# LineUp Magic -- Full Content Reference for AI Ingestion This file contains the full plain-text content of LineupMagic.com pages for AI crawlers and language models. Each section is labeled by source page. The pool-billiards-glossary section is the longest entry. For a structured summary with inline rule data, see llms.txt. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/ League Guides - Rules, Strategy & Captain Tips | LineUp Magic LineUp Magic › Guides Matt Landry APA & TAP League Player · Capital Region, NY LineUp Magic Pool League Guides Free reference guides for team captains and players Everything here is drawn from direct playing experience in APA and TAP leagues and verified against the official rule documentation. If you're a captain, start with the 23 Rule and the Captain Guides. If you're a player looking to move up a skill level, the skill levels page and Bullseye Billiards are the two best places to start. 🎯 Featured Training Tool Bullseye Billiards App, 300 Drills & Videos The only pool training app with the BCA Seal of Approval. 300 shots across 9 cue ball control categories, each with video instruction, table diagrams, and stroke guidance. Premium unlocks everything. LineupMagic users get 30 days free with gift code LINEUPMAGIC . Redeem in the app under Settings > Redeem Gift. Get the App → How It Works Rules & Skill Levels App Guide APA Scorekeeper App: Complete Guide How to set up and use the APA Scorekeeper App for 8-ball and 9-ball. Covers the two-app setup, scoring step by step, what innings and defensive shots mean, common mistakes, and what to do when the app goes down. ⏱ 10 min read Foundation APA Skill Levels Explained What each skill level means in 8-ball and 9-ball, how the Games Must Win charts work, how levels are calculated and change, and how they connect to your lineup cap. ⏱ 10 min read Essential Rule The APA 23 Rule Explained Exact penalties, when a violation officially occurs, legal lineup examples by format, fallback rules for teams over the cap, and playoff differences. ⏱ 7 min read TAP League TAP League Rules Guide The 25 Rule, call-pocket play, coaching and the shot clock, Scotch Doubles rules, scoresheet categories, and a side-by-side comparison with APA. ⏱ 11 min read Rule Comparison APA 8-Ball vs Bar Rules A side-by-side comparison of APA league rules and bar rules, covering shot calling, ball-in-hand, safeties, the break, fouls, and coaching. What changes when you join a league. ⏱ 9 min read Rating System Fargo Ratings Explained How FargoRate calculates pool player ratings worldwide: the scale, what rating differences mean, robustness, handicapping tables, and how the daily optimization works. ⏱ 8 min read BCA / USAPL Rules BCA Pool Rules Reference The Official Rules of CueSports International used by the BCA Pool League and USA Pool League. Covers equipment specs, general rules, legal shot requirements, 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, and more. ⏱ 15 min read UPA Rules UPA 8-Ball Rules Reference Official 8-ball rules of the United States Professional Poolplayers Association. Covers the break, call pocket, all ball in hand fouls, loss of game, shot clock, coaching, and tournament procedures. ⏱ 12 min read Gear Inside the Case The cues, chalk, tips, training tools, and accessories Matt actually uses as an APA and TAP player. Real gear, honest notes, and Amazon links that support the site. 🎱 Pool Gear More Training App Bullseye Billiards - Free 30-Day Premium The only pool training app with the BCA Seal of Approval. 300 drills across 9 cue ball control categories with video instruction and progress tracking. LineupMagic users get 30 days free with gift code LINEUPMAGIC. Get the App → How It Works Directory Pool & Billiards Resources Verified links for leagues, table and cue manufacturers, online retailers, instruction, and community, all checked and up to date. Updated March 2026 Operator Guide Pool League Franchises The major franchise and license systems for starting an amateur pool league in the US and Canada: APA, TAP, UPA, NAPA, VNEA, BCAPL, USAPL, ACS, and more. What each offers, what it costs, and how to get started. Updated March 2026 Reference Pool & Billiards Glossary Definitions for the terms you'll hear at the table and on the scoresheet: shot types, spin, position play, equipment, rules, and league terminology from 8-ball through straight pool. ⏱ Reference Video Resources Pool Videos Worth Watching YouTube channels and videos we keep coming back to: pattern play, drills, pro instruction, match footage, and the mental side of the game, from amateur league level up to world-class. 📺 Ongoing Live News Pool & Billiards News Latest news from the billiards world pulled live from AZBilliards, the APA, Bullseye Billiards, and World of Pool. Tournament results, player news, and updates from the community. 🔴 Updated hourly Google News Billiards News Around the Web Billiards coverage from across the web aggregated via Google News. Tournament results, player stories, pool hall openings, equipment news, and anything billiards-related currently in the press. 📰 Updated weekly Gear Inside the Case The cues, chalk, tips, training tools, and accessories Matt actually uses as an APA and TAP player. Real gear, honest notes, and Amazon links that support the site. 🎱 Pool Gear Captain Guides App Guide APA Scorekeeper App: Complete Guide How to set up and use the APA Scorekeeper App for 8-ball and 9-ball. Covers the two-app setup, scoring a match step by step, what innings and defensive shots mean, common mistakes, and what to do when the app goes down. ⏱ 10 min read Match Night Captain's Match Night Rules Six procedural rules every captain must know cold: player declaration, the Senior Skill Level limit, forfeit timing and order, coaching rules, splitting matches, and protests. ⏱ 8 min read Full Guide How to Be an APA Team Captain Official captain duties, roster management, lineup strategy, and ten practical tips for running a pool league team, from handling the 23 cap to keeping players happy all season. ⏱ 12 min read LineupMagic.com Live Demo Try the Lineup Calculator, No Account Needed A fully working demo loaded with a sample APA team. Edit player names and skill levels, mark players absent or must-play, and see every valid lineup update in real time. Your roster carries over automatically if you sign up for a free account. ▶ No login required About About LineUp Magic What the app is, what it does, and how to get in touch. Contact information and a plain-language overview of how LineUp Magic works for APA, TAP, and other skill-cap leagues. 📬 Contact & Info Gear Inside the Case The cues, chalk, tips, training tools, and accessories Matt actually uses as an APA and TAP player. Real gear, honest notes, and Amazon links that support the site. 🎱 Pool Gear Your Input Tell Me What to Build Next I build LineUp Magic based on what real captains tell me they need. A short voluntary survey on features, formats, and how you use the app. Takes about three minutes and goes straight to me. 📋 ~3 min Contact Get in Touch Questions, account help, bug reports, or feature ideas. Send a message directly -- I read everything. ✉️ Contact form Stop doing lineup math in your head. LineUp Magic shows every legal combination under the APA 23 Rule or TAP 25 Rule instantly -- always know who you can put up, who's played, who's absent. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free Not the captain on your team? Send them this page -- and if you want to move up a skill level before next season, use code LINEUPMAGIC in the Bullseye Billiards app after installing and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days free. Rule information on these pages is drawn from the APA Official Team Manual and is provided for reference only. LineUp Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association (APA) or any pool league organization. Don't Forget to Chalk Up! Taom Pyro Circular Chalk The best all-around chalk option, perfect for any level – from absolute beginner to championship winner. Pyro provides maximum grip without residue. Enjoy a clean touch on the ball and a kick free experience. View on Amazon → --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/demo.html APA 23 Rule Lineup Calculator: Live Demo | LineupMagic Home Edit the sample team below to try the app with your own roster. You're in demo mode so you can't create new teams. 💾 Save Team & Create Free Account → Interactive Demo • LineUp Magic › Demo 🎱 DEMO INSTRUCTIONS Click to Toggle ▼ You're in demo mode and you can't create new teams. You can edit the sample team below to try it with your own roster and numbers. Make whatever changes you want here in the demo area to test out the calculator. When you're ready, create a free account and your roster will import automatically; your team will be recreated in your new account just like you have it set up here. LineupMagic is a free lineup calculator and rule reference resource for APA and TAP pool league team captains. It calculates every valid lineup combination under the skill cap rule, by default the APA 23 rule with 5 player lineups. The calculator also supports the TAP 25 rule, 9-Ball, 10-Ball, and adjustable lineup sizes for other formats. How to use this demo: • Edit the sample players below: change names and skill levels to match your real team. • Mark players Absent if they won't be at the match. • Mark Must Play for players locked into a format tonight. • Mark Played once a player steps up; the calculator instantly updates to show remaining options. • Click 🔄 Calculate or switch to a results tab to see all valid lineups. Settings bar: (adjustable rules) • Skill Cap: sets the maximum combined skill level for a lineup (23 for APA, 25 for TAP, adjust for your league). • Lineup Size: number of players per lineup (default 5; use 3 for 3-person format, etc.). • Senior Rule: optional check for leagues that limit how many high-rated players can be fielded in a match (e.g. APA limits teams to 2 players at SL6 or higher). Off by default. When enabled, lineups exceeding your limit are flagged with a warning but still shown so you can see all options. 👥 Players 🔄 Calculate 🎱 8-Ball 🎯 9-Ball 🔟 10-Ball ➕ Add New Player Skill Cap: Lineup Size: Senior Rule max at SL + 🎱 Ready to save your team? Sign up free: no credit card, create up to 5 teams! Create Free Account → About LineupMagic LineupMagic is a free match night dashboard for APA and TAP pool league team captains. It keeps a live picture of your roster as the night unfolds -- who's played, who's available in each format, who's senior, who's been mathematically eliminated -- updated the moment you mark a player played. The only thing you need to do on match night is check three boxes: who's absent, who has a must-play, and who just stepped up to the table. Everything else is automatic. One glance at your phone tells you exactly where you stand -- like checking a watch -- for every team and every format you're running that night. Supports APA 23 Rule , TAP 25 Rule , 8-Ball, 9-Ball, 10-Ball, and any skill-cap league. Manage up to 5 rosters in one free account. How It Works on Match Night Enter your roster once: player names and skill levels for each format they play. That's the setup -- you never re-enter it. On match night, mark anyone absent who won't be there, flag any must-plays, and as each player steps up mark them played. The dashboard updates instantly every time. At any point during the night you can see at a glance who's still available in each format, who's been mathematically eliminated, whether the Senior Rule is still safe, and whether you still make numbers with the player you're considering. No math. No spreadsheet. No second-guessing. Your roster saves automatically so everything is ready next week without touching anything. Manage up to 5 teams in one account -- all formats, all rosters, same dashboard. See the APA Team Captain Guide and Captain's Match Night Rules for more on running a team night-to-night. Frequently Asked Questions What is the APA 23 rule? In APA 8-Ball and 9-Ball leagues, each team fields 5 players per match. The combined skill levels of those 5 players cannot exceed 23. Fielding a lineup over the cap results in a forfeit of that match. LineupMagic calculates every valid 5-player combination that stays at or under that cap. How does LineupMagic calculate lineups? You enter each player's skill level for the formats they play. LineupMagic generates every possible combination of eligible players, filters out any that exceed your skill cap, and sorts the remaining lineups from strongest (closest to the cap) to weakest. Does it work for TAP leagues? Yes. TAP leagues use a 25-rule cap with 5 players. Set the Skill Cap to 25 and the calculator works the same way. You can also adjust the lineup size for 3-player or other formats. See the TAP League Rules Guide for more on how TAP skill levels and caps work. What pool formats does it support? LineupMagic supports 8-Ball, 9-Ball, and 10-Ball. Players can have separate skill levels for each format. Lineups are calculated independently per format. Players with a skill level of 0 for a given format are not included in that format's lineup calculations. What is the Senior Rule? Some APA divisions limit how many high-rated players a team can field per match, typically a maximum of 2 players at SL6 or above. When the Senior Rule is enabled, LineupMagic flags any lineup that exceeds your configured limit so you can avoid violations. What does "Mathematically Eliminated" mean? A player is mathematically eliminated from a format when there is no valid lineup that includes them while staying under the skill cap. This usually happens when their skill level is too high to fit alongside enough other available players. What does "Must Play" do? Marking a player as Must Play locks them into every lineup combination for that format. The calculator only shows lineups that include that player. Use this when a player is contractually required to play a match, or when you want to see your remaining options after the other team has made a put-up. Is LineupMagic free? Yes. LineupMagic is free to use. Resources for Pool League Captains LineupMagic includes reference material for APA and TAP captains beyond the lineup calculator. The guides below are written from direct playing experience and based on official league documentation. The APA 23 Rule Explained : penalties, legal lineup examples, and playoff differences APA Skill Levels Explained : what each level means, Games Must Win charts, how levels change TAP League Rules Guide : the 25 rule, call-pocket play, shot clock, and coaching structure Captain's Match Night Rules : official captain duties and match night procedures How to Be an APA Team Captain : roster management, lineup strategy, and practical tips APA 8-Ball vs Bar Rules : key differences between APA and bar table rules Pool & Billiards Glossary : common terms used in league play Pool & Billiards Resources : verified links for leagues, equipment, and instruction Full Guides Index : all LineupMagic reference pages --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/guides League Guides - Rules, Strategy & Captain Tips | LineUp Magic LineUp Magic › Guides Matt Landry APA & TAP League Player · Capital Region, NY LineUp Magic Pool League Guides Free reference guides for team captains and players Everything here is drawn from direct playing experience in APA and TAP leagues and verified against the official rule documentation. If you're a captain, start with the 23 Rule and the Captain Guides. If you're a player looking to move up a skill level, the skill levels page and Bullseye Billiards are the two best places to start. 🎯 Featured Training Tool Bullseye Billiards App, 300 Drills & Videos The only pool training app with the BCA Seal of Approval. 300 shots across 9 cue ball control categories, each with video instruction, table diagrams, and stroke guidance. Premium unlocks everything. LineupMagic users get 30 days free with gift code LINEUPMAGIC . Redeem in the app under Settings > Redeem Gift. Get the App → How It Works Rules & Skill Levels App Guide APA Scorekeeper App: Complete Guide How to set up and use the APA Scorekeeper App for 8-ball and 9-ball. Covers the two-app setup, scoring step by step, what innings and defensive shots mean, common mistakes, and what to do when the app goes down. ⏱ 10 min read Foundation APA Skill Levels Explained What each skill level means in 8-ball and 9-ball, how the Games Must Win charts work, how levels are calculated and change, and how they connect to your lineup cap. ⏱ 10 min read Essential Rule The APA 23 Rule Explained Exact penalties, when a violation officially occurs, legal lineup examples by format, fallback rules for teams over the cap, and playoff differences. ⏱ 7 min read TAP League TAP League Rules Guide The 25 Rule, call-pocket play, coaching and the shot clock, Scotch Doubles rules, scoresheet categories, and a side-by-side comparison with APA. ⏱ 11 min read Rule Comparison APA 8-Ball vs Bar Rules A side-by-side comparison of APA league rules and bar rules, covering shot calling, ball-in-hand, safeties, the break, fouls, and coaching. What changes when you join a league. ⏱ 9 min read Rating System Fargo Ratings Explained How FargoRate calculates pool player ratings worldwide: the scale, what rating differences mean, robustness, handicapping tables, and how the daily optimization works. ⏱ 8 min read BCA / USAPL Rules BCA Pool Rules Reference The Official Rules of CueSports International used by the BCA Pool League and USA Pool League. Covers equipment specs, general rules, legal shot requirements, 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, and more. ⏱ 15 min read UPA Rules UPA 8-Ball Rules Reference Official 8-ball rules of the United States Professional Poolplayers Association. Covers the break, call pocket, all ball in hand fouls, loss of game, shot clock, coaching, and tournament procedures. ⏱ 12 min read Gear Inside the Case The cues, chalk, tips, training tools, and accessories Matt actually uses as an APA and TAP player. Real gear, honest notes, and Amazon links that support the site. 🎱 Pool Gear More Training App Bullseye Billiards - Free 30-Day Premium The only pool training app with the BCA Seal of Approval. 300 drills across 9 cue ball control categories with video instruction and progress tracking. LineupMagic users get 30 days free with gift code LINEUPMAGIC. Get the App → How It Works Directory Pool & Billiards Resources Verified links for leagues, table and cue manufacturers, online retailers, instruction, and community, all checked and up to date. Updated March 2026 Operator Guide Pool League Franchises The major franchise and license systems for starting an amateur pool league in the US and Canada: APA, TAP, UPA, NAPA, VNEA, BCAPL, USAPL, ACS, and more. What each offers, what it costs, and how to get started. Updated March 2026 Reference Pool & Billiards Glossary Definitions for the terms you'll hear at the table and on the scoresheet: shot types, spin, position play, equipment, rules, and league terminology from 8-ball through straight pool. ⏱ Reference Video Resources Pool Videos Worth Watching YouTube channels and videos we keep coming back to: pattern play, drills, pro instruction, match footage, and the mental side of the game, from amateur league level up to world-class. 📺 Ongoing Live News Pool & Billiards News Latest news from the billiards world pulled live from AZBilliards, the APA, Bullseye Billiards, and World of Pool. Tournament results, player news, and updates from the community. 🔴 Updated hourly Google News Billiards News Around the Web Billiards coverage from across the web aggregated via Google News. Tournament results, player stories, pool hall openings, equipment news, and anything billiards-related currently in the press. 📰 Updated weekly Gear Inside the Case The cues, chalk, tips, training tools, and accessories Matt actually uses as an APA and TAP player. Real gear, honest notes, and Amazon links that support the site. 🎱 Pool Gear Captain Guides App Guide APA Scorekeeper App: Complete Guide How to set up and use the APA Scorekeeper App for 8-ball and 9-ball. Covers the two-app setup, scoring a match step by step, what innings and defensive shots mean, common mistakes, and what to do when the app goes down. ⏱ 10 min read Match Night Captain's Match Night Rules Six procedural rules every captain must know cold: player declaration, the Senior Skill Level limit, forfeit timing and order, coaching rules, splitting matches, and protests. ⏱ 8 min read Full Guide How to Be an APA Team Captain Official captain duties, roster management, lineup strategy, and ten practical tips for running a pool league team, from handling the 23 cap to keeping players happy all season. ⏱ 12 min read LineupMagic.com Live Demo Try the Lineup Calculator, No Account Needed A fully working demo loaded with a sample APA team. Edit player names and skill levels, mark players absent or must-play, and see every valid lineup update in real time. Your roster carries over automatically if you sign up for a free account. ▶ No login required About About LineUp Magic What the app is, what it does, and how to get in touch. Contact information and a plain-language overview of how LineUp Magic works for APA, TAP, and other skill-cap leagues. 📬 Contact & Info Gear Inside the Case The cues, chalk, tips, training tools, and accessories Matt actually uses as an APA and TAP player. Real gear, honest notes, and Amazon links that support the site. 🎱 Pool Gear Your Input Tell Me What to Build Next I build LineUp Magic based on what real captains tell me they need. A short voluntary survey on features, formats, and how you use the app. Takes about three minutes and goes straight to me. 📋 ~3 min Contact Get in Touch Questions, account help, bug reports, or feature ideas. Send a message directly -- I read everything. ✉️ Contact form Stop doing lineup math in your head. LineUp Magic shows every legal combination under the APA 23 Rule or TAP 25 Rule instantly -- always know who you can put up, who's played, who's absent. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free Not the captain on your team? Send them this page -- and if you want to move up a skill level before next season, use code LINEUPMAGIC in the Bullseye Billiards app after installing and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days free. Rule information on these pages is drawn from the APA Official Team Manual and is provided for reference only. LineUp Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association (APA) or any pool league organization. Don't Forget to Chalk Up! Taom Pyro Circular Chalk The best all-around chalk option, perfect for any level – from absolute beginner to championship winner. Pyro provides maximum grip without residue. Enjoy a clean touch on the ball and a kick free experience. View on Amazon → --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/about.html About LineUp Magic - Free Pool League Lineup Calculator for APA & TAP Captains LineUp Magic › About LineUp Magic About LineUp Magic Know your numbers before the first rack. Free for APA and TAP captains. What is LineUp Magic? LineUp Magic is a free web app for pool league team captains playing in the APA, TAP, or any other skill-cap billiards league. Enter your roster's skill levels once and the app automatically tracks every lineup that makes numbers under the APA 23 Rule, starting with your strongest options. On league night, scroll the player cards and check boxes to mark absences, flag must-plays, and check off players as they step up. The app updates in real time and shows a running summary of your remaining options like this example: Auto Updated 8 Ball Lineup Summary: You can put up: Brenda Burke(2), Clayton Carr(4) or Gabriel Grady(4) You can put up Senior Players (SL6+): Ethan Ellis(7) (See below for lineup variations) Absent: Delilah Davenport, Faith Ford Mathematically Eliminated: Alexis Archer Must Play Tonight: Brenda Burke, Ethan Ellis Already Played 8-Ball: Helena Holt Create Your Free Account -- Up to 5 Teams 8-Ball, 9-Ball & 10-Ball Plays all three formats. Your 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball skill levels are tracked separately so your numbers are always right. APA & TAP Built for both major league systems. Cap size, players per match, and senior skill level rules are all adjustable to match your league exactly. Any Skill Cap League Not APA or TAP? Set your own cap number and player count. LineUp Magic handles the math for any skill-cap format. Free to Use Free to use. Create an account and your roster is saved and ready every match night. Stop doing the math in your head. Who Built This? LineUp Magic was built by Matt Landry . I'm an APA and TAP pool player in upstate New York. I love pool, and when I'm not playing or working I'm watching pool videos or something related. I'm a 5/5 in APA and a 4/3 in TAP. I play with a Cuetec AVID Chroma Mojave affiliate and sometimes a Schmelke . Hope it takes some of the stress out of match night and lets you focus on playing. Gear I Use Not a captain? Tell yours about LineUp Magic -- and if you want to get better between match nights, Bullseye Billiards is worth a look. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Free for 30 Days: Bullseye Billiards Premium "This is hands down the best training tool I've ever used and I've been using the Bullseye Billiards app since long before I offered LineUp Magic to the public. Bullseye Billiards made me a better pool player, and continues to help me improve my game every time I use it." -- Matt Landry, LineUp Magic.com Bullseye Billiards is a structured pool training system with 300+ guided practice shots in the app. Developed by PBIA-certified instructor Jeremiah Gage and awarded the BCA Seal of Approval, it focuses on deliberate practice for all skill levels. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Claim 30 Days Free How to Use LineUp Magic 📋 See how it works on match night ▼ LineupMagic.com calculates every valid lineup using your customizable settings. Adjust the skill level cap (default 23 for APA, 25 for TAP) and players per lineup (default 5) to match your league format. All valid combinations are sorted by strongest (closest to your cap) lineups first. • Using the Add New Player button, create a spot for each member of your team and enter their skill levels in 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball. (Enter 0 if they don't play a format) Your player's names and their skill levels only need to be entered once and after that are only updated when a player's skill levels change. Then on gamedays all you do is check boxes when you need to... • Mark any players absent who will not be playing. Absent players are not included in lineup calculations. • Mark "Must Play 8", "Must Play 9", or "Must Play 10" if a player is required to play that format. They will be included in every lineup calculation for that format. • Mark "Played 8", "Played 9", or "Played 10" once a player starts their match. The calc will then show all possible lineups using your remaining available players. • If a player only plays one format, don't mark them absent. Just enter skill level zero for the formats they don't play. They'll only appear in calculations for the format where they have a skill level entered. Settings bar: (adjustable rules) • Skill Cap: sets the maximum combined skill level for a lineup (23 for APA, 25 for TAP, adjust for your league). • Lineup Size: number of players per lineup (default 5; use 3 for 3-person format, etc.). • Senior Rule: optional check for leagues that limit how many high-rated players can be fielded in a match (e.g. APA limits teams to 2 players at SL6 or higher). Off by default. When enabled, lineups exceeding your limit are flagged with a warning but still shown so you can see all options. Get in Touch Questions about the app, feature suggestions, or anything else: reach out by email at support@lineupmagic.com . If you found a bug or something doesn't look right in your league format, that's exactly the kind of thing I want to hear about. You can also share feedback through the user survey , which goes straight to me. Frequently Asked Questions Is LineUp Magic free to use? Yes. LineUp Magic is free to use. Create a free account at lineupmagic.com to save your roster and get every lineup that makes numbers in seconds every match night. Does LineUp Magic work for TAP as well as APA? Yes. It supports APA, TAP, and any league with a skill level cap. The cap total, number of players per match, and senior player cap are all adjustable to match your league's rules. What pool league formats does LineUp Magic support? LineUp Magic supports 8-Ball, 9-Ball, and 10-Ball. You can set the cap to any number and adjust the lineup size to match any skill-cap format, not just APA and TAP. Can I manage multiple teams in one account? Yes. If you captain more than one team or play in more than one league, you can manage up to 5 rosters in a single account. All rosters save automatically and are ready every match night. What is the APA 23 Rule? The APA 23 Rule is the team skill level limit for open division matches. The combined skill levels of the five players a team fields in a single match cannot exceed 23. LineUp Magic applies this rule automatically and excludes any combinations that would violate it. See the full APA 23 Rule guide for details. How do I contact LineUp Magic? By email at support@lineupmagic.com or through the contact form . Free Reference Guides APA Skill Levels Explained Understand your numbers. What each SL means, the Games Must Win chart, and how skill levels shape your lineup. The APA 23 Rule Know the rule cold before the rack is struck. Exact penalties, violation triggers, and fallback rules. Captain's Match Night Rules The six rules that cost teams points when captains don't know them cold. Team Captain Guide Everything the APA expects from a captain, plus ten tips that actually help on match night. TAP League Rules Guide The 25 Rule, call-pocket play, coaching, Scotch Doubles, and a comparison with APA. Pool & Billiards Glossary Definitions for every term you'll hear at the table and on the scoresheet. Pool Videos Worth Watching YouTube channels we keep coming back to: instruction, match play, and the mental game. All Guides → Every guide, rule reference, and resource for APA and TAP captains in one place. Keep track of your numbers automatically, so you don't have to. Every lineup that makes numbers, in seconds. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free Create a Free Account LineUp Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association (APA), TAP, or any pool league organization. Rule information is provided for reference only. × --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/apa-scorekeeper-app.html APA Scorekeeper App: Complete Written Guide to Scoring, Editing, and Roster Management Written by Matt Landry, APA and TAP league player, Capital Region, NY. Procedural information drawn from official APA tutorial materials and reorganized into written reference format. Last updated: 2026-05-11 The APA Scorekeeper App is the official digital scoring tool of the American Poolplayers Association. Most local league operators have rolled it out or are in the process of doing so. Players are expected to be able to use it, and on match nights with multiple tables running simultaneously, more than one scorekeeper per team is needed. Available resources for learning the app are primarily video tutorials. This page is a written reference covering the full workflow: account setup, roster management, 8-ball and 9-ball scoring, match editing and resetting, stat definitions, forfeits, and common errors. Two Apps Required The APA uses two separate apps. Both are required. APA Pool League app (also called the Member Services app): handles your account, stats, schedule, standings, roster, and scoresheet downloads. It is where you create the login you will use to access Scorekeeper. APA Scorekeeper app: the live scoring tool used during matches. Uses the same login as your Member Services account. Once logged in, only your team's scheduled matches are visible. Scorekeeper requires a Member Services account. That account must be established before Scorekeeper will allow login. Download links: - APA Scorekeeper: App Store (id1480884510) and Google Play (com.poolplayers.scorekeeper) - APA Pool League: App Store (id1225739491) and Google Play (league.poolplayers.com) Getting Set Up Complete setup before match night. The app requires a working Member Services account and active membership before a player can be located in a roster search. 1. Download both apps. 2. New members must join and pay membership at join.poolplayers.com before they can be added to a roster. Unpaid members will not appear in the app search. 3. Open the APA Pool League app and claim your online account. A valid email address must be on file. If the account is not appearing, the email on file may be missing or incorrect. The league operator can correct it. 4. Log into Scorekeeper using those same credentials. 5. Find your team's scheduled match. Having more than one person per team set up on the app is recommended. On nights with two tables running simultaneously, two scorekeepers are needed. Charge the phone before leaving. Keep a blank paper scoresheet as a backup. Editing Your Roster in Scorekeeper From the matches screen, scroll down below your team's name. An Edit Roster button appears underneath each team. Tap it to open the roster management screen. An informational screen appears first; tap Agree to proceed. To remove a player: tap the red circle with the minus sign next to their name. To add a player: tap the plus sign next to Add Player, type the player's name, and confirm when they appear. Tap Done when finished. A player must be on the roster before they can be assigned to a match in the app. Roster changes are locked after week four of the session. Contact the league operator for changes after that point. Do Not Test the App in a Live Match Do not open a real scheduled match in Scorekeeper to practice or test the app. As soon as anything is scored in a live match, even by accident, the app treats it as played and that match becomes unavailable for the actual league night. There is no practice mode. Tutorial videos are available in the help section, accessed by tapping your initials in the circle at the top right of the screen. How to Score an 8-Ball Match: Step by Step The setup steps (match selection, coin flip, player selection, lag winner) are the same for both 8-ball and 9-ball. The scoring screen works differently for each format. 1. Open Scorekeeper and find your team's scheduled match. Tap it to open the roster screen. Roster changes can be made here via Edit Roster, but after week four the option is locked. 2. Tap the blue Start Match button when both sides are ready. 3. Do the coin flip. The team that wins can choose to put their player up first or let the other team go first. Select each player from their team's roster and tap the blue button to confirm. 4. Set the table size. The app does not prompt for this before submission. 5. Select who won the lag by checking the box for that player, then tap the blue button to go to the scoring screen. 6. Score each turn. Every time the shooting player's turn ends (miss, foul, or intentional stop), tap the blue Turn Over button. This is how the app tracks innings. The inning count displays in the blue bar at the top of the screen. 7. Mark defensive shots as they happen. Tap the Defensive Shot button when a player plays safe. 8. Mark time-outs as they are called. Tap the timeout button when a player calls time. A one-minute timer runs while the timeout is active. Tap again when the timeout is done. 9. Record special events in the game block where they happen: 8-on-the-break, break-and-run, early 8, 8-ball scratch, 8-ball wrong pocket. 10. Select how the game ended once a game is over, then tap the blue button. The app moves to the next game. 11. Review and confirm after all matches are scored. 12. Rate opponent's sportsmanship: 1 star lowest, 5 stars highest. A comments field with a yes/no checkbox is available for the league office. 13. Tap Submit. The score is not transmitted until Submit is tapped. Mid-match corrections: innings and time-outs can be adjusted using the plus and minus buttons. In 9-ball, the Undo Turn button steps back to the previous player's turn. For a roster change after the match has started, go to the matches screen, scroll down below your team, and tap Edit Roster. To forfeit an individual player match: tap the three dots at the top of the scoring screen and select Match Forfeit. The forfeiting player is recorded as the loser and the opponent wins automatically. Scoring 9-Ball: What's Different The setup flow for 9-ball is identical to 8-ball. The scoring screen works differently. 8-ball vs 9-ball comparison: Feature | 8-Ball | 9-Ball Scoring input | Tap Turn Over button after each turn ends | Tap each ball as it is pocketed Innings display | Blue bar at top of screen | Bottom of screen Defensive shots | Tap Defensive Shot button; mark per safety | Bottom of screen Points display | Not tracked this way | Both players' totals visible at top in real time Dead ball | Not applicable | Double-tap ball; appears with X in upper right corner Reactivate ball | Not applicable | Triple-tap ball Undo Turn | Not applicable | Available on scoring screen Special events | 8OB, BR, E8, 8S, 8WP recorded in game block | Not applicable The overall team match score is always visible at the top of the screen during scoring. How to Edit a Match Timeouts, innings, defensive shots, and match winner assignments can be corrected after the fact. Two ways to access a match for editing: - Swipe down on the scoreboard to access the individual match screen. - Nudge a match to the left on the scoreboard to reveal the edit option. Once inside the match, select the individual game to fix. Use the plus and minus boxes next to timeouts, innings, and defensive shots. To change who won the match, tap the blue button. There is no Save button; tap the back button when done. Changes apply immediately. The swipe-left method also works on active in-progress matches (shown in blue), allowing edits to previous racks. Swipe up to resume scoring. How to Reset a Match Editing corrects individual stats. Resetting clears all match data and returns it to its initial state. A reset is required when the wrong player has been assigned, the wrong lag winner was designated, or a stalemate requires the match to be restarted. To reset a match: 1. Slide the scoring screen down from the blue bar at the top to return to the scoreboard. 2. Slide the match to the left to expose the options. 3. Tap Reset. The app asks for confirmation. 4. Type the word "reset" to confirm. 5. The match clears to empty and reappears as a yellow match. Select it to reassign players and restart. Reset cannot be undone. All scoring data for that match is erased. What Every Stat Means Every number entered into Scorekeeper feeds into the APA's Equalizer handicap system, which is how skill levels are calculated and adjusted. Inaccurate scorekeeping affects skill levels for both players and can persist across multiple sessions. Innings: One inning is counted each time a player's turn ends (miss, foul, or intentional stop). Both players accumulate innings independently. In 8-ball, tracked via the Turn Over button. In 9-ball, tracked at the bottom of the screen. No inning is recorded when a player breaks and runs the rack. Defensive Shots: A safety. When a player shoots with no intention of pocketing one of their balls. The shooter should call it before shooting. Record one per safety, not per turn. Safeties do not change the inning count. 8-on-the-Break (8OB): The 8-ball goes in on the opening break. The breaker wins the game under APA rules. Break-and-Run (BR): The breaker runs all their balls and the 8 without the opponent getting a shot. No inning is recorded. Early 8 (E8): A player pockets the 8 before clearing all of their own balls. Automatic loss of game. 8-Ball Scratch (8S): The cue ball goes in the pocket on the same shot as the 8-ball. Loss of game. 8-Ball Wrong Pocket (8WP): The 8 goes into a pocket other than the one called. Loss of game. Time-outs: Track each time-out per player per game as called. APA rules limit the number allowed. Each team tracks their own side and submits separately. The two records do not need to match. The league operator reviews both when there are differences. Common Errors - Testing the app in a live match: scoring anything in a live match marks it as played and removes it from the available match list. - Skipping table size: the app does not prompt for table size before submission. Set it at the start of each match. - Not hitting Submit: closing the app without submitting means the score may not reach the league operator. - Only one person trained on the app: when that person is playing their own match, the second table cannot be scored. At least two people per team should be set up. - Catching up on defensive shots at the end of a game: defensive shots should be marked at the time of the shot. - Adding a member not yet in the system: new members must complete the join process at join.poolplayers.com first. Unpaid members will not appear. - Dead phone: charge before leaving. When the App Goes Down The APA experienced a service outage in March 2026 that affected Scorekeeper access for leagues nationwide. If the app stops working: 1. Stop play and wait a few minutes before switching to paper. Brief outages may resolve without intervention. 2. Close the app fully and reopen it. Check signal and Wi-Fi. 3. If still not responding after 5 to 10 minutes, continue on a paper scoresheet from where you left off. 4. After the match, contact the league operator. Paper fallback scores are reconciled at the office. Keep a blank scoresheet available. Download one from the APA Pool League app or request one from the league operator. Frequently Asked Questions Is the APA Scorekeeper App free? Yes. Both apps are free on iOS and Android. Do I need two apps to score APA matches? Yes. The APA Pool League app manages your account. The APA Scorekeeper app is the live scoring tool. Both use the same login credentials. Can I use the APA Scorekeeper App for 9-ball? Yes, but the scoring screen works differently. In 9-ball you tap each ball as it is pocketed rather than using a Turn Over button. Tapping a ball twice marks it dead; tapping three times reactivates it. Innings and defensive shots are tracked at the bottom of the screen. Points for each player are visible at the top in real time. How do I edit a completed match? Swipe down on the scoreboard or nudge the match to the left to reveal the edit option. Select the individual game, use plus and minus for stats, tap the blue button to change the match winner. No Save button; tap back when done. How do I reset a match? Slide the scoring screen down from the blue bar at the top, slide the match left, tap Reset, then type the word "reset" to confirm. The match clears and reappears as a yellow match for reassignment. Use for wrong player, wrong lag winner, or stalemate. How do I edit my roster? From the matches screen, scroll down below your team name and tap Edit Roster. Tap Agree on the informational screen. Red minus to remove a player; plus sign next to Add Player to add one. Tap Done when finished. Players must be on the roster before they can be assigned to a match. What if a player is not showing up in the roster search? Three causes: the player has not joined at join.poolplayers.com, their membership is unpaid, or the APA has an incorrect or missing email address on file. How do I forfeit a player match? Tap the three dots at the top of the scoring screen and select Match Forfeit. Can I rate my opponent's sportsmanship? Yes. After all matches are scored and before submitting, a sportsmanship rating screen appears. One star is lowest, five stars highest. A comments field with a yes/no checkbox is available for the league office. Can a match be scored across multiple nights? Yes. Submit the partial score at the end of the first night and continue at the next session. I assigned the wrong player or lag winner -- what do I do? If scoring has already started, reset the match. Slide the scoring screen down from the blue bar, slide the match left, tap Reset, and type "reset" to confirm. The match reappears as a yellow match for reassignment. If scoring has not started, go back and correct the selection before tapping the blue button. Note: Lineup Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association (APA) or any pool league organization. Procedural information on this page is drawn from official APA tutorial materials and reorganized into written reference format. