New More Accurate League Handicapping

iba7467

iba7467

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I am starting a new league in my local area. One of the major complaints about leagues is the inaccurate handicapping systems. I have researched many on the net in recent weeks and have found a few things myself.

I would like suggestions from anyone as to what would make a more fair handicapping system.

I do like ball count v. game count to allow lower skilled players the chance to contribute to the teams outcome each week. I am open to all suggestions here.

Thanks

Items of note:

1. This is a team match consisting of 5 matches each week.
2. There will be 8 ball and 9 ball divisions (possibly add others later)

Aside from these set functions, I am looking for any and all opinions. We will have a league meeting prior to the first matches to outline our match length, handicap system, etc.
 
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iba7467 said:
I am starting a new league in my local area. One of the major complaints about leagues is the inaccurate handicapping systems. I have researched many on the net in recent weeks and have found a few things myself.

I would like suggestions from anyone as to what would make a more fair handicapping system.

I do like ball count v. game count to allow lower skilled players the chance to contribute to the teams outcome each week. I am open to all suggestions here.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Okay, you're going to have to answer the following questions in order to get a good answer:

1. What game are you playing?
2. What are typical races?
3. Is this a team league or individual play? and how big are the teams?
4. What is the skill range of your players?
5. How are standings determined?
 
Answered both questions in edit above. I am looking at all options here. That is why I left it this broad. I have already designed a couple scoring systems and handicaps, but would like to hear multiple ideas without restricting them by my input.
 
I think it's easy to come up with many fair handicap systems...it's the sandbaging that needs to be addressed...don't ask me how to prevent it though. Johnnyt
 
IMO - if there is a system that can be manipulated, then people will sandbag. But here are some things to try:

Ball Count with the money ball being worth more then 1 point (i'd go with 3pts)

Do not use anytype of 'win/loss' record in your formula. Break and Runs, ERO's, scratch 8's/wrong pocket 8's can create inaccurate handicaps for lower players.

Do not put in a ball count for Break and Runs, ERO's (run after a dry break), and scratch 8's/wrong pocket 8's for the losing person. Those having nothing to do with their skill level.

Go by total ball counts for team standings, do not use Win/loss rounds. That is just gonna give the people who sandbag a reason to say "well we already took the first 3, lets just dump off the last 2 rounds."

Spot the 8/9 if made on the break

Scratch on 8 is not a loss of game

Open table after the break

Use incentives to get people to play thier speed, ex:

Extra points for a perfect night a.k.a winning all of your games
Extra points for the team with most games won in a match
Extra points/Money for Break and Runs or ERO's
 
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iba7467 said:
I am starting a new league in my local area. One of the major complaints about leagues is the inaccurate handicapping systems. I have researched many on the net in recent weeks and have found a few things myself. ...
Click to expand...
In general, look at how the NPL is done. A google search should find lots of references.

Have lots of levels, not just 6 or 8. 200 or 1000 is not too many. Adjust the level of each player after every match. If they made a positive contribution to their team, move them up a little. If they screwed up relative to expectations, move them down a little.

You can set the relative spot by the difference in ratings, so maybe a 20-point difference gets you the first level of spot.
 
League Handicapping

I've been running BCA leagues continuously since 1992, and their system is the best, although slightly modified. I prefer a 3-digit average because their suggested system makes an 805 and a 895 both "eights" which is too much slippage for me.

I've had absolutely no complaints about this system, and the underdog will win about 20% of the time. I'll send you more info if you want.
 
GeneSF said:
I've been running BCA leagues continuously since 1992, and their system is the best, although slightly modified. I prefer a 3-digit average because their suggested system makes an 805 and a 895 both "eights" which is too much slippage for me.
Click to expand...
What method are you using to derive your 3-digit average? I've seen lotsa variations for BCA leagues, so to be clear you'll have to be more specific.
 
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