You may hate the APA but.....

[cardiac kid]

APA is great for getting new players started. Also for a social night out for those that are just looking for a fun night.

Once you start going up in skill level, as was my case, the problems begin. You have to worry about the rule of 23. You find that due to your higher level you don't play as much unless your team is stacked with 2's. So the trade of is with higher level players you have to field a team that is not as competitive. As long as you have good level 4's and 5's you have a chance at fielding a good team. I know there are those that won't agree with this, but that was the way I saw it.

The reason I stopped playing APA was mainly due to the 23 rule and having to sit through a match between to 2's that lasted over 2 hours and went 54 innings. I went to an independent league that is highly competitive and your chances of increasing your skill is a lot greater due to the skilled players you compete against.

I'm not knocking the APA but if it wasn't for that 23 rule I might still be playing because I did enjoy my time spent there to a point.

Doug,

Not admonishing YOU but your comment is typical of the average APA "basher". As she is a new SL 2, why would you want to discourage a new player for something that may take years to occur? The 23 rule has both advantages and disadvantages. She needs to know only the advantages. Just let her play and have fun! Sorry, JMO.

Incidentally, I've watched one of those matches. It's not fun. For me that is. Just remember when YOU first started playing.

Lyn

 

[Banks]

Doug,

Not admonishing YOU but your comment is typical of the average APA "basher". As she is a new SL 2, why would you want to discourage a new player for something that may take years to occur? The 23 rule has both advantages and disadvantages. She needs to know only the advantages. Just let her play and have fun! Sorry, JMO.

Incidentally, I've watched one of those matches. It's not fun. For me that is. Just remember when YOU first started playing.

Lyn

Not necessarily.. I know some low s/l players that would rather not score certain matches because they know they'll take forever. There's a difference in scoring a 30-minute match and a 2-hour match, it just happens more often for the very low s/l players. I'll score them.. I may fall asleep here and there, but I'll score them and cheer on the player. If I was just in it for the money and playing by myself, I'd do a tournament or something.

I like playing on a team, and I've found that although I have had to bounce around to different teams as the 23 rule forces it, I never seem to have a shortage of teams that I can join now because they know I'll do well and have a good time.

To Lynn: Having fun - you're doing it right.

 

[justadub]

APA is great for getting new players started. Also for a social night out for those that are just looking for a fun night.

Once you start going up in skill level, as was my case, the problems begin. You have to worry about the rule of 23. You find that due to your higher level you don't play as much unless your team is stacked with 2's. So the trade of is with higher level players you have to field a team that is not as competitive. As long as you have good level 4's and 5's you have a chance at fielding a good team. I know there are those that won't agree with this, but that was the way I saw it.

The reason I stopped playing APA was mainly due to the 23 rule and having to sit through a match between to 2's that lasted over 2 hours and went 54 innings. I went to an independent league that is highly competitive and your chances of increasing your skill is a lot greater due to the skilled players you compete against.

I'm not knocking the APA but if it wasn't for that 23 rule I might still be playing because I did enjoy my time spent there to a point.

We have a sl2 on my 8-ball team, and yes ,sometimes it can take a while. If you have the right attitude, you can use that time to your benefit, especially with a new player that might not get much other practice time thru the week.

Our 2 had a match a couple weeks ago that trumps your 54 innings by 20.... Between turns we used that time to talk about choices she could have made differently, and more importantly, to reinforce the right choices that she made. (To her credit, she makes the right choice, for her, much of the time now.)

Her son is the SL7 on our team, and she is thrilled to be doing something with him. She tends to get too nervous when he watches too much, so I do a lot of her coaching. It's the between shots time that really helps her to learn more about the game.

In the long game I mentioned, she was actually clearing the table before her much younger opponent, she just had to get a clear shot on the 8, through his traffic. Realize, we play on 9-footers, so when she would get a clear shot, its often across the table. Again, to her credit, she didn't get frustrated, she took her shots, and waited him out, until he finally left her something she could work with. But she learned a lot about taking good shots, and not being reckless and risking a scratch. She was so thrilled when she won. I was thrilled for her, too. She has been making great progress. It's fun to see, and to help with.

I know that I value our newer players, certainly because they help keep our teams balanced. But they also have the best attitudes, always show up, help keep score, and are there rooting their teams on. What's not to like?

Keep on keeping on, smidget! And keep us posted with your progress. Welcome to our world of poolplaying!

 

[Cornerman]

Let me share my story.

My captain, well, my hubby.... ok he's both.......

First and foremost, your story made me really happy to read it.

Secondly, I will print out the highlighted text and send it off to my ex-wife.

Just because.

Freddie <~~~ never the Captain

 

[Jimbojim]

I'm happy to read your story. If you don't mind me asking, I'm curious about one thing. Ive been having this little survey with league players around here. Now that you have fallen in love with the game, are you gonna try to improve to the best you can and try your game in indivudual tournaments or is the league enough?