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/apa-skill-levels.html APA Skill Levels Explained (2026) - What Each Level Means & How the Handicap System Works LineUp Magic › Guides › Skill Level Guide By Matt Landry · APA & TAP League Player, Capital Region NY LineUp Magic - Captain's Reference APA Skill Levels Explained What each level means in 8-ball and 9-ball, how the Games Must Win charts work, how skill levels are calculated and change, and how they connect to your team's 23-point lineup cap. Want to move up a level? That's what Bullseye Billiards is built for. Overview 8-Ball Levels 9-Ball Levels Games Must Win How They're Calculated How They Change Lineup Impact FAQ The APA skill level system is the engine behind everything that happens on match night. It determines who needs to win how many games to beat whom, it caps how strong a team can be in a single match, and it's the reason a beginner can meaningfully compete against a much more experienced player. Understanding how it works, not just what your number is but why, makes you a better captain or player and a more informed competitor. Key Takeaways 8-ball uses SL2–SL7 for most players; 9-ball uses a wider scale of SL1–SL9. A skill level is not established until a player has 10 actual match scores on record in that format. Once established, a skill level cannot drop more than one step; Championship participants have a permanent floor. SL6 and above are Senior Skill Level players; no more than two can appear in a single match. The 23-point team cap is a direct function of your players' skill levels, and it is the core of lineup strategy. Overview What Skill Levels Actually Are APA skill levels are a relative measure of a player's ability within the handicap system, not an absolute rating of pool-playing talent. Two players with a skill level of 5 are considered roughly equivalent competitors within the APA context, but what that means in terms of actual pool ability depends on the local player pool, the format, and how long that player has been competing. The system has two separate scales that don't directly translate to each other: 8-ball: Skill levels run from SL2 to SL7 for most players (SL1 is rarely assigned; it indicates a very new or struggling player). 9-ball: Skill levels run from SL1 to SL9, with a wider spread that reflects the more varied scoring structure of 9-ball. Transferring between formats: A player with an established 8-ball skill level who starts playing 9-ball begins at their 8-ball skill level, with two exceptions. An SL8 or SL9 in 9-ball starts in 8-ball as a SL7. An SL1 in 9-ball starts in 8-ball as a SL2. 8-Ball 8-Ball Skill Levels at a Glance In 8-ball, skill levels reflect a combination of consistency, shot selection, defensive awareness, and the ability to run racks under pressure. A rough picture of what each level represents in practice: 1 Very New Rarely assigned. Player is just learning the game. 2 Beginner Inconsistent. Struggles to run multiple balls in sequence. 3 Developing Starting to pocket balls consistently. Limited safety play. 4 Intermediate Runs short racks. Understands shot selection. 5 Solid Player Consistent. Uses position play and safeties effectively. 6 Advanced ★ Strong all-round game. Runs racks regularly. 7 Expert ★ Top-level amateur. Can run full racks under pressure. ★ SL6 and SL7 are Senior Skill Level players. A team may field no more than two Senior players in a single match. Want to move from an SL4 to an SL5? The difference is consistency and position play. Bullseye Billiards has 300 practice shots organized by skill level and category -- including the position play and safety shots that separate SL4 from SL5. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Prefer something physical at the table? The Bullseye target set lays flat on the cloth and balls roll right over it. 9-Ball 9-Ball Skill Levels at a Glance 9-ball uses a wider scale because the scoring system, where each ball pocketed earns a point and the 9-ball is worth two, creates more granular performance data than win/loss 8-ball games. The result is a more sensitive scale that distinguishes players at both the lower and upper ends more precisely. 1 Beginner New to 9-ball or very limited ability. 2 Novice Pockets balls but inconsistently. 3 Developing Building consistency and pattern recognition. 4 Intermediate Solid ball-pocketing. Beginning position play. 5 Competent Consistent. Understands safety play. 6 Advanced ★ Strong. Runs racks and plays well defensively. 7 Strong ★ High-level amateur. Dominant in most matchups. 8 Elite ★ Exceptional control. Competes at tournament level. 9 Top Amateur ★ Near-professional ability within the APA system. ★ SL6 through SL9 are Senior Skill Level players in 9-ball. The two-senior-player limit per match applies at SL6 and above. Moving up in 9-ball is about cue ball control more than anything. Bullseye Billiards has 300 shots across 9 cue ball control categories specifically for this. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Handicap Charts The Games Must Win Charts The skill level only tells you half the picture. What determines how many games you need to win, or points you need to earn, is how your skill level compares to your specific opponent's. That comparison is made using the Games Must Win chart (8-ball) or the Points Required to Win chart (9-ball). Both are printed on every APA scoresheet. 8-Ball - Games Must Win Find your skill level on the left side of the chart and your opponent's across the top. Where those two rows intersect gives you two numbers: your target and your opponent's target. The lower-skill player always needs fewer wins; that's the handicap working in their favor. You \ Opponent SL2 SL3 SL4 SL5 SL6 SL7 SL2 2 / 2 2 / 3 2 / 4 2 / 5 2 / 6 2 / 7 SL3 3 / 2 2 / 2 2 / 3 2 / 4 2 / 5 2 / 6 SL4 4 / 2 3 / 2 3 / 3 3 / 4 3 / 5 2 / 5 SL5 5 / 2 4 / 2 4 / 3 4 / 4 4 / 5 3 / 5 SL6 6 / 2 5 / 2 5 / 3 5 / 4 5 / 5 4 / 5 SL7 7 / 2 6 / 2 5 / 2 5 / 3 5 / 4 5 / 5 Format: Your wins needed / Opponent's wins needed. A SL5 vs SL3 matchup: the SL5 needs 4 wins, the SL3 needs only 2. 9-Ball - Points Required to Win In 9-ball, each pocketed ball earns a point (balls 1-8 are worth 1 point each; the 9-ball is worth 2). The match ends when one player reaches their required point total. Unlike 8-ball where the chart compares both skill levels, the 9-ball target is fixed per skill level regardless of opponent; each player has their own independent finish line. Skill Level Points to Win SL1 14 SL2 19 SL3 25 SL4 31 SL5 38 SL6 ★ 46 SL7 ★ 55 SL8 ★ 65 SL9 ★ 75 How 9-ball scoring works: Balls 1–8: 1 point each when pocketed 9-ball: 2 points when pocketed Maximum points per rack: 10 Balls pocketed during a scratch or foul are counted as dead balls; they don't go to either player. The match ends the moment either player reaches their required point total. Points beyond the target aren't counted. Know your numbers before match night. Every lineup that makes numbers, in seconds. Free for APA and TAP captains. 🎱 Calculate My Legal Lineups Create a Free Account Calculation How Skill Levels Are Determined Skill levels are calculated and maintained by your Local League Management using a system that incorporates data from your weekly scoresheets. The calculation is intentionally not fully transparent to players, in part to prevent gaming, but the factors that influence it are well understood. What Goes Into the Calculation Win/loss record: The most direct input. Consistently winning or losing against players at various skill levels shifts the calculation accordingly. Innings: How many turns it takes you to complete your games. A player who wins in few innings is performing at a higher level than one who wins but takes many turns. Defensive shots: Scorekeepers mark intentional safety plays. A player with many defensive shots in their record is being evaluated on how they actually play, not just their win/loss count. Break-and-run data: Running the table from the break (or close to it) is captured on scoresheets and influences skill level trajectory. Match scores over time: The system is weighted toward recent performance. A player who has improved significantly will see their skill level respond to that improvement over several sessions. When a Skill Level Is "Established" A skill level is not considered established until a player has 10 actual match scores on record in that format. Before that threshold, the level is provisional and may fluctuate week to week as the system learns the player's true ability. New players generally start at SL3, though Local League Management can assign a higher starting level if the player's ability is clearly higher than SL3 from the outset. On sandbagging: The system is specifically designed to detect and flag players who perform below their true ability to keep their skill level artificially low. This is called sandbagging, and it carries serious consequences including team disqualification from playoffs and potential membership termination. The scoresheet data, including innings, defensive shots, and break results, is there specifically to give the system visibility into how a player is actually playing, not just whether they're winning. Changes How and When Skill Levels Change Moving Up Skill levels can rise at any time when the data supports it. Local League Management reviews performance continuously. If a player is consistently winning against players at their current level with low innings and high efficiency, the level will move up. There is no ceiling; a player's skill level will track their actual performance as long as they keep competing. Fewer innings, better cue ball control, more decisive play -- those are the metrics that move your skill level. Deliberate practice is how you get there. Bullseye Billiards is built for exactly this -- 300 shots, video instruction, and the app recommends what to work on based on your weak areas. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Moving Down Going down is more restricted. Once a player has an established skill level, their level cannot drop by more than one step. The only exception is a documented permanent change in physical ability, such as an injury or medical condition that genuinely affects their game long-term. This one-step floor protection exists to prevent abuse of the system, since a sharp, sudden drop in skill level is a red flag for sandbagging. Championship Lowest Attainable Players who have competed at the Poolplayer Championships or World Pool Championships receive a Championship Lowest Attainable (CLA), a permanent floor on their skill level based on their championship-level performance. This level follows a player for life. Even if they subsequently play poorly in regular season matches, they cannot compete below their CLA. Local League Management can appeal an individual CLA to APA's Handicap Review Committee in rare justified circumstances. Playing at a New Skill Level After a Transfer If a player transfers from one APA area to another, they must play at their established skill level from their previous area. It is the captain's responsibility to contact Local League Management and verify a transferring player's skill level before they take the table. Playing them below their established level is grounds for that match being forfeited. Lineup Impact Skill Levels and Your Lineup Cap For team captains, skill levels have one direct operational consequence above all others: they determine whether your lineup is legal under the 23 Rule. The combined skill levels of the five players you field in a team match cannot exceed 23 in open divisions. That constraint shapes every lineup decision you make. The Senior Player Constraint Skill level planning isn't just about the 23 cap. The Senior Rule adds a separate constraint: no more than two SL6+ players can appear in a single team match. This applies in open 8-ball and open 9-ball divisions. A lineup of SL7 + SL6 + SL5 + SL3 + SL2 totals 23 and is technically under the cap, but if both the SL7 and SL6 are already on the table, a third SL6 cannot play that night regardless of what the running total looks like. Know who you can put up with just a glance at your roster. LineUp Magic tracks your numbers automatically so you don't have to. Captaining more than one team? Manage up to 5 rosters free. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free Create a Free Account FAQ Common Questions About APA Skill Levels Why did my skill level change when I felt like I played the same? Skill levels respond to performance data over multiple matches, not any single night. Factors beyond wins and losses, such as innings, defensive shots, and efficiency, all feed into the calculation. A few exceptionally dominant wins can move a level up even if the overall win/loss record looks similar. The system is also weighted toward more recent matches, so a strong run of performances will show up relatively quickly. Can I play in both 8-ball and 9-ball, and do the skill levels stay separate? Yes and yes. You can play in both formats, and each format maintains a separate skill level. They are linked at the starting point, where a new player in one format begins at the skill level they've established in the other, but they track independently from there. A player can be an SL5 in 8-ball and an SL7 in 9-ball, for example. What happens to skill levels during a World Pool Championships run? Each player competes at their highest skill level, defined as the highest of their current assigned level, their level at the time of qualification, and their highest level in any subsequent session. Skill levels can also be adjusted during championship play by a Tournament Director or the APA Handicap Review Committee based on observed performance. If a player is SL6 in 9-ball but SL4 in 8-ball, which rule applies for the Senior Skill Level limit? The Senior Rule applies within each format independently. In a 9-ball match, that player is a Senior Skill Level player (SL6+) and counts against the two-senior limit. In an 8-ball match, they are not. The skill levels don't cross formats for the purpose of this rule. I'm a new captain - how do I find out what skill levels my players currently have? Your weekly scoresheets list every rostered player's current skill level. You can also access skill level information through the APA Member Services App and at poolplayers.com using your member login. When in doubt, call your Local League Management; confirming skill levels before a match is part of good captain practice, especially for players who are new to your roster or returning after time away. Once you have your players' skill levels, LineUp Magic handles the lineup math automatically -- manage up to 5 rosters in one free account. Does the APA skill level system work the same in TAP leagues? TAP uses a similar handicap structure but with some differences, most notably a 25-point team skill cap instead of 23. LineUp Magic supports both APA and TAP (and any other skill-cap format) by letting you set your own cap value when calculating lineups. Free for 30 Days: Bullseye Billiards Premium Go from an SL3 to an SL4. Go from an SL4 to an SL5. Bullseye Billiards -- the only pool training app with the BCA Seal of Approval -- has 300 practice shots organized by skill level and category, with video instruction and progress tracking that shows exactly where you need work. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Claim 30 Days Free ← Back to LineUp Magic Not a captain? Show this page to yours -- they need the skill level info to build a legal lineup. Help your captain worry less and play more. LineUp Magic is free. And if you want to move up before next session, Bullseye Billiards is how -- use code LINEUPMAGIC, open the app after installing and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Skill level descriptions on this page are based on publicly available information about APA League play and are intended as a general reference for players and captains. APA skill levels are calculated and maintained by Local League Management using proprietary methods. Always verify current skill levels with your League Operator or through official APA channels. LineUp Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association (APA), TAP, or any pool league organization. Don't Forget to Chalk Up! Taom Pyro Circular Chalk The best all-around chalk option, perfect for any level – from absolute beginner to championship winner. Pyro provides maximum grip without residue. Enjoy a clean touch on the ball and a kick free experience. View on Amazon → --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/apa-23-rule.html APA 23 Rule Explained (2026) - Penalties, Fallback Rules & Legal Lineup Examples LineUp Magic › Guides › APA 23 Rule Guide By Matt Landry · APA & TAP League Player, Capital Region NY 🎱 LineUp Magic - Captain's Reference Guide The APA 23 Rule: Complete Guide for Team Captains Penalties, legal lineup examples, fallback rules, and playoff differences -- all drawn from the official APA Team Manual. LineUp Magic applies the APA 23 Rule automatically so you never risk a violation. What Is the APA 23 Rule? The APA 23 Rule, officially titled the Team Skill Level Limit, states that the combined skill levels of the five players your team fields in a single team match cannot exceed 23. It applies to all APA formats except Masters. LineUp Magic calculates every legal combination instantly -- no math required. A team playing fewer than five individual matches must still demonstrate that it would not have exceeded 23 if all five matches had been played. You cannot win three matches with high-skill players and then argue the rule doesn't apply because matches four and five were never played. ⚠️ When the violation is triggered: Officially the moment the rack is struck in the individual match that causes your team total to exceed the limit. Once that break shot happens it cannot be undone. The Penalty: What Actually Happens 🚨 The offending team receives ZERO points for the entire team match , not just from the moment of violation, but the whole night , including any points earned before the rule was broken. The non-offending team keeps all points they earned up to the point the violation occurred, plus receives additional forfeit points for the match in which the rule was broken and any subsequent matches: Format Rule Offending Team Non-Offending Team Receives 8-Ball Open 23-Rule 0 pts (entire match) All points won + 2 pts per violated & subsequent match 9-Ball Open 23-Rule 0 pts (entire match) All points won + 15 pts per violated & subsequent match Ladies 8-Ball & 9-Ball 13-Rule 0 pts (entire match) All points won + 2 pts (8-Ball) or 15 pts (9-Ball) per affected match 3-Person 8-Ball & 9-Ball 14-Rule 0 pts (entire match) All points won + 2 pts (8-Ball) or 15 pts (9-Ball) per affected match Doubles 10-Rule 0 pts (entire match) Check Local League Bylaws Know your numbers before the first rack. LineUp Magic shows every legal APA lineup for your roster in seconds -- try it now with your own players, no account needed. 🎱 Try the APA 23 Rule Calculator Free Create a Free Account Skill Level Caps by Format 23 APA Open 8-Ball & 9-Ball 5 players · (23-Rule) 13 APA Ladies 8-Ball & 9-Ball 3 players · (13-Rule) 14 APA 3-Person 8-Ball & 9-Ball 3 players · (14-Rule) 10 APA Doubles Check your Local Bylaws LineUp Magic applies the APA 23 Rule automatically to every lineup combination. Create a free account and your numbers are always ready before match night. What the LineUp Magic Dashboard Does A captain's thinking on match night isn't about combinations. It's a running series of one question: given everything that's happened so far, who can I put up next -- and do I still make numbers when I do? If it's your put-up, you're looking at who's available, who hasn't played in this format, whether your must-play fits here. If the other team puts up first, now you're looking at who you've got that makes sense against that opponent -- and whether using that player still leaves you legal for the rest of the night. The only thing you need to do is check three boxes: who's absent tonight, who has a must-play, and who's stepped up to the table. LineUp Magic does everything else. Who's senior. Who's mathematically eliminated. Who's still eligible right now. It's all there at a glance -- like checking a watch -- for every team and every format running that night, updated the moment you mark a player played. Try it with your own roster -- no account needed. 📋 Official Note 1, Player Lock Once both teams have declared a player for an individual match, the players cannot be changed , unless a change is necessary to avoid a Team Skill Level Limit violation or Limited Senior Skill Level violation. 📋 Official Note 2, Absent Players Count It is permissible to count the skill level of an eligible rostered player who is not present at the match site toward your team total. This lets you legally field higher-skill players by showing you could have stayed under the cap, but you must forfeit that player's individual match. 🚨 Official Note 3, Playoffs: Ineligible Players Cannot Count During Playoffs, Tri-Annuals, World Qualifiers, and the World Pool Championships , an ineligible player's skill level cannot be used toward the Team Skill Level Limit. Only eligible rostered players (even if absent) may be counted. This applies at the World Pool Championships in Las Vegas. Know the APA 23 Rule cold before you get there. What If Your Team Can Never Comply With the 23 Rule? This happens when skill levels on a team have climbed across a session. The APA has a defined fallback structure for Open divisions: Open Division Fallback Rules 1 Four lowest players exceed 19 combined? Play four players whose combined skill levels do not exceed 19 and forfeit the fifth match. 2 Even with four players, the lowest exceed 19? If skill levels have increased to the point where the four-player fallback is impossible, play three players whose combined skill levels do not exceed 15 and forfeit both the fourth and fifth matches. Want to get to Vegas or the APA Nationals? Teams that compete at that level know the APA 23 Rule inside out. A violation in a playoff match is the kind of thing that ends a season. Frequently Asked Questions Does the 23 Rule apply during APA playoffs and national tournaments? Yes. The rule is in force at all levels. However, at the tournament level, an ineligible player's skill level cannot be used toward the limit. An eligible player who is simply absent can still be counted. My opponent just broke the 23 Rule - what do I do? The violation officially occurs when the rack is struck in the violating match. If caught before the break, the lineup can be corrected. After the break, it results in zero points for the offending team. Can I field the same player in two matches if a teammate doesn't show? No. Each player plays only one individual match per team match night. If short on players, use the fallback rules and forfeit the remaining matches. Check your local league by-laws for substitute or ghost player rules. Free for 30 Days: Bullseye Billiards Premium The best thing a captain can do for their team is make sure everyone's getting better. Bullseye Billiards -- the only pool training app with the BCA Seal of Approval -- has 300 shots across 9 cue ball control categories with video instruction and progress tracking. A team full of improving players is a team that makes it to Vegas. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Claim 30 Days Free Want to get to Vegas or the APA Nationals? Teams that compete at that level know the APA 23 Rule inside out. A violation in a playoff match is the kind of thing that ends a season. You're the captain. Enter your roster once and get every legal lineup in seconds -- free, no card required. 🎱 Try the Calculator Free Not the captain? Your captain is doing this by hand right now. Send them to the demo -- they can try it with their actual roster in two minutes, no account needed. 🎱 Send Them the Demo Related Guides APA Skill Levels Explained What SL1 through SL9 mean and how the handicap system works. Captain's Match Night Rules Player declaration, forfeits, coaching, and protests. APA Team Captain Guide Roster management, lineup strategy, and ten practical match night tips. TAP League Rules & 25 Rule How the TAP 25 Rule compares to APA, plus call-pocket and shot clock. 🎱 Live Lineup Calculator Try it with your roster right now, no account needed. ← Back to LineUp Magic Disclaimer: LineUp Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association (APA), TAP, or any pool league organization. Rule information is based on the APA Official Team Manual and is provided for reference only. Always verify compliance with your league operator before match night. Don't Forget to Chalk Up! Taom Pyro Circular Chalk The best all-around chalk option, perfect for any level – from absolute beginner to championship winner. Pyro provides maximum grip without residue. Enjoy a clean touch on the ball and a kick free experience. View on Amazon → --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/apa-captain-rules.html APA Captain's Rules Guide (2026) - Forfeits, Coaching, Protests & Match Night Procedure LineUp Magic › Guides › Captain's Rules Guide By Matt Landry · APA & TAP League Player, Capital Region NY 🎱 LineUp Magic - Captain's Reference APA Captain's Match Night Rules Guide Six rules you need to know before the first rack is struck: player declaration, the Senior Skill Level limit, forfeits, coaching, splitting matches, and protests, interpreted from the APA Official Team Manual. LineUp Magic handles the numbers so you can focus on the rules. Declaring Players Senior SL Rule Forfeits Coaching Splitting Matches Protests FAQ Captains know about the APA 23 Rule . What trips teams up on match night are the six procedural rules that govern how the evening actually runs: the ones that determine whether you lose a player declaration, trigger a forfeit you didn't expect, or lose the right to protest a bad call. This page covers each one directly, as interpreted from the APA Official Team Manual. Key Takeaways Once both teams declare a player, the choice is locked; only 23 Rule or Senior Rule conflicts allow a change. No more than two SL6+ players can appear in a single open division team match. APA uses real clock time for the 15-minute forfeit window, not bar time. Forfeits must always be the last matches of the night; you cannot choose which match to give up. Once the scoresheet is submitted to Local League Management, the protest window is permanently closed. Rule 1 How Player Declaration Works, and When It Locks Team Captains flip a coin to decide who declares first. Whichever team declares first in the first match declares second in the second match, first again in the third match, and so on. 🔒 Locked In: Once both teams have named a player, that choice is final. Once both teams have declared a player, the players cannot be changed unless the choice will violate the Team Skill Level Limit rule or the Limited Senior Skill Level rule. It is considered good sportsmanship to notify the opponent of a potential violation and give them an opportunity to declare a different player. Rule 2 The Senior Skill Level Rule - Two SL6+ Players Maximum Senior Skill Level players are anyone playing at SL6 or above. No more than two of them can appear in a single team match. ⚠️ When the violation triggers: The clock starts when the rack is struck in the match where a third SL6+ player is put up. Up to that moment the lineup can still be corrected; after the break, it cannot. What Happens After a Senior Rule Violation The third SL6+ player loses their individual match by forfeit. Any points they earned do not count, and the non-offending team picks up forfeit points for that match. The match night continues from there; unlike a 23 Rule violation, this does not wipe the entire night. One important wrinkle: both players' skill levels still count toward the team's running total for the 23 Rule, even though the match itself was forfeited. LineUp Magic tracks your players' skill levels and flags Senior Skill Level conflicts before match night. 🎱 Check My Lineup Now Create a Free Account Rule 3 Forfeits - Timing, Order, and Scoring The forfeit clock starts at the official scheduled start time, and APA uses actual clock time, not whatever the bar clocks say. If no player from a team is at the table and ready to play within 15 minutes of that time, the match is a forfeit. ⚠️ Order: If a team finds it necessary to forfeit individual matches due to a shortage of players, the forfeit(s) must be the last match(es). Format Individual Match Forfeit (Regular) Individual Match Forfeit (Playoffs) Full Team Forfeit 8-Ball Open 2 points 3 points 8 points 9-Ball Open Up to 15 points 20 points 60 points Ladies & 3-Person 8-Ball 2 points 3 points 5 points Ladies & 3-Person 9-Ball Up to 15 points 20 points 40 points Doubles 8-Ball 2 pts (singles match) 4 pts (doubles match) N/A Check Local Bylaws Doubles 9-Ball Up to 15 pts (singles match) 30 pts (doubles match) N/A Check Local Bylaws Masters 5 points 7 points 15 points Rule 4 Coaching and Time-Outs A time-out must be called before coaching begins. A team can only be charged with a time out after the rack has been struck in any individual game. If the shooter requests a time-out, the coach may refuse it and no time-out will be charged. ✓ Not Coaching: Allowed Anytime Confirming solids or stripes (8-ball) Telling a player to mark the pocket when shooting the 8-ball Reminding player of next ball in rotation (9-ball) Advice or placing cue ball before the break Answering rules questions Reminding a player to chalk up Telling a player a foul has occurred General encouragement: "nice shot," "good hit," etc. Conversations with a player when it is not their turn ✗ Coaching: Requires a Time-Out Which ball to shoot (except 9-ball) Where to leave the cue ball Shot speed or use of English Whether to play safe or defensive Cue ball position is one of the most coachable skills in pool. If your players want to get better between match nights, the Bullseye Billiards app has 300 practice shots organized around exactly that -- or grab the card deck and bring it to the table. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Important Note: Ineligible players cannot coach or participate in a group consensus. Only the designated coach may pass advice to the shooter. 2 SL1, 2, 3 & Unrated per game · Open, Ladies, 3-Person 1 SL4 and Above per game · Open, Ladies, 3-Person 1 Doubles Match per game · regardless of skill level, for the doubles match only 0 Masters Format no time-outs permitted Rule 5 Splitting a Match Onto Two Tables If the fourth match has not started by two hours after the official League start time, teams should put up their next player and start play on a second table of the same size, if one is available. The fifth match then takes whichever table opens first. A team is subject to penalties if it deliberately prevents a second table from being available or resists using it. The option to split onto a second table can only be waived if both teams agree in advance to complete the entire match on one table. Rule 6 How APA Protests Work Captains should attempt to resolve issues through negotiation and compromise first, including replaying a game if both teams agree. If a game is replayed by mutual agreement, no protest may be filed later about that dispute. If no resolution is reached, both captains must submit a written protest describing the circumstances, along with a $50 fee from each team. The League Operator rules on the protest or submits it to the Board of Governors. The losing team forfeits their $50; the winning team gets theirs back. 🚨 You lose the right to protest if you refuse to continue the match or refuse to attempt resolution through negotiation and compromise. You cannot agree to continue "conditionally" - if you win it's fine, but if you lose you'll protest. Critical deadline: once Local League Management has received your scoresheet, it is too late to protest. Know your numbers. Never risk a forfeit. LineUp Magic tracks skill level caps, senior player limits, and your lineup options automatically. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Know My Numbers Tonight Create a Free Account Free for 30 Days: Bullseye Billiards Premium The best thing a captain can do between match nights is make sure everyone's getting better. Bullseye Billiards -- the only pool training app with the BCA Seal of Approval -- has 300 shots across 9 cue ball control categories with video instruction and progress tracking. Want to go from an SL3 to an SL4? This is how. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Claim 30 Days Free ← Back to LineUp Magic Not the captain but reading this anyway? Tell yours about LineUp Magic -- and check out Bullseye Billiards if you want to move up a skill level before next session. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! The rule descriptions on this page are our interpretation of APA procedures and are intended as a general reference only. Rules may vary by local area. Always confirm with your League Operator or the APA Official Team Manual. LineUp Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association (APA). Don't Forget to Chalk Up! Taom Pyro Circular Chalk The best all-around chalk option, perfect for any level – from absolute beginner to championship winner. Pyro provides maximum grip without residue. Enjoy a clean touch on the ball and a kick free experience. View on Amazon → --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/apa-team-captain-guide.html How to Be an APA Team Captain (2026) - Duties, Strategy & Match Night Tips LineUp Magic › Guides › Team Captain Tips By Matt Landry · APA & TAP League Player, Capital Region NY LineUp Magic - Captain's Reference The APA Team Captain Guide Official duties from the APA Team Manual, rules you need to know, lineup strategy, and practical advice for managing a pool league team without anxiety. LineUp Magic handles the numbers so the rest is just pool. The Role Rules You Must Know Roster Management Match Night Lineup Strategy 10 Tips FAQ The APA Team Captain is the most important person on a pool league team. The APA Official Team Manual places specific legal and procedural responsibilities on the captain, and when those responsibilities are not met, the whole team pays the price. This guide covers both what the manual says the job requires and the practical realities of doing it well. Key Takeaways The captain is responsible for membership status, fees, scorekeeping accuracy, and eligibility compliance. Know your legal lineup combinations before you arrive, not while the table is waiting. Players can only be added to the roster during the first four weeks of a session without League Operator approval. The protest window closes the moment the scoresheet is submitted; review it before you sign. Forfeits must be the last matches of the night; you cannot choose which individual match to give up. The Role What an APA Team Captain Actually Does According to the APA Official Team Manual, the team captain is the person listed first on the team roster. That listing has weight: the captain is the team's designated point of contact for all communications from Local League Management. A valid phone number and email address on file are required. If the team wants to change captains, it requires a simple majority vote, and Local League Management must be notified immediately. In practical terms, that means you are responsible for the following on an ongoing basis: Keep your team informed: schedule changes, rule updates, anything coming down from your League Operator goes through you first Post relevant info at your host location, online, in your team chat or sms group so players always know where and when Handle the money: collect dues and weekly fees and get them to Local League Management on time, every week Hold the line on eligibility and sportsmanship: if a player shouldn't be on the table, that's your call to make before the rack is struck, not after Own the scorekeeping: both in terms of accuracy and making sure someone on your team knows how to do it correctly Worth noting: The captain is personally responsible for making sure every player who takes the table is a current paid member. If an unpaid player competes, the team receives zero points for that week, and the captain is held accountable for the unpaid fee the following week. The role also means you are the team's spokesperson in disputes and protests. Only the captain (or a player in their own match) can officially call a foul. Only the captain files a protest. If a dispute can't be resolved at the table, it goes through you. Rules The Rules Every Captain Needs to Know Captains know the game rules. What can cause problems on match night are the procedural rules, the ones governing how the evening runs. Get these wrong and you lose points, lose protests, or forfeit matches you shouldn't have. The 23 Rule (Team Skill Level Limit) The combined skill levels of the five players you field in a team match cannot exceed 23. The violation occurs the moment the rack is struck in the match that puts you over. The offending team receives zero points for the entire match night , not just from the point of violation. The non-offending team keeps all points earned to that point, plus forfeit points for the violating match and all remaining matches. The 23 Rule applies at all levels including playoffs and the World Pool Championships. At championship level, an ineligible player's skill level cannot be used toward the team total. An eligible player who is simply absent can still be counted. Want to get to Vegas? Teams that make it know the APA 23 Rule cold and never leave points on the table from a violation. The Senior Skill Level Rule A team may not field more than two players with a skill level of 6 or higher in a single match. The violation triggers when the rack is struck in the match involving a third SL6+ player. Unlike the 23 Rule, this violation is per-match only: the third player forfeits that individual match and both players' skill levels still count toward the Team Skill Level Limit. The rest of the night continues normally. Player Declaration and When It Locks Captains flip a coin to determine who declares first. Whichever team declares first in match one declares second in match two, first again in match three, and so on, alternating throughout the night. Once both teams have declared a player, the choice is locked. The only two exceptions where a declared player can be changed are: to avoid a Team Skill Level Limit violation, or to avoid a Senior Skill Level violation. It is considered good sportsmanship to notify your opponent before the break if their declaration would cause a violation. The Forfeit Clock APA uses actual clock time, not bar time. If no player is at the table and ready within 15 minutes of the scheduled start, the match is a forfeit. Once a team match begins it must run continuously; the moment you can't field a player for the next individual match, that match and any remaining ones are forfeited. The order matters: forfeits must always be the last matches of the night. You don't get to pick which match to give up. And if Local League Management determines a forfeit was staged deliberately, penalties follow. Coaching Rules Coaching, meaning giving a player strategic advice while they're at the table, requires calling a time-out first. A time-out can only be charged after the rack has been struck in a game. How many time-outs a player gets depends on their skill level: SL1 through SL3 and new unrated players get two per game; SL4 and above get one. If the shooter asks for a time-out, the designated coach can turn it down with no time-out charged. Only the designated coach can pass advice to the shooter; if advice comes from another teammate during a time-out, that's a ball-in-hand foul. Players who aren't eligible to compete also cannot coach. The Protest Deadline Once the scoresheet has been submitted to Local League Management, it is too late to protest anything. Review the scoresheet carefully before you hand it over. If you refuse to continue the match or refuse to attempt to resolve a dispute through negotiation, you lose the right to protest. Situation What You Need to Know 23 Rule violation trigger The rack is struck in the individual match that causes the team total to exceed the cap. After the break, it cannot be undone. Player not a current member Team receives zero points for any week in which an unpaid player competes. The captain is responsible for the unpaid fee. Splitting to two tables If the fourth match hasn't started within two hours of the official start time, teams put up their next players on a second table of the same size. Can only be waived by mutual agreement. Scoresheet errors Marking inaccurate information or conspiring to misrepresent what occurred can result in suspension or termination of APA membership. Protest fee Both teams submit $50. The losing team forfeits their fee; the winning team gets theirs back. The League Operator may also submit it to the Board of Governors. Roster Roster Management and Membership Managing your roster is an ongoing task throughout the session, and missing a deadline has real consequences. Adding and Dropping Players Players may be added to your roster during the first four weeks of a session. To add a player on a scoresheet, write "add" and the player's name next to the roster. To drop a player, draw a line through their name and write "drop." After week four, adding players requires prior approval from Local League Management; it is not guaranteed, but the APA acknowledges that forcing strict compliance can cause teams to drop out entirely. If a new team member previously played in another APA area or is a returning member, they must play at their established skill level. Contact Local League Management to verify their level before they take the table. Playing a transferring player below their established skill level is grounds for forfeiting that match, and in tournament play, potential disqualification. Membership Deadlines Every player must be a current member before competing. New members can join through poolplayers.com, the Member Services App, or by submitting their membership application with the scoresheet. The annual membership fee is currently $30 (prorated to $15 for renewals submitted before March 1 for members who join after August 15). Members who haven't renewed by the end of week four of a session will be dropped from all rosters. Sandbagging - the Captain's Responsibility The APA Manual is explicit: each player is responsible for ensuring their teammates' skill levels reflect their true ability. If you believe a teammate's skill level is too low, call your League Operator. If Local League Management determines that a player is playing below their true ability, the team can be made ineligible for Session Playoffs and subsequent Tournaments. Sandbagging reports must be made in writing and are kept confidential. Know who you can put up with just a glance at your roster. LineUp Magic tracks who's played, who must play, and flags senior player cap issues automatically. 🎱 Calculate My Lineups Create a Free Account Match Night Running a Smooth Match Night Before You Arrive Know your roster's current skill levels. Confirm which players are showing up and which are absent. If you are close to the 23 cap, work out your lineup combinations in advance so you are not doing mental math while the opposing captain is waiting on a declaration. Know your Senior Skill Level player count; if you have more than two SL6+ players on the roster, that can be a concern. Know Your Numbers Before You Walk In -- LineUp Magic is Free Coin Flip and Declaration The coin flip happens before the first match. The winner chooses whether to declare first or have the opponent declare first in match one. Remember: first in one, second in two, first in three. Keeping track of who declares first is the captain's job; disputes over the order create unnecessary friction. Scorekeeping Accurate scorekeeping is the captain's most important operational responsibility. The APA's Equalizer handicap system depends on accurate scoresheets. This means marking innings correctly, marking Defensive Shots (any shot where the shooter has no intent to pocket a ball), and completing all scoresheet fields before signing. Both captains sign the sheet, but as the APA Manual notes, failure to sign does not constitute a dispute or protest. Review the sheet carefully before you sign it. Once it goes to Local League Management, what's done is done. Time Guidelines The APA has published time guidelines that the captain is responsible for keeping. These are not hard-stop rules, but exceeding them regularly is a sportsmanship concern: 4h 8-Ball Team Match Target maximum 3.5h 9-Ball Team Match Target maximum 20s Average Shot Per the APA guidelines 15m Forfeit Clock After scheduled start time APA publishes time targets for each format and encourages teams to finish at a reasonable hour. Matches that consistently run past midnight are a retention issue; players with work, families, or early mornings stop signing up. Strategy Lineup Strategy and the 23 Cap The APA 23 Rule is not just a compliance constraint; it is the primary tactical puzzle of every team match. How you distribute your five players across the five individual matches, within the skill cap, determines both your legal compliance and your competitive positioning. Declaration Order Matters Because declaration alternates, the team that declares second in any match has an advantage; they can respond to the opponent's player. Winning the coin flip gives you the choice of whether you want to declare first in match one or respond. Neither is universally better; it depends on your roster composition relative to the opponent's. If you have a dominant SL7, you may prefer to declare them early and force the opponent to respond. If you have flexibility, responding often allows better matchups. The Absent Player Rule An eligible rostered player who is absent can have their skill level counted toward the team total, but their individual match is forfeited. This can be used strategically to demonstrate 23 Rule compliance when a lower-skill player doesn't show. However, this does not apply to ineligible players during Playoffs or Championship events. Senior Players If you have more than two SL6+ players on your roster, you need to decide in advance which two will play on a given night. Putting up a third SL6+ player results in that player forfeiting their individual match while both skill levels still count toward the team total, a costly outcome for a preventable mistake. 