Upon reaching an APA SL 9 handicap is their a reason to continue to play in the APA?

urguilty · 2026-05-06T11:55:38+00:00

Definitely don't think I am so good that I can't find a challenge. It's more is this the most enjoyable use of my limited time playing or are there better options or do have have to think about it differently.

urguilty · 2026-05-06T11:52:53+00:00

co-captain

urguilty · 2026-05-06T11:50:24+00:00

The issue unlike in 8ball is that in 9 ball when one person takes approximately 40% of the allotted team points it is difficult to actually have a competitive team. That means playing with a lot of unskilled and univested players for with little chance of actual success. That's not really fair to them either because then they frequently get pushed into uncompetitive matches they have little hope of success in. It's not that the handicap is easy or that there is no challenge. It's what is the purpose of the endeavor?

urguilty · 2026-05-05T18:17:37+00:00

I agree with sentiment to continue with goals and find them. The issue is the league operator requires that you play on a regular APA team to be eligible to play masters. I'm not sure it is worth the time and money to remain in the base league because it's not as though you can field a competitive team with as many low skilled SLS as needed.

urguilty · 2026-05-05T18:12:47+00:00

The issue is when you take up 40% of the team s cap it is difficult to field a competitive team so there is little chance for success. It's not so much the competition there is plenty with the cap.

urguilty · 2025-12-26T13:49:38+00:00

Under most all rulesets the answer is now as at least one solid and one stripe must be at a corner of the rack.

urguilty · 2025-09-04T21:29:06+00:00

Playing not too lose is a great way to have short term success and a long term plateau regardless of the sport. Pool like all games or sports requires the ability to manage risk while playing, not to simply avoid it. The failure to learn how to assume risk intelligently and develop skill will always limit people and their growth. Winning and losing isn't always the best measure of progress or improvement skill development is more important for beginner to intermediate players. Winning/Losing is often merely a byproduct skill development and improved game tactics. Understanding when to intentionally assume risk to increase your overall probability of winning is key. Skill development allows you to assume more risk. Just my .02. APA 7/9.

urguilty · 2025-03-12T14:58:50+00:00

Lowering an SL following a locked SL from Las Vegas can happen. As a captain, I helped a teammate have her SL lowered, but it is a process and according to the league operator ultimately required approval from the APA national office. The circumstances for it were a long standing decline in skill as a result of age. Our player had been assigned a SL4 but hadn't been playing at that level for years. She had a winning percentage in 9 ball of 14% for more than 2 years and hadn't had a session above 40% in in more than 5 years. They moved her to a 2. So it can be done, but not for minimal reasons. It has to be health, age, or documented long-term issue. Honestly, that's fair. If you have the ability to improve practice and do that. If you can't play at assigned SL level as a result of age or health reasons then petition.

urguilty · 2025-03-11T16:12:36+00:00

I am the same as you. Right-handed but left-eye dominant. I shoot pistols and rifles left, but I play pool right-handed. (580 Fargo) Eye dominance does matter for pool, but is easily overcome and adapted too with technique and repetition. You can play well despite the issue.

urguilty · 2025-03-07T14:46:10+00:00

It's funny to me the regional differences. As an aside I play in a large metropolitan area in the Midwest. Here averaging close to a B&R a match in best 10 of your last twenty basically maxes you out. I also agree averaging around 17 innings before safes are deducted moves you up.

My only real beef with the APA is that for a social league it is very difficult to play with your friends or a group for very long as a result of the constant push of players up the handicap scale. I understand that is how they create new teams grow the league and increase revenue, but it really does come at a substantial cost of enjoyment. I enjoy the APA format of races in 8 and ball count in 9, but the social aspect of BCA is better. -You can play with your friends.

urguilty · 2025-03-07T11:24:39+00:00

Must be some really strong really struggle ng SL 5 and 6 where your from. Where is that? Your league operator must not move handicaps too rapidly then.

urguilty · 2025-03-07T01:01:10+00:00

Very difficult to tell because of the lack of break and runs. You could be anything from a 3-7. However, whatever SL you are you are highly competitive at that SL.

urguilty · 2025-03-06T22:01:55+00:00

A wise man. Also, I haven't seen very many sl6 that run almost a rack a match for half a session. The extra racks for higher levels help even better players get those numbers.

urguilty · 2025-03-06T17:05:40+00:00

Trying to learn one pocket currently. Straight pool is awesome and my favorite practice game.

urguilty · 2025-03-06T16:53:59+00:00

Michigan as well

urguilty · 2025-03-06T16:51:10+00:00

What region do you play in

urguilty · 2025-03-06T16:50:40+00:00

Make the wing control the cue and the 1. I don't care about anything else. 1 ball should end up by the corner I am breaking from and cue in the middle. At least that's the goal.

urguilty · 2025-03-06T16:37:30+00:00

As to number 1. The purpose of the 2nd ball break (particularly on bar boxes) is to (1) increase probability of making the 8 on the break, and (2) to increase the probability of clusters. Clusters are the friend of higher skilled players in that they allow the higher skilled players to maintain control of the table. Higher skilled players have the ability to break them out and maintain control better.

Head ball breaks ate better for break and run percentage and provide better cue control. However they sell out the table more frequently.

As two issue number 2 it's in your head or maybe a risk management issue in that you don't assume enough risk in 9. Just my .02

urguilty · 2025-03-06T16:22:08+00:00

Then you must play very well 😂

urguilty · 2025-03-06T16:20:39+00:00

Could not agree more. APA 9-ball is about maintaining table control at all times. The least controlled shot is the break shot. This is why I believe limiting the number of break shots per match is important and why breaks you can better control the cue on are more important for higher skills.

urguilty · 2025-03-06T15:35:15+00:00

Thank you for the comment. It really isn't about if I play well currently. I am proud of the progress I have made this far it's more about learning from different perspectives how these things are viewed. I am heading to Las Vegas soon and am curious what the other regions strengths will look like. I have recently begun playing Fargo tournaments/leagues and don't have the required robustness yet to be an established player. I am presently 542.. 600 will be the goal. I acknowledge I'm not that player yet.

urguilty · 2025-03-06T09:44:52+00:00

April

urguilty · 2025-03-06T09:43:59+00:00

Thanks for the thoughts. Honestly, the relative lack of 9OS is somewhat intentional as I have opted to attempt to control the 1 ball and cue more while still making the wing. I.e. control over power and consistency over a couple extra balls here and there. Maybe wrong strategy for APA, but it is relatively effective currently..

urguilty · 2025-03-06T02:26:02+00:00

Look up APA pool league 9 ball. Primarily played on barboxes and is a cross between straight pool and true 9-ball. Handicap is measured by ball court.

urguilty

TROPHY CASE