APA 8-Ball Format

8-Ball is the most popular format in the American Poolplayers Association (APA), offering an exciting and accessible way for players of all skill levels to compete on equal footing.

Game Basics

8-Ball is a billiard game played with a cue ball and 15 billiard balls on a pool table with 6 pockets. The balls numbered 1-7 are solid in color and are often referred to as "low balls" or "solids". The balls numbered 9-15 are striped and are often referred to as "high balls" or "stripes". The 8-Ball, though solid black, is not considered one of the solid balls.

The object of the game is shoot in your category of balls, and then pocket the 8-ball before your opponent does the same. Players are assigned either solids or stripes based on the first ball legally pocketed after the break.

The Equalizer Handicap System

What makes APA 8-Ball unique is The Equalizer handicap system, which brings out the best in both the novice or beginning player and the expert should they meet in a match. The Equalizer aids the lesser player by dictating mathematically that he needs to win fewer games than his more highly skilled opponent to win a match.

Every APA player is assigned a "skill level". This skill level lets the teams know the playing ability of each player on both team rosters. A player's "Skill Level" also dictates the number of games that player must win in order to win their match.

Race Format

In APA 8-Ball, you are required to win a certain number of games. During regular weekly session play, simply refer to the "GAMES MUST WIN" chart. To read the chart, find your skill level along the left side of the chart. Then find your opponent's skill level along the top of the chart. Now, track to the right from your skill level and down from your opponent's skill level until the two tracks meet. In that block, the first number is the number you race to, and the second is the number your opponent races to.

For example, a SL-6 playing a SL-4 tracks to the block with 5/3 in it. The SL-6 races to 5 while the SL 4 races to 3. 5 to 3 is a differential of 2, just as 6 to 4 is a differential of 2.

Team Play

A coin flip determines which team picks a player to shoot the night's first match. A player is chosen and announced to the opposing team. The opposing team then decides who on their team is best suited to play that player and the match is set. Teams use this information when picking a player to shoot a specific opponent. Once both players are chosen, the match is started and the players race to be the first one to win their assigned number of games.

The APA 8-Ball format ensures that "Everyone Can Play – Anyone Can Win!" through its innovative handicapping system, making it the perfect choice for recreational players looking for competitive yet fair gameplay.

APA 9-Ball Format

9-Ball is another popular format in the American Poolplayers Association (APA), offering a unique points-based system that differs significantly from traditional 9-ball play. This format emphasizes ball-making and consistency over simply winning racks.

Game Basics

APA 9-Ball is played with a cue ball and nine object balls numbered 1 through 9. Unlike traditional 9-ball where the goal is to pocket the 9-ball to win each rack, APA 9-Ball focuses on accumulating points by pocketing balls throughout the match.

Unique Points System

What makes APA 9-Ball distinctive is its points-based scoring system:

• Balls 1 through 8: Each worth 1 point

• The 9-ball: Worth 2 points

• Every rack: Totals 10 points maximum

• Break and run: Scores the full 10 points (8 points for balls 1-8, plus 2 points for the 9-ball)

The Equalizer Handicap System

Just like APA 8-Ball, 9-Ball uses The Equalizer handicap system with skill levels ranging from 1 to 9. However, instead of racing to win a certain number of games, players race to accumulate a specific number of points based on their skill level.

In APA 9-Ball, you are required to score a certain number of points. During regular weekly session play, simply refer to the "POINTS REQUIRED TO WIN" chart. To read the chart, find your skill level along the left column, then find your "Points Required to Win" in the right column. To determine how many points your opponent needs to win, follow the same procedure using their skill level.

Strategic Differences

The points system creates unique strategic considerations:

• Making the 9-ball on the break only earns 2 points, not an automatic win

• Ball progression matters: Sometimes it's better to make several balls rather than attempt a difficult 9-ball combo

• Defense and safety play: Keeping your opponent from making balls is crucial since every ball they pocket adds to their total

• No push-out rule: Players must make contact with the lowest numbered ball, adding difficulty after poor breaks

Match Format

The match ends when either player reaches their required point total, regardless of how many balls remain on the table. For example, if a skill level 2 player needs 19 points and a skill level 6 player needs 46 points, the first to reach their respective total wins the match.

Because higher skilled players must score more points, the playing field is leveled, allowing players of different abilities to compete fairly. The format rewards consistency and ball-making ability while maintaining the excitement and unpredictability that makes pool enjoyable for all skill levels.

Team Competition

Like APA 8-Ball, 9-Ball matches contribute to team success through a points system. Teams try to win as many weekly match points as possible, with successful teams advancing to playoffs and potentially the National Team Championships in Las Vegas.