10 Tips Ten Things That Make a Good Captain Tip 1 Communicate Early and Often The captain is the hub of every communication on the team: with the opposing captain, with your League Operator, with your own players. Get in the habit of asking questions early, before misunderstandings harden into conflict. A quick text to the opposing captain about a schedule question prevents a dispute at the table. A calm, direct message to a chronically late player is better than having the rest of the team stand around waiting. Managing relationships is half the job. Tip 2 Build Team Unity Deliberately Pool is a social sport, and teams that actually like each other consistently perform better, not because affection improves stroke mechanics, but because players show up, cover for each other, and keep each other in good spirits under pressure. You don't need a team retreat. Showing up with snacks once in a while, acknowledging a good performance, or organizing a casual dinner between sessions builds enough of a foundation that people actually want to come back next session. Tip 3 Find a Co-Captain You Trust The APA Manual does not specifically define a co-captain role, but nothing in it prevents you from designating one. A trusted backup who knows the rules, understands the roster, and can handle a match night when you have a family conflict is not a luxury; it is how you avoid being the single point of failure for a team of eight people. Hand off specific responsibilities: scoresheet pickup, fee collection, communicating schedule changes. Delegation is not abdication. Tip 4 Stay Current on Rules and Your Roster The APA Manual notes explicitly that rules are subject to change, and that it is the captain's job to stay informed. Check communications from your League Operator. Know your players' current skill levels. Know which players have current memberships and which ones are approaching the week-four renewal deadline. When the unexpected happens at a match, captains who know the rules handle it cleanly. The APA explicitly reserves the right to change any rule at any time. Captains are responsible for staying current; changes are communicated through League Operators and posted at poolplayers.com. Tip 5 Keep Your League Operator in Your Corner Your League Operator is the highest authority in all local decisions. They are the ones you call when there's a dispute you can't resolve, when you need a makeup match approved, when a roster addition after week four requires sign-off, or when you think a player on another team is sandbagging. Tip 6 Balance Strategy With Playing Time It is tempting to optimize every match for your best chance of winning, which can mean your lower-skill players spend a lot of time watching. The APA format already builds in some balance through the skill cap; you need those lower-skill players in the lineup to stay compliant. But be deliberate about it: make sure everyone on the roster gets regular match time, that lower-skill players aren't always placed in the weakest-opponent slot like a throwaway, and that they understand why they're being matched up the way they are. Players who feel managed rather than hidden are more likely to improve and stay. The best thing you can do for those lower-skill players is help them get better. Bullseye Billiards is built for that -- 300 shots organized by skill level and category. Go from an SL3 to an SL4. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Tip 7 Set the Tone on Sportsmanship The APA's operating philosophy is that competitive outcomes should be earned at the table through legitimate play, not manufactured through rules manipulation, delay tactics, or gamesmanship from the sidelines. Teams that internalize that philosophy are easier to compete against and easier to be around. Tip 8 Keep Things Moving APA publishes time targets for each format, 4 hours for an 8-ball team match and 3.5 for 9-ball, and the intent is that players get home at a reasonable hour on a weeknight. Matches that consistently drag late become a retention problem. Players with early mornings, family responsibilities, or limited patience stop signing up for the next session. As captain, you are responsible for keeping the pace: start on time, encourage players to be ready when their match approaches, watch for excessively slow play, and use the split-to-two-tables rule when the fourth match hasn't started two hours in. Respecting your players' time is part of the job. Tip 9 Know When to Be Flexible and When to Hold Firm Good captains read the room. Sometimes the right call is to replay a disputed game and keep things moving; the APA Manual actually endorses this approach as a first step before filing a formal protest. Other times, when the opponent is trying to circumvent a rule, when the integrity of a match result is at stake, or when your team has been genuinely wronged, holding firm is the right call even when it's uncomfortable. The skill is knowing the difference. Decisions made from a clear understanding of the rules are defensible. Decisions made from frustration or pressure rarely are. Tip 10 Prepare Your Lineups Before You Arrive This one is practical rather than philosophical, but it might be the most impactful change a captain can make to their match night. Know your legal lineup combinations before you walk in the door. If you have eight players and a 23-cap, work out which five-player combinations are legal, which are borderline, and what your fallback options are if someone doesn't show. Doing this calculation at the table under social pressure, with the opposing captain watching, is where mistakes happen. Doing it at home with five minutes and a notepad, or with LineUp Magic , means you walk in prepared. Enter your roster once at LineUp Magic and get every lineup that makes numbers, in seconds, with the 23 Rule applied automatically. Tip 10 in practice: enter your roster into LineUp Magic before match night and arrive with your legal options already calculated. Running more than one team? LineUp Magic manages up to 5 rosters free. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free Create a Free Account FAQ Common Captain Questions How do I become an APA team captain? The APA designates the person listed first on the team roster as the team captain. A team may elect a new captain at any time through a simple majority vote of the team members. Local League Management must be notified immediately when a captain changes. There is no formal certification process; the role is administrative and relational, not a credential. What happens if I can't make it to a match night? The team can still play without you present; another player can manage declarations and scorekeeping. Having a co-captain or designating a responsible substitute is the practical solution. If your absence is a pattern, consider whether another team member should be listed as captain. The APA requires the captain to be the point of contact for communications, so chronic unavailability creates operational problems. Can I add a player to my roster mid-session if we're short on people? During the first four weeks of a session, yes; roster changes are open. After week four, adding a player requires prior approval from your League Operator. If your team is qualified for the World Pool Championships, no roster changes can be made after week four of the Spring Session, full stop. The APA Manual notes that League Management is not required to approve late additions, but may do so to prevent teams from dropping out. What do I do if the opposing team is sandbagging? Report it to your League Operator in writing. All sandbagging concerns must be documented in writing per the APA Manual, and they are kept confidential. The League Operator reviews scoresheets, win/loss records, and other data to evaluate the claim. If Local League Management determines a player is playing below their true ability, the team can be made ineligible for Playoffs and Tournaments. Do not handle this at the table; that is what the League Operator is for. What is the difference between the 23 Rule and the Senior Skill Level rule? The 23 Rule (Team Skill Level Limit) caps the combined skill levels of all five players you field in a team match at 23. A violation wipes your team's points for the entire night. The Senior Skill Level rule separately prohibits fielding more than two players with a skill level of 6 or higher in a single match. A Senior Rule violation only affects the individual match in which a third SL6+ player is put up; that player forfeits their match, but the rest of the night continues normally. Both violations trigger when the rack is struck in the offending match. How do APA playoffs work for team captains? Regular session rules apply during Playoffs. The teams with the most points at the end of a session are seeded into Playoffs, along with a wild card team drawn by the League Operator. Players must have competed at least four times with the team during the session to be eligible for Playoffs; captains should track this across the season. For World Championship qualification, the Spring Session roster at the end of week four becomes the locked World Qualifier roster. If getting to Vegas is the goal, make sure every player on that roster is competing at their best -- and that your lineup numbers are always clean. Free for 30 Days: Bullseye Billiards Premium A team full of improving players is a team that wins more and stays together longer. Bullseye Billiards -- the only pool training app with the BCA Seal of Approval -- gives every player on your roster 300 practice shots organized by skill level, with video instruction and progress tracking. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Claim 30 Days Free ← Back to LineUp Magic Not the captain? Give yours one less thing to stress about on match night -- tell them about LineUp Magic. It's free. Rule information on this page is drawn from the APA Official Team Manual (revised January 2023) and is provided for reference. Rules may vary by local area and are subject to change by the APA at any time. Always confirm current rules with your League Operator or at poolplayers.com. LineUp Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association (APA) or any pool league organization. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/apa-8ball-vs-bar-rules.html APA 8-Ball vs Bar Rules (2026) - Side-by-Side Rule Comparison LineupMagic.com - Rules Reference APA 8-Ball vs. Bar Rules A Side-by-Side Comparison The same game, two very different rulebooks. If you learned pool at a bar and then joined an APA league, or the other way around, several rules will catch you off guard. This guide covers the key differences topic by topic, drawn from the APA Official Team Manual and a published bar rules reference. New to APA? Tell your captain about LineUp Magic -- it handles the 23 Rule math so they can focus on the match. LineUp Magic › Guides › 8-Ball vs Bar Rules Matt Landry APA & TAP League Player · Capital Region, NY Overview Full Comparison Shot Calling The Break Fouls & Ball-in-Hand Safeties Playing the 8-Ball FAQ Overview Why the Rules Are So Different Bar rules 8-ball has no single official governing document. It is a collection of conventions that evolved in taverns and pool halls over decades, varying somewhat from location to location. The Cornerman Billiards bar rules referenced here, compiled by Freddie Agnir, is one written summary of those conventions. APA 8-ball, by contrast, is a fully codified ruleset published in the APA Official Team Manual. It is designed for handicapped league competition, and several of its rules, particularly around shot calling, ball-in-hand, safeties, and coaching, reflect that competitive, handicapped context rather than a casual game between strangers at a coin-op table. Note on "bar rules" variation: Because no single official bar rules document governs all locations, specific rules, particularly around jumped balls, combination shots, and the 8-ball on the break, can vary by establishment. Always confirm house rules before you play. APA 8-Ball Governed by the APA Official Team Manual Handicapped league format (The Equalizer® system) Slop counts, no shot calling required Ball-in-hand anywhere on table for most fouls Safeties are legal and encouraged Must mark 8-ball pocket with a physical marker Coaching allowed via time-out system Soft breaks prohibited Bar Rules 8-Ball No single governing document; varies by location Casual format, no handicap system Call all the details: every combo, kiss, and cushion Ball-in-hand in the kitchen only, and only on a scratch Safeties not permitted, honest effort required Call the pocket verbally; no physical marker required No coaching structure Break just has to hit the rack Playing your first APA match? Your captain is managing all of these rules in real time. LineUp Magic keeps their numbers straight so the team can focus on playing. Full Comparison Rule by Rule The table below compares each major rule area. Rows marked Same are functionally identical or nearly so between the two formats. Rows marked Different are areas where the formats diverge, sometimes significantly. Rule Area APA 8-Ball Bar Rules 8-Ball Shot Calling Different Slop counts. The shooter does not need to designate the intended ball or pocket, except when legally shooting the 8-ball. Call all the details. Every intended combo, kiss, carom, rail-first hit, kick, and bank must be called. Failure to call loses the turn; the cue ball stays. Legal Break: Requirements Different Cue ball must be behind the head string. The head ball or second row of balls must be struck first. At least four object balls must be driven to the rails, or one object ball must be pocketed. Soft or safe breaks are prohibited. Cue ball must be behind the head string. The breaker must hit the rack. No requirement for how many balls reach a rail and no specific ball must be struck first. No soft break rule is specified. Failed Legal Break Different If the rack is struck but the break does not qualify as legal (e.g., fewer than four balls to the rail and none pocketed), the same player rebreaks. If it also results in a scratch, the other player rebreaks. If the breaker fails to hit the rack entirely, they try again. No provision for a failed-but-struck break is specified, as the bar rules break has no minimum rail or pocket requirement. 8-Ball Pocketed on the Break Same Win, unless the player also fouls the cue ball (scratch or cue ball off the table), in which case it is a loss. Win, unless the cue ball also scratches or leaves the table on the same stroke, in which case it is a loss. Scratch on the Break Same Ball-in-hand behind the head string. The incoming player must shoot at a ball outside the head string. Ball-in-hand in the kitchen (behind the head string). The incoming player must shoot out of the kitchen. Group Selection: Open Table Same The first ball legally pocketed determines the shooter's group. If balls from both groups are pocketed on the break, the table remains open. If only one group is pocketed on the break, that group belongs to the breaker. Take what you make: making a ball on the break determines that set. If at least one ball of each group is pocketed on the break, the table remains open. Ball-in-Hand After a Foul Different Most fouls result in ball-in-hand anywhere on the table. The incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere on the playing surface. Only a cue ball scratch gives ball-in-hand, and only in the kitchen. Other fouls (wrong ball, failure to drive a ball to a rail) result in loss of turn only, with no ball-in-hand penalty. Foul: Wrong Ball First Different Ball-in-hand foul. The opponent may place the cue ball anywhere on the table. Loss of turn only. The cue ball remains where it stopped. No ball-in-hand is awarded to the opponent. Foul: No Rail After Contact Different Ball-in-hand foul. After the cue ball contacts the object ball, a rail must be struck by either ball, or a ball must be pocketed. Not enforced as a ball-in-hand foul. Loss of turn is the only stated penalty for most non-scratch fouls. Frozen Ball Rule Different Detailed rule. After contacting a ball frozen to a rail, the shooter must drive the cue ball to any rail, drive the frozen ball to another rail or pocket, or drive it into another ball causing a rail contact or pocket. Failure is a ball-in-hand foul. Not addressed as a specific enforced rule in bar rules reference material. Standard bar play does not formally enforce the frozen ball obligation. Safeties / Defensive Play Different Safeties are legal and explicitly recognized as an ethical defensive shot. Players are expected to declare their safety. Scorekeepers mark it as a Defensive Shot on the scoresheet. Bar rules are an honest-effort-to-pocket-a-ball game. Obvious safeties are not permitted. A player with no available shot may say so and is expected to play a shot that opens balls up, not a deliberate hook. Jump Shots Same Legal using a regular shooting cue. Dedicated jump cues are permitted only in the Masters Division. Intentionally scooping the cue ball over another ball is a ball-in-hand foul. (See your local league by-laws and pool room specific rules regarding jump-shots) Legal, provided the shot is executed with a legal stroke. Scooping or intentionally miscuing to jump is not permitted. Object Balls Jumped Off the Table Different Not a foul. The ball is spotted on the foot spot when the shooter's turn ends. If the 8-ball is knocked off the table, the shooter loses the game. A foul and loss of turn. The ball is spotted near the foot spot. If the 8-ball is jumped off the table at any time, it is loss of game. 8-Ball: Marking the Pocket Different A physical marker (coaster or similar object) must be placed next to the intended pocket before the shot. Failure to mark the pocket, if called by the opponent, is a loss of game. The pocket must be called. No requirement for a physical marker is specified. The shot must conform with the called intention. Combination Shots Using the 8-Ball Different The 8-ball may not be contacted first and is never neutral. A player may not use the 8-ball as the first ball in a combination shot. If a player's ball is pocketed but the 8-ball was contacted first, the player loses their turn. The 8-ball cannot be used in a combination at any point, not as the first ball and not in the middle of a combination. Using the 8-ball in a combination results in loss of turn. Scratch While Shooting the 8-Ball Same Loss of game, even if the 8-ball is not pocketed (a "table scratch" where the shooter misses the 8-ball entirely gives ball-in-hand, not a loss; but a cue ball scratch while the 8-ball is the legal object ball is a loss). Loss of game if the cue ball scratches or leaves the table when playing the 8-ball, whether or not the 8-ball is also pocketed. Pocketing the 8-Ball and Last Ball Together Same Loss of game. The 8-ball must be pocketed through a separate shot after all other balls in the shooter's group are cleared. Loss of game. The last object ball and the 8-ball may not go in on the same stroke. Coaching Different Allowed. A time-out must be called before coaching begins. A designated coach may advise the shooter during their turn. The number of time-outs per game varies by skill level (SL1–3 get two; SL4 and above get one). Receiving advice from a non-designated player during a time-out is a ball-in-hand foul. No coaching structure exists in bar rules. Bar rules 8-ball is played as an individual game with no formal time-out or coaching mechanism. Detail Shot Calling: The Biggest Practical Difference The biggest rule shift between bar pool and APA league play is shot calling. Bar rules are a "call all the details" game: every intended combination, carom, kiss, rail-first hit, and kick must be called before the shot. If the ball goes in a way that was not called, the shooter loses their turn, even if the ball drops in the intended pocket. The exception is incidental contact between the object ball and the cushions adjacent to the called pocket on its final approach, which does not need to be called. APA 8-ball, by contrast, does not require any shot calling. Slop counts. The shooter has no obligation to name the ball or the pocket except in one situation: when legally shooting the 8-ball, the intended pocket must be marked with a physical marker before the shot is taken. The practical impact: A player coming from bar rules into an APA league does not need to adjust their shot communication at all; slop counts and no calling is required. A player going the other direction, from APA league play into a bar game, needs to call every detail of every shot or lose the turn. Detail The Break APA's break requirements are more specific than bar rules in two ways. First, the cue ball must make contact with either the head ball or the second row of balls. Striking a different part of the rack is not technically a foul, but the break does not count as legal and the same player must rebreak, with one important exception: if an illegal break also results in a scratch, the opposite player takes the rebreak. Second, the break must be hard: at least four object balls must reach the rails, or one must be pocketed. A soft break results in a rebreak by the same player, and consistent soft breaking may be penalized by Local League Management as a sportsmanship violation. Bar rules have no minimum rail count and no specific ball the breaker is required to strike first. The breaker simply has to hit the rack. A complete miss of the rack results in the player trying again. Detail Fouls and Ball-in-Hand This is the area of greatest structural difference between the two formats. In APA, there is a defined list of fouls that each result in ball-in-hand anywhere on the table. Those fouls include: the cue ball going off the table, failure to hit the correct ball first, failure to drive any ball to a rail or into a pocket after contact, intentionally scooping the cue ball, double-hitting the cue ball, and touching the cue ball outside a ball-in-hand situation. The incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere on the playing surface. Bar rules recognize far fewer fouls and impose a much lighter penalty for most of them. The only foul that gives ball-in-hand in bar rules is a cue ball scratch, and even then, ball-in-hand is restricted to the kitchen. Hitting the wrong ball, failing to drive a ball to a rail, or committing most other technical violations results only in loss of turn, with the cue ball staying where it stopped and no ball-in-hand awarded to the opponent. Detail Safeties and Defensive Play In APA, a safety is a fully legal and explicitly recognized shot. The APA rulebook defines it as "a defensive action taken when the shooter has no makeable or high percentage shot, or chooses to leave their opponent in a difficult situation." Players are expected to declare their safety, and scorekeepers mark it as a Defensive Shot on the scoresheet. Failing to mark defensive shots correctly can affect a player's handicap calculation. Bar rules treat pool as what the Cornerman reference calls an "honest effort" game. A player must make a genuine attempt to pocket a ball on every shot. Obvious safeties, deliberate hooks with no attempt at a ball, are not allowed, and the bar rules reference notes they are grounds for being removed from the game. The one recognized exception is when no shot is available at all: in that case, a player may acknowledge it and play a shot that opens the table. Safeties are a skill like any other. Bullseye Billiards has practice shots specifically for position and defensive play -- 300+ shots organized by category, with video instruction and progress tracking. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Detail Playing the 8-Ball Both formats agree on the basics: pocket all balls in your group, then legally pocket the 8-ball. Several of the surrounding rules differ, however. In APA, the 8-ball must be pocketed in a pocket that was marked with a physical coaster or similar object before the shot. If the ball drops and the pocket was not marked, and the opponent calls loss of game, the shooter loses. In bar rules, the pocket must be called verbally, but no physical marker is required. On combination shots, APA prohibits the 8-ball from being contacted first; it is never neutral. Bar rules go further: the 8-ball cannot appear anywhere in a combination, not just as the first ball. Using the 8-ball in the middle of a combination under bar rules is loss of turn. Both formats agree that pocketing the last ball of your group and the 8-ball on the same stroke is a loss of game. Both formats also agree that scratching while the 8-ball is the legal object ball is a loss of game. One nuance in APA: If a player is shooting at the 8-ball and misses it completely, sometimes called a table scratch, the opponent receives ball-in-hand, but it is not a loss of game. A cue ball scratch, however, is a loss. The distinction matters: missing the 8-ball entirely and missing while also scratching produce different outcomes. FAQ Common Questions If I learned to play at a bar, what's the most important rule to remember in APA? You no longer need to call your shots; slop counts in APA. The one exception is the 8-ball, which must be pocketed in a marked pocket. Also be prepared for ball-in-hand anywhere on the table after a foul, not just ball-in-hand in the kitchen. If I play APA league, what's the most important rule to remember in a bar game? You must call all the details on every shot: the ball, the pocket, and every intended cushion, combination, or kiss. Playing slop and picking up ball-in-hand anywhere are both specific to league play. In a bar game, most fouls result only in loss of turn, not ball-in-hand. Can I play a safety in an APA league match? Yes. Safeties are legal in APA and must be declared by the shooter and marked as a Defensive Shot on the scoresheet by the scorekeeper. They are a recognized part of competitive strategy. Do I get coaching in APA that I wouldn't get in a bar game? Yes. APA allows a designated coach to advise you during your turn at the table, provided a time-out has been called first. SL1–3 players receive two time-outs per game; SL4 and above receive one. Bar rules have no equivalent coaching or time-out structure. What happens if an object ball is jumped off the table in APA vs bar rules? In APA, jumping an object ball off the table is not a foul; the ball is simply spotted on the foot spot when the shooter's turn ends. In bar rules, it is a foul and loss of turn, with the ball spotted near the foot spot. In both formats, jumping the 8-ball off the table at any time is a loss of game. Dr. Dave covers the key differences from official rules, including the kinds of shots considered "dirty pool" in casual play, and recommends confirming house rules before you play. One practical option when rules are unclear: agree to use the official WPA rules before the first rack. Free for 30 Days: Bullseye Billiards Premium Bullseye Billiards is a structured pool training system with 300+ guided practice shots in the app. Developed by PBIA-certified instructor Jeremiah Gage and awarded the BCA Seal of Approval, it focuses on deliberate practice for all skill levels. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Claim 30 Days Free Know your numbers before the first rack. Every lineup that makes numbers under the APA 23 Rule, calculated automatically. Stop doing the math in your head. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free Create a Free Account Not a captain? Tell yours about LineUp Magic -- it's free and it makes match night a lot less stressful for everyone. ← Back to LineupMagic.com The rule comparisons on this page are our interpretation of publicly documented APA League rules and widely cited bar rules conventions, and are intended as a general reference only, not legal or official league guidance. APA rules are drawn from the APA Official Team Manual (revised January 2023). Bar rules are based in part on the Cornerman Billiards written reference and general bar pool conventions, which vary by location. Always confirm the specific house rules at your establishment before play. LineUp Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association (APA) or any pool league organization. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/tap-league-rules.html TAP League Rules Explained (2026) - 8-Ball, 25 Rule, Coaching & Scotch Doubles Guide LineUp Magic › Guides › TAP League Rules LineUp Magic - Captain's Reference TAP League Rules Explained The 25 Rule, call-pocket play, coaching and the shot clock, Scotch Doubles, scoresheet categories, and how TAP compares to APA - everything a TAP captain needs to know ⏱ 11 min read · Updated March 2026 Overview Handicaps 25 Rule Gameplay Coaching Forfeits Scoresheet Scotch Doubles TAP vs APA FAQ If you're playing in a TAP league - or switching from APA to TAP - there are real rule differences that affect how you play every shot and how you manage your team's lineup. This guide covers all of it, drawn from the official TAP 8-Ball & Scotch Doubles Rules PDF . For lineup calculations that work with TAP's 25-point cap, LineUp Magic supports any skill cap value you set. Key Takeaways TAP is a call-your-pocket format - every shot requires calling the ball and pocket. Slop shots stay down but the turn passes to the opponent. The team skill cap is 25 points across five players (vs APA's 23). Fallbacks are 4 players to 21, or 3 players to 18. TAP has an explicit 45-second shot clock . Repeated slow play results in cue ball-in-hand for the opponent. Coaching requires designating one coach per match before it starts. Two time-outs per game for most players; level-2 players get unlimited in-game coaching. A false protest in TAP can cost you a match point . Protests require proof to be evaluated. Scotch Doubles has no time-outs - partners can talk freely within the shot clock. Overview What TAP Is and How It's Organized Teams consist of up to eight players, with five playing each match night. Rosters can be added to during the session as long as enough weeks remain for any new player to complete the six matches required to be eligible for post-season play. A player may only play once per night in a given division and on only one team per division per night. Tournament eligibility: To compete in any TAP sanctioned event, a player needs a minimum of 6 matches played in the last 16 weeks before the tournament cut-off, plus 10 lifetime matches in that format. You must also be an active playing member during the session the event is held. Handicaps The TAP Handicap System TAP handicaps range from 2 through 7 , where 7 is the highest level. New players without an established handicap start by playing a "Race to 3" and are counted as a level-4 for the purposes of the 25 Rule until their handicap is established. A player with an established handicap from another pool system will be assigned a comparable TAP handicap by the League Director under the Known Player Rule. Handicaps are calculated by TAP's corporate office using score sheet data from all matches played. The formula is proprietary, but what matters to you as a captain is understanding what each level generally represents: 2 Beginner Unlimited in-game coaching. Race to 3. 3 Developing 2 time-outs per game. 4 Intermediate Default for new players. 2 TOs per game. 5 Solid Consistent all-round game. 2 TOs per game. 6 Advanced Strong player. 2 TOs per game. 7 Expert Top-level amateur. 2 TOs per game. If you believe your handicap is inaccurate, ask your League Owner to request an audit from the corporate office. All posted stats will be checked against the original score sheets. If posting errors are found, they'll be corrected and the handicap may or may not change as a result. TAP explicitly prohibits sandbagging, meaning intentionally playing below your ability to keep or lower your handicap. This is treated as cheating and can result in suspension or removal from the league. 25 Rule The TAP 25 Rule - Team Skill Cap The equivalent of the APA's 23 Rule, the TAP 25 Rule states that the combined handicaps of the five players a team fields in a single match cannot exceed 25. Unlike the APA, where a violation wipes the entire night's points, the TAP consequences for fielding an illegal team apply only to the specific matches in violation. Fallback Rules When You Can't Field a Legal Five If you cannot assemble five players within the 25-point limit, TAP has a defined fallback structure: Situation Rule What You Forfeit 5 lowest handicaps exceed 25 Play 4 players, combined total ≤ 21 5th match forfeited 4 lowest handicaps exceed 21 Play 3 players, combined total ≤ 18 4th and 5th matches forfeited Cannot comply at all Only the matches in violation are forfeited Specific violating matches only 25 Rule always applies - even with the burnout strategy. During playoffs, some captains will put up a player who isn't present to force a forfeit win against an unfavorable matchup (called burnout). This is a recognized within-rules strategy, but the 25-point cap must still be respected regardless of whether the player is actually present. TAP's 25-point cap creates the same lineup math challenge as APA's 23 Rule, just with different numbers. LineUp Magic lets you set any cap value, so it works for TAP out of the box. Managing both APA and TAP teams? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Calculate TAP Lineups Free Gameplay How TAP 8-Ball Is Played The Most Important Difference: Call Your Pocket If you're coming from APA, this is the single biggest adjustment. TAP is a call-your-pocket format. Before every shot, a player must identify which ball they intend to pocket and which pocket it's going into. If the called ball drops in a different pocket than called, it stays down but the turn immediately passes to the opponent with the cue ball where it stopped. If any other balls drop on the same shot as a completed skill shot, they stay down as dead balls and are recorded accordingly on the scoresheet. Slop shots, where a ball drops in a pocket the player didn't call, stay down and are recorded as a miss. The opponent takes the table where the cue ball rests. TAP uses the term "skill shot" for a successfully called and executed shot. The Break The breaking player must strike the head ball or second row of balls and drive at least five balls to a rail; the cue ball can count as one of the five. A break that doesn't achieve this is illegal, and the non-breaking player can call for a re-rack and elect whether to re-break themselves or send it back. Pocketing the 8-ball on a legal break is an immediate win, unless the cue ball also scratches or leaves the table, in which case it's a loss. If the 8-ball is driven off the table during the break, it's also a loss. Any other balls driven off the table during the break stay down and are marked under the Made on Break (MOB) column. Open Table and Group Selection After the break, the table is open regardless of what was pocketed until a player completes a skill shot, meaning they call a ball, call a pocket, and pocket it successfully. That first completed skill shot determines the shooter's group for the remainder of the game. On an open table, the 8-ball is never neutral and cannot be the first ball struck. Defensive Shots A player must declare a defensive shot before taking it; calling it is required, not optional. After a declared defensive shot, any ball that drops stays down and the opponent takes the table where the cue ball rests. Repeated failure to declare defensive shots is considered unsportsmanlike and can result in disciplinary action. The 8-Ball To win, a player must pocket the 8-ball in a physically marked pocket after clearing their group. Any scratch on the 8-ball, whether the cue ball goes in the pocket or off the table, is loss of game. The 8-ball must go in the marked pocket; if it drops in a different pocket it's loss of game. Anyone on either team can remind the shooter to mark the pocket without it being counted as a time-out. A standard piece of chalk cannot be used as a pocket marker. Key Foul Situations Foot foul: At least one foot must be on the floor at the moment the cue strikes the ball. Failing this is a ball-in-hand foul (does not apply to physically impaired players). Bad hit: Striking a ball that isn't your category, or the 8-ball before it's your legal turn, is a foul. Ball-in-hand anywhere for the opponent. No rail after contact: After a legal hit, at least one ball must reach a rail or a ball must be pocketed. Failing this is a foul. Accidental cue ball movement: Moving the cue ball before shooting is a ball-in-hand foul. Accidentally moving other balls is not a foul; the opponent may replace them or leave them where they ended up. Cue ball off the table: Ball-in-hand for the opponent (behind the head string on the break). If shooting the 8-ball, it's loss of game. Opponent's ball off the table: That ball stays down and the opponent gets cue ball-in-hand. Angry cue swing: If a player swings their cue in frustration and contacts any balls, it is automatic loss of game. The Shot Clock TAP enforces a 45-second shot clock. The clock runs from when the previous shot ends and all balls stop moving. If a player is warned for slow play and continues taking too long, the opponent receives cue ball-in-hand. The 45 seconds is described as a benchmark average; genuinely difficult shots may take longer without triggering a violation. If you're going to time an opponent, TAP explicitly requires an actual stopwatch, not a perceived sense that they're slow. Coaching Coaching Rules and Time-Outs TAP's coaching rules differ from APA's in one key way: a single coach must be designated for each player's match before it starts, and that coach cannot be changed during the match without the opposing team's approval. Time-Out Allowances Handicap levels 3–7: Two one-minute time-outs per game. Handicap level 2: Two one-minute time-outs per game, plus the ability to receive unlimited coaching from the designated coach within the 45-second shot clock. The coach cannot approach the table except during an official time-out. National/major events: One time-out per game for all players due to time constraints. Time-out enforcement: If a time-out is called or implied by either the coach or the player, it counts as a used time-out, even if the player didn't intend it. If a player has no time-outs remaining and the coach or player attempts to receive advice anyway, the penalties escalate: verbal warning on the first offense, ball-in-hand on the second, loss of game on the third, loss of match on the fourth. What Coaches Can and Cannot Do During a time-out, a coach may discuss strategy with the player. What the coach cannot do: touch or disturb any balls on the table, mark the playing surface, use a cue or other object to line up a shot for the player, or place the cue ball in ball-in-hand situations. The coach must leave the table before the shot is executed. First violation of the physical restrictions gets a verbal warning; repeat violations are ball-in-hand fouls. Sideline Coaching Teammates who are not the designated coach may not offer advice, distract a player, or otherwise interfere with a match in progress. After a warning, any further interference results in a ball-in-hand foul for the opposing team. A second occurrence is loss of game. A third is loss of match, with all penalties applying to the player whose team's sideline caused the disruption. Language All communication during match play is expected to be in English. An exception exists only when both players competing in that specific match speak and understand a shared language and both agree to use it. If either player objects, English is required regardless of what other languages may be shared. The intent is to prevent any possibility of coaching through a language the opponent doesn't understand. Forfeits Forfeit Rules and Timing TAP's forfeit clock is tighter than APA's in one respect: the first match forfeits after 15 minutes, but after that, each subsequent match forfeits if a player isn't ready within 5 minutes of the previous match ending. Teams can begin a match night with just one player present. Situation Result No player ready 15 min after scheduled start First match forfeited. Points per local bylaws. No player ready 5 min after previous match ends That match forfeited. Both teams can only field 4 players Both teams forfeit the 5th match. Player not current on league fees That player's match may be forfeited. Unsportsmanlike conduct Match may be forfeited at league official's discretion. Forfeited matches don't count toward a player's required six matches for post-season eligibility. Weekly fees are still owed for forfeited matches; there are no fee exceptions based on matches not played, except for scheduled bye weeks. Protests and Disputes Protests require proof to be evaluated. TAP is explicit that a false protest, one that can't be substantiated, can result in the protesting player losing their match point. The league belongs to the two players at the table, and paying attention to your own match is part of your responsibility as a player. When possible, disputes should be worked out between the players first, with the League Director as the final arbiter. Scoresheet TAP Scoresheet Categories TAP scoresheets use specific abbreviations that feed directly into the handicap calculation system. Accurate scoresheets matter - they are the data source for your handicap. Every match, every column counts. Once the sheets leave the venue, they are final. COMP Completed Skill Shot Called ball pocketed in the called pocket. Marked once per shot regardless of how many other balls also drop. MISS Missed Shot Called ball not pocketed in called pocket. Slop shots are also marked as MISS. Any balls that drop are dead balls. DEF Defensive Shot Player declared a safety. Any ball pocketed on a DEF stays down and is marked as a dead ball. Opponent takes the table. MOB Made on Break Number of balls pocketed or driven off the table on the break. Use whole numbers, not hash marks. Nothing marked if no balls are made. LOT Left on Table Balls the losing player had remaining when the game ended. Use whole numbers. Both players have LOT entries on early 8-ball wins. RACE Games Needed to Win Determined by the Handicap Race Grid based on both players' levels. Mark the target number on the sheet before play begins. One hash mark per shot in one category only: COMP, MISS, or DEF. Never mark a shot in two categories. The break shot does not get a COMP or MISS mark; only the MOB count applies. Why scoresheets matter: TAP's corporate office uses your scoresheet data directly to calculate your handicap via computer. Your Completes, Misses, LOT, and MOB numbers all feed into the formula. Inaccurate sheets produce inaccurate handicaps for everyone on both teams. Scotch Doubles Scotch Doubles Rules TAP Scotch Doubles is a team-of-two format where both players function as a single entity, taking alternate shots throughout the game including into the break of the next game. The non-breaking team can choose which of their two players starts each new game. The rules for whichever team format the Scotch Doubles corresponds to apply throughout. Key Differences from Singles Play No time-outs. Because the two players are one team and can communicate with each other, formal time-outs are not part of Scotch Doubles. Partners can talk freely throughout the game as long as they stay within the 45-second shot clock. Player rotation is mandatory. Partners must alternate shots in strict rotation throughout each game and into the break of the next game. Breaking rotation, even accidentally, is a ball-in-hand foul. New teams start at Race to 3. All new Scotch Doubles teams begin at the unrated level and play a Race to 3, with POOLNET assigning a handicap after initial stats are entered. Scoring is identical. Score sheet categories and record-keeping are the same as the corresponding team format. Eligibility requirement: TAP members must be actively participating in a team format to compete in Scotch Doubles. It is an add-on format, not a standalone entry point. TAP vs APA How TAP and APA Compare Both leagues use a similar handicapped structure and team skill cap format, but the differences are real and affect how you play every night. If you're managing rosters in both leagues, or helping players move between them, these are the key points to know. LineUp Magic's APA skill level guide and our APA 23 Rule guide cover those formats in detail. Rule Area TAP APA Team Skill Cap Different 25-point limit across 5 players. Fallbacks at 21 (4 players) and 18 (3 players). 23-point limit across 5 players (Open divisions). Fallbacks at 19 (4 players) and 15 (3 players). Cap Violation Penalty Different Only the specific violating match(es) are forfeited. Offending team receives zero points for the entire match night. Shot Calling Different Call-your-pocket. Ball and pocket must be declared before every shot. Slop stays down, turn passes. No calling required except the 8-ball. Slop counts as a made ball. Handicap Range Similar 2 through 7. New players default to 4. 2 through 7 in 8-ball (SL1 is rarely assigned). New players default to SL3. Shot Clock Different Explicit 45-second shot clock. Violations escalate to ball-in-hand. Time guidelines (avg 20 seconds per shot) but no formal per-shot clock enforcement. Violations are sportsmanship issues. Coaching Structure Different One designated coach per match, named before it starts. 2 time-outs per game. Level-2 players get unlimited in-game coaching within 45s. Any eligible teammate can coach during a time-out. Different coach can be designated each time-out. SL1–3 get 2 TOs; SL4+ get 1. Forfeit Clock Different 15 minutes for the first match. Then 5 minutes per subsequent match. 