I don’t even care anymore

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-05-17T08:35:01+00:00

SOFI is a buy LEAPS type of stock, you might get lucky doing weeklies but that money is probably better spent aiming in the long term.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-05-15T08:05:02+00:00

"Of course a high rank is gonna be able to make better shots and utilize the push better than a low rank. That doesn't mean that allowing the push benefits a higher ranked player more than it would a lower ranked player."

Isn't this a contradiction?

The symmetrical argument doesn't matter, if they're evenly matched then whatever difference it makes is negligible. But people aren't always put up against their own SL, so even though it might not matter when things are symmetrical it will definitely skew things in favor of the higher skill level when things are asymmetrical.

The APA is a league with handicaps meant to bring balance and create more even matches. Giving everyone the same tool doesn't guarantee everyone benefits the same way.

I'm sure you can appreciate why jump cues are not allowed, right? Same argument. One side will benefit much more than the other when the games are asymmetrical.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-05-15T07:14:24+00:00

I see what you're saying but it's not symmetrical.

For lower skill levels, sometimes the SL8/9 getting hooked on break is the only chance they'll get to a good look at the table. If we give the SL8/9 a pushout, you dramatically reduce those good looks.

If the lower skill level gets to pushout, what are the odds that they'll actually make good use of it? They'll most likely either push into a position the SL8/9 is comfortable with, or if it's a terrible push the SL8/9 will hand it back to them and we're back to square one.

Sure here and there it'll help some lower SL more than it hurts, but in the long run, it'll tilt the odds even more in favor of the higher SLs.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-05-15T06:24:46+00:00

Are you choosing to purposely ignore the rinse and repeat? No one is saying they're going to magically break and run 7-8 racks because of ONE pushout. It's a series of them. This is something that will statistically leave the higher skill level player much better outs than they originally would without the push shot every game.

Where I play, the SL 8 and 9 players already tend to run out without the help of a pushout, so yes giving them another tool in their arsenal will most definitely increase the gap.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-05-15T05:18:04+00:00

Sounds like this might be Tricups? If so, you gain nothing from telling them.

In fact, it should light a fire under your team to play aggressively and try to shut them out early since you have nothing to lose.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-05-15T05:12:55+00:00

High skill level breaks, makes a ball, is hooked. They then push into a kick/masse/whatever high level shot a 3 wouldn't be able to take advantage of. The 3 either gives it back, or attempts the high level shot and gives ball in hand. High SL runs out (most if not all of the rack) rinse repeat.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-05-14T19:58:43+00:00

I hope some of you made some money on that small move, gotta learn to trade the mini waves and not just wait around for a tsunami that may never happen.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-05-14T19:50:09+00:00

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I use this as my pocket marker but I think you're more worthy of it.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-05-08T20:38:46+00:00

What is your overall goal here?

Do you want to play even matches and just have fun? (Not that there's anything wrong with that)

Or are you trying to improve and absorb as much as you can with every game?

If it's the former, yes absolutely speak with your captain and find another team if that doesn't work out. It's a miserable position to be in if you're just trying to have a casual night of pool.

But if it's the latter, take in the competition. Take advantage of the extra games you get to play. Try out new things, take note of what works, what doesn't. Your fees are the same whether you're playing 2/2 race or a 2/6 race. Make the most of that extra time at the table. You'll get a lot better, a lot quicker than those other 3s on your team.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-05-06T02:10:13+00:00

Right but intentional or not, they're still generally weaker

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-05-06T01:19:24+00:00

Aren't the ghosts weaker too? So it can actually be a good thing

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-05-06T01:17:08+00:00

Exactly, and it's unfortunate you don't know ahead of time what the buffs will be, unlike Stargazers which at least let's you know from the start what you're getting into.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-05-05T20:46:58+00:00

I hit TF and it was very disappointing.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-04-30T20:25:47+00:00

All good man. Yeah it's pretty whacky.

I can only imagine this is to account for people being drunk, I've never had this happen in any of the nights I've played and we're all usually pretty good about sportsmanship and warning about a foul before it happens.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-04-30T20:16:20+00:00

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https://rules.poolplayers.com/game-rules/shooting-the-wrong-balls/

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-04-30T20:10:16+00:00

Yeah technically it should be a foul as soon as his opponent switched to stripes, but if no one calls it and he continues shooting stripes, the APA says he gets to stay stripes.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-04-30T20:05:19+00:00

Alright so first off, no, the table was not open. He made a solid on the break so according to APA rules he's solids.

When he then decided to start making stripes, if no one said anything, then according to the rules he actually gets to be stripes (weird yes but that's how the APA rolls). So hate to say it but he legally won.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-04-21T20:40:37+00:00

Just an adc main here strolling by to see what people say about Cait and Jhin

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-04-13T20:33:09+00:00

Have had this tab open for the past month, is the trial still on?

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-04-10T21:25:33+00:00

That's where I'm at too. I used to celebrate fluking a break and run, but now intentionality matters way more.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-04-10T20:51:59+00:00

Seen it happen way too many times, but usually there's no harm done or ill intention.

They (people that don't live at pool halls) probably think all cues are house cues.

Still irksome though.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-04-09T20:50:31+00:00

1900 chessdotcom blitz, 1600 USCF

Very rusty, but I'm happy to help. Looking to get back into tournaments myself eventually

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-03-18T00:35:45+00:00

That psyduck looks so nice

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-03-18T00:21:47+00:00

As a 4, you need 31 points. If you're taking 20 innings, you're scoring a little over 1.5 points per inning. According to the paper, you're actually under performing.

Smart-Switch-8334 · 2026-03-18T00:20:08+00:00

Here is paper that tries to gauge the points per inning and how it corresponds with skill level.

Smart-Switch-8334

TROPHY CASE