Pool Tournament Handicapping Methods (9 ball; 10 ball races)

[PoolChump]

Has there ever been any other tournament handicapping types besides the following?

Games on the wire or one or more wild balls

Which handicap method benefits an amateur?
I believe extra wild balls benefit amateur players.

Which handicap method benefits a top level professional?
I believe games on the wire benefit a top level professional.

 

[Tin Man]

It depends how many balls vs games. One game on the wire isn't as much as the 3 out, but the 8 ball isn't as much as 8 games on the wire to 9.

Personally I prefer giving up balls assuming they are close in spot. I always feel that if I'm playing a weaker player I can gain control of the table and then keep them from having a chance at any of their money balls. The money balls are potential. Whereas the games on the wire are certain. That said, I usually budget a couple of games mentally for my opponent to slop in a win or pick up a gimme short rack when they have a few money balls in a longer set.

As for other handicaps, these are the most common by far. I haven't seen a tournament with any other handicap system, unless they have a points system (generally 8 ball).

 

[Gunn_Slinger]

Chip tourneys are big in my area. Each player gets a set amount
of 'chips' like poker. You play 1 game, winner stays on the table
and keeps his chips, loser moves to another table minus 1 chip.
Run out of chips, take a seat.
Last man standing is the winner.
Payout usually 1/4 of the field depending on # of players.
Tough format as you're playing just 1 game and moving on.
Easy to adjust by adding or taking away chips to balance
out skill levels.
I prefer games on the wire and wild balls, but it can get
very complicated. A friend who owned a room had 72 rankings
for his tourneys......ohh my head!