15 minutes for the entire team match start time. No per-match clock after play begins. 8-Ball Break Win Same 8-ball on break = win (unless scratch = loss). 8-ball driven off table = loss. 8-ball on break = win (unless scratch = loss). Ball Off Table on Break Different Object balls driven off the table on the break stay down. Opponent gets ball-in-hand behind the head string, or the shooter can play the ball where it lies. Object balls driven off the table are spotted on the foot spot at the end of the shooter's turn. Protest Risk Different False protests (no proof) can cost the protesting player a match point. Protests require a $50 fee from each team. No match point penalty for losing a protest. Senior Player Rule Different No equivalent senior player limit in TAP. Only the 25-point cap applies. No more than two players at SL6 or above may be fielded in a single match. FAQ Common TAP Questions I play APA and just joined a TAP league. What's the biggest adjustment? Shot calling. In APA, slop counts - you don't call anything except the 8-ball. In TAP, every single shot requires calling the ball and the pocket before you shoot. If your ball goes in but in a different pocket than you called, it stays down but you lose your turn. It takes a few sessions to build the habit, but it fundamentally changes how you approach position play and shot selection. What happens if we use the wrong coach during a TAP match? The designated coach for each player's match must be named before it starts and cannot be changed without the opposing team's agreement. If someone other than the designated coach provides advice during a time-out, it's treated as sideline coaching interference: the first occurrence gets a warning, the second is ball-in-hand, the third is loss of game, the fourth is loss of match for your teammate. Can I use a new player in a TAP match right away? Yes, but with a caveat. The new player must submit their membership application and pay their annual membership fee before shooting their first match. The fee is currently $20 per year in the US ($25 in Canada). Playing an unpaid player is a rule violation; league owners are held responsible once a player shoots a match, and points won by players not in good standing can be reversed. What is the burnout strategy and is it legal? Burnout is a within-rules playoff tactic where a captain puts up a player who isn't present in order to take a controlled forfeit loss in that match, either to use up a favorable matchup for the opponent or to respond to an unfavorable one. It's explicitly recognized in the TAP rules as a strategy, not a violation. The 25 Rule still applies; even a burnout player's handicap must be counted toward the team total. What counts as concession in TAP? TAP has specific concession situations that count as forfeiting a game: breaking down your playing cue into two pieces (other than to change shafts after notifying your opponent), intentionally raking the balls before the game is over, picking up the rack before the opponent's final shot, offering to shake hands before the 8-ball is pocketed, or reaching into a pocket to catch the cue ball while the 8-ball is being shot. How does a make-up match work in TAP? Make-up matches require mutual agreement between both teams and approval from the League Owner before they're official. They must be completed within two weeks of the originally scheduled match date, and no make-ups can be scheduled within the last two weeks of league play. Not all operators allow make-ups; check your local bylaws. Does LineUp Magic work for TAP leagues? Yes. LineUp Magic supports any skill-cap format by letting you set the cap manually. For TAP, set your cap to 25 and enter your players' TAP handicaps; it will calculate every legal five-player combination from your roster, sorted by strongest first, instantly. It works the same way for any local league with a custom cap. Go from an SL3 to an SL4. Go from an SL4 to an SL5. Bullseye Billiards trains the cue ball control skills that move your TAP and APA skill levels. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Claim 30 Days Free More Guides Related Articles APA Skill Levels Explained How APA's SL1–SL9 system works and how it connects to the 23-point lineup cap. APA 23 Rule Deep Dive APA's team skill cap: penalties, fallbacks, and legal lineup examples. APA Captain's Rules Guide Forfeits, declarations, coaching, and protests in APA league play. 8-Ball vs Bar Rules How APA league rules differ from the bar game, useful for new players in either league. Team Captain Tips Practical advice for running a pool league team that applies to TAP and APA alike. All Guides → Browse the full collection of pool league reference guides. ← Back to LineUp Magic Not the captain on your TAP team? Give yours one less thing to stress about on match night -- tell them about LineUp Magic. It's free. This guide is an original educational reference based on publicly available TAP rule documentation. The official TAP 8-Ball and Scotch Doubles rules are available at tapleague.com . TAP, LLC retains all rights to its official rules documentation. LineUp Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by TAP, LLC, the APA, or any pool league organization. Always confirm current rules with your League Owner or Director. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/bca-pool-rules.html BCA Pool Rules Guide - Official CSI Rules for 8-Ball, 9-Ball & 10-Ball | LineUp Magic LineUp Magic › Guides › BCA Pool Rules LineUp Magic · Reference Guide BCA Pool Rules Reference A Reference for The Official Rules of CueSports International, used by the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. Effective June 1, 2023. Source: playcsipool.com ⏱ 15 min read 📋 Rules Reference At a Glance These rules are published by CueSports International (CSI) and used by the BCA Pool League (BCAPL) and the USA Pool League (USAPL). General Rules apply to all games unless specifically contradicted by game-specific rules. A legal shot requires cue ball contact with a legal object ball, followed by a pocketed ball or any ball contacting a cushion. Unless otherwise stated, a foul ends the player's inning and gives the opponent ball in hand. Games covered: 8-Ball, 9-Ball, 10-Ball, One Pocket, 14.1 Continuous, Bank Pool, Wheelchair, and Scotch Doubles. The official rules are available in full at playcsipool.com . About These Rules The Official Rules of CueSports International are used by the BCA Pool League (BCAPL) and the USA Pool League (USAPL) for all league competition and sanctioned tournaments. The rules are published by CueSports International (CSI), headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. The current version took effect June 1, 2023. CSI maintains the position that these rules are distinct from other billiards rule sets and that other rule sets should not be used as a reference or guidance when applying CSI rules in play. Calculate Your Player Lineups Automatically Equipment Specifications The following specifications apply to CSI National Tournaments. They are not mandatory for all league play, but are recommended where possible. Paragraphs regarding balls, cues, and mechanical bridges apply to all CSI play. Table Sizes Table Size Playing Surface 3½' x 7' 40" x 80" (±1/16") 4' x 8' 45" x 90" (±1/16") 4½' x 9' 50" x 100" (±1/16") Table bed height is 30" (±½") from the floor. Cushion nose height is 129/64" (+1/64" or -1/32") from the playing surface. Corner pockets measure 4½" (±1/16") and side pockets measure 5" (±1/16") using the gate method. Balls and Cues Item Specification Ball diameter 2¼" (±.005") Ball weight 5½ to 6 oz. All object balls in a match must be equal weight. Cue tip width 14mm maximum. No minimum. Cue weight 25 oz. maximum. No minimum. Cue length 40" minimum. No maximum. Cue tip material Leather, fibrous, or pliable material. A mechanical bridge must support the cue without elevating the bridge hand above the table bed or significantly enhancing the stability of the bridge hand. Its particular construction is otherwise not relevant, provided it does not damage the table or equipment. Find Every Legal Lineup for Your Roster General Rules The General Rules apply to all CSI events and all games unless clearly contradicted by specific game rules. Player Responsibility (Rule 1-1) Each player is responsible for knowing the rules, applied rulings, regulations, and schedules for any CSI event they enter. Penalties may be incurred even when incorrect information is provided by a referee or event official. Equipment (Rules 1-2, 1-3) Once a match begins, provided equipment is accepted as standard and legal. Only a referee or event official may later declare equipment defective. Attempting to modify provided equipment during a match is a foul. Permitted personal equipment includes: billiards gloves, cue extenders, and personal chalk (must closely match the cloth color). Electronic headgear, headphones, earphones, or earplugs of any kind are prohibited. Cell phones may be carried but not accessed during a match. All audible ringers must be disabled on the event floor. Lag for Break (Rule 1-12) Both players begin with ball in hand behind the head string and shoot simultaneously toward the foot cushion. The player whose ball comes to rest closest to the head cushion wins. A lag is lost if the ball fails to contact the foot cushion, contacts the foot cushion more than once, crosses the long string, contacts a side cushion, is pocketed or jumped, or comes to rest past the nose of the head cushion. The winner may break or require the opponent to break. Racking (Rule 1-14) The breaking player racks for themselves (except in 14.1 Continuous). Balls must be racked as tightly as possible. The opponent may inspect the rack and require one re-rack. If the players cannot agree after one re-rack, a referee racks the balls and the opponent must accept the referee's rack. Shot Clock (Rule 1-15) There is normally no time limit per shot. A referee may implement a 45-second shot clock if a player is delaying a match unnecessarily or in an unsportsmanlike manner. Each player receives one 45-second extension per rack (two extensions each if both players are on the hill). A player is considered down on the shot once in a customary shooting position; if already down when 10 seconds remain, the clock pauses at 10 seconds until the player stands up or shoots. See Who You Can Put Up, Right Now Legal Stroke (Rule 1-18) The cue must be moved in a forward motion along its long axis. Any lifting, sideways, or brushing motion that propels the cue ball without a forward stroke is a foul. Legal Shot (Rule 1-19) For a shot to be legal, the cue ball must first contact a legal object ball (or simultaneously contact a legal and illegal object ball). After that contact, at least one of the following must occur: any object ball is pocketed, or any object ball or the cue ball contacts a cushion. If neither occurs, it is a foul. If a ball involved in meeting the cushion contact requirement is declared frozen to a cushion before the shot, that ball must leave its frozen cushion and either contact a different cushion or contact another object ball before returning to the frozen cushion. Fouls and Penalties (Rules 1-21 through 1-32) Unless otherwise stated, a foul ends the player's inning and the opponent receives ball in hand. Common fouls include: Rule 1-25 Not having at least one foot in contact with the floor when the cue tip strikes the cue ball. Rule 1-26 Shooting while any ball on the table is in motion, including a spinning ball. Rule 1-27 Scratch: cue ball pocketed. Rule 1-28 Causing any ball to be jumped off the table. Rule 1-29 Push shot: cue tip maintains contact with the cue ball longer than a momentary contact. Rule 1-30 Double hit: cue tip strikes the cue ball more than once, or remains in contact with the cue ball when it strikes an object ball (with narrow-angle exception). A miscue is not necessarily a foul (Rule 1-32). When more than one foul occurs on a single shot, only the most severe penalty applies (Rule 1-24). Successive Fouls (Rule 1-22) Applies to 9-Ball, 10-Ball, 14.1 Continuous, and One Pocket. Three consecutive fouls in one game result in loss of game. Before the third foul, the player on two fouls must be warned by the opponent or a referee, and must acknowledge the warning. If the warning is not given, the third foul is not treated as a third successive foul. Calling Ball and Pocket (Rule 1-16) In call shot games, the player must designate the called ball and called pocket before each shot. Obvious shots do not need to be called. The following types of shots are defined as not obvious and must always be called: bank shots, kick shots, combination shots, and shots involving non-incidental caroms, kisses, or cushion contacts. Only one ball may be called per shot. If a player calls more than one ball or uses any conditional phrase such as "just in case," their inning ends regardless of outcome. A player calling a safety must do so verbally; gestures are not sufficient. Disturbed Balls (Rule 1-33) Accidentally touching or moving a single stationary object ball is not a foul unless the disturbed ball has an effect on the outcome of the shot. Effect is defined as the disturbed ball contacting any ball set in motion by the shot, or the base of any moving ball passing through a circle approximately seven inches in diameter centered on the disturbed ball's original position. Disturbing the cue ball, disturbing more than one object ball, or disturbing a ball in motion is always a foul. Deliberate Fouls (Rule 1-40) Deliberate fouls carry additional penalties beyond standard foul penalties. A mandatory warning is issued on the first violation, with second and subsequent violations of the same sub-section during a match penalized by loss of game. Deliberate fouls include: deflecting the cue ball after a break shot stroke, intentionally striking or moving the cue ball with anything other than the cue tip (except on ball in hand), picking up or contacting the cue ball while any ball is in motion, and intentionally stopping or deflecting any object ball by means other than a legal shot. Coaching (Rule 1-41) Asking for or intentionally receiving assistance in planning or executing any shot is a foul. Receiving unsolicited assistance from a spectator associated with the player (including being alerted to an opponent's foul) is also a foul. Concession Rules (Rules 1-43, 1-44) Players may not concede any game at any time. Verbal or non-verbal actions that lead the opponent to believe the game is awarded before its normal conclusion (including putting away equipment, marking a score sheet, or juggling coins before the game has ended) constitute a concession. Penalties escalate: first violation is a mandatory warning; second violation is loss of the conceded game plus one additional game deducted; third violation is loss of match. If an opponent is on the hill and a player makes a motion to unscrew their playing cue during the opponent's inning, that player loses the match (Rule 1-44). Spotting Balls (Rule 1-46) Balls to be spotted are placed on the long string with the number facing up, beginning on the foot spot. Multiple balls are placed in ascending numerical order moving toward the foot of the table. If space is unavailable, balls are placed above the foot spot moving toward the head of the table. If other balls interfere, balls are placed as close as possible to the foot spot without moving the interfering balls. Calculate TAP and APA Lineups Free 8-Ball (Rules Section 2) 8-Ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and fifteen object balls. Players are assigned a group (balls 1-7 or 9-15) and must pocket all balls in their group before attempting to legally pocket the 8-ball. The player who legally pockets the 8-ball wins. If you play in the USA Pool League, LineUp Magic calculates every valid lineup for your USAPL roster automatically. 8-Ball Break Requirements (Rule 2-3) The break begins with ball in hand behind the head string. The break is not a called shot. To achieve a legal break, the player must legally pocket a ball or cause at least four object balls to contact one or more cushions. If the break is illegal, the opponent may re-rack and break, or require the breaker to re-rack and break again. If the breaker fouls on a legal break without pocketing the 8-ball, any other pocketed object balls remain pocketed and the opponent receives ball in hand anywhere on the table. Jumped object balls other than the 8-ball are not returned to the table. If the 8-ball is jumped on the break, it is spotted. 8-Ball Pocketed on the Break (Rule 2-4) No Foul The breaker may have the 8-ball spotted and accept the table, or re-rack and break again. With Foul The opponent may have the 8-ball spotted with ball in hand anywhere on the table, or re-rack and break. Establishing Groups (Rule 2-6) Groups are established when the first object ball is legally pocketed on a shot after the break. The player pocketing that ball is assigned that group. Groups cannot be established on a safety. Once established, groups cannot change for the remainder of the game. If players are later found to have been shooting the wrong groups, the game is replayed with the original breaker breaking again. Loss of Game in 8-Ball (Rule 2-10) You lose the 8-ball game if you: illegally pocket the 8-ball; jump the 8-ball off the table on any shot other than the break; pocket the 8-ball on the same shot as the last ball of your group; violate any General Rule that requires loss of game; pocket the 8-ball on a shot defined as not obvious that you did not call; or commit a deliberate foul under Rule 1-33-4 or 1-33-7 that results in the 8-ball falling into a pocket. Get Your Free APA Lineup Calculator 9-Ball (Rules Section 3) 9-Ball is played with a cue ball and nine object balls numbered 1 through 9. The balls must be shot in ascending numerical order. The 9-ball is the game-winning ball. The game is won by the player who legally pockets the 9-ball on any legal shot. 9-Ball Rack (Rule 3-2) The balls are racked in a diamond shape with the 1-ball as the apex ball on the foot spot. The rows behind the apex are parallel to the foot string. The 9-ball is placed in the middle of the rack. The remaining balls are placed at random. 9-Ball Break Requirements (Rule 3-3) The break begins with ball in hand behind the head string. The cue ball must contact the 1-ball before any other ball or cushion, or it is a foul. The player must either legally pocket a ball or cause at least four object balls to contact one or more cushions, or it is a foul. If the 9-ball is legally pocketed on the break, the player wins the game. If the 9-ball is jumped on the break, it is spotted. Push-out After the Break (Rule 3-4) If there was no foul on the break, the player taking the first shot after the break may declare a push-out. The player must notify the opponent before shooting and the opponent must acknowledge. On a push-out, the cue ball does not have to contact the lowest numbered ball, and no ball is required to contact a cushion. All other rules and fouls still apply. After a push-out without a foul, the opponent may accept the table in position or require the shooter to shoot again. Object balls pocketed on a push-out remain pocketed except the 9-ball, which is spotted. 9-Ball Continuing Play (Rule 3-5) After the break (and push-out if taken), the lowest numbered ball on the table must be the first object ball contacted by the cue ball or it is a foul. If any ball is legally pocketed, the player's inning continues. If the 9-ball is illegally pocketed or jumped, it is spotted. Other jumped or illegally pocketed balls are not returned to the table. Three Successive Fouls in 9-Ball (Rule 3-6) Three successive fouls in one game result in loss of game. Run Every Valid Lineup Combo Free 10-Ball (Rules Section 4) 10-Ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and ten object balls numbered 1 through 10. Balls must be shot in ascending numerical order. The 10-ball is the game-winning ball. The object of the game is to legally pocket the 10-ball after the break. 10-Ball Rack (Rule 4-2) The balls are racked in a triangle with the 1-ball as the apex on the foot spot. Rows behind the apex are parallel to the foot string. The 10-ball is in the middle of the row of three balls. The 2-ball and 3-ball are placed on the ends of the last row (left/right orientation does not matter). Remaining balls are placed at random. 10-Ball Break Requirements (Rule 4-3) The break is not a called shot. The cue ball must contact the 1-ball first or it is a foul. The player must legally pocket a ball or cause at least four object balls to contact one or more cushions, or it is a foul. If the 10-ball is legally pocketed on the break, it is spotted and the breaker's inning continues. If the 10-ball is jumped on the break, it is spotted. 10-Ball Push-out (Rule 4-4) The push-out rule in 10-Ball follows the same procedure as 9-Ball (see above). Object balls pocketed on a push-out remain pocketed except the 10-ball, which is spotted. 10-Ball Continuing Play (Rule 4-5) The lowest numbered ball must be contacted first or it is a foul. The 10-ball is spotted if illegally pocketed or jumped. Other illegally pocketed balls are not spotted. The player's inning continues as long as they legally pocket a called ball. If the 10-ball is incidentally pocketed on a shot in which another called ball is legally pocketed, the 10-ball is spotted. Opponent's Option in 10-Ball (Rule 4-8) If the shooter illegally pockets any ball, the opponent may accept the table in position or require the shooter to shoot again. Three Successive Fouls in 10-Ball (Rule 4-9) Three successive fouls in one game result in loss of game. Know Your Numbers. Never Risk a Forfeit. Other Games One Pocket (Rules Section 5) One Pocket is played with fifteen object balls. Only the two corner pockets at the foot of the table are target pockets. Each player is assigned one of the two foot corner pockets before the break. The first player to score eight balls in their own target pocket wins. A foul requires the player to spot one previously scored ball, reducing their score by one. Three successive fouls in one game result in loss of game. 14.1 Continuous / Straight Pool (Rules Section 6) 14.1 Continuous is a call shot game played with fifteen object balls to a predetermined point total. After fourteen balls of a rack are pocketed, they are re-racked (apex space vacant) and play continues by shooting the remaining fifteenth ball into the new rack. A legally pocketed called ball scores one point; additional balls pocketed on the same shot also score one point each. A foul results in a one-point deduction. A deliberate foul results in a one-point foul penalty plus an additional fifteen-point penalty. Three successive fouls result in a foul penalty plus an additional fifteen-point penalty and a required re-rack. Bank Pool (Rules Section 7) Bank Pool requires all scored balls to be pocketed as the result of a bank shot. A ball pocketed in addition to the called ball is illegally pocketed. The long rack game (fifteen balls) is won at eight balls; the short rack game (nine balls) is won at five balls. For games of three, four, or five players, the winning score is five, four, or three balls respectively. Wheelchair Rules (Rules Section 8) Wheelchair competition under CSI rules is limited to players with a mobility-impaired disability requiring use of a wheelchair. Players must remain seated on the cushion or seat of the wheelchair with at least one cheek on the seat or cushion when striking the cue ball. Feet must be kept clear of the floor when striking the cue ball. Players with the more limiting classification (unable to make a functional bridge with the non-cueing hand) may have another person hold the bridge, but that person may not assist with the actual stroke. Scotch Doubles (Rules Section 9) In Scotch Doubles, teammates alternate shots during their inning. The order of play must be maintained between innings; shooting out of turn is a foul. Open communication between partners is allowed during their inning. Communication between partners may not result in more than approximately 45 seconds between shots. The non-shooting partner may point at or touch the table while advising but may not touch any ball or mark the table. Each team receives one five-minute time-out per match, taken between games. Know Your Best Lineup Before Match Night Referees and Event Officials (Rules Section 10) CSI referees are the final authority on all matters of judgment during a match, including whether a stroke or hit was legal, whether a ball contacted a cushion, whether a ball is frozen, whether a shot was obvious, and whether conduct is unsportsmanlike. A referee's authority extends to the entire event venue while in uniform. Referees must answer factual questions about rules. They may not offer opinions on subjective matters, such as whether a legal hit can be made or how table conditions might affect play. Referees may only be called to a table by the players involved in the game. When calling a foul, the referee announces the ruling and a brief description of the violation. If a referee is not certain a foul occurred, the benefit of the doubt goes to the shooter. Frequently Asked Questions What is a legal shot under CSI/BCA rules? Under Rule 1-19, a legal shot requires the cue ball to first contact a legal object ball. After that contact, either any object ball must be pocketed, or any object ball or the cue ball must contact a cushion. If neither happens, it is a foul. What happens if you pocket the 8-ball on the break? If you pocket the 8-ball on the break without fouling, you may either have the 8-ball spotted and accept the table in position, or re-rack and break again. If you foul and pocket the 8-ball on the break, your opponent may have the 8-ball spotted with ball in hand anywhere on the table, or re-rack and break. What constitutes loss of game in 8-ball? You lose the 8-ball game if you: illegally pocket the 8-ball; jump the 8-ball off the table on any shot other than the break; pocket the 8-ball on the same shot as the last ball of your group; violate any General Rule requiring loss of game; pocket the 8-ball on a non-obvious uncalled shot; or commit certain deliberate fouls that result in the 8-ball entering a pocket. What is a push-out in 9-ball or 10-ball? The player taking the first shot after a legal break may declare a push-out. On a push-out, the cue ball does not have to contact the lowest numbered ball, and no ball is required to contact a cushion. All other rules and fouls apply. After a push-out without a foul, the opponent may accept the table or require the shooter to shoot again. What are the cue specifications under BCA/CSI rules? The cue tip must not exceed 14mm in width. The cue must not exceed 25 oz. in weight. The cue must be at least 40 inches long. The tip must be leather, fibrous, or pliable material. What is three successive fouls in 9-ball? Three consecutive fouls in one game of 9-ball or 10-ball result in loss of game. The player on two fouls must be warned by the opponent or a referee before shooting, and must acknowledge the warning. If the warning is not given and a third foul occurs, it is not treated as a third successive foul. Can a foul be called by anyone watching? No. Under Rule 1-23, a foul may only be called by a player playing in the game or by a referee who has been properly called to the table (with team play exceptions for certain rule violations). Any foul not called before the next stroke is taken is considered to have not occurred. Where can I find the complete official rules? The full Official Rules of CueSports International are published by CSI and available at playcsipool.com . The rules include game-specific rules, Applied Rulings covering specific situations, and a full table of violations and fouls. For APA and TAP captains: keep track of your numbers automatically, so you don't have to. Every lineup that makes numbers, in seconds. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free Create a Free Account Free for 30 Days: Bullseye Billiards Premium The only pool training app with the BCA Seal of Approval. 300 shots across 9 cue ball control categories -- Fundamentals, Follow, Stun, Draw, Sidespin, Rails, Hangers, Scratches, and Advanced -- with video instruction and progress tracking. The app recommends what to work on based on your weak areas. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Claim 30 Days Free ← Back to Guides Playing in APA or TAP? Your captain is doing lineup math in their head right now. Tell them about LineUp Magic -- it's free and it handles the numbers automatically. This page is an independent educational summary of the Official Rules of CueSports International, published by CueSports International (CSI) at playcsipool.com, effective June 1, 2023. All rule content is paraphrased from the CSI official rules document for reference purposes only. LineUp Magic is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by CueSports International, the BCA Pool League, or the USA Pool League. For official rules, consult the full document at playcsipool.com. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/upa-8-ball-rules.html UPA 8-Ball Rules Guide - US Professional Poolplayers Association | LineUp Magic LineUp Magic › Guides › UPA 8-Ball Rules LineUp Magic · Reference Guide UPA 8-Ball Rules Reference Official 8-ball rules of the United States Professional Poolplayers Association. Source: upatour.com ⏱ 12 min read 📋 Rules Reference At a Glance UPA rules apply consistently nationwide. No local bylaws or variations are permitted. 8-Ball is a call pocket game. Obvious shots do not need to be called, but bank shots, kick shots, and combinations always must be. All ball in hand fouls give the incoming player cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. Pocketing the 8-ball on the break wins the game. Doing so with a simultaneous foul loses it. Three consecutive fouls result in loss of game in pro play only, not amateur league play. Official rules are available at upatour.com . Introduction UPA rules are consistent nationwide and are designed to produce fair, orderly, and challenging competition for all members. The UPA does not recognize or allow variations, local bylaws, or any other supplemental documents of any kind. The rules are published by the United States Professional Poolplayers Association at upatour.com . Stop Doing the Math in Your Head 1.0 Object of the Game The object of 8-ball is to win by legally pocketing the 8-ball. The game is played with a cue ball and fifteen object balls numbered 1 through 15. Balls 1 through 7 are solid colors and commonly referred to as low balls. Balls 9 through 15 are striped and commonly referred to as high balls. One player must pocket all balls in their group before legally pocketing the 8-ball to win. 2.0 Lag for Break and Racking 2.0 Lag for Break The player with the lower speed rating breaks first, with an alternating break format thereafter. If two players have equal speed ratings, a lag determines who breaks first. The winner of the lag is the player whose ball comes to rest closer to the head rail. 2.1 How to Rack The balls are racked randomly with the base of the rack parallel to the short end of the table, positioned so the apex ball sits on the center of the foot spot. Within the rack, the 8-ball is centered and the two corner positions are occupied by one solid ball and one striped ball. Tables with flaws that do not allow an acceptable rack directly on the foot spot permit racking within a dime's radius of the foot spot to achieve a solid rack. Touching or positioning balls after the rack has been removed is not permitted, except when using a magic rack. 2.2 Rack Your Own When no official is available, each breaking player is responsible for providing themselves a legal and solid rack. Know Your Numbers Before the First Rack 3.0 Legal Break Shot For the break to be legal, the breaker must place the base of the cue ball anywhere behind the head string and either pocket a numbered ball or drive at least four numbered balls to one or more rails. No ball is called on the break. The cue ball is not required to contact any particular ball first. If the breaker fails to meet the legal break requirement, the balls are re-racked and the opponent may choose to break or require the offending player to break again. Note If the cue ball is touched by the cue tip but the legal break requirement is not met, it is considered an illegal break. Break fouls: (1) the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table; (2) any numbered ball leaves the table or comes to rest on top of a rail. When any numbered ball is pocketed on a legal break, the breaking player continues their inning. If the breaker makes a legal break but commits a foul, play continues with the opponent having ball in hand behind the head string; the opponent must shoot an object ball beyond the head string or it is a foul. 4.0 8-Ball Pocketed on the Break 4.1 Game Win Legally pocketing the 8-ball on the break wins the game for the breaker. 4.2 Game Loss Pocketing the 8-ball on the break with a simultaneous foul results in a loss of game. 5.0 Open Table The table is always open immediately after the break shot. A player's designated group is not determined until a player legally pockets a called object ball. When the table is open, it is legal to contact one group of balls to pocket a ball from the opposite group. Note The 8-ball may be used in a combination as long as it is not the first ball struck by the cue ball. Striking the 8-ball first when the table is open is a foul. Help Your Captain Worry Less and Play More 6.0 Continuing Play: Call Pocket 8-Ball is a call pocket game. Obvious balls and their respective pockets do not need to be specified. Bank shots (object ball to rail), kick shots (rail to object ball), and combinations (two or more balls from either group) must be called to their designated pocket or they are a miss. When a player successfully pockets the designated ball, their inning continues until a miss, foul, or win occurs. Call pocket notes: it is never necessary to specify the number of banks, kisses, caroms, or rails. Any ball pocketed legally or illegally remains pocketed regardless of group. The break shot is never a called shot. After cue ball contact, a ball must either hit a rail or go into a pocket. 7.0 Ball in Hand Foul Penalties When a player commits a ball in hand foul, their turn ends and the incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere on the table. If a player commits more than one foul on one shot, only one foul is called. Ball in Hand Fouls (7.1 through 7.15) 7.1 Cue Ball Contact Hitting an object ball before or simultaneously with the cue ball is a foul. Causing any movement of the cue ball other than a normal shot, even accidentally, is a foul. When cue ball in hand is in play, the ferrule or shaft may be used to position it; using the tip is a foul. 7.1 Moving / Still Object Balls Touching a moving object ball or allowing a moving ball to hit a foreign object is a foul. A still object ball that is moved may only be returned to position with the opponent's permission; the opponent may choose to leave it in the new position. 7.2 Scratch Pocketing the cue ball or driving it off the table is a foul. Scratching on the 8-ball is not a loss of game as long as the 8-ball itself was not pocketed. 7.3 Bad Hit If the first object ball contacted by the cue ball is not from the shooter's established group, it is a foul. Once all balls in the shooter's group are cleared, the 8-ball becomes the legal object ball. 7.4 No Rail After the cue ball strikes a legal ball, if neither the cue ball nor any other ball hits a rail or is pocketed, it is a foul. A ball frozen to a rail does not satisfy this requirement since it is not hitting the rail. 7.5 Balls off the Table Causing any ball to come to rest off the playing surface is a foul and that ball is considered pocketed. If a ball is knocked off and returns after hitting a person or object, it is a foul. If it returns without contact, normal rules apply. 7.6 Foot on the Floor Failure to have at least one foot touching the floor when the cue tip strikes the cue ball is a foul. 7.7 Jump Shot Any miscue on a jump shot is a foul. A legal jump shot requires a downward stroke through the cue ball. Scooping is not permitted. A legal jump cue must be at least 40 inches in length and constructed in typical cue fashion. 7.8 Moving Ball Shooting while any ball is moving is a foul. 7.9 Double Hit If the cue tip strikes the cue ball twice on the same stroke, it is a foul. To avoid a double hit, the cue ball must be struck at a minimum 45-degree angle when in contact with or within half an inch of the intended object ball. 7.10 Head String The base of the cue ball must be behind the head string on the break or it is a foul. 7.11 Ball in Hand Placement Touching an object ball in any way while placing the cue ball is a foul. 7.12 Interference The non-shooting player, including teammates, may not disturb, make noise, move around, or cause distraction while the shooting player is at the table. Violation results in an official warning, then a ball in hand foul. 7.13 Marking the Table Marking the table in any way that provides a player with an advantage is a foul, unless the mark is removed to the satisfaction of the opponent or referee before shooting. 7.14 Playing Out of Turn If a player shoots out of turn and it is brought to attention of the offending shooter, the rightful player returns to the table and continues without penalty. Both players are responsible for controlling the table on their proper inning. 7.15 Wrong Balls Pocketed When a player has been shooting the opponent's designated balls as if they were their own, the player relinquishes the table with a ball in hand foul to the opponent. Give Your Captain One Less Thing to Stress About 8.0 Loss of Game 8.1 Opponent Wins The opponent legally pockets the 8-ball. 8.2 Three Consecutive Fouls: Pro Play Only This rule is not used in amateur league play. In pro play, three consecutive fouls without an intervening legal shot result in loss of game. After the second foul, the opponent must verbally warn the shooter. If the warning is not given and a third foul occurs, it is not a loss of game; the opponent must warn again that the next foul will result in loss of game. 8.3 Conceding a Game Any concession of game for any reason is a loss for the conceding player. 8.4 Concession of a Match Unscrewing any cue during the last game, putting on a jacket, leaving the room, or undertaking any other action that indicates the match is over is a forfeiture of the match. 8.5 Ball Tapping Ball tapping is not permitted. After an official warning, the penalty for ball tapping is loss of the current game. Only tournament officials may tap in balls when warranted. 8.6 Coaching Assistance During their inning, and only once per game, the shooting player may call a time out lasting no more than two minutes. During this time the player may receive instruction from one available teammate. Receiving advice at any other time is a ball in hand foul. A second infraction is forfeiture of the current game. When calling a time out, the shooting player selects one available team member to assist immediately, without conferring with other parties. 8.7 Forfeits Players are allotted fifteen minutes to begin their match. Failure to be present results in a forfeit. The opponent must notify a tournament official to begin an official count. Keeps Track of Your Numbers, So You Don't Have To 9.0 General Pool Rules 9.1 Shot Clock Shot clock use is at the sole discretion of the UPA and its representatives. When in use, each player is allotted one minute per shot. The shot clock begins when all balls come to rest. The timekeeper announces "ten seconds" at the fifty-second mark unless the shooter is already down on the shot. Once the one-minute mark is reached, the shooter must be stroking or have already shot. If the shooter rises off the shot after the one-minute mark without executing, it is a ball in hand foul. 9.2 Split Hits If the cue ball strikes a legal and a non-legal object ball at approximately the same instant and it cannot be clearly determined which was struck first, the judgment goes in favor of the shooter. 9.3 Ball Rebounds from Pocket Balls must remain in a pocket to count as pocketed. If a ball enters a pocket and bounces back to the playing surface, it is not pocketed. If it is the 8-ball, it is not a win. If it is the cue ball, it is not a scratch. Clearing pockets that are full or nearly full is the responsibility of the shooting player. 9.4 Hanging Ball If any ball hangs in a pocket and drops within five seconds of coming to complete rest, the ball is considered pocketed. If a hanging ball drops after being at rest for more than five seconds, it is returned to the original position on the edge and the incoming player begins. The referee's decision is final. 9.5 Suspended Balls If one or more balls become suspended in a pocket beyond the edge of the slate because they are partially supported by other pocketed balls, they are considered pocketed if removing the supporting balls would cause the suspended balls to fall into the pocket. Tournament officials are the sole judges of whether this rule applies. 9.6 Settling Into Place A ball may settle slightly after appearing to stop due to imperfections in the cloth or slate. Unless this causes a ball to fall into a pocket, it is a normal hazard of play and will not be moved back. If a ball falls into a pocket as a result of settling, it is replaced as close as possible to its original position on the lip. If a ball falls during or just prior to a shot and it has an effect on the shot, the referee restores the ball and the shot is replayed. Players are not penalized for shooting while a ball is settling. 9.7 Jump Shots It is legal to cause the cue ball to leave the surface of the table by elevating the butt of the cue and using a downward stroke. For the shot to be legal, only the cue tip may touch the cue ball; the shot must not be scooped by the ferrule or shaft. Any miscue on a jump shot is a ball in hand foul. A legal jump cue must be at least 40 inches in length and constructed in typical cue fashion. Standard jump cues, including those with phenolic tips, are accepted. Cues that are atypical in appearance must be accepted and approved by the UPA. 9.8 Use of Equipment Only equipment generally accepted in professional events is permitted. Using permitted equipment in a non-customary manner is a foul. It is the shooting player's responsibility to know the intended use of each piece of equipment. Headphones and other electronic listening devices are not permitted. Use of racks and balls not provided by the venue must be agreed upon by both players. 9.9 Safety Play A player may pocket an object ball and end their inning by declaring "safety" to the opponent before the shot. The player calling safety must ensure the opponent is aware of the declaration, or they may be required to continue playing after pocketing a ball. 9.10 Stalemate If in three consecutive innings by each player both players purposefully foul or scratch because both agree that any attempt to pocket or move an object ball would result in a loss of game, the game is a stalemate and another game is played. Your Captain Is Doing This Math Right Now 10.0 Tournament Director and Referees 10.1 Player Responsibility Each member is responsible for knowing all rules, regulations, and schedules relating to competition. Tournament officials will make reasonable efforts to provide information, but the ultimate responsibility rests with each individual player. There is no recourse if a player does not obtain correct or complete information. Players may call for rule clarifications during league play; this is not considered a time out. 10.2 Referees The league operator or their representatives perform the duties of a referee when referees are unavailable. If no tournament director, assistant, or referee can be found within a reasonable time, a spectator may serve as an unofficial referee when agreed upon by both players and in accordance with UPA rules. 10.3 Playing Without a Referee When no referee or tournament official is available, both players are responsible for racking, watching and calling fouls (including on themselves), and ensuring adherence to UPA rules. Both players may agree on an audience member familiar with UPA rules to perform the duties of a tournament official. 10.4 Questionable Shot If a shot could be a questionable hit or foul, the seated player is responsible for calling for a tournament official or agreed-upon third party to watch the hit before the opponent is down on the ball to shoot. Once notified, the player at the table must wait for an official to watch the shot; otherwise it is an automatic foul. If a tournament official or third party was not utilized, the call belongs to the shooter without further discussion. 10.5 Scoring Players are encouraged to score their own matches to ensure accuracy. A third party scorer is permitted. The scorer records what actually took place and may clarify with the shooter when needed. Any disagreements are determined by a UPA representative. 10.6 Advice vs. Rules Clarification The referee must never give advice or offer an opinion on points of play. Only when asked for a rule clarification will the referee explain that specific rule. Any incorrect statement made by the referee will not protect a player from enforcement of the actual rule. When asked, the referee must tell either player the score, whether the cue ball is frozen to an object ball or rail, or other factual information. If the referee sees a foul about to be committed, they must say nothing until after the foul, since any warning before the foul would constitute advice. 