Straight Pool Ladder Rules

K

KC St Pool Fan

KC St Pool Fan
Over thirty years ago they used to have a “straight pool ladder” at a pool hall I used to go to at college. Basically, anybody could challenge anybody else and if the lower ranked player won then they exchanged places on the ladder. We are trying to implement this at Shooters Billiards in Olathe, KS where there is more interest in one-pocket than straight pool. Can you think of any other rules regarding having a straight pool ladder? I can't remember all the nuances like how often a player has to be in action, etc. Any help will be appreciated, as we are going to have exploratory discussions next Wednesday night. I would love to have a league, but I think there are benefits to the ladder. For instance, players can schedule matches and play at their convenience and there is not much administrative hassle. Thanks.
 
KC St Pool Fan said:
Over thirty years ago they used to have a “straight pool ladder” at a pool hall I used to go to at college. Basically, anybody could challenge anybody else and if the lower ranked player won then they exchanged places on the ladder. We are trying to implement this at Shooters Billiards in Olathe, KS where there is more interest in one-pocket than straight pool. Can you think of any other rules regarding having a straight pool ladder? I can't remember all the nuances like how often a player has to be in action, etc. Any help will be appreciated, as we are going to have exploratory discussions next Wednesday night. I would love to have a league, but I think there are benefits to the ladder. For instance, players can schedule matches and play at their convenience and there is not much administrative hassle. Thanks.
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I don't know anything about a ladder, but based on your description it doesn't seem very structured and I think that works to its disadvantage. Are there prizes? How do you enforce how often a player should be in action? Without a definite schedule of games, I think that people will eventually stop caring and few games will be played. With a league you have a definite schedule, though problems can arise when players without a chance for prize money have little interest in playing the rest of their games. It must be understood at the outset that players are obligated to play all their games and those that don't won't be invited back.

in our leagues you can schedule with an opponent to play your game anytime. It's convenient for most to play on the given night, but if you can't you call your opponent and schedule for whenever. There isn't much administrative hassle except at the beginning of the league when new players have to be handicapped and the roster of players finalized, and at the end of the league to make sure that the contenders' games are all played and prizes calculated. I'm currently doing two of them. If you have any questions about how it works, PM me for my phone number. Straight pool leagues are pretty easy compared to others.

You can have a league with just a few players, but it works best if you have at least 8 or 10 - enough for some variety of opponents. In one league last spring we started with 24 and ended with 21, in two others we started and finished with 14 and 16.
 
I played in a challenge ladder more than 15 years ago and I thought it was fun. I had 14.1, 9-ball and 8-ball I think but the rules as I remember them were the same for all.

-The time frame for the ladder has to be set in advance. Pick a number of weeks and stick to it. I don't remember how long the one I was in was but it was probably 20 weeks or something. Long time.

-Players are placed randomly on a board for all to see.

-You can challenge up to 3 spots in front of you. #4 can challenge #1 but anyone 5 or lower can't.

-Whoever wins the match gets the higher spot. Refusal to play also results in switching spots. All "challenges" usually go through the administrator.

-Loser paid the time in the one I was in I believe. I think this is a good rule for this type of challenge.

That's all I can remember at the moment. If I think of anything else I'll add it.
Good luck.
 
Thanks Chris, as I will take this to the potential Administrator on Wednesday night to see if we can get this Straight Pool Ladder off the ground.
 
Nice to play new opponents

We got the Straight Pool Ladder off the ground in Olathe, KS and it has grown from 5 players the first organizational night to 12 players within a week. I am grateful to have won my first two matches coming from behind in each match. There were not any big runs, but just tried to settle down and play within myself and my capabilities. We decided to make the games to 50 points, which might induce more people to jump in. We have hopes, if it catches on to eventually make a league night of it. I got the John Schmidt 294 DVD and it is amazing how easy he makes the game look. I have decided to pick up my pace and rhythm a little, as I do think I have put too much pressure on myself in the past by overthinking things. I really enjoy this forum and hope straight pool grows out here in the midwest. I am one of the few people west of the Mississippi with a Gold Crown with a ball return. Thanks.
 
Not only sounds like fun, but .... Sounds like a way to re-perk interest in this great game.
 
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