anyone when this thread started.

You didn't offend me at all. I just wanted to point out a few other things that could be paid attention to / worked on during a match with a lower skill level, even if they're not as much fun.

Mary

 

[the kirkwood ki]

Your right

Mary you are right. Very valid points, as alot of the "7" will not bring their A game thinking it will be an easy match. My whole point to begin with, money on the line or not,strictly playing ability, is that a good number of the "7's" in the leagues have no idea who is really out there and that their game isn't all they think it is because they only play the leagues, and yes some of them can play but they aren't usually the ones shooting off their mouths. On the other hand if you have the quality of talent that is in Judes league in every league there wouldn't be so many people talking smack.

 

[Rackin_Zack]

the best thing you can do for them is make sure they get played

You know, this is part of my problem. I've heard people on this board say in the past that you have to feed on the little fish to pay the big fish so that you can get better without losing too much cash. My problem is that none of the "small fish" will play me for money because of how good they think I am and then it seems as though I'm just donating money to the "big fish" when I do decide to play.

 

[vapoolplayer]

So what does everyone think about league pool? I do not play league but there is an APA team that shoots out of the poolhall I play in. Most of the people here that play league pool are quite rude to the regular customers in the poolhall and seem to have an inflated sense of how well they play. The 6s and 7s come in thinking they are world beaters and make comments about how everyone in the place plays but are scared to play $10 sets.

Is this typical of how league play is in your area or is this a rare occurance? It seems like league was made for socializing and nitpicking rules not for playing good pool.

Just a pointless rant to start a discussion; not meant to offend anybody so please don't just flame me if you play league pool and aren't like this.

skippy

i don't play league pool anymore for a couple reasons. i don't think it really helps your game all that much. and i got tired of playing in a league match, having the other guy talk so much shit...........then he wouldn't bet a dollar he had a heartbeat.

VAP

 

[a_susie_cue]

The one bad thing about any league play is that you only get to play a few games and then you are done. In APA, I will play 3-4 consecutive games and then I am done for the night. I really also enjoy playing in the Viking Tour local events. I know I have no chance at winning it, but it is great experience and amateur women play for free! I have actually won a few matches at the Viking events, but I never had to play the die hard pool players when I won. There need to be more events like the Viking tour to encourage the women to play! I have nothing to lose in the events and plenty of experience to gain! Thanks to Mike Janis for making it easier for us to want to play!

Susie

 

[Big Bad Bern]

The leagues where I play are VNEA or BCA and what I really hate about them is that you play five games in three hours, and never get in stroke.

Seems to me that if they were interested in something other than taking my money they would find a better fromat than this!

 

[StormHotRod300]

I just started to play the APA 9ball league for the summer session, i was asked if i wanted to play, and said yes, just to do something for the summer, well i was also appointed the team captain lol. No biggie.

Now of course the first nite, i didnt know anyone on the team except for the one girl Laurie who is a strong and lifetime 5. Plus there was me and two other guys who had never played in the APA lol, so we all started as a 4.

Needless to say one of the new guys Shawn had said he played in the APA in florida, so i thought ok, he can shoot, well he scored 7 points against a APA3 player lol. And the next week he was a 1 lol. And he won his next two matches as a 1.

Well last week he was a 2 and went against a 7. And beat the 7, 19-33. Why? because he was leave the 7 shytty all the time, and I told the guy as long as you make 2 or 3 balls per rack, your going to win. And dont worry if you miss. Plus i used my two Time outs per game all the time, to help him out.

Now i also see where the APA can make someone get the big head about being a 6 or 7 or higher because, if your a always playing a 2 or 3 and just beating them stupid, yea your going to think your good. Because your probably not losing often unless your playing someone close to your skill level or higher.

But i also see where the APA is good, why? because i can take my teamate who is a 2 and coach him to beat a 7. Plus i am also teaching him how to play and learn from his mistakes. So i look at is as passing on my knowledge of playing pool.


but thats just me

dave