10.7 through 10.13 Official Warnings (10.7): If either player believes the referee is failing to issue a required official warning, they may remind the referee that such a warning is necessary. Calling Fouls (10.8): The referee calls all fouls as soon as they occur and informs the incoming player they have ball in hand. Protesting Fouls (10.9): If a player believes the referee failed to call a foul, they must protest before their opponent takes the next shot. Failure to do so means the foul is considered not to have occurred. Restoring Position (10.10): When necessary, the referee restores disturbed balls to their original positions. If disturbed by a player in the match, the opponent has the option of preventing restoration. If disturbed by someone else, restoration is mandatory. If outside interference affected the outcome of the shot, the referee may instruct a replay after restoration. Verification (10.11): The referee may use any means to gather information needed to rule on a disputed play. Replay of Game (10.12): A game replay is only warranted for table failure, including torn cloth or balls stuck in a pocket. Resolving Disputes (10.13): Any disagreement between players is resolved by the league operator, appointed representatives, or any administrative member of the UPA. 11.0 Special Rulings Any rule or situation not covered in the rules is decided in an expedient manner by the league operator, appointed representatives, or any administrative member of the UPA in accordance with UPA guidelines. Such rulings are reported to the UPA Corporate Office and touring professionals before further implementation. Bylaws (11.1): These rules are consistent nationwide and are not to be altered in any way. The implementation of any bylaws or other supplemental documents is strictly prohibited by UPA Corporate Office. Addendum (11.2): From time to time the UPA may issue an addendum to the official rule book. Each member and player is responsible for staying current. Frequently Asked Questions What is a legal break in UPA 8-ball? The breaker must place the cue ball behind the head string and either pocket a numbered ball or drive at least four numbered balls to one or more rails. No ball is called and no specific first contact is required. Failing to meet this requirement is an illegal break. Does pocketing the 8-ball on the break win or lose in UPA rules? Legally pocketing the 8-ball on the break wins the game. Pocketing the 8-ball on the break while simultaneously committing a foul is a loss of game. What is ball in hand in UPA 8-ball? When a player commits a ball in hand foul, their turn ends and the incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere on the table to begin their inning. Only one foul is called even if multiple fouls occur on the same shot. What shots must be called in UPA 8-ball? 8-Ball is a call pocket game. Obvious shots do not need to be called. Bank shots, kick shots, and combinations must always be called to their designated pocket. It is never necessary to specify the number of banks, kisses, caroms, or rails. What constitutes loss of game in UPA 8-ball? Loss of game occurs when: the opponent legally pockets the 8-ball; a player concedes for any reason; a player commits the acts described in Rule 8.4 (unscrewing a cue, leaving the room, etc. during the last game); a player commits ball tapping after an official warning; or a player receives coaching advice a second time in a match. Scratching on the 8-ball is not a loss of game as long as the 8-ball was not pocketed. Three consecutive fouls result in loss of game in pro play only, not amateur league play. What is the UPA rule on coaching? The shooting player may call one time out per game, lasting no more than two minutes, during which they may consult one available teammate. Receiving advice at any other time is a ball in hand foul. A second infraction in the same match is forfeiture of the current game. What is the double hit rule in UPA 8-ball? If the cue tip strikes the cue ball twice on the same stroke, it is a ball in hand foul. To avoid a double hit, the cue ball must be struck at a minimum 45-degree angle whenever it is in contact with or within half an inch of the intended object ball. Where can I find the complete official UPA rules? The full UPA official 8-ball rules are published by the United States Professional Poolplayers Association at upatour.com/8-ball-rules/ , where a PDF download is also available. If you captain an APA or TAP team, LineUp Magic calculates every valid lineup instantly. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free ← Back to Guides Not the captain? Tell yours about LineUp Magic -- and if you want to improve your game, Bullseye Billiards is built for exactly that. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! This page is an independent educational summary of the official UPA 8-ball rules published by the United States Professional Poolplayers Association at upatour.com. All rule content is paraphrased from source material for reference purposes only. LineUp Magic is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the UPA or the United States Professional Poolplayers Association. For official rules, consult the full document at upatour.com. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/fargo-ratings-guide.html Fargo Ratings Explained - How FargoRate Works for Pool Players | LineUp Magic LineUp Magic › Guides › Fargo Ratings Guide LineUp Magic · Reference Guide Fargo Ratings Explained How FargoRate calculates pool player ratings, what the numbers mean, and how the system is used for handicapping. ⏱ 8 min read 📊 Rating System Reference Key Points Fargo Ratings rank pool players worldwide on a single scale using win/loss data against opponents of known rating. The scale has no fixed top or bottom. Professional players typically rate between 700 and 800. Most league players fall between 200 and 700. Every 100-point gap doubles the expected win ratio. A 100-point difference predicts a 1:2 game win ratio. A rating is considered established once a player has a robustness of 200 games. Ratings are recalculated globally every day at 6am GMT. Results from 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball on 7-foot and 9-foot tables all count toward ratings. What Is FargoRate? FargoRate is a company that computes and maintains pocket billiard player ratings called Fargo Ratings. The system rates amateur and professional players on the same scale by connecting game win/loss data across local leagues, regional events, and international competition. A Fargo Rating of 620 represents the same skill level regardless of where the player lives or where they earned that rating. Unlike sports with an absolute performance measure (swimmers have time, high jumpers have height), pool has no such metric. Skill at pool, like skill at chess, must be measured through relative performance: who beats whom. FargoRate builds its ratings from that foundation, computing the set of ratings that best predicts the outcome of all recorded games between all connected players. The system currently covers over 299,000 players across 130 countries, with more than 28 million games in the dataset. New games are submitted daily and the rating calculation is rerun every day. Stop Doing the Math in Your Head The Scale The Fargo Rating scale has no fixed top or no fixed bottom. Ratings reflect relative performance, but over time they take on an absolute meaning within the player community. The following table shows the approximate skill level associated with each rating range, as described by FargoRate. Rating What It Represents 800+ Top world-class player. Fewer than 20 players worldwide exceed 800. 700 Top regional player in the US. Approximately 300 players at this level in the United States. World-class female player. Capable of running six racks in a row when the break is working. 600 Has run three racks in a row multiple times, possibly four. High run in 14.1 of 50 to 60. Approximately 30 players at this level per million population. 500 A solid local league player. Runs out on the first visit in roughly 5% of games. Close to the median of all players in the FargoRate system. 400 Runs out on the first visit in roughly 1% of games. Once or twice per league season. 300 Common level for a league player. May have run a table once, may not have. 200 Beginner level, modestly coordinated. Has likely never run an 8-ball table. 100 Beginner level, somewhat uncoordinated. APA and TAP leagues assign players their own skill level ratings. If you know your roster's skill levels, LineUp Magic calculates every valid lineup combination under your cap instantly. Know Your Numbers Before the First Rack What Rating Differences Mean Fargo Ratings operate on a logarithmic scale, similar to the Richter scale for earthquakes. Each gap of 100 points doubles the expected game win ratio in favor of the higher-rated player. This relationship holds at any point on the scale, not just at specific levels. 0 pts Same rating 1:1 wins 100 pts e.g. 300 vs 400 1:2 wins 200 pts e.g. 300 vs 500 1:4 wins 300 pts e.g. 400 vs 700 1:8 wins 400 pts e.g. 300 vs 700 1:16 wins 34 pts e.g. 530 vs 564 4:5 wins A new player can establish a preliminary rating through results against any opponent of known rating. A player who consistently wins two out of three games against a rated 350 is performing at approximately a 450, since the two win games in roughly a 2:1 ratio and a 2:1 ratio corresponds to a 100-point gap. Handicapping with Fargo Ratings Rating players and handicapping matches are two separate uses of the system. Ratings measure and compare player skill. Handicapping applies that information to create fair matches between players of different skill levels. The most common handicapping method is a race to different game counts. In a "9-7" format, the higher-rated player must win 9 games before the lower-rated player wins 7 to claim the match. The table below shows how to set up a fair race when the stronger player races to 9, based on the rating difference between the two players. Rating difference Weaker player races to (when stronger races to 9) 17 8 36 7 58 6 85 5 117 4 158 3 217 2 317 1 Help Your Captain Worry Less and Play More Robustness: How Reliable Is a Rating? Robustness is FargoRate's measure of how reliable a player's rating is. At the most basic level it reflects the number of games contributing to the rating, though FargoRate notes the metric may eventually incorporate factors such as the recency of those games and whether opponents had established ratings themselves. A robustness of 200 is the minimum threshold for a rating to be considered established. Players below that threshold have a preliminary rating that may be influenced by a starter rating. APA and TAP captains who know their players' skill levels can sign up free at LineUp Magic to see every legal lineup combination before match night. Starter Ratings A starter rating is an optional prior estimate of a new player's skill used to generate a sensible preliminary rating before enough games have been played. It is not part of the core FargoRate calculation. The preliminary rating a player sees is a weighted blend of their performance rating (weighted by games played) and the starter rating (weighted by games remaining to 200). Once a player reaches 200 games the starter rating is dropped entirely. How Ratings Are Calculated and Updated FargoRate computes what are called maximum likelihood ratings: the set of ratings that most accurately predicts the outcome of all recorded games among all connected players, taken together. This global optimization links players everywhere through chains of shared opponents. A group of players in a local league becomes connected to the worldwide scale through even a single player who has competed outside the group. This full global optimization is run every day at 6am GMT. New game results are added to the dataset continuously, and each recalculation incorporates all of them. To account for player improvement over time, the weight of older games in the calculation diminishes as newer games are added. More recent results have greater influence on a player's current rating than results from years past. FargoRate notes that simply dropping old games entirely would not work well, because a game that seems old for one player may still be a key data point for their opponent's rating. Keep Track of Your Numbers, So You Don't Have To What Games Are Included Fargo Ratings are calculated from results in 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball played on either 7-foot or 9-foot tables. Give Your Captain One Less Thing to Stress About The Rating System's Origins Fargo Ratings are built on the same mathematical foundation as ELO ratings, a system developed by Hungarian-born American physicist Arpad Elo to rate chess players. The same basic relationship between rating differences and win probability that underpins Fargo Ratings is also used in soccer, NFL football, baseball, the game Go, and competitive video games, among others. APA and TAP captains who want to get the most out of their team's skill levels on match night can try LineUp Magic free to calculate every legal lineup combination under their cap. Earlier ELO-type implementations for pool appeared in the 1990s: one by Ron Shepard at Argonne National Laboratory for an 8-ball league, and another by Bob Jewett for 9-ball players in the San Francisco area. The concept of a global optimization approach, computing all ratings together rather than updating them sequentially, was described by Michael Page in a 2002 Billiards Digest article. Fargo Ratings were later implemented at Fargo Billiards in Fargo, ND, and FargoRate was founded to maintain and expand the system. Your Captain Is Doing This Math Right Now Sandbagging Resistance FargoRate describes the design principle behind its resistance to manipulation: transparency. Because every game against every opponent contributes to a player's rating, manipulating the system requires sustained, costly effort. Intentional losses in tournaments come at the cost of entry fees, and a single strong tournament performance can offset multiple deliberate sandbagging attempts. FargoRate also observes that the system's credibility among players, and the fact that most players actively want a higher rating, serves as a natural deterrent against widespread abuse. Stop Doing 23 Rule Math by Hand USAPL Format Integration The USA Pool League uses an 8-ball match format where a player earns points for each ball pocketed plus 7 points for the 8-ball, so the winner of any game always receives 14 points. FargoRate can predict the probability each player wins a game outright, but determining how many points the losing player earns requires additional data. Analysis of tens of thousands of 8-ball games shows that the average losing score is slightly above 4 points, and that a losing player tends to earn more points when losing to a weaker opponent (who is less likely to run out) than when losing to a stronger one. USAPL matchups account for this distinction when using Fargo Ratings to set fair matches. APA and TAP captains can create a free account at LineUp Magic to apply their league's skill level cap automatically to every possible lineup. Frequently Asked Questions What is a Fargo Rating? A Fargo Rating is a numerical score measuring a pocket billiards player's skill based on wins and losses against opponents of known rating. The system connects players from local leagues, regional tournaments, and professional events worldwide onto a single scale. Ratings are maintained by FargoRate . What does a Fargo Rating of 500 mean? A rating of 500 represents a solid local league player who runs out on their first visit to the table in roughly 5% of games. 500 is close to the median of all players in the FargoRate system. How many games do you need for an established Fargo Rating? A rating is considered established once a player reaches a robustness of 200, meaning at least 200 games contributing to their rating. Players below that threshold have a preliminary rating that may be blended with a starter rating. What games count toward a Fargo Rating? Fargo Ratings are calculated from results in 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball played on 7-foot or 9-foot tables. How often are Fargo Ratings updated? A full global optimization of all ratings is performed every day at 6am GMT. New results are added to the dataset continuously. What does a 100-point Fargo Rating difference mean? A 100-point gap predicts a 1:2 game win ratio in favor of the higher-rated player. A 200-point gap predicts 1:4, and a 300-point gap predicts 1:8. The scale is logarithmic, so each additional 100 points doubles the expected ratio. Is the Fargo Rating system related to ELO ratings? Yes. Fargo Ratings are based on the same mathematical principles as ELO ratings, originally developed to rate chess players. The same approach is used in many other competitive sports and games. FargoRate extends the basic ELO framework with a daily global optimization that recalculates all player ratings simultaneously using the full dataset. Keeps Track of Your Numbers, So You Don't Have To If you play in an APA or TAP league, LineUp Magic calculates every legal lineup combination from your roster instantly, with the cap rules and senior player limits applied automatically. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free ← Back to Guides Not the captain on your APA or TAP team? Tell yours about LineUp Magic -- and if you want to move your Fargo rating up, Bullseye Billiards is built for exactly that. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! This page is an independent educational summary of publicly available information about how FargoRate works. LineUp Magic is not affiliated with FargoRate. All factual content is drawn from the FargoRate website at fargorate.com and is presented for reference only. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/pool-billiards-glossary.html Pool & Billiards Glossary (2026) - Terms and Definitions for American Pool LineUp Magic › Guides › Pool & Billiards Glossary By Matt Landry · APA & TAP League Player, Capital Region NY 🎱 LineUp Magic · Reference Pool & Billiards Glossary Terms and definitions for American pool, league play, and pocket billiards 📖 Reference Guide 🎱 8-Ball · 9-Ball · 10-Ball · Straight Pool · One Pocket Games Leagues & Orgs Rules & Principles A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T W FAQ Games 8-Ball also Eight-Ball, Stripes and Solids The most widely played pool format in the world and the primary game in APA and most recreational leagues. Fifteen balls are racked in a triangle with the 8-ball in the center and a stripe and a solid in each back corner. Groups (stripes or solids) are assigned by the first legally pocketed called ball after the break. Each player must pocket all seven balls in their group, then legally pocket the 8-ball to win. Pocketing the 8-ball before clearing your group, or scratching while shooting it, is an immediate loss under most standard rules. LineUp Magic calculates legal 8-ball team lineups for APA and TAP captains instantly. 9-Ball also Nine-Ball A rotation game played with nine balls (1–9) racked in a diamond with the 1-ball at the apex over the foot spot and the 9-ball in the center. The cue ball must contact the lowest-numbered ball on the table first on every shot, though balls can be pocketed in any order as a result. The 9-ball can be legally pocketed at any time via a combination, carom, or direct shot, as long as the lowest ball was struck first. The player who legally pockets the 9-ball wins. The dominant professional pool format. LineUp Magic supports 9-ball lineup calculations for APA and TAP teams. 10-Ball also Ten-Ball A rotation game played with ten balls (1–10) racked in a triangle with the 10-ball in the center. Like 9-ball, the lowest-numbered ball must always be contacted first. Unlike 9-ball, all shots must be called; slop does not count. Widely regarded as more skill-intensive than 9-ball due to the call-shot requirement. The 10-ball can be legally pocketed early via a called combination. LineUp Magic supports 10-ball lineup calculations , free to use, no setup required. Straight Pool also 14.1, 14.1 Continuous A game in which any ball may be pocketed at any time, with both the ball and target pocket required to be called on every shot. One point is scored per legally pocketed ball. When only one ball remains on the table, the other fourteen are re-racked without the apex ball, and play continues through the new rack. Matches are typically played to 100 or 150 points. Straight pool was the dominant professional format for decades and remains one of the most demanding tests of all-around skill. If you're a league captain managing high-skill players in a format with a team cap, try LineUp Magic free . Built for APA and TAP captains who need every valid lineup on demand. One Pocket also 1P, One Hole Each player is assigned one of the two corner pockets on the foot rail and may only score by legally pocketing balls in their designated pocket. The first player to pocket eight of the fifteen balls wins. Balls pocketed in any other pocket are re-spotted. One Pocket rewards patient safety play, defensive strategy, and precise position play far more than raw shot-making ability. Widely considered one of the most tactically complex pool formats. Bank Pool also Banks A game in which only bank shots count, each scoring shot must rebound off at least one cushion before the object ball enters a pocket. Direct pockets do not count. Each legally made bank scores one point; the first player to reach a set number wins. Bank pool tests a player's understanding of rail angles, speed-dependent rebound variation, and cut-angle effects on banking. Cutthroat also Elimination, Screw Your Buddy A casual three-player game played with all fifteen balls. Each player is assigned a group of five balls to protect, typically 1–5, 6–10, or 11–15. The objective is to pocket the other players' balls. The last player with at least one ball remaining on the table wins. No fixed professional format exists; it is primarily a recreational and bar game. Equal Offense A practice and competition format in which each player or team is given a set number of innings, typically ten, each starting with a fresh rack and ball-in-hand after the break. The player attempts to pocket as many balls as possible per inning, up to a limit. Total score across all innings determines the winner. Because both players face the same number of chances from the same starting condition, Equal Offense removes the luck of who breaks and provides a consistent measure of ball-pocketing and position-play ability. Speed Pool A timed format in which the objective is to pocket an entire rack of balls as quickly as possible. Shot selection and ball-making efficiency take priority over position play. Speed Pool is commonly used as a drill and in exhibition settings. Stop Doing the Math in Your Head Leagues & Organizations APA American Poolplayers Association The largest amateur pool league organization in North America, with local leagues operating under a national structure. The APA uses its Equalizer handicapping system, which assigns each player a skill level (SL1–SL9) based on match performance history tracked through submitted scoresheets. Skill levels determine how many games a player must win in 8-ball, or how many points they must score in 9-ball, to defeat an opponent. The primary team formats are 8-ball and 9-ball; the team skill level limit (23 Rule in open division) governs lineup construction. See the APA Skill Levels guide and the APA 23 Rule guide for full details. TAP The Association of Pool A national American pool league and tournament organization using a skill-level-based handicapping system comparable in structure to the APA's. TAP's open division uses a team skill level cap of 25 (the 25 Rule). TAP uses call-pocket rules and has some procedural differences from the APA, including an explicit shot clock for higher-level events. See the TAP League Rules guide for a full breakdown including a side-by-side comparison with APA. BCA / BCAPL Billiard Congress of America / BCA Pool League The Billiard Congress of America is the primary pool trade and governing association in the United States, responsible for maintaining rules, equipment standards, and the Hall of Fame. The BCAPL (BCA Pool League) is the associated league organization, now operating under CueSports International (CSI), that runs local leagues and an annual national championship in Las Vegas. ACS American CueSports Alliance A national pool league and tournament organization offering 8-ball, 9-ball, and other formats. The ACS holds an annual championship tournament and maintains its own ruleset and handicapping structure. VNEA Valley National Eight-ball Association A national pool league organization associated with Valley bar boxes. VNEA leagues are common in bars and use coin-operated tables. The organization runs an annual national championship and uses its own ruleset. WPA World Pool-Billiard Association The international governing body for pocket billiards, responsible for maintaining the World Standardized Rules used in professional and most sanctioned amateur competition worldwide. WPA rules form the baseline from which most national and league rulesets are derived, though organizations like the APA use modified versions tailored to their formats. Equalizer The APA's proprietary handicapping system. Each player is assigned a skill level based on their accumulated performance history in APA-sanctioned matches. In 8-ball, skill levels determine the number of games a player must win per match (ranging from 2 wins for an SL2 to 7 wins for an SL7+). In 9-ball, skill levels determine how many points a player must score per match. The system is designed so that players of significantly different ability levels can compete meaningfully in a team format. The APA Skill Levels guide covers every level in detail with the full Games Must Win chart. Skill Level A numerical rating assigned to a player within a league's handicapping system. In the APA, skill levels run from SL1 (beginning player) to SL9 (professional-caliber). Ratings are calculated from actual match data, innings played, balls pocketed, and defensive shots, and are updated as players accumulate match history. An accurate skill level is essential to fair team competition under the APA's team skill level limit rules. See the APA Skill Levels guide for what each level means in practice and how they connect to the lineup cap. Senior Skill Level In the APA, any player rated SL6 or higher in open division. Teams are limited to fielding no more than two Senior Skill Level players in a single team match. This restriction applies independently of the 23 Rule, a team may technically stay within the 23-point combined skill level total and still violate the Senior Skill Level rule by putting up three or more SL6+ players in the same match night. The Captain's Match Night Rules guide covers how this interacts with player declaration and forfeit procedures. 23 Rule also Team Skill Level Limit The APA rule capping the combined skill levels of the five players a team fields in a single open division team match at a maximum of 23. The violation occurs the moment the rack is struck in the individual match that pushes the team's total past 23. The entire offending team receives zero points for the match night. See the APA 23 Rule guide for full details on penalties, fallback compliance rules, and legal lineup combinations. 📋 Related Guides on LineUp Magic APA Skill Levels Explained What each SL means, the Games Must Win chart, and how levels connect to the lineup cap. The APA 23 Rule Penalties, fallback compliance rules, and every legal lineup combination by format. TAP League Rules Guide The 25 Rule, call-pocket play, shot clock, and a side-by-side comparison with APA. APA 8-Ball vs Bar Rules Shot calling, ball-in-hand, safeties, fouls, coaching, what changes when you join a league. Captain's Match Night Rules Player declaration, Senior Skill Level limit, forfeit order, coaching, and protests. 🎱 LineUp Magic, Free Tool Every valid lineup from your roster, sorted strongest first, with the 23 Rule applied automatically. Rules, Principles & Shot Physics 30° Rule A predictive principle stating that a rolling cue ball's path deflects approximately 30 degrees from its original direction after impact with an object ball on cut shots ranging roughly from a quarter-ball to a three-quarter-ball hit. The 30° rule is one of the most practically useful position-play guidelines, giving a player a reliable baseline for predicting where the cue ball will travel after a cut shot at normal rolling speed. 90° Rule The principle stating that when a sliding (stunned) cue ball contacts an object ball at any cut angle, the cue ball and object ball separate along paths that are exactly 90 degrees apart. Because the cue ball travels along the tangent line with stun, and the object ball travels along the impact line, these two lines are always perpendicular. The 90° rule is the foundation for understanding stop shots, stun shots, and tangent line position play. 3× Rule A guideline stating that with a thick hit (greater than a three-quarter-ball hit), the cue ball will deflect approximately three times the cut angle away from its original path after contacting the object ball. Useful for estimating cue ball direction on near-straight shots. 7× Rule A guideline stating that on a straight-in roll shot, the cue ball will roll forward approximately one-seventh the distance the object ball rolls. This relationship holds because of the mass and momentum transfer properties of equal-weight balls in a direct-line collision. It is useful for estimating how far the cue ball will travel past the original object ball position on a follow shot. Half-Ball Hit also ½-Ball Hit A cut shot in which the center of the cue ball is aimed to pass through the outer edge of the object ball, covering half of the object ball's projected face. A half-ball hit produces a cut angle of approximately 30 degrees. It is a standard reference point in fractional-ball aiming systems and a reliable benchmark for estimating cut angles on either side of it. Quarter-Ball Hit also ¼-Ball Hit A cut shot in which the cue ball's inside edge is aimed to cover approximately one-quarter of the object ball's projected face, resulting in a cut angle of approximately 49 degrees. A quarter-ball hit is a thin cut requiring careful aim; the cue ball deflects significantly from its pre-contact path. Three-Quarter-Ball Hit also ¾-Ball Hit A cut shot in which the cue ball's inside edge is aimed to cover approximately three-quarters of the object ball's projected face, resulting in a cut angle of approximately 15 degrees. A three-quarter-ball hit is a relatively full hit that sends the object ball nearly straight ahead with only a slight deflection. Ball-in-Hand also Cue Ball in Hand The option of placing the cue ball anywhere on the table before shooting, awarded to the incoming player after the opponent commits a foul. Ball-in-hand anywhere on the table is the standard foul penalty in APA, TAP, WPA, and most modern league and tournament formats. Some bar rules and older formats restrict ball-in-hand to behind the head string (in the kitchen) only. This is one of the most common differences new players notice when moving from bar pool to league play. The APA 8-Ball vs Bar Rules guide covers this and other key differences side by side. Call Shot also Called Shot, Call-Pocket A requirement in certain pool formats that the shooter designate the intended ball and pocket before each shot. In call-shot games, obvious shots near pockets are typically understood without verbal declaration, but banks, combinations, kicks, and any ambiguous shots should be explicitly called. In 10-ball, all shots, including straightforward ones, must be called. The APA does not require called shots in standard league play; balls pocketed by slop count. What the APA does require is a legal lineup under the 23 Rule. Register free at LineUp Magic so that part is handled before you even arrive. Cut-Induced Throw also CIT The deflection of the object ball away from the expected impact line caused by sliding friction between the cue ball and object ball during a cut shot. The sideways friction force at the point of contact pushes the object ball slightly toward the cue ball's path, so the object ball travels in a somewhat different direction than a pure geometric calculation would predict. Cut-induced throw is more pronounced at slower shot speeds and decreases as speed increases. Spin-Induced Throw also SIT, English-Induced Throw Deflection of the object ball away from the expected impact line caused by sidespin on the cue ball. When the spinning cue ball contacts the object ball, sideways friction between the ball surfaces can push the object ball off its predicted path. Inside english increases throw; outside english reduces it. Spin-induced throw is most significant at slower speeds and on combination shots where the spinning object ball continues to carry the induced spin into the next contact. Foul A rules violation during a shot that results in a penalty for the offending player. Common fouls: failing to contact the required ball first; failing to drive any ball to a cushion or pocket a ball after the cue ball contacts the object ball; pocketing the cue ball (scratch); double-hitting the cue ball; touching any ball with anything other than the cue tip; failing to keep at least one foot on the floor; and moving a ball accidentally with the cue or body. The standard penalty in modern American pool is ball-in-hand anywhere on the table for the opponent. If your team is already close to the 23-point cap, a foul on the wrong match can cost the whole night. Create a free LineUp Magic account and put your strongest legal lineup on the table every time. Three-Foul Rule A rule in 9-ball and some other formats that awards victory to the non-offending player if their opponent commits three successive fouls without making a legal shot in between. The opponent must be verbally notified that they are on their second consecutive foul before the third foul can trigger a loss of game. This rule is not universally applied, it must be in effect under the specific ruleset being used. Open Break Requirement A rule in 8-ball and some 9-ball formats requiring that the break shot either pocket at least one ball or drive at least four object balls to a cushion. A break that fails to meet this requirement is a foul, typically giving the opponent the option to re-break or accept the table. Push Out also Push A special shot option available in 9-ball immediately after the break. On a push out, the shooter may play the cue ball to any location on the table without the normal requirements of contacting the lowest ball first or driving a ball to a cushion. Any ball pocketed on a push out is not counted. After a push out, the opponent may choose to shoot from the new cue ball position or return the shot to the original player. The push out must be declared before the shot is taken. APA and TAP 9-ball captains tracking points-per-match for each player's skill level can sign up free at LineUp Magic to turn those skill levels into optimized lineup combinations automatically. World Standardized Rules also WSR, WPA Rules The official rules of pocket billiards games developed and maintained by the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA). Most professional and many amateur tournaments use World Standardized Rules as their baseline, with game-specific supplements for 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, straight pool, and one pocket. The APA uses its own modified ruleset that differs from WSR in several areas, most notably handicapping structure, the team skill level limit, and some foul interpretations. Know Your Numbers Before the First Rack A Access Ball An object ball whose position, once pocketed, allows the cue ball to easily reach shape on a subsequent ball that would otherwise be difficult to get to. Identifying and using access balls effectively is a key element of advanced run-out planning in 8-ball. Aiming Line also Line of Aim, Shot Line The imaginary line extending through the center of the cue ball in the direction the cue is pointed, running toward the intended ghost ball target position on the object ball. Accurate placement of the cue along the aiming line is the fundamental objective of any aiming system. Apex Ball also Apex, Head Ball The ball positioned at the front of a racked group, closest to the breaker, farthest from the racker, placed over the foot spot. In an 8-ball or straight pool triangle rack, the 1-ball is typically the apex. In a 9-ball diamond rack, the 1-ball sits at the apex. Area Position Play also Area Shape An approach to position play in which the cue ball is played into a broad zone that guarantees at least one makeable shot, rather than attempting to place the cue ball at a precise point. Playing for area shape reduces pressure and increases consistency because a larger target area is more forgiving of minor speed or angle errors. Captains can apply the same thinking: rather than hunting for one perfect lineup, create a free account at LineUp Magic and see the full zone of valid combinations your roster gives you. B Back Cut A cut shot in which the shooter is aimed away from the target pocket. The butt of the cue passes over one of the cushions adjacent to the pocket rather than facing the pocket directly. Back cuts are generally more difficult to judge because the pocket is behind or beside the shooter's natural line of sight during address. Backspin also Back Spin, Bottom Spin, Draw Reverse rotation applied to the cue ball by striking below center. The spinning ball slides forward while friction from the cloth works against its spin, slowing it. On contact with an object ball, backspin causes the cue ball to reverse direction or stop well short of where a center-ball hit would carry it. The more backspin applied, and the slower the shot speed, the more pronounced the draw effect. Back-Hand English also BHE A method of compensating aim for cue ball squirt when applying sidespin. The cue is first aligned for a center-ball hit, then pivoted toward the desired tip offset using the back (grip) hand while keeping the bridge hand planted. For a specific bridge length matching the cue's natural pivot point, this pivot angle cancels the squirt effect and keeps the cue ball traveling along the original aiming line. Baize The traditional term for the woven woolen cloth used to cover billiard tables. Often called "felt" informally, though baize and felt are structurally different materials. Table cloth is traditionally green but other colors are common. Cloth quality, weave tightness, and condition significantly affect ball speed and how effectively spin transfers. Bank Shot also Bank A shot in which the object ball is driven into one or more cushions before being pocketed. Bank angle is affected by speed, faster shots rebound at a narrower angle while slower shots rebound wider, as well as spin transferred from the cue ball at impact and the condition of the cushions. In bank pool, only bank shots score. In call-shot games, a bank must be designated before the shot. Bar Box also Bar Table, Coin-Op A coin-operated pool table, typically 3.5 × 7 feet, found in bars, taverns, and entertainment venues. Bar boxes are smaller than full-size 9-foot competition tables, which compresses shot angles and requires adjusted speed and position play. Most have an automatic ball-return system that separates the cue ball from object balls using a magnetic or size-based mechanism. APA and most recreational leagues use bar boxes as their standard playing surface. See the APA 8-Ball vs Bar Rules guide for how league rules differ from informal bar pool on these tables. Break also Break Shot, Opening Break, Snap The first shot of a game, played from behind the head string into the racked object balls. Requirements vary by game: in 8-ball, the cue ball must contact the rack and either pocket a ball or drive at least four balls to a cushion; in 9-ball and 10-ball, the cue ball must strike the 1-ball first and either pocket a ball or drive four balls to a cushion. An illegal break typically gives the opponent the option to re-break or accept the table as-is. Break and Run also Break and Dish, B&R When a player pockets at least one ball on the break and then clears all remaining required balls without the opponent getting a turn. In 8-ball, this means running all seven balls in one's group and pocketing the 8-ball in one extended inning. In 9-ball, it means reaching and pocketing the 9-ball. A break and run is one of the most impressive individual achievements in a game of pool. APA and TAP captains can create a free account at LineUp Magic to see which lineups give their team the strongest position from the opening break. Break Box A designated two-diamond-by-two-diamond square area in the center of the kitchen, between the head string and head rail, from which the break shot must be taken in some tournament formats. The break box rule, used in some 9-ball events, prevents the more effective side-rail break technique that often results in the 9-ball being pocketed on the break. Break Cue A cue specifically built for the opening break shot, typically sturdier than a playing cue with a harder tip to withstand the force of power breaks without absorbing excessive energy. Break cues are often slightly heavier than playing cues and have less flexible shafts. Using a separate break cue helps preserve the playing cue's tip and shaft. Break-Out Shot also Break-Up Shot A shot in which the cue ball, after contacting its primary target, is directed into a cluster of balls to scatter them into more accessible positions. Break-out shots are a common strategic tool in 8-ball when certain balls in a group are locked in a cluster and cannot be easily pocketed without being separated first. Figuring out which players on your roster can be combined under the cap is its own kind of break-out problem. Sign up free at LineUp Magic and it handles every combination instantly. Bridge also Hand Bridge The support formed by the non-shooting hand (or a mechanical device) that holds and guides the cue shaft during a stroke. The two primary hand bridge styles are the open bridge (cue rests in a V-groove between the thumb and index finger) and the closed bridge (index finger loops over the cue for added stability). Bridge length (the distance from the bridge to the cue ball) is typically 6 to 10 inches for most shots. Butt The grip end of the cue stick, held by the shooting hand during a stroke. The butt is the thicker, heavier portion of the cue. On two-piece cues, the butt contains the joint mechanism and is stored or transported separately from the shaft. Cue weight is largely determined by the weight bolt or material in the butt. Help Your Captain Worry Less and Play More C Center Ball also Center-Ball Hit Striking the cue ball at its exact geometric center, no top, bottom, or side spin is applied intentionally. A center-ball hit causes the cue ball to slide initially then transition to natural forward roll as cloth friction takes effect. On a straight-in shot at normal speed, center-ball contact produces a follow-through of the cue ball along the object ball's path. On a cut shot, the cue ball travels along the tangent line while developing roll. Chalk A compressed cube of fine abrasive material (technically a compound of silica and aluminum oxide, not calcium carbonate) applied to the cue tip before shots. Chalk increases friction between the leather tip and the cue ball, reducing the likelihood of a miscue on off-center hits. Should be applied lightly before each shot with a light brushing motion rather than grinding the chalk into the tip. Cheat the Pocket Intentionally directing an object ball to enter one side of a pocket rather than through the center. Cheating the pocket changes the angle of the cue ball's departure after contact, making it possible to achieve a different cue ball position than a center-pocket entry would produce. Also used to avoid scratches on straight-in shots and to navigate object balls partially blocking the pocket opening. Closed Bridge also Loop Bridge A hand bridge in which the index finger is curled over the cue shaft, creating a loop through which the cue travels. A closed bridge provides more stability and less lateral play than an open bridge, making it preferred for power shots, long-distance shots where precision is critical, and shots requiring heavy spin application. Cloth also Felt, Baize, Table Cloth The material covering the playing surface and rails of a pool table. Most quality pool cloth is a wool-nylon blend. "Felt" is the widespread informal term, though structurally incorrect. Fast cloth (tight weave, broken-in, clean) allows balls to travel farther with less friction; slow cloth (loose, dirty, or worn) causes balls to decelerate sooner. Cloth condition significantly affects position play planning. Cluster Two or more object balls that are touching or in close proximity. Clusters require planning: a player may need a break-out shot to separate them, or may use them strategically for combinations or defensive purposes. Leaving a cluster of the opponent's balls locked in an inaccessible position is a standard defensive tactic