 

[DonsSmidget]

JimboJim,

As I grow in this pool journey, both in ability and confidence in my game, yes tournaments are in my future picture of pool. Im not by any means trying to wow the world, I just want to improve to MY best whatever that may be

 

[trustyrusty]

Freddie <~~~ never the Captain

then why at the DCC does it seem like you are always looking for Tennile?? :wink:

to the new APA player....first and foremost; ENJOY YOURSELF! The learning process can be frustrating at times, but finding a way to make it fun will make you want to play more which in turn will show more progress in your game (which makes it even more fun )

 

[DeepBanks]

League Pool . . .

The APA and the other leagues may be the only reason there are any pool halls left to play in!

You are right . . . most bar owner's couldn't survive without league nights.

I don't like the APA, but it is probably the single biggest thing promoting the great game of pool.

 

[ENGLISH!]

Lynn,

In case you do not know, 'Tap, Tap, Tap' is how a player applauds another player, by tapping his or her cue on the floor. I give you 3 Taps! as well.

All the earlier posts have been great & I concurr. My $0.02 advice is, when playing, focus on the table & only the table & stay focused on the table. Good luck, enjoy, & have fun.

I too welcome you to the game we love.

Best Wishes,

 

[DonsSmidget]

Thanks to all of you for the positive replies, and thanks English. I have learned how to play the table, which I am doing better recently, actually alot better, and have started learning how to incorporate also how to play the player as well, which is coming along, depending on the player, since we face alot of the same teams. It is a learning process and I have learned that RIGHT NOW it isn't about the wins and losses as much as it is.... did I improve this week? Did I see a shot I didn't see last week? Did I make shots I have struggled with........ I love it. It is a blast and I hope it stays that way... I figure as long as I keep going the way I am, it will.

 

[DonsSmidget]

Just an update

This past Tuesday at eight ball, I played an SL3. She had to win three games, and I two. I won 2-1 on that one. Thursday night, I also played an SL3 in nine ball and actually surprised myself. I won 19-1. It's been a great pool week, and surprisingly (to me) It made me want to practice even more. It seemed to have given me a little more drive since I seem to teeter on the 2/3 fence but just haven't fallen off onto the 3 side yet.

 

[ddadams]

Congratulations!

I had no idea of the animosity towards the APA until I joined this forum.

I started playing less than a year ago and my friend got me into it right when the new session started. I had fell in love with pool at a very young age but never had a way to play until I turned 21, and after that I just banged balls around for a couple months. Now I dedicate every hour I can to it when I have free time.


I hate the APAs system of scoring and skill level system sometimes BUT unless someone here can provide me a better way to find and meet people who love pool every Thursday that end up being friends I play with on non-APA nights, I'll stick with it for a good while.


Unless I get some magic chalk that makes the shot for me and I go pro soon :grin:

 

[lorider]

Congratulations!

I had no idea of the animosity towards the APA until I joined this forum.

I started playing less than a year ago and my friend got me into it right when the new session started. I had fell in love with pool at a very young age but never had a way to play until I turned 21, and after that I just banged balls around for a couple months. Now I dedicate every hour I can to it when I have free time.


I hate the APAs system of scoring and skill level system sometimes BUT unless someone here can provide me a better way to find and meet people who love pool every Thursday that end up being friends I play with on non-APA nights, I'll stick with it for a good while.


Unless I get some magic chalk that makes the shot for me and I go pro soon :grin:

most people that dont like the apa complain about the slop or the 23 handicap level. which i sorta understand" not saying i agree with them".

i am just curious, why do you hate the scoring and skill level system ?

 

[cardiac kid]

most people that dont like the apa complain about the slop or the 23 handicap level. which i sorta understand" not saying i agree with them".

i am just curious, why do you hate the scoring and skill level system ?

Have you read the thread about how Efren beat Darren at the US Open 9 Ball? We all know the skill involved in just hitting the correct ball first. Especially having to go multi-rails first. The fact Efren "APA'ed" the nine ball in to win seems to be lost on most players. Poop happens even at the highest levels of our game. Also lost to most haters is the fact without APA drawing new players to the game, we would all be doing some other sport. Perhaps bowling would make a comeback !

Why can't new casual players have a place to go and have fun in an organized league format? Operative word FUN!

Lyn

 

[justadub]

Have you read the thread about how Efren beat Darren at the US Open 9 Ball? We all know the skill involved in just hitting the correct ball first. Especially having to go multi-rails first. The fact Efren "APA'ed" the nine ball in to win seems to be lost on most players. Poop happens even at the highest levels of our game. Also lost to most haters is the fact without APA drawing new players to the game, we would all be doing some other sport. Perhaps bowling would make a comeback !

Why can't new casual players have a place to go and have fun in an organized league format? Operative word FUN!

Lyn

Somehow, that strikes me as hilarious.... "Efren APA'd it"

:grin:

Everytime people around here complain about slop, I gently remind them that 9-ball has been a slop game, at the highest levels, for years. National and World championships played with slop rules. "Yeah, but, but, but...."

Then I point out to these guys how few times slop actually comes into play at medium to higher skill level matches, and ask them to remember the last time they or their opponent slopped one in. These are 8-ball guys...