in 8-ball. Combination Shot also Combo A shot in which the cue ball contacts one object ball, which then travels into a second object ball (and possibly more), ultimately pocketing the final ball. Combination shots require accurate contact point alignment and are susceptible to throw effects. A "dead combination" refers to balls lined up so directly toward a pocket that the shot is nearly unmissable. Contact Point also Point of Contact, Impact Point The specific point on the surface of the object ball where the cue ball makes contact. The object ball travels along the line drawn through its center and the contact point after impact. Accurate identification of the required contact point, based on the desired object ball path, is the foundation of cut-shot aiming. Cue also Cue Stick, Stick The tapered implement used to strike the cue ball. A standard playing cue is 57–58 inches long, weighs 18–21 ounces (with 19–20 oz most common), and consists of a tip, ferrule, shaft, joint (on two-piece cues), and butt. The shaft tapers from a wider diameter near the joint to a narrower tip diameter. Cue quality, stiffness, weight, and tip hardness all affect feel and performance. Cue Ball also CB, the Rock, the White The white ball that a player propels with the cue stick. It is the only ball that may be legally contacted by the cue tip. On most tables, the cue ball is identical in size and weight to the object balls. On older coin-operated bar tables, the cue ball may be slightly larger or contain iron particles to enable the auto ball-return mechanism to separate it from object balls after a scratch. Cue Tip also Tip The formed piece of material, typically layered or solid leather, at the narrow end of the cue shaft that contacts the cue ball. Tip hardness affects spin transfer and durability: softer tips grip the cue ball longer and impart more spin; harder tips are more durable and consistent but generate less spin. Cue tips require regular maintenance, shaping, scuffing, and chalking to perform reliably. Cushion also Rail The elastic bumpers lining all rails of a billiard table, made from vulcanized rubber. Balls rebound off cushions according to approach angle, ball speed, and spin. Cushion condition degrades over time; a "dead cushion" has lost elasticity and rebounds balls shorter than expected. "Rail" is used interchangeably with cushion, though strictly the rail is the wooden frame member and the cushion is the rubber strip mounted on it. Cut Angle The angle between the cue ball's direction of travel and the impact line (the line through the centers of the cue ball and object ball at contact). A straight-in shot has a cut angle of zero. As the cut angle increases, the hit becomes thinner, the object ball deflects at a greater angle from the cue ball's path, and the cue ball's post-contact path changes accordingly. Cut Shot also Angle Shot Any shot in which the cue ball contacts the object ball at an angle, that is, where the cut angle is greater than zero. Nearly all pocketing shots in pool are cut shots, since straight-in shots are relatively uncommon in practice. The required cut angle is determined by the positions of the cue ball, object ball, and target pocket. D Dead Combination also Wired Combo A combination shot in which the object balls are aligned so directly toward a pocket that contact with the first ball will almost certainly send the second ball in. The shot is considered "dead" because it is essentially impossible to miss; the balls are said to be "wired" to the pocket. Dead combinations are valuable in run-out planning as automatic options that require little accuracy. Dead Stroke also In the Zone, In Stroke A state of peak play in which a player appears unable to miss, shots feel automatic, position play is fluid, and decision-making is clear and confident. Also called being "in stroke" or "in the zone." Players in dead stroke typically experience a relaxed mental state, consistent pre-shot routine, and unusually predictable cue ball control. Captains put themselves in dead stroke before match night by knowing their lineup options cold. Sign up free at LineUp Magic and never do the math in your head again. Diamond System Any of several mathematical aiming systems that use the inlaid diamond markings on the rails as reference points to calculate the cue ball's path on kick shots and bank shots off multiple cushions. By assigning numerical values to each diamond position, a player can determine where a ball will arrive after one or more rail contacts at a given entry angle. Various diamond systems exist; experienced players often develop personal adjustments based on their preferred speeds. Diamonds also Sights, Spots The small inlaid markings set into the top surface of the rails at regular intervals between pockets. On a standard pool table, three equally spaced diamonds appear between each pair of adjacent pockets on the long rails, and two on the short rails. Diamonds serve as reference points for kick shots, bank shots, and position play systems. The shape of the markings varies by manufacturer; they may be diamond-shaped, round, square, or rectangular. Double Hit also Double-Hit Foul An illegal shot in which the cue tip contacts the cue ball twice during a single stroke. Most commonly occurs when the cue ball is very close to an object ball or cushion and the tip catches the cue ball a second time as it rebounds. A double hit is a foul in all standard rule sets and results in ball-in-hand for the opponent. Short strokes at very close range and shots played with the cue ball already against an object ball are the most common situations where double hits occur. Drag Shot A shot using bottom spin to slow the cue ball on its way to the object ball. By beginning the cue ball with backspin, the drag shot produces a desired degree of draw, stun, or follow at the moment of impact. The backspin decelerates the cue ball en route so it arrives with less forward momentum than the stroke speed initially implies. Useful for controlling cue ball position on long-distance shots. Draw Shot also Draw, Screw (British) A shot in which the cue ball is struck below center, applying backspin. After contacting the object ball, the backspin causes the cue ball to reverse direction, pulling back toward the shooter rather than following the object ball forward. The degree of draw depends on how far below center the tip contacts the ball and how much speed is applied. Draw is one of the two fundamental position-play tools in pool, along with follow. E Eight-Ball the ball itself The solid-black ball numbered 8 in a standard American ball set. The 8-ball is the game ball (money ball) in eight-ball, the final ball each player must legally pocket after clearing their assigned group of seven. Pocketing the 8-ball before clearing one's group, scratching while shooting for it, or pocketing it in the wrong pocket results in immediate loss under most standard rulesets. English also Sidespin, Side Horizontal spin applied to the cue ball by striking it to the left or right of its vertical center line. English has its primary effect on how the cue ball rebounds off cushions, running english (in the direction of travel along the rail) widens the rebound angle and adds speed; reverse english narrows the rebound angle and reduces speed. English also influences object ball path slightly through spin-induced throw. Controlled english is essential for advanced cue ball position play. Effective Pocket Size also Target Size The total margin of error, left and right of the pocket's effective center, within which a shot still results in the object ball being pocketed. Effective pocket size varies with the approach angle of the object ball, the distance from pocket to object ball, and whether the pocket facings offer a backboard effect. Shots entering a pocket at a shallow angle effectively have a larger target than shots driven in at a steep angle. Keeps Track of Your Numbers, So You Don't Have To F Ferrule The sleeve fitted to the tip end of the cue shaft, onto which the cue tip is mounted with adhesive. Ferrules are commonly made from fiberglass, phenolic resin, or other rigid synthetic materials. The ferrule protects the wood of the shaft from splitting under the repeated compression of cue ball impacts. Ferrule material affects how the tip feels at contact and contributes to squirt characteristics. Follow Shot also Follow, Topspin, Top A shot in which the cue ball is struck above center, applying forward (top) spin. After contacting the object ball, topspin causes the cue ball to continue rolling forward, farther than a center-ball hit would carry it. On a straight-in shot, the cue ball follows the object ball directly. On a cut shot, the cue ball initially travels along the tangent line and then arcs forward due to the topspin. Follow is one of the two fundamental position-play tools in pool. Follow-Through The continuation of the cue's forward motion through the cue ball position after contact, extending along the aiming line. A complete, straight follow-through is one of the most important fundamentals of a consistent stroke. Cutting the follow-through short, or steering it off-line toward the pocket, is a common source of missed shots and inconsistent cue ball behavior. Foot Rail The short rail at the foot end of the table, the end where balls are racked. The foot rail is opposite the head rail, from which the opening break shot is played. Balls spotted to the table are placed on the foot spot, located at the center of the foot string near this rail. Foot Spot The marked or implied point on the table at the intersection of the foot string and the long string, approximately one-quarter of the table's length from the foot rail. The apex ball of every rack is placed on the foot spot. When object balls must be returned to the table (after being illegally pocketed or jumped off), they are spotted on the foot spot or as close to it as possible without contacting other balls. Force Follow also Power Follow A follow shot struck with significant speed and maximum topspin, driving the cue ball forcefully through or past the object ball's original position. Force follow is used to break up clusters, reach distant position zones on long-distance shots, and drive through multiple balls. On a straight-in shot at close range, force follow sends the cue ball hard through the contact area. Fractional-Ball Aiming An aiming method using the estimated fraction of the object ball covered by the projected cue ball to gauge the required cut angle. Full-ball (100%), three-quarter-ball (75%), half-ball (50%), and quarter-ball (25%) hit fractions each correspond to specific cut angles: 0°, ~15°, ~30°, and ~49° respectively. Players use these reference points as benchmarks and interpolate between them for intermediate cut angles. Frozen A ball that is resting in direct contact with a cushion or another ball. Frozen balls affect play in specific ways: a cue ball frozen to an object ball may have special legal requirements for how it must be played; an object ball frozen to a cushion is subject to specific rules about whether it can be kicked away from that same rail; and frozen combinations may be nearly automatic (dead) shots depending on their alignment. Fundamentals The core physical skills that form the foundation of consistent play: stance, grip, bridge, stroke, and follow-through. Sound fundamentals allow a player to execute shots repeatably and accurately under pressure. Most instruction emphasizes developing solid fundamentals first, since advanced techniques built on a flawed foundation will be unreliable. G Gearing Outside English A precisely calibrated amount of outside sidespin applied to the cue ball that results in zero relative sliding motion between the cue ball and object ball surfaces at the moment of impact; the balls interact like two meshing gears. When gearing outside english is achieved, cut-induced throw is eliminated, and the object ball travels along the pure impact line. The required amount of outside english varies by cut angle and shot conditions. Ghost Ball also GB An imaginary ball of the same size as the cue ball, mentally placed in contact with the object ball at the location where the impact line points toward the target pocket. The center of the ghost ball defines the precise aiming point. The cue ball must be sent to occupy exactly the ghost ball's position to contact the object ball at the correct point. Ghost ball is one of the most widely taught and intuitive aiming methods in pool. Group also Suit One of the two sets of seven object balls assigned to a player in 8-ball: either solids (1–7) or stripes (9–15). Group assignment is determined by the first legally pocketed called shot after the break. A player must pocket all balls in their group before attempting the 8-ball. The 8-ball itself is neutral until the group assignment is made. Team captains building APA or TAP lineups within the skill level cap can sign up free at LineUp Magic to see every valid player combination for match night. Give Your Captain One Less Thing to Stress About H Handicap also Spot, Weight A modification to rules, scoring, or game count that compensates for a skill level difference between players, allowing more equitable competition. Common pool handicaps include adjusted race lengths, pre-assigned wins (games on the wire), and the APA's skill-level-based scoring system. Leagues use handicapping to ensure competitive matches between players of different abilities across an entire team season. LineUp Magic applies the APA and TAP team skill level caps automatically when calculating valid lineups from your roster. Hanger also Sitter, Duck, Cherry An object ball sitting directly in or immediately over the opening of a pocket, a shot that is nearly impossible to miss. Hangers often result from a partially-executed shot that deposits the ball on the lip without it falling in. Despite appearances, the most common error when shooting a hanger is scratching the cue ball into the same pocket immediately after. Head Rail The short rail at the head end of the table, the end from which the opening break is played. The head rail is the near rail from the breaker's perspective. Traditionally, the table manufacturer's nameplate is mounted on the head rail. Head String also Baulk Line An imaginary line running across the table through the second diamonds from the head end of each long rail. The head string defines the back boundary of the kitchen. The cue ball must be placed behind the head string for the opening break and in ball-in-hand-behind-the-line situations. The head string intersects the long string at the head spot. High Run The highest number of consecutive balls a player has ever pocketed in a single inning of straight pool without missing. High run is the standard benchmark for measuring straight pool achievement. A high run of 100 or more (a "century") represents a significant level of mastery. Top professionals have recorded runs exceeding 500 balls in competition. Hill also On the Hill, Hill-Hill A player who needs only one more win to clinch a match is "on the hill." When both players are in this position simultaneously, the match is "hill-hill", the most pressure-filled point in any race-format competition. A hill-hill game is sometimes called a "case game" because after it ends, the cue goes back in the case. On a match night that comes down to one game, lineup decisions can be the margin. Create a free account at LineUp Magic and know your strongest legal combinations before you ever have to declare. I Impact Line also Line of Centers The imaginary line through the centers of the cue ball and object ball at the exact moment of contact. After impact, the object ball travels along the impact line (absent throw effects). The impact line is also the line passing through the ghost ball's center and the object ball's center, and is the fundamental reference for all cut-shot aiming. Inning also Visit, Turn A player's turn at the table, which continues as long as they legally pocket balls and commit no fouls. An inning ends with a miss, a foul, a deliberate safety, or a win. In straight pool, an inning may span multiple racks if the player continues pocketing balls without interruption. In APA, innings at the table factor directly into how skill levels are calculated, every match your team plays is data. Create a free account at LineUp Magic to make the most of those skill levels when building your lineup. Inside English also Inside Spin, IE Sidespin applied to the cue ball on the same side as the direction the object ball is cut. For example, right-side spin on the cue ball when cutting the object ball to the right. Inside english can increase throw on the object ball and tends to narrow the cue ball's rebound angle off cushions compared to a no-spin shot. Contrast with outside english. Insurance Ball An easily pocketed object ball, often hanging in or near a pocket, that a player deliberately leaves untouched while running other balls. The insurance ball is held in reserve as a safety valve: if the player gets out of position during the run, the insurance ball provides a simple shot to get back on track without losing the inning. LineUp Magic is your insurance ball for match night , a free account that keeps every legal lineup ready when you need a fallback option under the cap. J Jail also In Jail, Alcatraz The position a player is left in after an effective safety, surrounded by opponent balls with no accessible legal hit. Being in jail typically forces a kick shot or a safety response that extends the defensive exchange. Leaving an opponent in jail after a safety is one of the goals of advanced defensive play. Jaws The interior walls of a pocket opening, formed by the angled pocket facings on either side of the entrance. A ball that "jaws" rattles between the pocket walls without dropping in. The pocket point (knuckle) is the corner where the cushion nose meets the pocket facing at each side of the opening. Joint The threaded mechanical connection between the butt and shaft sections of a two-piece cue. Most modern cues use a stainless steel or brass pin and matching collar at the joint. A secure, properly fitted joint is important for consistent stroke feel and cue integrity. Joint protector plugs are used to keep the mechanism clean and protected when the cue is broken down. Jump Shot A shot in which the cue ball is intentionally propelled into the air to clear an obstacle ball. Legal jump shots are executed with a downward stroke that compresses the cue ball briefly against the slate, causing it to spring upward. Scooping under the cue ball to loft it is illegal under all standard rules. Some venues and leagues prohibit jump shots to protect the cloth. Specialized jump cues, shorter, lighter, with a harder tip, are used to execute jump shots more reliably. K Key Ball The object ball immediately before a critical or game-winning ball in a run-out sequence, which must be pocketed with precise cue ball position to set up the final shot. Execution on the key ball is often the determining factor in whether a player completes the rack or is forced to hand the table back to the opponent. Kick Shot also Kick A shot in which the cue ball is driven into one or more cushions before contacting the object ball. Kick shots are required when the cue ball is snookered behind an obstacle and a direct path to the target ball does not exist. Accurate kicking requires understanding of how approach angle, speed, and spin affect the cue ball's rebound path off one or more rails. Kill Shot also Dead Ball Shot, Hold Shot A shot designed to stop the cue ball as close as possible to its pre-shot position after contacting the object ball. Kill shots typically combine draw with inside english to cancel most or all of the cue ball's residual motion. Used when the next shot requires the cue ball to remain in approximately its current location. Kiss Shot also OB Kiss A shot in which an object ball is pocketed by first glancing off another object ball, which redirects it toward the pocket. The initial ball "kisses" the second ball in toward the target. Kiss shots can be intentional or incidental. A "dead kiss" describes two balls aligned so precisely toward a pocket that the redirect is essentially automatic. Kitchen also Behind the Head String, Baulk The area of the table between the head rail and the head string. The cue ball must be placed anywhere within the kitchen for the opening break shot and in ball-in-hand-behind-the-line situations (as in 8-ball after a scratch on the break). The cue ball may be positioned anywhere within the kitchen but must be shot at an object ball located outside the kitchen. Knuckle also Pocket Point, Titty, Horn The pointed corner of the cushion at each side of a pocket opening, where the cushion nose meets the pocket facing. On American pool tables, the angled pocket facings create a backboard effect that gives additional margin for error compared to the tighter, rounded knuckles found on snooker tables. A ball striking a knuckle directly typically rebounds unpredictably rather than entering the pocket. Stop Doing 23 Rule Math by Hand L Lag also Lag Shot, Lag for Break The skill shot used to determine who breaks first. Both players simultaneously shoot a ball from behind the head string to the foot rail; each ball must rebound back toward the head rail without touching either side rail. The player whose ball comes to rest closest to the head rail wins the lag and typically earns the choice of breaking or making the opponent break. Ties result in a re-lag. While both teams are warming up before the lag, savvy captains are already sorted. Get a free LineUp Magic account so your lineup decisions are made before you even walk in the door. Leave also Position, Shape The placement of the cue ball (and remaining object balls) after a shot, evaluated in terms of how well it sets up the next planned shot. A "good leave" means the cue ball is in a favorable position; a "bad leave" means the player faces a difficult shot, a forced safety, or a loss of inning. Consistent leave management, through controlled speed and spin, is what separates skilled players from those who can make individual shots but cannot chain them together. The lineup equivalent of a good leave is fielding the right combination under the cap. Register free at LineUp Magic and see every option sorted strongest first. Legal Shot A shot in which no foul of any kind occurs. At minimum, a legal shot requires: contacting the correct ball first, and either pocketing a ball or driving at least one ball to a cushion after the cue ball contacts the object ball. Additional conditions, such as correct stroke mechanics and position of the player's feet, must also be met. Failure to execute a legal shot results in a foul and ball-in-hand for the opponent. Long String An imaginary line running lengthwise down the exact center of the table from head rail to foot rail. It passes through the head spot, center spot, and foot spot. The long string is the primary axis for ball spotting and serves as a reference line in several aiming and diamond systems. M Massé Shot also Massé A shot executed with the cue elevated steeply, sometimes near-vertical, and the cue ball struck off-center to impart extreme topspin combined with sidespin. The combination causes the cue ball's path to curve significantly, allowing it to navigate around obstacle balls that would otherwise require a kick shot. Massé shots are advanced techniques; they require specific cue mechanics to avoid damage to the cloth and are prohibited in many recreational venues. Mechanical Bridge also Bridge Stick, Rake, Rest, Crutch A device consisting of a stick with a grooved or notched head that supports the cue shaft in place of the bridge hand, used when the cue ball cannot be comfortably reached with a standard hand bridge. Standard pool halls and bars provide mechanical bridges mounted under or near each table. Despite derogatory nicknames, use of the mechanical bridge is entirely appropriate and expected when the cue ball position requires it. Miscue A stroke in which the cue tip slips off the cue ball rather than making controlled, centered contact. Miscues produce unpredictable cue ball behavior and are almost always unintentional. Common causes include insufficient chalk on the tip, a worn or improperly shaped tip, or attempting too much tip offset without adequate chalk coverage. Miscues do not automatically constitute a foul unless the resulting cue ball motion causes a rules violation. Money Ball also Game Ball The ball that, when legally pocketed, wins the game. In 8-ball it is the 8; in 9-ball the 9; in 10-ball the 10; in one pocket it is the ball that gives a player their eighth point. In rotation games, the money ball may be pocketed early via a legal combination or carom at any time, as long as the lowest-numbered ball on the table was contacted first. N Natural Roll The rolling motion of a ball in which its rotational speed exactly matches its forward velocity, there is no sliding between ball and cloth. A cue ball struck at center gradually transitions from sliding to natural roll as cloth friction converts the sliding energy into rotation. Once in natural roll, a ball follows a predictable, consistent path and exhibits the most reliable rebound behavior off cushions. Natural Pivot Length The specific bridge length at which pivoting the cue around the bridge hand to apply sidespin (back-hand english) exactly cancels the squirt effect, leaving the cue ball traveling along the original aiming line despite the tip offset. At the natural pivot length, the angle of the cue pivot equals the squirt angle. This length is specific to each individual cue's construction and shaft stiffness. Nine-Ball the ball itself The striped yellow ball numbered 9 in a standard American ball set. The 9-ball is the money ball in the game of nine-ball, it may be legally pocketed at any point during a game provided the lowest-numbered ball on the table was the first ball contacted by the cue ball on that shot. Pocketing the 9-ball on the break via a legal shot wins the game. Your Captain Is Doing This Math Right Now O Object Ball also OB Any ball other than the cue ball. In a narrower context, the object ball is specifically the ball the player intends to pocket or must legally contact first on a given shot. In rotation games, the lowest-numbered ball on the table is the required first-contact object ball on every shot. Open Bridge also V-Bridge A hand bridge in which no finger loops over the cue shaft. The cue slides in a V-groove formed by the thumb and the base of the index finger, with the remaining fingers spread on the cloth for stability. The open bridge is the most widely used style in American pool, allowing the cue to move freely throughout the stroke with minimal resistance. Open Table In 8-ball, the condition existing before either player has legally pocketed a called shot after the break. While the table is open, a player may legally contact any object ball (except the 8-ball) first, even if shooting at a ball from what would normally be the opponent's group. Group assignments are made only when a player legally pockets a called shot on an open table. Captains deciding which players to put up in an open 8-ball format can create a free LineUp Magic account to generate every legal lineup sorted by combined strength. Outside English also Outside Spin, OE Sidespin applied to the cue ball on the opposite side from the cut direction, for example, left spin when cutting the object ball to the right. Outside english tends to reduce throw on the object ball by counteracting the sliding friction at contact (gearing effect). It also widens the cue ball's rebound angle off cushions. Outside english is generally considered safer than inside english on cut shots because it works against rather than amplifying cut-induced throw. P Pattern Play also Shot Sequence The strategic selection of a specific order in which to pocket balls during a run-out, based on the current table layout. Good pattern play identifies and exploits the natural flow of positions from one ball to the next, minimizes long cue ball travel, plans around problem clusters, and routes the cue ball toward the game ball with manageable position. Poor pattern play forces difficult position plays or creates dead ends that require desperation shots. Captains planning match-night rosters face a similar challenge. Sign up free at LineUp Magic and it maps every valid lineup combination, the same way a good player maps their shot sequence before running out. Pocket One of six openings in a standard pool table into which object balls are shot: four corner pockets (between each long and short rail) and two side pockets (midway along each long rail). Corner pockets have a 90-degree aperture and are cut deeper; side pockets have a 180-degree aperture and are cut shallower. American pool table pockets are notably wider than snooker table pockets, offering more margin for error and a backboard effect off the pocket facings. Pocket Facings also Facings, Pocket Walls The angled interior surfaces on either side of a pocket opening where the cushion ends meet the pocket entrance. On American pool tables, facings are flat and angled outward, creating a backboard effect that can redirect a ball into the pocket even on slightly misdirected shots. They are reinforced with plastic shims to resist wear. The corners formed where the cushion nose meets the facing are called the knuckles or pocket points. Position Play also Cue Ball Control The use of controlled cue ball speed, spin, and angle to achieve a favorable table position after pocketing the current ball. Advanced position play involves planning shot sequences, controlling the cue ball within predictable zones, managing clusters, and preserving options through a run-out. The ability to execute consistent position play is the primary skill separating intermediate players from advanced players, most players can make individual balls; far fewer can chain them efficiently. Team captains can apply the same principle to lineup construction: free yourself from manual math at LineUp Magic and start every match with your best combinations already mapped. Pro Side of the Pocket The side of the pocket that, when a cut shot is slightly over- or under-cut, leaves the object ball in a more favorable position for the shooter's next attempt, or in a more difficult position for the incoming opponent. On most corner pocket cut shots, the long-rail side (slightly overcut) is considered the pro side because a ball that misses on that side tends to stay near the pocket, while a miss on the short-rail side rattles into the rail and travels away. Experienced players consciously aim for the pro side as a hedge against a narrow miss. Push Shot An illegal shot in which the cue tip remains in contact with the cue ball for longer than the momentary duration appropriate for a normal stroke, typically because the cue ball and object ball begin in close proximity and the tip effectively pushes the cue ball into the object ball rather than striking it cleanly. A push shot is a foul in all standard rule sets and results in ball-in-hand for the opponent. A Captain Who Knows Their Numbers Plays Better Too R Race to X also Race A match format decided by which player first reaches a specified number of game wins (X). "A race to 7" means the first player to win seven games wins the match. Race format is standard in tournament and professional play. In league play, the race length is often adjusted by the players' skill levels or handicap, a stronger player may need to win more games than a weaker opponent to claim the match. APA captains can create a free account at LineUp Magic to enter their full roster and instantly see which player combinations fit within the skill level cap. Rack The triangular or diamond-shaped frame used to arrange and tighten object balls before the break, ensuring they are packed together with full contact for an effective spread. Also refers to the arranged group of balls before the break. A tight rack with no gaps between balls produces better energy transfer and a more consistent break. Racking templates (such as the Magic Rack) are used in many leagues to ensure consistent tight racks and eliminate pattern racking. Team captains can sign up free at LineUp Magic to rack up every valid player combination for 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball matches before the night begins. Racking Template also Magic Rack A thin sheet of plastic or paper with ball-sized holes spaced slightly closer together than the ball diameter. Balls placed on the template settle into the holes and are pressed together, creating a consistently tight rack regardless of who racks. The template remains under the balls through the break shot. Widely used in professional and league play to eliminate the inconsistency of manual racking and prevent intentional loose or pattern racks. Rail The wooden sides of the table's upper frame that support the rubber cushions bordering the playing surface. "Rail" is commonly used interchangeably with "cushion." The four rail categories are: head rail (where the break is taken), foot rail (where balls are racked), and the two long side rails (each containing a side pocket). A "dead rail" is one where the cushion rubber has lost its elasticity. Rebound Angle also Angle of Reflection The angle at which a ball departs from a cushion after contact. Under ideal conditions with no spin and medium speed, the rebound angle approximately equals the approach angle. Topspin and running english widen the rebound angle; draw and reverse english narrow it. Ball speed also slightly affects rebound angle, faster shots tend to rebound at a slightly narrower angle than slower shots due to cushion compression. Reverse English also Hold-Up English, Check English, Check Side Sidespin that causes the cue ball to rebound from a cushion at a narrower angle than it would without spin, traveling shorter along the rail. Reverse english acts against the natural direction of the cue ball's rolling motion along the rail during contact. Used to shorten kick and bank shot angles, control cue ball position after rail contact, or counteract an excessively wide natural rebound. Road Map also Roadmap A table layout in which the remaining balls are spread out in natural, easy-to-read positions that flow smoothly from one shot to the next with minimal cue ball travel required. Running a road map layout is significantly easier than navigating a clustered or difficult spread, and is often the result of an effective break that scattered the balls well. LineUp Magic gives you a road map for your roster . Sign up free and every valid APA or TAP lineup is laid out clearly before you ever pick up the phone to call your players. Run Out also Run, Out Pocketing all remaining required balls in a single inning to win the game without the opponent getting another shot. In 8-ball, running out means clearing all seven balls in one's group and then pocketing the 8-ball. In 9-ball, it means reaching and pocketing the 9-ball. The ability to run out from increasingly difficult table layouts is a primary measure of a player's level. For captains, the equivalent goal is fielding a lineup with no gaps. Sign up free at LineUp Magic to arrive at every match night with every valid combination already calculated. Running English also Natural English, Running Side Sidespin that causes the cue ball to rebound from a cushion at a wider angle and with more speed than a no-spin shot. Running english spins in the same direction as the ball's rolling motion along the rail during contact, effectively "rolling off" the cushion rather than fighting it. Running english produces more consistent rebound angles than reverse english because the ball rolls rather than slides against the rail surface. S Safety also Safe, Playing Safe A deliberate defensive shot in which the player's primary goal is to leave the cue ball and/or object balls in a position that denies the opponent an easy or legal shot, rather than pocketing a ball. A well-played safety leaves the opponent snookered, forced into a long shot, or unable to make legal contact with the required ball. Safety play is a critical strategic element in all pool formats and is especially prominent in straight pool and one pocket. Picking the wrong lineup is its own kind of safety failure. Create a free account at LineUp Magic so you always know your legal options before declaring a player. Scratch also Cue Ball in Pocket Pocketing the cue ball during a shot. A scratch is a foul in all standard pool rule sets. In most modern formats, the penalty is ball-in-hand for the opponent anywhere on the table. In 8-ball, scratching while shooting the 8-ball is an immediate loss of game under most rulesets. In some bar rules and older formats, a scratch on the break results in ball-in-hand behind the head string only. Don't scratch on your lineup either. try LineUp Magic free and put the right players up every match night without risking a 23 Rule violation. Shape Zone also Position Zone, Shape Area The area on the table within which the cue ball can be left after a shot and still have a makeable view of the next target ball. Playing into a shape zone, rather than targeting an exact cue ball location, provides more margin for error and is more consistently achievable. Advanced players identify the shape zone for each ball in a sequence before beginning the run and play their position into these zones rather than chasing precise spots. Shaft The narrow, tapered end of the cue that the bridge hand slides along during a stroke, with the ferrule and cue tip at its terminus. Shaft diameter at the tip end (called the tip diameter) is typically 11–13mm for pool cues. Shaft stiffness and construction affect squirt: stiffer and higher-mass shafts produce more squirt; low-squirt or low-deflection shafts are engineered to minimize cue ball deflection when sidespin is applied. Snooker also Hooked, In Jail In American pool, being snookered means the cue ball is positioned such that a direct path to the required object ball is blocked by an obstacle ball. A player who is snookered must typically execute a kick shot, a swerve shot, or a masse to reach the legal target. An effective safety that leaves the opponent snookered is one of the most powerful defensive plays in pool. Don't get snookered by your own lineup, create a free LineUp Magic account and always have a clear path to your strongest legal five. Solids also Low Balls, Smalls, Unders, Dots The set of seven object balls numbered 1 through 7, each a single solid color. In 8-ball, the player assigned solids must pocket all seven before attempting the 8-ball. Informally called "lows," "littles," or "smalls." The solid colors in standard American ball sets are: yellow (1), blue (2), red (3), purple (4), orange (5), green (6), and maroon/brown (7). Whether your team leans on stripes or solids, the lineup cap applies to all of them, join LineUp Magic for free to see which combinations of players keep you under the limit while fielding your strongest five. Speed Control The use of the correct cue ball speed to achieve the desired position after a shot. Proper speed control ensures the cue ball ends up in the intended shape zone for the next ball rather than overshooting, stopping short, or arriving in the wrong quadrant of the table. Speed control is widely considered the most important and most difficult aspect of position play to master. Captains who create a free account at LineUp Magic get the lineup equivalent, every valid combination already calculated before the night begins, so there's no guessing under pressure. Squirt also Cue Ball Deflection, Net CB Deflection The angular displacement of the cue ball's initial path away from the direction the cue is aimed when sidespin is applied. Striking the cue ball to the left of center causes it to initially travel slightly to the right of the cue's direction, and vice versa. The amount of squirt varies by cue construction; low-squirt (low-deflection) shafts are designed to minimize this effect. Players compensate for squirt using back-hand english, front-hand english, or by adjusting their aim. Stop Shot A shot in which the cue ball stops immediately on the spot where it contacted the object ball, with zero forward or backward movement after impact. A stop shot requires the cue ball to be in a sliding (stun) state at the exact moment it reaches the object ball on a straight-in shot. The 90° rule makes stop shots impossible on cut shots, with stun on a cut, the cue ball always travels along the tangent line. Stripes also Highs, Big Balls, Overs The set of seven object balls numbered 9 through 15, each marked with a wide colored stripe around the middle over a white background. In 8-ball, the player assigned stripes must pocket all seven before attempting the 8-ball. Informally called "bigs," "highs," or "overs." The stripe colors in a standard American ball set mirror the solid colors: yellow (9), blue (10), red (11), purple (12), orange (13), green (14), and maroon/brown (15). APA and TAP captains tracking their roster's skill levels can get started free at LineUp Magic , enter your players once and every valid lineup is calculated for you every match night. Stun Shot also Stun, Stop Shot at an Angle A shot in which the cue ball has neither topspin nor backspin, it is purely sliding, at the moment it contacts the object ball. On a straight-in shot, stun produces a stop shot. On any cut shot, stun causes the cue ball to depart along the tangent line (perpendicular to the object ball's direction of travel) after impact. The tangent line direction is predictable by the 90° rule, making stun shots the foundation of predictable position play. Swerve Shot also Semi-Massé, Curve Shot A shot using a moderately elevated cue combined with sidespin to cause the cue ball's path to curve, navigating around an obstacle ball without requiring a full kick shot. Unlike a full massé, a swerve uses mild to moderate cue elevation (not near-vertical) to produce a gentle arc. The cue ball initially travels off the aiming line due to squirt, then curves back toward it as the spin takes effect. Every Lineup That Makes Numbers, in Seconds T Table Speed A subjective measure of how quickly the balls decelerate as they travel across the cloth. Fast tables (tight-weave, broken-in, clean cloth) allow balls to travel farther with less friction; slow tables (loose, dirty, or worn cloth) cause balls to stop sooner. Table speed significantly affects position play, as the same shot speed produces different cue ball travel distances on fast versus slow cloth. Players must calibrate their speed control to each table's characteristics. Tangent Line also Stun Line The imaginary line perpendicular to the impact line, that is, at exactly 90 degrees to the direction the object ball travels after contact. On a stun shot (cue ball sliding at impact), the cue ball departs along the tangent line after impact. All cue ball paths for cut shots are modifications of the tangent line: follow causes the cue ball to arc forward past the tangent line; draw pulls it back toward or behind the tangent line. Throw The deflection of an object ball away from the pure geometric impact line due to friction at the point of contact with the cue ball. All cut shots produce some degree of throw. The object ball does not travel exactly along the impact line but is pushed slightly sideways by contact friction. Throw includes both cut-induced throw (from the cut angle) and spin-induced throw (from cue ball sidespin). Understanding and compensating for throw is particularly important on combination shots and thin cuts at slower speeds. Two-Way Shot also Shot to Nothing A shot in which the player attempts to pocket a ball while simultaneously ensuring that, if the ball is missed, the cue ball will end up in a safe defensive position, leaving the opponent with a difficult or no shot. A well-constructed two-way shot removes risk from an offensive attempt by building in a defensive fallback, making it a high-percentage play regardless of whether the primary objective succeeds. Find Your Wired Lineup Right Now W Wing Balls In a 9-ball diamond rack, the two balls positioned on either side of the 9-ball adjacent to the long rails. Pocketing a wing ball on the break is generally a sign of a well-struck center-ball break from near the side rail, as these balls naturally travel toward the corner pockets on a solid impact. Wing ball pockets are among the most reliable indicators of an effective break stroke. Wire also Scoring String, String A length of wire or string stretched above the table with sliding beads used to track score during a game. Points or games are recorded by moving beads along the wire. Traditional pool halls often have scoring wires above tables. "Games on the wire" refers to a handicap arrangement in which a weaker player is given a predetermined number of free games before the match begins, those games are posted on the wire before play starts. Wired also Dead A combination, kiss, or multi-ball shot that is aligned so directly toward a pocket that it is nearly impossible to miss. A wired combination means the balls are pointed straight to the pocket and the shot will almost certainly go in regardless of the contact point. Also used to describe any shot or safety pattern that reliably produces the same outcome due to near-perfect alignment. Your lineup should be just as wired before match night. Get a free account at LineUp Magic and know exactly which combinations of players are locked in under the cap. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between 8-ball and 9-ball pool? In 8-ball, players are assigned a group of seven balls (solids 1–7 or stripes 9–15) and must pocket all seven before legally pocketing the 8-ball to win. In 9-ball, players must always contact the lowest-numbered ball on the table first, but any ball can be pocketed as a result, and the 9-ball wins the game whenever it is legally pocketed. 8-ball uses all 15 object balls; 9-ball uses only balls 1 through 9. What does "ball-in-hand" mean in pool? Ball-in-hand means the incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere on the table before shooting. It is awarded after the opponent commits a foul. In APA, TAP, and most modern league formats, ball-in-hand is anywhere on the table. In some bar rules, it is restricted to placement behind the head string, in the area known as the kitchen. What is the APA 23 Rule? The APA 23 Rule, officially called the Team Skill Level Limit, states that the combined skill levels of the five players a team fields in a single open division team match cannot exceed 23. A violation occurs the moment the rack is struck in the individual match that pushes the total past 23. The penalty is zero points for the offending team for the entire match night. See the full APA 23 Rule guide for penalties, fallback rules, and legal lineup combinations. What does "english" mean in pool? English refers to horizontal (side) spin applied to the cue ball by striking it to the left or right of its center. English affects the cue ball's rebound angle off cushions, running english widens the rebound angle; reverse english narrows it. It also influences the object ball's path slightly through spin-induced throw. The British equivalent term is "side." What is a scratch in pool? A scratch is when the cue ball is pocketed during a shot. It is a foul in all standard pool rule sets. In most modern formats including APA and TAP, the penalty for a scratch is ball-in-hand for the opponent anywhere on the table. In 8-ball, scratching while shooting the 8-ball is an immediate loss of game under most rulesets. What does "on the hill" mean in pool? A player who needs only one more game win to clinch the match is said to be "on the hill." When both players simultaneously need only one more win, the match is "hill-hill", the most pressure-filled moment in any race-format competition. A hill-hill game is sometimes called a case game because after it ends, the cue goes back in the case. What is the difference between a safety and a foul in pool? A safety is a legal, deliberate defensive shot where the player's goal is to leave the cue ball and object balls in a position that gives the opponent a difficult or impossible shot. A foul is a rules violation, such as failing to contact the correct ball first, scratching, or not driving a ball to a cushion after contact, that results in a penalty. A safety is a strategic choice; a foul is a mistake or rules breach. What does "skill level" mean in APA league pool? In the APA, a skill level is a numerical rating from SL1 (beginning) to SL9 (professional-caliber) assigned to each player based on their match performance history. Skill levels determine how many games a player must win in 8-ball, or how many points they must score in 9-ball, to defeat a given opponent. They also determine how much each player counts toward the team's lineup cap under the APA 23 Rule . See the APA Skill Levels guide for the full breakdown. Know your numbers. LineUp Magic calculates every legal lineup for APA, TAP, and other skill-cap leagues instantly. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free ← Back to Guides Want to improve your game between match nights? Bullseye Billiards has 300 practice shots across 9 cue ball control categories. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! LineUp Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association (APA), TAP, or any pool league organization. Information is provided for reference only. Always verify with your league operator. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/pool-billiards-resources.html Pool & Billiards Resources - Leagues, Tables, Cues, Training & Community LineUp Magic › Guides › Resources By Matt Landry · APA & TAP League Player, Capital Region NY LineUp Magic - Resource Directory Pool & Billiards Resources A verified directory for league players and captains: leagues, equipment brands, online retailers, instruction, and community. Every link on this page has been verified. Resources are organized by category; scroll or jump to what you need. If you're here primarily for lineup help, LineUp Magic calculates every valid APA and TAP lineup combination for your roster instantly and free. Leagues Leagues & Governing Bodies American Poolplayers Association (APA) Active The world's largest amateur pool league, with roughly 250,000 members in the US, Canada, and Japan. Home of the APA World Pool Championships in Las Vegas each August. Find a local league, check player stats, and download the Team Manual at poolplayers.com. poolplayers.com TAP Active The second major US handicapped amateur pool league, offering 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, and Scotch Doubles under a 25-point team skill cap. 2026 Nationals in Atlantic City. Read our TAP rules guide → tapleague.com Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Governing Body The governing body of pool in North America and the US representative to the WPA. Publishes the official BCA rules book, oversees the Hall of Fame, and operates the PBIA instructor certification program. Note: the BCA sold its league operations (BCAPL) to CueSports International in 2004; BCAPL is now separate. bca-pool.com BCA Pool League (BCAPL) Active An umbrella league program run by CueSports International (not the BCA), giving independent local leagues access to national championship events. Roughly 75,000 members across 600 leagues in 8 countries, with annual World Championships in Las Vegas. Any league can join regardless of other affiliations. playcsipool.com/bcapl VNEA - Valley National 8-Ball League Association Active Nearly 100,000 members in 36 US states and several countries, playing exclusively on Valley coin-operated bar tables. Annual International Championships in Las Vegas and an active junior program for ages 7–20. vnea.com American CueSports Alliance (ACS) Active Non-profit sanctioning body founded 2004, using WPA world-standardized rules. No operator join fee; $15 per-player sanction. Has a Canadian affiliate (CCS) and annual Nationals in May 2026. americancuesports.org UPA - United States Professional Poolplayers Association Active Founded 2002 by professional players and recognized by the BCA as the governing body for men's professional pool in the US. Runs a pro tour and an amateur league program that lets league players qualify for professional events based on their singles records. upatour.com Canadian Poolplayers Association (CPA) Active The APA's Canadian subsidiary, operating under the same Equalizer handicap system and rules. CPA teams qualify for and compete at the APA World Pool Championships in Las Vegas. poolplayers.com/canada Canadian Cue Sport Association (CCS) Active The ACS's Canadian affiliate, sanctioning WPA-rules leagues and tournaments across Canada. Runs the annual Canadian National Championships and tracks player rankings. Affiliated with the Canadian Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA). cdnqsport.com Japanese Poolplayers Association (JPA) Active The APA's Japanese subsidiary, running APA-format 8-ball and 9-ball leagues in major Japanese cities since 2007 using the Equalizer handicap system. Teams compete toward the APA World Pool Championships in Las Vegas. Site is in Japanese. poolplayers.jp International Pool Tour (IPT) Defunct 2008 A professional tour (2005–2008) that offered the largest prize funds in pool history, including a $2 million event at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Collapsed after funding failed. Historically significant as the sport's most ambitious push toward mainstream audiences. No active website. Wikipedia article National Pool League (NPL) Historical The original name of the American Poolplayers Association. Founded 1979 in St. Louis by Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart and renamed APA in 1981, it is not a separate organization; the same handicap system and rules have run continuously since day one. APA History NAPA - North American Poolshooters Association Active Founded 2009 in Arkansas using the ELO-based CueSpeed handicap system. Players pay nightly dues rather than an annual membership fee. Over 79,000 players in the US and Canada compete in 8-ball, 9-ball, and Scotch Doubles, with annual International Championships each Memorial Day weekend. poolshooters.com USA Pool League (USAPL) Active CSI's FargoRate-powered team league for 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball. Handicaps adjust automatically with every match result, eliminating sandbagging. No entry fee to join; can be dual-sanctioned alongside the BCAPL. Annual Nationals in Las Vegas. playcsipool.com/usapl CueSports International (CSI) Active The parent company behind the BCAPL, USAPL, FargoRate, and major professional events including the Predator Pro Billiard Series. CSI operates league, events, and media divisions covering amateur through professional competition. playcsipool.com Playing in APA or TAP? LineUp Magic handles the lineup math so match night is one less thing to stress about. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Calculate My Lineups Free Governing Bodies International Governing Bodies These organizations govern the sport at the international and regional level, setting rules, selecting national teams for world championships, and working toward Olympic inclusion. They are not amateur leagues; they are the regulatory structure above the leagues. WPA - World Pool-Billiard Association Active The international governing body for pool (pocket billiards), formed in Germany in 1987. The WPA sets world-standardized rules for 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, and other disciplines, and sanctions the annual World Championship series. wpapool.com WCBS - World Confederation of Billiards Sports Active The IOC-recognized umbrella body for all cue sports, formed in 1992. WCBS coordinates the WPA (pool), IBSF (snooker/English billiards), and UMB (carom) in their shared pursuit of Olympic inclusion. Competition stays with each member federation. wcbs.sport EPBF - European Pocket Billiard Federation Active The WPA's European regional affiliate, founded 1978. Runs the annual European Pool Championships across multiple disciplines (men's, women's, wheelchair, under-23) and the Predator Euro Tour series, active since 1992. Headquartered in Brunssum, Netherlands. epbf.com IBSF - International Billiards & Snooker Federation Active The world governing body for non-professional snooker and English billiards, governing 73 national federations. Runs the IBSF World Snooker Championship, World Billiards Championship, and other major world-level events annually. The snooker/billiards arm of WCBS. ibsf.info CBSA - Canadian Billiards & Snooker Association Active The governing body for cue sports in Canada, recognized by Sport Canada and affiliated with the WPA, IBSF, and World Snooker Federation. Gives Canada representation at World Pool, World Snooker, and World Billiards Championships. Not to be confused with the CPA (APA league play) or CCS (ACS league play). cbsa.ca EBPF - English Blackball Pool Federation Active The national federation governing English blackball (pub pool) in England, organizing county-level leagues and the annual National Finals. England competes internationally through the European Blackball Association and at the WPA World Blackball Championship. This is amateur county-level governance; Ultimate Pool is the separate professional organization. ebpf.uk Pro Tours Professional Tours & Tours Worth Watching These organizations run the premier professional competitions in pool. Whether you follow the game or are helping players understand the professional landscape, this is where the top players compete for ranking points and prize money. World Nineball Tour (WNT) - Matchroom Pool Active The premier global professional 9-ball tour, run by Matchroom Multi Sports. Features Matchroom Majors and ranking events across four continents. Live coverage via WNT TV and the Matchroom Pool YouTube channel. matchroompool.com WPBA - Women's Professional Billiard Association Active The premier women's professional pool organization in the US, founded 1976. Runs multiple ranked events annually, including the WPA Women's 8-Ball World Championship, and a regional tour program for players developing toward the pro level. wpba.com Ultimate Pool Active The leading professional English blackball organization, founded 2020. Runs a Pro Series, Women's Pro Series, Challenger Series (amateur pathway), NxtGen (juniors), and Disability Pool Series. Broadcast on TNT Sports in the UK and live-streamed globally via ultimatepool.tv. ultimatepoolgroup.com Retailers Online Billiards Retailers Both stores below carry the full range of cues, cases, balls, chalk, tips, cloth, and accessories, with free shipping thresholds on most orders. PoolDawg Retailer The official online retailer of the APA, carrying 3,000+ products including all major cue brands, cases, balls, chalk, and accessories. APA members get 5% off with code APARULES. 60-day satisfaction guarantee including chalked cues. pooldawg.com Seybert's Billiard Supply Retailer One of the largest online billiards retailers in the US, operating since 1979. Authorized dealer for Predator, McDermott, Brunswick, Diamond, Olhausen, Viking, Meucci, and more. Same-day shipping on most in-stock items; free shipping over $49. seyberts.com Tables Pool Table Manufacturers Tables are sold through authorized dealer networks; the manufacturers' sites link to dealer locators. Diamond is the exception and sells direct. Diamond Billiard Products Manufacturer The official table of the APA and APA Championships. Diamond has manufactured pool tables in the US since 1987 and is the standard for professional tournament play worldwide, known for exceptional flatness, tight pockets, and tournament-spec cushions. Available in 7', 8', and 9' sizes. diamondbilliards.com Brunswick Billiards Manufacturer The oldest name in pool tables, with roots going back to 1845. Brunswick's range spans entry-level residential tables to the professional Gold Crown series used in major tournaments. Sold through an authorized dealer network. brunswickbilliards.com Olhausen Billiards Manufacturer American-made pool tables built in Portland, Tennessee since 1972. Olhausen tables feature solid hardwood construction, patented Accu-Fast cushion rubber, and a lifetime structural warranty. A popular choice for serious home rooms and commercial venues. Sold through an authorized dealer network. olhausenbilliards.com Balls & Cloth Billiard Balls & Table Cloth Aramith Billiard Balls Manufacturer The official ball of the APA and the standard for professional tournament play worldwide. Made in Belgium by Saluc using proprietary phenolic resin that is harder, rounder, and more durable than polyester alternatives. Aramith balls last significantly longer and cause less cloth wear than standard sets. aramith.com Simonis Billiard Cloth Manufacturer The industry standard for tournament pool cloth, manufactured in Verviers, Belgium. Simonis worsted wool cloth is napless, producing a truer ball roll and longer cloth life. The 860 is the most common choice for league and tournament play; the faster 760 is used at top professional events. simoniscloth.com Cues Pool Cue Brands Predator Cues Manufacturer The largest cue manufacturer in the world, founded 1994. Predator's original 314 low-deflection shaft changed modern pool, and the brand remains the most widely used among professional players. Current lineup includes the carbon fiber REVO shaft, the 314-3 and Z-series wood shafts, and playing cues from the entry-level Sport series to the high-end P3 line. predatorcues.com McDermott Cue Manufacturer Handcrafted American pool cues made in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin since 1975. McDermott cues are recognized for ornate inlays, flawless finishes, and a lifetime warranty. The range spans affordable entry-level cues to elaborate collector pieces, with the G-Core and i-Shaft as their performance shaft lines. mcdermottcue.com Chalk & Tips Chalk, Tips & Accessories Kamui Brand Manufacturer Japanese brand that has become the premium standard for pool chalk and cue tips. Kamui chalk's finer particle structure increases grip and reduces miscues, especially when applying spin. Available in .98 (maximum friction) and 1.21 (durability) formulations; multi-layer pigskin tips are used by top professionals worldwide. kamuibrand.com Standard Master chalk is widely available at any pool room or billiard retailer and remains the most common option for casual and league play. Kamui is the premium upgrade for players wanting more consistency with spin and English. Instruction Training & Instruction PBIA Instructor Search Find an Instructor Search tool for finding a PBIA-certified billiard instructor in your area. The Professional Billiard Instructors Association, operated under the BCA, is the largest certified instructor organization in the world, with four levels: Recognized, Certified, Advanced, and Master. playbetterbilliards.com/search Dr. Dave Pool Info Free Resource The most comprehensive free pool instruction site available. Built by Dr. Dave Alciatore, a retired Colorado State engineering professor and PBIA Master Instructor. Covers aiming, cue ball control, shot mechanics, and rules with high-speed video, physics explanations, and printable reference sheets. No ads, no paywall. drdavepoolinfo.com Dr. Dave Billiards (Instructional Videos) Paid Resource Dr. Dave Alciatore's companion site for paid instructional video content: the Video Encyclopedia series, How to Aim Pool Shots, and other structured courses using the same physics-based approach as the free site. Also the place to book private lessons at his pool school in Fort Collins, Colorado. drdavebilliards.com The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards Assessment & Training Master one of the world’s most popular games with the help of a mechanical engineering professor who has a passion for pool. More than 80 principles of the game, presented with 250-plus precisely scaled illustrations and photographs, offer players of all levels a thorough overview of the fundamentals of 8-ball and 9-ball, including grip and stance, basic shots, position play and strategy, bank and kick shots, and advanced techniques such as carom and jump shots. Illustrated Principles of Pool affiliate FargoRate Player Rating System The most widely adopted global pool player rating system, using an ELO-style algorithm that updates daily. Ratings range from roughly 50 (beginner) to 800+ (world-class). Used natively by the USAPL, BCAPL, and many independent leagues. Free app on iOS and Android; $12.99/year for full match history. fargorate.com BEF - Billiard Education Foundation Youth & Education A 501(c)(3) nonprofit developing youth participation in billiards through competitive programs and academic scholarships. Runs the annual BEF Junior National Championships, state qualifier series, and supports US juniors at WPA Junior World Championships. All programs serve players 18 and under. billiardeducation.org News & Media News, Media & Community AZBilliards.com News & Media The leading billiards news and media site in North America, covering professional and amateur pool since 1998. Real-time tournament brackets, live scoring, match coverage, and player profiles. Also home to the largest active billiards forum on the web. azbilliards.com AZBilliards Forums Community The largest active billiards forum in the world, running since 2000. Covers equipment reviews, rules questions, skill level discussions, drills, and cue maker Q&As. A deep archive of knowledge from serious players, instructors, and industry professionals. forums.azbilliards.com Billiards Digest Magazine Magazine The longest-running billiards magazine in the US, published monthly since 1978. Covers professional and amateur tournaments, player profiles, industry news, and instructional columns. Available in print and digital editions. billiardsdigest.com Billiards Forum Community A long-running billiards Q&A site focused on cue identification, table identification, rules clarification, and equipment valuation. Useful if you need help identifying an unmarked cue or vintage table; the identification thread archive goes back years and covers a lot of ground. billiardsforum.com USBMA - United States Billiard Media Association Media Organization A non-profit professional association for media credentialed to cover cue sports, including print, radio, TV, PR, and online journalists. One of the USBMA's primary roles is electing media members to the BCA Hall of Fame Board, which nominates and votes on inductees. usbma.com The Billiard Archive Historical Archive A Pennsylvania nonprofit preserving the history of pool, billiards, and snooker. The collection spans over 100,000 items including 2,100+ books, 1,700+ prints, and tens of thousands of artifacts cataloged in 40 languages. One of the largest billiard libraries in the world, fully accessible online. billiardarchive.org Florian "Venom" Kohler Content Creator 13-time WPA World Artistic Pool Discipline Champion, 12-time Guinness World Record holder, and the most-watched pool content creator in history with over one billion views. Originally from France, now based in Las Vegas where he also operates an APA league. His YouTube channel is many players' introduction to the sport. venomtrickshots.com Dr. Dave on YouTube Instructional Video Dr. Dave Alciatore's YouTube channel with 170,000+ subscribers and 40+ million views. Videos use graphics, slow-motion footage, and physics-based explanations to cover aiming, cue ball control, and shot mechanics. A practical free companion to DrDavePoolInfo.com for players who learn better from video. youtube.com/@DrDaveBilliards Our Guides LineUp Magic Reference Guides APA Skill Levels Explained Guide What SL1 through SL7 mean in 8-ball and SL1 through SL9 in 9-ball, the full Games Must Win charts, how skill levels are calculated and change, and how they connect to the 23-point lineup cap. apa-skill-levels.html APA 23 Rule Guide Guide Exact penalties, when violations trigger, fallback rules for teams permanently over the cap, legal lineup examples, and playoff differences. apa-23-rule.html TAP League Rules Guide Guide The 25 Rule, call-pocket play, coaching and shot clock, Scotch Doubles, scoresheet categories, and a side-by-side TAP vs APA comparison. tap-league-rules.html APA Captain's Rules Guide Guide Six procedural rules every captain must know: player declaration, the Senior Skill Level limit, forfeit timing and order, coaching, splitting matches, and protests. apa-captain-rules.html Team Captain Tips Guide Official captain duties, roster management, lineup strategy, and ten practical tips for running a pool league team without losing your mind. apa-team-captain-guide.html 8-Ball vs Bar Rules Guide A side-by-side comparison of APA league rules and bar rules: shot calling, ball-in-hand, safeties, the break, and fouls. What changes when you join a league. apa-8ball-vs-bar-rules.html ← Back to LineUp Magic Not the captain? Tell yours about LineUp Magic -- it's free. And if you want to move up a skill level, Bullseye Billiards is built for exactly that. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Links on this page were verified in March 2026. LineUp Magic is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or receiving compensation from any of the companies listed. This is an independent reference compiled for the benefit of pool league players and captains. Brand descriptions are based on publicly available information. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/pool-league-franchises.html Pool League Franchises: Start or Join a League in Your Area (2026) LineUp Magic › Guides › Pool League Franchises By Matt Landry · APA & TAP League Player, Capital Region NY LineUp Magic: League Operator Guide Pool League Franchises The major franchise systems for starting or joining an amateur pool league in the US and Canada: what each offers bar owners and operators, how players sign up, formats offered, and paths to national competition Updated March 2026 · League operators & captains Pool league franchises let a bar owner, venue manager, or local operator run a structured amateur league under an established brand. They handle the rules, handicap system, and national championship infrastructure. This page covers the major systems operating in the US and Canada: what each franchise offers, what it costs operators and players, and what formats are available. If you're already captaining a team in one of these leagues, LineUp Magic calculates every legal APA and TAP lineup instantly and free. Try it here. Franchises Major Pool League Franchise Systems Franchise details, fees, and availability change. Contact each organization directly for current operator terms before committing. Disclaimer All organizations and franchise opportunities listed on this page are independent third parties with no affiliation to LineUp Magic. Links go to external websites that LineUp Magic does not own, operate, or endorse. Information on this page is drawn from publicly available materials and is believed accurate as of March 2026, but franchise fees, investment ranges, availability, and program terms change. Verify all details directly with each organization before making any decision. Nothing on this page constitutes financial, legal, or investment advice. Starting or purchasing a franchise or license involves significant financial and legal commitments; consult a qualified financial advisor and attorney before proceeding with any franchise opportunity. American Poolplayers Association (APA) Franchise The largest amateur pool league in the world, with more than 275,000 members playing in over 13,000 venues across the US, Canada, Japan, and Singapore. The APA sells territory-based franchises to independent operators who run local leagues under the APA brand using the Equalizer® handicap system. Franchisees manage host locations, recruit players and teams, and run weekly 8-ball and 9-ball nights. With over 350 operators in the field, it is the longest-running pool league franchise system in North America. Players qualify for the APA World Pool Championships in Las Vegas, which awards nearly $2 million in guaranteed prize money annually. The approval process runs six steps from initial inquiry through a two-session training program at the national office in St. Louis. Already captaining an APA team? LineUp Magic calculates every legal 23-rule lineup for your roster, free → 275,000+ members 350+ operators Under $20K to start 8-ball & 9-ball Territory-based Las Vegas Championships 🎱 APA Lineup Calculator poolplayers.com/apa-league-operator United States Professional Poolplayers Association (UPA) License The UPA offers a licensing model for operators who want to run local pool leagues under the UPA brand. Licenses are available at the single-venue level (starting as low as $250) or at the county level, with pricing scaled to county size. Operators receive exclusive territory rights, with financing available at 0% interest. The national office provides dedicated data entry staff, so operators only need to collect, scan, and submit paperwork. The UPA plays call-pocket rules in 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball in team and singles formats, with players linked to US national rankings and annual Vegas Nationals. Training consists of two two-hour sessions. No bar or pool room ownership is required. Local bylaws are not permitted; UPA rules are uniform nationwide. From $250/venue Exclusive territory 0% financing available 8-ball, 9-ball & 10-ball Call-pocket rules Vegas Nationals upatour.com/start-a-league TAP: The Billiard League License TAP operates on a license model, with each licensee running local leagues as part of the national TAP organization. The business is part-time and night-focused and does not require bar or pool room ownership. TAP plays 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball in team, singles, and Scotch Doubles formats under a 25-point skill cap. The national office provides the Pool.net statistics platform, league forms, and promotional materials. Players qualify for TAP National Championships and the Dream Team/Singles Classic events. TAP rules apply uniformly; local bylaws are not the model. To inquire, contact TAP at 800-984-7665 or check coverage in your area using the league locator on their site. Read our TAP rules guide → · Calculate your TAP lineup with LineUp Magic → License model 8-ball, 9-ball & 10-ball 25-point skill cap Scotch Doubles Part-time business National Championships 🎱 TAP Lineup Calculator tapleague.com/getting_started Ultimate Pool USA (UPL) Franchise Ultimate Pool USA is the American arm of the UK-based Ultimate Pool Group. The league uses International 8-Ball rules (no call pocket, all legal shots count) with a 30-second shot clock and a 30-minute match clock, and handicaps via the UPscore rating system. Teams roster up to 8 players with 5 playing each week at $10 per player; lineups must include at least one beginner-rated player (450 or below) and no more than two advanced players (600 or above). Sessions run 14 weeks, three times per year. Qualifier winners receive travel support toward the National Grand Finals, which carries a reported $100,000 first prize. Active markets as of early 2026 include San Antonio, Dallas, St. Louis, and others. Franchise opportunities are available nationwide; contact [email protected] . $100,000 Grand Finals prize International 8-Ball rules Shot & match clocks No call pocket 3 sessions/year Expanding nationwide ultimatepoolusa.com VNEA: Valley National 8-Ball League Association Charter Holder The VNEA organizes amateur 8-ball and 9-ball leagues through Charter Holders, authorized Valley-Dynamo coin-operated table distributors. All sanctioned matches must be played on tables owned by the Charter Holder, so this model is for coin-op amusement operators who already place equipment in bars and venues. Charter Holders receive exclusive territory limited to their state or province. First-year cost is approximately $600 ($500 annual membership, $80 startup kit, $20 handling fee). Player sanctioning runs $15 per player per year. Leagues typically run September through April with 8 to 12 teams per division. Charter Holders gain access to state and provincial tournament programs and the annual VNEA International Championships in Las Vegas. New applicants receive Provisional Membership for up to two years. ~$600 first year Coin-op operators only Bar box tables required 8-ball & 9-ball Exclusive state territory Las Vegas Championships vnea.com/charter-holders NAPA: North American Poolshooters Association Franchise NAPA is a franchise-based amateur league system founded in Arkansas and operating across the US and Canada with over 200 franchises and more than 79,000 members. Its structure addresses common player complaints about other leagues: no annual membership dues (fees collected nightly per session), cash returned to players at the local level, and no district or regional playoffs. Players qualify for the NAPA National Championship directly from their home bar. Handicapping uses the ELO-based CueSpeed system, administered by NAPA headquarters; skill levels are not adjustable by local operators. NAPA plays 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball using call-ball and call-pocket formats. NAPA headquarters handles all handicapping, standings, and player history centrally. An Expression of Interest form is the first step to becoming an operator. 200+ franchises 79,000+ members No player annual dues 8-ball, 9-ball & 10-ball Call-pocket format Direct-to-Nationals qualifying napaleagues.com/start.php Sanction Programs Umbrella Sanction & License Programs These programs let an existing independent league gain national affiliation, championship access, and a recognized handicap or rating system without purchasing an exclusive territory. Operators retain local control; the national organization provides the infrastructure. If your league plays APA or TAP rules, LineUp Magic can handle your lineup calculations for free. BCA Pool League (BCAPL), CueSports International Sanction / Umbrella The BCA Pool League is an umbrella membership organization owned and operated by CueSports International (CSI), not the Billiard Congress of America, that allows independent local leagues to affiliate and gain access to national championship events and FargoRate-powered tools. There are no exclusive territories, no required format, fee structure, or rules. Over 450 sanctioned leagues in more than eight countries with 60,000 or more members compete toward the BCAPL World Championships, held annually in Las Vegas alongside the USAPL Nationals as part of the CSI Expo. The FargoRate League Management System is provided free, including a mobile scoring app. Leagues can dual-sanction with the USAPL at no additional cost for the USAPL portion. Contact CSI at (702) 719-7665 or through playcsipool.com. 60,000+ members 450+ leagues, 8+ countries No territory exclusivity FargoRate LMS included free Dual-sanction with USAPL Las Vegas World Championships playcsipool.com/bcapl-join USA Pool League (USAPL), CueSports International License The USAPL is CSI's FargoRate-powered league program, introduced in 2009 as a lighter-weight alternative to the BCAPL. USAPL League Managers sign a License Agreement granting an exclusive geographical region. The startup process involves an application, a phone interview, license signing, and training. There is no annual membership fee for USAPL players; operators set their own weekly team fees. The FargoRate League Management System, mobile scoring app, and online stats are all provided free. Leagues run 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball in single-play and double-play divisions. Leagues can be dual-sanctioned with the BCAPL, giving players access to both the USAPL National Championships and the BCAPL World Championships at the annual CSI Expo in Las Vegas. Exclusive region license No player annual fees FargoRate powered 8-ball, 9-ball & 10-ball Dual-sanction with BCAPL Las Vegas Nationals playcsipool.com/usapl-start-a-league ACS: American CueSports Alliance Non-Profit Sanction The ACS is a Colorado-incorporated non-profit that sanctions independent pool leagues across the US and Canada under WPA world-standardized rules. It does not sell franchises or territories. Any operator with an existing league or wanting to start one can apply. The only cost is $15 per player per league per year, forwarded to the ACS to fund championship operations. Leagues need at least 30 players across six or more teams and an eight-week schedule; the annual cycle runs June 1 through May 31. Sanctioned leagues access the ACS Nationals in Las Vegas in May, the ACS Midwest Championships, state and regional events, player rankings, and the ACS instructor and referee programs. Because dues stay in the US, the ACS describes this as a 100% return on the championship program for operators. The organization is governed by its member league operators. $15/player/year, no other fee No franchise fee, no territory WPA world rules Operator retains full local control Non-profit, operator-governed Las Vegas Nationals (May) americancuesports.org/sanction-your-league Venue Franchises Pool Hall & Entertainment Venue Franchises These are traditional brick-and-mortar venue franchise concepts where billiards is a core or significant part of the offering. Investment requirements are substantially higher than league operator licenses. Already playing or captaining in APA or TAP? LineUp Magic handles the lineup math so match night is one less thing to stress about. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free 810 Billiards & Bowling Franchise 810 is an upscale entertainment, dining, and bar franchise combining bowling, billiards, and a full kitchen. Founded in 2015 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, it began franchising in 2018 and has expanded to around ten locations as of early 2026. Each location features a small number of boutique bowling lanes alongside billiards tables, shuffleboard, darts, and other games, with a full-service bar and kitchen throughout. Three venue models are available scaled to market size. Total investment ranges from approximately $3 million to $5 million; franchisees need a minimum net worth of $1.5 to $2 million and at least $500,000 in liquid capital. The franchise fee is $50,000 with a 6% royalty and a 2% marketing fee. A 10% discount on the franchise fee is available to honorably discharged veterans. $2.9M–$5M investment $500K liquid required Bowling + billiards + dining 3 venue models Actively expanding 2025–2026 10% veteran discount 810bowling.com/franchise Already captaining a team? Stop doing the math in your head. LineUp Magic calculates every legal lineup for your APA or TAP roster instantly. Free for all captains. 🎱 Calculate My Lineups Free Our Guides Related LineUp Magic Guides APA Skill Levels Explained Guide What SL1 through SL7 mean in 8-ball and SL1 through SL9 in 9-ball, the full Games Must Win charts, how skill levels are calculated and updated, and how they connect to the 23-point lineup cap. apa-skill-levels.html APA 23 Rule Guide Guide Exact penalties, when violations trigger, fallback rules for teams permanently over the cap, legal lineup examples, and playoff differences. Everything captains need to stay on the right side of the rule. apa-23-rule.html TAP League Rules Guide Guide The 25 Rule, call-pocket play, coaching and shot clock, Scotch Doubles, scoresheet categories, and a side-by-side TAP vs APA comparison for captains who play or run both. tap-league-rules.html APA Captain's Rules Guide Guide Six procedural rules every captain must know: player declaration, the Senior Skill Level limit, forfeit timing and order, coaching, splitting matches, and protests. apa-captain-rules.html Pool & Billiards Resources Directory A verified directory of leagues, governing bodies, equipment brands, online retailers, instructional sites, and community resources for league players and captains. pool-billiards-resources.html FAQ Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a franchise, a license, and a sanction? A franchise (APA, VNEA, NAPA, Ultimate Pool USA) grants an exclusive territory, requires following the franchisor's rules closely, and involves a structured approval process with upfront fees. A license (TAP, UPA, USAPL) is similar but generally lighter-weight, often without the full legal structure of a franchise agreement. A sanction (ACS, BCAPL) means the national body recognizes your independent league and gives players access to championship events in exchange for a per-player fee. No territory, no brand requirement, full local control. Do I need to own a bar or pool room to become a league operator? For most systems on this page (APA, TAP, UPA, NAPA, BCAPL, USAPL, ACS, and Ultimate Pool USA) the answer is no. Operators bring leagues to existing venues that already have tables. The exception is the VNEA: Charter Holders must be authorized Valley-Dynamo coin-op distributors, because all sanctioned VNEA matches must be played on tables the Charter Holder owns. What formats (8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball) does each system offer? APA: 8-ball and 9-ball. TAP: 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, and Scotch Doubles. UPA: 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball in team and singles. NAPA: 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball. BCAPL and USAPL: 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball on bar-size and regulation tables. ACS: WPA world-standardized rules across multiple formats. VNEA: primarily 8-ball on bar box tables, with 9-ball also offered. Ultimate Pool USA: International 8-Ball, with 10-ball being introduced in some markets. Can I run leagues under more than one system at the same time? It depends on the organizations. The BCAPL and USAPL explicitly support dual-sanctioning at no extra cost for the USAPL portion, and the ACS also supports dual sanctioning with CSI. Franchise agreements (APA, NAPA, VNEA) typically include territorial and exclusivity provisions; review your specific agreement before combining systems. What is the least expensive way to get started as a league operator? Based on publicly available figures: ACS sanction is $15 per player per year with no other operator fee. BCAPL is similar. UPA single-venue licenses start as low as $250. The VNEA first-year cost is approximately $600. The APA is described as under $20,000 to start. 810 Billiards & Bowling is at the opposite end at approximately $3 to $5 million. Verify current fees directly with each organization. Do players have to pay annual membership fees in all of these leagues? No. NAPA charges no annual player dues; fees are collected per session instead. The USAPL also has no annual player fee. The APA and BCAPL charge annual per-player fees. The ACS charges $15 per player per year. TAP and UPA fee structures are set locally by the operator. Check each organization's current schedule before comparing. Which systems give players a path to national championships in Las Vegas? Most of them. The APA holds its World Pool Championships in Las Vegas each August. The BCAPL World Championships and USAPL Nationals are held jointly at the CSI Expo in Las Vegas. The VNEA holds its International Championships in Las Vegas annually. The ACS Nationals are held in Las Vegas in May. The UPA runs Vegas Nationals. Ultimate Pool USA runs Grand Finals with a reported $100,000 top prize. NAPA holds its National Championship at a rotating venue over Memorial Day weekend. TAP holds its National Championships at a separate event not in Las Vegas. How is 810 Billiards & Bowling different from the league operator programs? 810 is a physical venue franchise requiring construction of an entertainment destination with bowling lanes, billiards tables, a kitchen, and a bar. The league operator programs are service-based businesses, typically run from home or a small office, that bring organized play to venues that already exist. The investment level ($3M to $5M), financial qualifications, and day-to-day operations are not comparable. ← Back to Guides Not a captain yet? If you play in APA or TAP, tell yours about LineUp Magic -- it's free and it makes match night a lot less stressful. All organizations listed are independent third parties not affiliated with, sponsored by, or paying LineUp Magic. Information is drawn from publicly available materials and is believed accurate as of March 2026. Franchise fees, investment ranges, program terms, and availability vary by region and change over time. Nothing on this page constitutes financial, legal, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any franchise or business decision. LineUp Magic is not responsible for the content of any linked external site. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/pool-videos.html Pool Videos We Watch - YouTube Resources for League Players | LineUp Magic LineUp Magic › Guides › Pool Videos By Matt Landry · APA & TAP League Player, Capital Region NY LineUp Magic · Resources Pool Videos Worth Watching Everyone has their favorites, but these are the channels and players I keep coming back to. I think they're worth your time. 📺 YouTube Resources 🎱 Instruction · Strategy · Pro Play There is more free pool instruction on YouTube today than most players could watch in a year. The hard part is finding the stuff that actually holds up at the table. These are the channels and videos I recommend most often. Some are coaches, some are touring pros, some are just people who love the game and happen to be very, very good at explaining it. Subscribe to the ones that click for you and ignore the rest. LineUp Magic is not affiliated with any of the channels below. I just watch and learn from them. Stop Doing the Math in Your Head Expert Interviews, Mental Game & Practice Strategy 🎱 Bullseye Billiards Bullseye Billiards focuses on cue ball positioning, speed control, and pattern play through drills and target challenges. They also run a strong interview series called Cue the Experts, featuring coaches, touring pros, and instructors talking through the mental game, practice habits, and competitive experience. They also have a dedicated app at bullseyebilliards.com for players who want structured positioning practice. Cue the Experts Ep. 02: Dr. Dave Tells All Dr. Dave Alciatore talks about his path into billiards education, what he's learned from teaching the game for decades, and what he'd tell players who want to improve faster. 🎁 Free 30-day Premium Bullseye App Access! Use code LINEUPMAGIC after installing Bullseye app, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Cue the Experts Ep. 03: Samm Vidal on Coaching, Fitness, and Olympic Dreams WPBA pro Samm Diep Vidal on what it takes to compete at the highest level, how she approaches coaching, and the push to get pool into the Olympics. 🎁 Free 30-day Premium Bullseye App Access! Use code LINEUPMAGIC after installing Bullseye app, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Cue the Experts Ep. 04: Kim Young on Hustlers and the Mental Game Kim "The Dragon" Young on navigating the psychological side of competitive pool, including dealing with hustlers and staying composed under pressure. 