It's an argument that I can never hope to win, but I think that at least a few people temper their remarks, a little. Most all of us just laugh when it happens, some (like me) apologize, we throw out the Any Pocket A-hole line, and things move along.

 

[cardiac kid]

Somehow, that strikes me as hilarious.... "Efren APA'd it"

:grin:

Everytime people around here complain about slop, I gently remind them that 9-ball has been a slop game, at the highest levels, for years. National and World championships played with slop rules. "Yeah, but, but, but...."

Then I point out to these guys how few times slop actually comes into play at medium to higher skill level matches, and ask them to remember the last time they or their opponent slopped one in. These are 8-ball guys...

It's an argument that I can never hope to win, but I think that at least a few people temper their remarks, a little. Most all of us just laugh when it happens, some (like me) apologize, we throw out the Any Pocket A-hole line, and things move along.

"Dub",

Going to go out on a limb on this one. My best guess is, the people who hate the "slop" and handicap limiting rules in APA pool most are, for the most part, what we on AZ generally describe as "bangers". To me, the single biggest difference between me and the average APA player is INTENSITY! I strive to win. I strive to play perfect (sure). Still, with all the intensity, I strive to have fun. Do not expect other players to be like me. Often wish I lacked that intensity. Pool might actually be more fun for me. Pretty sad!

Lyn

 

[PoolHallStuff]

The APA is fine for people who just want to drink and shoot pool and kill an evening. The biggest problem I saw was what one coach called, "Handicap Management." Basically this means sandbagging to keep player handicaps at a level advantageous to the team roster. I've heard it said that this is just part of the game, but it left me feeling a bit dirty.

 

[$TAKE HOR$E]

Let me share my story. I am an SL2. The ONLY reason I started playing pool was as follows. I always went to see my then fiancee, my now hubby before work at his pool matches. ( I work third shift) One night I overslept, and texted him, saying I am running late, don't worry will be there soon. I received a reply that said, hurry up I wrote you in the team we are in a jam. Started playing thinking I'll stink up the joint they wont want me back next session....... all good. Funny thing....... I fell in love.

I have been playing one year. (actually, one year yesterday) I went back and forth my first three 9 ball sessions between a 1 and a 2 because instead of banging balls around I was actually attempting shots and leaves....... my consistancy was lacking. Well ok it still is.... but is getting better as well as leaves and safeties on purpose. I continually practice and strive to get better..... well this session in both 8 and 9 ball something has happened that has never happened before. We are going into week four in both.... I am 2 and o in 8ball (which I struggle with BIG TIME but getting there) and 4 and 0 in 9 ball. All those struggles, all those practice sessions have finally started paying off.... and the best part? The 7 and the 6 on my team spend alot of time with me before and after I play, helping me with shots and teaching me english and safeties. My captain, well, my hubby.... ok he's both....... tells me all the time.... don't worry if your skill level goes up... its my job to worry about the numbers. So after this long ramble, my point is, thanks to the APA for giving me a chance to fall in love with this game, and for surrounding me with people willing to help me improve

This is a perfect example of the sole purpose of the APA, for people to enjoy playing pool and have fun with friends. When the skill level manipulation sets in is when things become complicated and it becomes monotonous, im sure you have or will eventually hear about all the monsters in the APAs closet. As long as you treat it as a means of social and physical enjoyment you will get the most out of it.....:wink:

 

[Razor]

Hmmmm, the APA, haven't played it in many, many moons, and have never tried any other league format. Besides being social, it sure seemed competitive in my area (meaning people want to win).

In and out of pool for 23 years, I have never found a greater pressure to hone the competitive skills when an 8-ball match is tied 2-2 in the playoffs or cities and the team captain calls your number.

For me, I always felt like I was playing for more than me, the team of course. I may win or lose, but I like that added weight on my shoulders when competing. Makes the adrenaline flow, then you have to control it...bottle it...or it controls you.

Despite all the typical "horror" stories, I fondly remember my time in the APA, including starting at whatever the minimum was for a guy. Good times, friends, lost connections now. This thread is like a reflection on the past for me. Matter of fact as I think about it, I kinda miss the APA...maybe. :wink:

Peace and hit 'em straight.

~Razor

 

[krupa]

Somehow, that strikes me as hilarious.... "Efren APA'd it"

:grin:

Everytime people around here complain about slop, I gently remind them that 9-ball has been a slop game, at the highest levels, for years. National and World championships played with slop rules. "Yeah, but, but, but...."

Then I point out to these guys how few times slop actually comes into play at medium to higher skill level matches, and ask them to remember the last time they or their opponent slopped one in. These are 8-ball guys...

It's an argument that I can never hope to win, but I think that at least a few people temper their remarks, a little. Most all of us just laugh when it happens, some (like me) apologize, we throw out the Any Pocket A-hole line, and things move along.

I think when people complain about slop rules, they think about that one semi-recent time when someone ended up winning because they slopped the key ball for an easy shot on the 8 or the winning ball in 9-ball. They forget about all the uneventful games where slop never entered into it.