🎁 Free 30-day Premium Bullseye App Access! Use code LINEUPMAGIC after installing Bullseye app, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Cue the Experts Ep. 05: Chris McDaniel on the Chair Game and Mental Tricks Chris McDaniel on mental strategy at the table, including the chair game concept and practical techniques for staying focused during a match. 🎁 Free 30-day Premium Bullseye App Access! Use code LINEUPMAGIC after installing Bullseye app, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Cue the Experts Ep. 06: Garrett Williams on Practicing Smarter A conversation about how to structure practice so it actually transfers to match play, and what most players get wrong about improvement. 🎁 Free 30-day Premium Bullseye App Access! Use code LINEUPMAGIC after installing Bullseye app, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Cue the Experts Ep. 07: Tony Piazza on Beating the World's Best Tony Piazza on competing against top-ranked players and building a pool business. Covers the mindset required to beat people who are better than you on paper. 🎁 Free 30-day Premium Bullseye App Access! Use code LINEUPMAGIC after installing Bullseye app, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Cue the Experts Ep. 08: Chisolm Woodson on Strategy Beats Talent Chisolm Woodson's case for why smart strategic play consistently beats raw shot-making ability. Useful for league players who want to compete above their skill level. 🎁 Free 30-day Premium Bullseye App Access! Use code LINEUPMAGIC after installing Bullseye app, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Cue the Experts S2 Ep. 04: Eric Naretto on Teaching Pool Eric Naretto won a state championship and then shifted his focus to instruction. He talks through what he learned competing and how it shaped how he teaches. 🎁 Free 30-day Premium Bullseye App Access! Use code LINEUPMAGIC after installing Bullseye app, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Cue the Experts S2 Ep. 05: Emily Duddy on Trusting Your Routine Emily Duddy on why she relies on routine over natural talent and how a consistent pre-shot process holds up under competitive pressure. 🎁 Free 30-day Premium Bullseye App Access! Use code LINEUPMAGIC after installing Bullseye app, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Cue the Experts S2 Ep. 06: Roy Pastor on Why You're Practicing Too Long Roy Pastor argues that most players practice too long and get diminishing returns. A practical take on how to structure shorter, more effective sessions. 🎁 Free 30-day Premium Bullseye App Access! Use code LINEUPMAGIC after installing Bullseye app, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Cue the Experts S2 Ep. 07: Florian "Venom" Kohler on No Limits, No Coach, 13 World Records Florian Kohler on developing a self-taught trick shot game to world record level with no formal coaching. An unusual perspective on skill development and creative practice. 🎁 Free 30-day Premium Bullseye App Access! Use code LINEUPMAGIC after installing Bullseye app, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Find Your Wired Lineup Right Now Pattern Play & Amateur Matches 🎱 Amateur Pool w/Josh Amateur pool instruction and match footage covering 8-ball pattern play and real-table decision-making. Josh keeps it honest and at the level most league players actually play at. Improve Your Game! 8 & 9 Ball Pattern Play A beginner-friendly introduction to 8-ball and 9-ball pattern play. Covers how to read a rack and sequence shots rather than just pocketing whatever is available. Negative Ghost Rider! The Pattern is Full: 8 Ball Pattern Play Ep. 14 Episode 14 of Josh's pattern play series. Covers how to approach a tight, clustered table layout in 8-ball without selling out. Most Beginners Mess This Up: Pattern Play A pattern play mistake that shows up regularly in league 8-ball, broken down clearly. Worth watching regardless of experience level. Keeps Track of Your Numbers, So You Don't Have To Technique, Drills & Fundamentals 🎱 FX Billiards Pool instruction channel covering technique, shot mechanics, and drills for players at all levels. FX Billiards also runs a streaming service at fxbtv.com and an online course for players who want structured curriculum. The Perfect Short to Mid-Range Draw Shot Drill A draw shot drill focused on short-to-mid-range distances where backspin control matters most in league play. How To Break Up Clusters: The 5 Shots That Give You an Edge Five specific techniques for breaking up ball clusters in pool. Covers when to attack a cluster and how to do it without giving up position or the inning. No Fear 8-Ball: Never Miss the Money Ball Instruction on approaching the 8-ball with confidence in pool. Covers the mental and mechanical habits that make the money ball feel like any other shot. Drills for Perfect Speed Control Drill-based approach to building cue ball speed control for position play. Structured for all skill levels. How to Improve Your Pool Stroke, No Gimmicks Stroke mechanics breakdown with no gimmicks. Good for intermediate players who want to identify and fix ingrained bad habits. Stop Doing 23 Rule Math by Hand Pro Instruction, Safety Play & the Mental Game 🎱 Niels "The Terminator" Feijen Niels Feijen is a Danish professional pool player and multiple World Champion. His channel covers drills, safety play, technique, and sparring sessions in 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, and more, plus a mental game series he calls Terminator College. How To Improve Your Safety Game FAST, Episode 1: 4 Squares First episode of Niels's safety series. The 4 Squares drill builds defensive positioning and safety awareness for pool players who rely too heavily on offensive play. Better Time Out Tactics: When and Why to Call Time APA and TAP league captains will find this directly useful. Covers when to call a timeout in team pool and how to use it as a deliberate tactical reset rather than a panic move. The Line Up: Ball Pocketing and Angles for Beginners Pool fundamentals video on ball pocketing and cut angles for beginners. Good for newer league players still building their understanding of cue ball and object ball alignment. Learn the Dart Jump Technique in 5 Minutes A concise breakdown of the dart jump shot technique in pool. Covers legal execution and consistency for league players who encounter obstacle balls in match play. Tournament Prep: A Full Workout in 60 Minutes A solo 60-minute pool practice routine covering position play, safeties, and pattern recognition. No practice partner needed. How to Cheat the Pocket Like a Pro How and when to aim an object ball away from the center of a pocket to improve cue ball position. A practical pool technique for controlling shape on the next shot. Stop Scratching in the Side Pocket: The Side-to-Side Drill A drill targeting the side pocket scratch, one of the more common unforced errors in league pool. Addresses the cue ball path habits that cause it and how to correct them. Help Your Captain Worry Less and Play More Physics, Principles & Deep Instruction 🎱 Dr. Dave Billiards Dr. Dave Alciatore is a PBIA Master Instructor and author of The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards . His channel covers pool shot physics, aiming systems, cue ball control, and advanced technique across nearly 800 videos. He is Dean and co-founder of Billiard University (billiarduniversity.org) and maintains a billiards resource site at billiards.colostate.edu. Ball in Hand Strategy: Everything You Need to Know How to make the most of ball-in-hand in pool. Covers where to start, how to read the table layout, and what the highest-percentage first move looks like in 8-ball and 9-ball. How to Aim Rail-First Carom and Kiss Shots Aiming system for rail-first carom and kiss shots in pool. Useful for league players who currently take these shots by feel with no consistent method. How to Be More Accurate With Elevated-Cue Shots What changes mechanically when the cue is elevated, and how to account for it. Covers accuracy and aim adjustment for jacked-up pool shots. 200 of the Greatest Pro Pool Shots of All Time 200 notable professional pool shots organized into 20 categories. Useful both as entertainment and as a reference for what elite-level execution looks like across different shot types. Coming Into the Line of a Shot Covers the position play habit of approaching each shot along the object ball's line of aim. A core concept for consistent cue ball shape in pool. How to Aim: The Aiming System the Pros Use An in-depth look at the aiming methods used by professional pool players, explained through shot geometry rather than feel or habit. Good for any player who feels like their aiming is inconsistent and wants to understand why. Draw Shot Control: Accuracy and Consistency With Backspin Draw shot mechanics and accuracy for pool players. Covers what affects how far the cue ball draws back and how to build consistency with backspin. Can a Softer Tip Put More Spin on the Ball? Mythbusting Tests whether a softer cue tip actually produces more spin on the cue ball. A physics-based answer to a common pool room debate. Your Captain Is Doing This Math Right Now Strategy, Kicking & Advanced Coaching 🎱 Do You Want to Play Like a Pro? by Anthony Beeler Anthony Beeler is a PBIA Master Instructor, ACS Level 4 Instructor, and BCAPL National 9-Ball Champion. He founded the Virtual Billiard Academy, which has trained over 31,000 students in 102 countries. His YouTube channel offers structured instruction in 8-ball strategy, kicking systems, position play, and cue ball control. Speed Control: The Difference Between You and a Pro What separates players with reliable cue ball position from those still guessing at it. Anthony explains the speed control fundamentals that underpin consistent position play in pool. Avoid These Three Position Play Pitfalls Three position play mistakes common in amateur pool, clearly identified and explained. A useful checklist for diagnosing stalled improvement. Master the Art of the Kick Safety How to use kick shots defensively in pool league play. Covers turning a snooker escape into an offensive safety that puts pressure on the opponent. 8-Ball Strategy: A Defensive Shot is a Multiple Choice Question A systematic approach to 8-ball safety decisions. Anthony treats the defensive shot as a multiple-choice problem with clear criteria for picking the best option. The Power Play 8-Ball Strategy An offensive 8-ball strategy for taking control when the table is in your favor. Focuses on game-level decision-making rather than individual shot execution. Reverse English Bank How reverse english affects a bank shot's rebound angle in pool and when to apply it. Short and technical. Never Miss a One-Rail Kick Again A repeatable one-rail kicking system for pool. Covers how to aim and execute one-rail kicks consistently rather than relying on instinct in league matches. The Wagon Wheel Drill: Cue Ball Control The wagon wheel drill for cue ball control in pool. Covers how to run the drill and what it builds in terms of directional cue ball management. Seven Powerful Shots Every Pool Player Should Know Seven pool shots that come up regularly in match play, broken down with enough detail to practice each one. A useful skills checklist for league players. Virtual Billiard Academy: What the School Offers An overview of Anthony's Virtual Billiard Academy at PoolTeacher.com . Covers what the online school offers for players who want a structured pool curriculum. Give Your Captain One Less Thing to Stress About Match Footage & Player Perspective 🎱 Drew Von Porte Drew shares edited amateur pool match footage with his own commentary on how he reads the table and makes decisions. The focus is player perspective, not polished instruction. He actively encourages viewers to chime in with how they would have run it out. A Shot You Must Know as a Beginner: Quick Tips for 8-Ball A quick 8-ball tip for beginner pool players covering a shot type that comes up in nearly every rack. Good for newer league players. Spin the Cue Ball: Why and How, Pattern Play When and why to use side spin in 8-ball and 9-ball pattern play. Drew focuses on the decision-making side of english use rather than just the mechanics. Stop Wasting Time in Practice Why most pool practice habits don't transfer to match improvement, and how to fix that. Aimed at league players putting in table time without seeing results. Lil' Chris Changed My Pool Life: Pattern Play 8-Ball and 9-Ball A pattern play tip in 8-ball and 9-ball that Drew credits with changing how he reads the table. A good example of the perspective-sharing format the channel is known for. A Captain Who Knows Their Numbers Plays Better Too League Culture, Match Play & The Grind 🎱 Mike Stuckey Mike documents the culture side of pool: APA league nights, tournament travel, match play, and the mental side of competing at the amateur level. Less instruction, more honest portrayal of what the game actually looks like from the inside. "Back with another rack." Dr. Cue's Pool Secrets: Left Brain vs. Right Brain Strategy A conversation with Dr. Cue about the mental game in pool, covering how analytical and instinctive thinking play out differently at the table. I Thought I Came Prepared... A match night vlog where the prep doesn't go to plan. Relatable for any league player who has shown up ready and left wondering what happened. The Day I Met Joshua Filler A vlog from a major pool tournament where Mike meets Joshua Filler. A good look at what the pro tournament scene feels like from the spectator and amateur side. 9-Ball Lessons From a 440 Fargo Mike plays a 440 Fargo-rated player and breaks down what the match taught him. Honest self-assessment of where the skill gap showed up. No Draw Shots Allowed: APA 9-Ball An APA 9-ball match where Mike plays with a self-imposed no-draw restriction based on viewer comments. A fun format and a decent look at how the mental game affects pool performance. APA 9-Ball: SL5 vs. SL9, Uncut Uncut APA 9-ball match between an SL5 and an SL9. Shows how the handicap system plays out in a real match and what the skill gap between those levels actually looks like in practice. Every Lineup That Makes Numbers, in Seconds Legends, Interviews & Pool History 🎱 The Poolin Around Show Long-form interviews with the legends, hall of famers, and characters who built the game. The focus is oral history and culture: the stories behind the players and eras most league players only know by reputation. When Mike Sigel Was Unstoppable: Pool's Most Dominant Era A look back at Mike Sigel's peak years and what made him the most feared player of his era. Good historical context for anyone who wants to understand where modern professional pool came from. Kim "The Dragon" Young: The Deadliest Fundamentals in Pool Kim Young on the fundamentals that defined his game at the highest level. A rare combination of technical detail and competitive perspective from one of the most respected players in pool. From Pool Pro to Hall of Fame: Julie Mason-Comintini Julie Mason-Comintini on her career path from professional competition to the Hall of Fame. Covers the arc of a full pool career and what it takes to leave a lasting mark on the game. BCA Hall of Famer Rodney Morris: An Unstoppable Journey Rodney Morris on the road to the BCA Hall of Fame. Covers his competitive career, what drove him, and the discipline required to compete at the top level of professional pool for decades. Heather Bryant: Brutal Game Gear A conversation with Heather Bryant about her work with Brutal Game Gear and her connection to the pool equipment and culture side of the sport. WPBA Hall of Famer Mary Kenniston Mary Kenniston on her career in women's professional pool and her path to the WPBA Hall of Fame. A window into an era of the women's game that doesn't get enough coverage. Before This Era of Pool Disappears: Omaha John A conversation with Omaha John before the stories and characters of his era fade from the game's collective memory. The kind of interview that reminds you pool has a rich history worth knowing. The Rise, Reign and Fight of Jeanette Lee Jeanette Lee's career as one of the most recognizable figures in professional pool, and the personal fight she has taken on beyond the table. One of the more substantive interviews on the channel. Know Your Numbers Before the First Rack Frequently Asked Questions What should I watch to get better at draw shots? FX Billiards has a dedicated draw shot drill video focused on short-to-mid-range distances. Dr. Dave Billiards covers draw mechanics and accuracy in depth, including what affects how far the cue ball draws back and how to build consistency with backspin. What are the best YouTube channels for pool instruction? Dr. Dave Billiards covers physics-based technique and aiming. FX Billiards focuses on drills and fundamentals. Anthony Beeler's channel covers 8-ball strategy, kicking systems, and coaching. Niels Feijen covers safety play, drills, and the mental game from a world-level professional perspective. Where can I find videos on 8-ball pattern play? Amateur Pool w/Josh has a dedicated 8-ball pattern play series covering how to read a rack and sequence shots. Drew Von Porte covers pattern play decision-making in his match footage videos, with commentary on how he reads the table during actual games. Are there pool videos specifically for APA league players? Mike Stuckey's channel includes APA league match footage and an uncut APA 9-ball match between an SL5 and SL9 . Niels Feijen's timeout tactics video is directly useful for APA and TAP team captains. Anthony Beeler covers kick safeties and 8-ball strategy that apply directly to league play. What should I watch to improve my pool safety game? Niels Feijen has a dedicated safety series starting with the 4 Squares drill for defensive positioning. Anthony Beeler covers the kick safety , including how to turn a snooker escape into a counter-safety. For 8-ball safety decisions, Beeler also has a video framing the defensive shot as a multiple-choice problem with a system for picking the best option. What pool YouTube channels are good for beginners? Niels Feijen has a foundation video on ball pocketing and cut angles . Amateur Pool w/Josh has beginner-friendly pattern play content. Drew Von Porte shares beginner 8-ball tips as part of his match commentary. FX Billiards covers stroke mechanics and speed control in a format that works for players starting out. Where can I learn about pool speed control and cue ball position? FX Billiards has a drill-based speed control video for all levels. Anthony Beeler covers speed control as the core of position play . Dr. Dave Billiards has a video on coming into the line of a shot , the position play habit that makes speed control meaningful. Are there pool videos covering the mental side of the game? Niels Feijen runs a series called Terminator College on the mental side of competitive pool. Mike Stuckey has a video with Dr. Cue on analytical vs. instinctive thinking at the table. Niels also has a timeout tactics video covering deliberate mental resets during league matches. The fastest way to improve your team's win rate might not be what you practice at the table. It's knowing exactly which lineup combinations keep you under the cap while fielding your strongest five. LineUp Magic does that calculation for free, for every format, every match night. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Calculate My Legal Lineups Free ← Back to Guides Not the captain? Tell yours about LineUp Magic. And if you want to move up a skill level before next session, Bullseye Billiards is the structured practice system for exactly that. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Videos are embedded via YouTube's standard iframe player. LineUp Magic is not affiliated with any channel featured on this page. All channel descriptions are written independently. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/billiards-news.html Pool & Billiards News - Latest Updates | LineUp Magic LineUp Magic › Guides › Pool News LineUp Magic Pool & Billiards News The latest news from AZBilliards, the APA, Bullseye Billiards, and World of Pool & Billiards Pool and billiards news from around the world, covering professional tournament results, APA league updates, player news, and pool instruction. Sources include AZBilliards.com , the American Poolplayers Association , Bullseye Billiards , and World of Pool & Billiards . Stop Doing the Math in Your Head Updated Apr 13, 2026 AZBilliards Semifinals Set To Roll at SBE In the world of top-level professional pool, it’s difficult to get surprised by the results of any individual match or the overall performan... Apr 12, 2026 AZBilliards The Diamond Open NineBall Professional Players Championship approaching Final Eight Defending champion Feijen eliminated by Thorsten “The Hitman” Hohmann At about noon this afternoon (Sat., April 11), 64 competitors who’d ad... Apr 11, 2026 AZBilliards The ‘usual suspects’ have been rounded up as 64 advance to Stage 2, single elimination at SBE “The Pink Dagger” is only woman left standing among Pro Players Final 64 Before we open up the informational floodgates and bring you up to... Apr 11, 2026 AZBilliards Just Do GOOD Entertainment Expands Its Slate of Impact‐Driven Programming with New Episodes, Documentary, and High‐Profile Collaborations Just Do GOOD Entertainment (JDG), the North Carolina–based production company dedicated to spotlighting uplifting stories and acts of genero... Apr 9, 2026 AZBilliards World Billiards Legend Allison Fisher Honored with North Carolina’s Prestigious Long Leaf Pine Award Internationally acclaimed billiards champion Allison Fisher, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, has... Apr 8, 2026 AZBilliards Roberts mounts comeback in finals to win SE Open 9-Ball stop at Rack & Grill in GA Tommy Kennedy has been running his J. Pechauer Southeast Open 9-Ball Tour for about 27 years now. He launched it about seven years after def... Apr 8, 2026 Know Your Numbers Before the First Rack AZBilliards Ussery goes undefeated to win Pool Series $1,000-added One Pocket event at The Smokin’ Cue We almost missed it. In our never-ending search for events, we tend to get hypnotized by the ‘normal; a 9-ball event on a regional tour, a S... Apr 7, 2026 AZBilliards Wojciech Szewczyk named World Games Athlete of the Month Polish pool star Wojciech Szewczyk has been named Athlete of the Month for April 2026following a breakthrough victory that marks a defining... Apr 7, 2026 AZBilliards Howard goes undefeated to claim Q City 9-Ball Tour title at Mickey Milligan’s Regional tours have a way of spotlighting more than just individual players competing in a relatively tight geographic area. They reveal a s... Apr 6, 2026 AZBilliards MD’s Florian Ancho chalks up first regional tour win on B & L Quad Bracket event This past weekend (Sat. April 4) at a B & L Billiards Tournaments’ Quad Bracket event, he came from the second-lowest bracket of four, downi... Apr 6, 2026 APA / Pool Players Concerning Recent App Outages – March 17 The post Concerning Recent App Outages – March 17 appeared first on American Poolplayers Association. Mar 17, 2026 APA / Pool Players Club Quarters Hotel – Save 13% Club Quarters has Hotels located in popular cities—Boston • Chicago • Houston • London • New York City • Philadelphia • San Francisco • Wash... Mar 16, 2026 Help Your Captain Worry Less and Play More APA / Pool Players Sunguru Energy – Save on Your Electric Bill APA members can save with Sunguru Energy – your special solar energy solution. Sunguru Energy is proud to deliver solar and energy-storage s... Mar 16, 2026 Bullseye Billiards Announcing the Bullseye Billiards Junior Player Support Program We started Bullseye Billiards to help players improve through structured, deliberate practice. That mission doesn't have an age requirement.... Mar 16, 2026 APA / Pool Players Women of the APA: Pam Aston – Senior Vice-President The post Women of the APA: Pam Aston – Senior Vice-President appeared first on American Poolplayers Association. Mar 6, 2026 APA / Pool Players APA Recognized by Entrepreneur in 2026 The American Poolplayers Association (APA) continues to earn national recognition as a leading franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeki... Mar 3, 2026 APA / Pool Players APA Announces Wheelchair Championship Format Update Beginning with the 2027 Championship cycle, the APA Wheelchair Championship will transition to the APA 9-Ball format. This update is designe... Feb 16, 2026 APA / Pool Players Jeanette Lee Makes Triumphant Return to the WPBA Tour “The Black Widow” is back. This week marks the triumphant return to the WPBA Tour for “The Black Widow” Jeanette Lee as she competes in the... Feb 11, 2026 Stop Doing 23 Rule Math by Hand Bullseye Billiards No Table? No Problem: 7 Proven Ways to Improve Your Pool Game Do you want to get better at pool, but don't have regular access to a table? Maybe you're traveling, the pool hall is closed, or you just ca... Jan 29, 2026 Bullseye Billiards The Science of Pool Practice: Why Most Players Train Wrong (And How to Fix It) Do you spend hours at the table but wonder if you're actually improving? The problem isn't your dedication—it's that most players don't unde... Jan 29, 2026 Bullseye Billiards Hate Practicing Pool? 3 Research-Backed Secrets to Make Training Addictive Do you love shooting pool but hate practicing? For most players, the desire to improve is strong, but traditional practice feels like homewo... Jan 20, 2026 Bullseye Billiards Why You Choke Easy Shots Under Pressure (5 Science-Backed Fixes) Ever miss an easy shot when it matters most? You're not alone, and it's not a character flaw. Choking is a predictable nervous system respon... Dec 20, 2025 APA / Pool Players 2025 APA Shoot for a Cure Raises Over $160,000 for St. Jude The post 2025 APA Shoot for a Cure Raises Over $160,000 for St. Jude appeared first on American Poolplayers Association. Dec 10, 2025 APA / Pool Players 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship Results The post 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship Results appeared first on American Poolplayers Association. Nov 16, 2025 Your Captain Is Doing This Math Right Now APA / Pool Players 2025 Womens U.S. Amateur Championship Results The post 2025 Womens U.S. Amateur Championship Results appeared first on American Poolplayers Association. Nov 15, 2025 Bullseye Billiards 2nd Ball Break in 8-Ball: A Better Technique + Racking Secrets In this lesson, I break down the 2nd-ball break technique for 8-ball and show you how to keep the cue ball on a leash while opening the rack... Sep 28, 2025 Bullseye Billiards Find Pool Tournaments: Why Competition Improves Your Game You've got the fundamentals down and you're running racks in practice. But here's the brutal truth: practice room heroics don't translate to... Jun 3, 2025 Bullseye Billiards Slow Down to Speed Up: The Secret to Mastering Pool Shots Want to play your best when it really counts? The secret isn’t just playing fast—it’s knowing when to slow down and when to speed up. In thi... Feb 10, 2025 Bullseye Billiards Stop Wasting Time: Transform Your Pool Practice with This Simple Shift! Are you spending hours at the pool table but still missing shots that matter? The issue isn’t how MUCH you’re practicing—it’s HOW you’re pra... Jan 8, 2025 Bullseye Billiards Consistency is Key: Pro Tips to Improve Your Pool and Billiard Skills Struggling with consistency in your pool game? In this video, I’ll show you how to master your aim, tip contact, and stroke speed to pocket... Dec 11, 2024 Give Your Captain One Less Thing to Stress About Bullseye Billiards Shot 19 - A True Test of Fundamentals This shot from the Bullseye Billiards Video Series is a long stop shot over a pocket. This shot is a true test of your fundamentals, and lea... Nov 25, 2024 Bullseye Billiards Shot 84 - A Fast Draw Off One Rail to the Spot In this shot from the Bullseye Billiards Video Series, you will see Dr. Dave draw the cue ball off one rail to get position on the 8. Strea... Nov 6, 2024 Bullseye Billiards 10 Tips to Improve your Tip-Ball Contact for Pool and Billiards In pool, everything starts with one critical moment—the instant your cue stick contacts the cue ball. Mastering this contact point is key to... Sep 20, 2024 Bullseye Billiards Announcing the Bullseye Instructor Partner Program I am excited to introduce the Bullseye Instructor Partner Program, designed to support billiard instructors in their teaching journey by pro... Aug 9, 2024 Bullseye Billiards Shot 176 (Rails) from the Bullseye Billiards Video Series In shot 176 from the Rails category of the Bullseye Billiards video series, you will learn a few tips and tricks for dealing with long shots... Aug 6, 2024 Bullseye Billiards Bullseye Available on Illuminated Cueing Arts Use the Illuminated Cueing Arts projector system to make your practice sessions both fun and efficient. Setting up layouts is quick and repe... Jul 2, 2024 Help Your Captain Worry Less -- Tell Them About LineUp Magic Bullseye Billiards Shot 193 (Advanced) from the Bullseye Billiards Video Series This is shot one 193 from the Bullseye Billiards Video Series that shows a medium rail-first shot to land the cue ball on the other side of... Jun 10, 2024 Bullseye Billiards New Category Performance Reports in the Bullseye App The Bullseye app for iPhone and iPad now includes new performance reports by category to show you where you excel and where you need to focu... Apr 25, 2024 Bullseye Billiards Shot 168 (Rails) from the Bullseye Billiards Video Series This is shot 168 from the Bullseye Billiards Video Series that shows a medium-speed shot shooting from the rail. Be aware that pocketing an... Apr 22, 2024 Bullseye Billiards Improve your Game with Shortstop on Pool I'd like to introduce you to Shortstop on Pool, where billiards meets cool, clear instruction. My friend Bob has studied the sport for decad... Mar 4, 2024 Bullseye Billiards Shot 64 (Stun) from the Bullseye Billiards Video Series Here is Shot 64 from the Bullseye Billiards Video Series. Shot 64 is a fast stun shot off the long rail toward the other long rail.In this s... Feb 4, 2024 Bullseye Billiards Shot Videos in the Bullseye App The Bullseye iPhone and iPad app now includes videos for every shot. Each video contains a demonstration, additional instruction, and key po... Dec 26, 2023 Stop Doing 23 Rule Math by Hand Bullseye Billiards Shot #112 (Sidespin) Learn to think at least 3 shots ahead with shot 112 (sidespin) from the Bullseye Billiards Video Series. Stream the Bullseye Billiards Vide... Sep 24, 2023 Bullseye Billiards Bullseye Billiards Video Series - Shot 105 This is shot 105 from the Bullseye Billiards Video Series that shows how to change the angle of the cue ball off a rail using sidespin.   St... Aug 4, 2023 Bullseye Billiards Use this Progressive Drill to Master Follow Shots Unleash your billiards potential with this progressive drill, specifically designed to enhance your follow shots. This tutorial breaks down... May 23, 2023 Bullseye Billiards Track Your Pool and Billiard Practice Sessions Using The Bullseye App Introducing Practice Sessions The Bullseye app just got an update and now in version 2.1 includes the ability to run a Practice Session for... May 18, 2023 Bullseye Billiards 10 Powerful Reasons to Master Cue Ball Control Are you tired of feeling like you're not in control during a game of billiards? Want to take your game to the next level? It's time to start... Apr 18, 2023 Bullseye Billiards Revolutionize Your Billiards Game with Projection Pro Billiards Are you tired of fumbling with books and struggling to set up practice drills correctly? Look no further, Bullseye Billiards has partnered w... Mar 27, 2023 Keep Track of Your Numbers, So You Don't Have To World of Pool The Correct Way to Rack 8-Ball The official and correct way to rack 8-ball. Learn how to rack in pool, ensuring a tight and consistent 8-ball rack every time! Mar 17, 2023 World of Pool What Happens if You Scratch on the 8-Ball All major leagues consider scratching in the same shot that you pocket the 8-ball a loss of game, but there is an important distinction... Mar 17, 2023 Bullseye Billiards Announcing the Bullseye Billiards Video Series Bullseye Billiards has been turned into a video series! Watch the following trailer for a glimpse at what's coming: This collection of 200... Apr 18, 2022 World of Pool Shooting with Side Spin Side spin or “english” is caused by striking the cue ball left or right of the vertical axis. This puts a left or right hand spin... Jan 15, 2022 World of Pool Purposeful Practice Coming Soon This lesson is not complete, but feel free to read through what we have so far. Jan 15, 2022 World of Pool Push Out Strategy Coming Soon This lesson is not complete, but feel free to read through what we have so far. Jan 15, 2022 A Captain Who Knows Their Numbers Plays Better Too World of Pool 9-Ball Strategy Coming Soon This lesson is not complete, but feel free to read through what we have so far. Jan 15, 2022 World of Pool 8-Ball Strategy Coming Soon This lesson is not complete, but feel free to read through what we have so far. Jan 15, 2022 World of Pool Easy Shots Coming Soon This lesson is not complete, but feel free to read through what we have so far. Jan 15, 2022 World of Pool Mental Game Coming Soon This lesson is not complete, but feel free to read through what we have so far. Jan 15, 2022 World of Pool The Jump Shot To reach a competitive level in the game today, you will need to learn how to jump. This is how to master the jump shot. Jan 15, 2022 World of Pool The Break Coming Soon This lesson is incomplete, but feel free to read through what we have so far. _______________________________________________... Jan 15, 2022 Help Your Captain Worry Less and Play More World of Pool Combinations and Caroms Coming Soon This lesson is not complete, but feel free to read through what we have so far. Jan 15, 2022 World of Pool Defense & Safety Play Introduction There is more to pool than pocketing balls and running racks. I’ve played matches against great players, had a handful of... Jan 15, 2022 World of Pool How to Kick in Pool Introduction: If you find yourself shooting a kick, it is usually the result of an opponent's safety or your own cue ball control. Kick... Jan 15, 2022 World of Pool How to Bank in Pool Introduction If you watch any movie or television show where the director is trying to convince you that a character is a “pool shark”,... Jan 15, 2022 World of Pool Position Play Introduction Position play can be the sole factor that separates a good player from being a great player. Excellent pool looks effortless... Jan 15, 2022 World of Pool How to Aim in Pool The most popular aiming system used to teach newer players how to aim is the ghost ball aiming system. This is done by identifying the... Jan 4, 2022 Stop Doing 23 Rule Math by Hand World of Pool How to Control the Cue Ball in Pool Great cue ball control is derived from your knowledge and experience on how to send the cue ball on a specific path by choosing the right... Jan 3, 2022 World of Pool Creating a Stable Bridge in Pool A bridge must be both loose enough to allow the cue to effortlessly glide through it while also being secure enough to steadily hold and... Dec 11, 2021 World of Pool How to Grip a Pool Cue The purpose of the grip hand/arm is to simply hold the cue up and get forward momentum into the cue; NOT guide the cue left or right. It... Dec 11, 2021 Bullseye Billiards The Shape Zone - Episode 4 Watch Chris Melling run an incredible rack of 8-ball against Mika Immonen in the 2017 World Pool Series. Sep 5, 2017 News sourced from PoolPlayers.com , AZBilliards.com , Bullseye Billiards , and World of Pool & Billiards . All articles link to original sources. Free for 30 Days: Bullseye Billiards Premium Bullseye Billiards is one of our news sources and the only pool training app with the BCA Seal of Approval. 300 shots across 9 cue ball control categories -- Fundamentals, Follow, Stun, Draw, Sidespin, Rails, Hangers, Scratches, and Advanced -- with video instruction and progress tracking. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Claim 30 Days Free Tell Your Captain About LineUp Magic -- It's Free While you keep up with the news, LineUp Magic keeps your numbers. Stop doing the math in your head. Know your lineups before match night. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free Create a Free Account Not the captain? Your captain would love LineUp Magic -- tell them. It's free and it handles the lineup math so match night is one less thing to stress about. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/billiards-red-news.html Billiards in the News - Google News Feed | LineUp Magic LineUp Magic › Guides › Billiards in the News LineUp Magic Billiards in the News Billiards coverage from across the web, aggregated from Google News Stories Pool and billiards news from around the world, aggregated from Google News. Covers tournament results, player stories, equipment news, and anything billiards-related currently in the press. For dedicated coverage from pool-specific sites, see the Pool News page. Stop Doing the Math in Your Head umlconnector.com Billiard Gun / Automatic Pool Cue - Alloy Construction, Adjustable Power, For Practice & Fun - umlconnector.com Billiard Gun / Automatic Pool Cue - Alloy Construction, Adjustable Power, For Practice & Fun  umlconnector.com Apr 13, 2026 RuhrkanalNEWS Snooker Table VEVOR Foldable Pool Table - 140cm Portable Billiards Table With Full Kit, Perfect For Small Spaces & Family Game Nights Pool Table 7ft - RuhrkanalNEWS Snooker Table VEVOR Foldable Pool Table - 140cm Portable Billiards Table With Full Kit, Perfect For Small Spaces & Family Game Nights Pool T... Apr 13, 2026 AzBilliards Semifinals Set To Roll at SBE - AzBilliards Semifinals Set To Roll at SBE  AzBilliards Apr 12, 2026 Billiards Digest Pool's Top Source for News, Views, Tips & More - Billiards Digest Pool's Top Source for News, Views, Tips & More  Billiards Digest Apr 1, 2026 WDBJ7 Hometown Eats: Wolf’s Den Billiards - WDBJ7 Hometown Eats: Wolf’s Den Billiards  WDBJ7 Mar 26, 2026 FOX 2 Predator Pro Billiard Series brings elite pool players to St. Louis - FOX 2 Predator Pro Billiard Series brings elite pool players to St. Louis  FOX 2 Apr 4, 2026 Know Your Numbers Before the First Rack WBRC 100-year-old billiards player, World War II veteran finds new life at pool hall - WBRC 100-year-old billiards player, World War II veteran finds new life at pool hall  WBRC Dec 16, 2025 Washingtonian This 12-Year-Old Bethesda Girl Is a Billiards Phenom - Washingtonian This 12-Year-Old Bethesda Girl Is a Billiards Phenom  Washingtonian Nov 7, 2025 ABC7 Chicago Bridgeview shooting today: 2 shot, Juan Rendon killed, outside Que Ball Billiards & Bar at 7735 South Harlem Avenue, police say - ABC7 Chicago Bridgeview shooting today: 2 shot, Juan Rendon killed, outside Que Ball Billiards & Bar at 7735 South Harlem Avenue, police say  ABC7 Chicag... Feb 21, 2026 PoPville EXCLUSIVE: More info on Skylark Billiards coming to Navy Yard near Nats Park – From the folks behind Kingfisher, Bedrock Billiards, Jackpot, and Rocket Bar!!!! - PoPville EXCLUSIVE: More info on Skylark Billiards coming to Navy Yard near Nats Park – From the folks behind Kingfisher, Bedrock Billiards, Jackpot,... Mar 25, 2026 Concord Monitor Pool hall field trip brings math and science to life for fifth-graders - Concord Monitor Pool hall field trip brings math and science to life for fifth-graders  Concord Monitor Nov 24, 2025 openPR.com Billiard Cues Market Analysis By Application, Type, - openPR.com Billiard Cues Market Analysis By Application, Type,  openPR.com Apr 12, 2026 Help Your Captain Worry Less and Play More The New York Times Overlooked No More: Dorothy Wise, the ‘Grandmother of Pool’ Who Defied the Odds - The New York Times Overlooked No More: Dorothy Wise, the ‘Grandmother of Pool’ Who Defied the Odds  The New York Times Mar 10, 2026 The Lawrence Times Empire Bar & Billiards to move after decadelong tenure; new concept to fill old location - The Lawrence Times Empire Bar & Billiards to move after decadelong tenure; new concept to fill old location  The Lawrence Times Dec 31, 2025 Taunton Daily Gazette Taunton amateur billiards team wins big tournament, going to Hawaii - Taunton Daily Gazette Taunton amateur billiards team wins big tournament, going to Hawaii  Taunton Daily Gazette Dec 21, 2025 Cleveland 19 News 100-year-old billiards player, World War II veteran finds new life at pool hall - Cleveland 19 News 100-year-old billiards player, World War II veteran finds new life at pool hall  Cleveland 19 News Dec 16, 2025 RuhrkanalNEWS Generico Wooden Pool Cue Rack – Wall Mounted, 27x3x3cm, Hardwood, With Soft Clips, For Billiard Stick Storage - RuhrkanalNEWS Generico Wooden Pool Cue Rack – Wall Mounted, 27x3x3cm, Hardwood, With Soft Clips, For Billiard Stick Storage  RuhrkanalNEWS Apr 12, 2026 AzBilliards Is a Video Game Key to Billiards’ Growing Its Global Presence? - AzBilliards Is a Video Game Key to Billiards’ Growing Its Global Presence?  AzBilliards Apr 5, 2026 Stop Doing 23 Rule Math by Hand FOX 2 Predator Pro Billiard Series brings elite pool players to St. Louis - FOX 2 Predator Pro Billiard Series brings elite pool players to St. Louis  FOX 2 Apr 4, 2026 RuhrkanalNEWS Round Aluminum Billiard Chalk Case – Compact Holder For Pool Cue Tips - RuhrkanalNEWS Round Aluminum Billiard Chalk Case – Compact Holder For Pool Cue Tips  RuhrkanalNEWS Apr 12, 2026 Tech-Gaming Pool Room Billiard review - Tech-Gaming Pool Room Billiard review  Tech-Gaming Jan 27, 2026 Matchroom Pool EVENT GUIDE | 2026 PREMIER LEAGUE POOL - Matchroom Pool EVENT GUIDE | 2026 PREMIER LEAGUE POOL  Matchroom Pool Feb 18, 2026 MLive.com This new pizza and pool hall has a name celebrating an entire community’s spirit - MLive.com This new pizza and pool hall has a name celebrating an entire community’s spirit  MLive.com Dec 28, 2025 The San Francisco Standard SF has tons of places to shoot pool — but none has cocktails this good - The San Francisco Standard SF has tons of places to shoot pool — but none has cocktails this good  The San Francisco Standard Oct 2, 2025 Keep Track of Your Numbers, So You Don't Have To The MoCo Show - New Billiards and Food Spot Opens in Burtonsville - The MoCo Show - New Billiards and Food Spot Opens in Burtonsville  The MoCo Show - Dec 14, 2025 ABC27 Construction plans for Pool & Billiard Hall in Dauphin County approved - ABC27 Construction plans for Pool & Billiard Hall in Dauphin County approved  ABC27 Jan 8, 2026 Port City Daily New bar, billiards spot opens in former Christmas shop downtown - Port City Daily New bar, billiards spot opens in former Christmas shop downtown  Port City Daily Dec 9, 2025 Matchroom Pool THE US OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP TAKES OVER TEXAS IN FRISCO, 25–30 AUGUST – TICKETS ON SALE SOON - Matchroom Pool THE US OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP TAKES OVER TEXAS IN FRISCO, 25–30 AUGUST – TICKETS ON SALE SOON  Matchroom Pool Feb 16, 2026 primetimes.id WEIGHT BOLT LONGONI CUES ( 23 GRAMS ). - California Billiards | Longoni - primetimes.id WEIGHT BOLT LONGONI CUES ( 23 GRAMS ). - California Billiards | Longoni  primetimes.id Apr 12, 2026 RICtoday 10+ places to play pool in Richmond - RICtoday 10+ places to play pool in Richmond  RICtoday Feb 12, 2026 Give Your Captain One Less Thing to Stress About WCYB Local pool hall hosts junior billiards champions - WCYB Local pool hall hosts junior billiards champions  WCYB Aug 29, 2025 Washingtonian Buffalo Billiards Is Making a Comeback on 14th Street - Washingtonian Buffalo Billiards Is Making a Comeback on 14th Street  Washingtonian Sep 15, 2025 Nintendo Everything Mouse mode based game Pool Room Billiard out today on Nintendo Switch 2 - Nintendo Everything Mouse mode based game Pool Room Billiard out today on Nintendo Switch 2  Nintendo Everything Jan 22, 2026 Fresno Bee A north Fresno pool hall is opening downtown. It matches an iconic mural - Fresno Bee A north Fresno pool hall is opening downtown. It matches an iconic mural  Fresno Bee Jul 18, 2025 CBS News 2 men shot, 1 fatally, outside bar and billiard hall in Bridgeview - CBS News 2 men shot, 1 fatally, outside bar and billiard hall in Bridgeview  CBS News Feb 22, 2026 The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate This new Bossier City billiards hall fits 968 people. It features an arena, restaurant, more. - The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate This new Bossier City billiards hall fits 968 people. It features an arena, restaurant, more.  The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate Jul 24, 2025 Your Captain Is Doing This Math Right Now Noozhawk Cue for Success: 805 Pool Table Services Brings Billiards Back Into Style - Noozhawk Cue for Success: 805 Pool Table Services Brings Billiards Back Into Style  Noozhawk Oct 10, 2025 WDRB French Lick Resort set to open 109-year-old bowling, pool pavilion after years-long restoration - WDRB French Lick Resort set to open 109-year-old bowling, pool pavilion after years-long restoration  WDRB Jan 12, 2026 The Holland Sentinel PHOTOS: Rail House becomes Black River Billiards in Holland - The Holland Sentinel PHOTOS: Rail House becomes Black River Billiards in Holland  The Holland Sentinel Sep 17, 2025 Billiards Digest Tips & Shafts by George Fels - Billiards Digest Tips & Shafts by George Fels  Billiards Digest Sep 6, 2025 Matchroom Pool EVENT GUIDE | 2025 FLORIDA OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP - Matchroom Pool EVENT GUIDE | 2025 FLORIDA OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP  Matchroom Pool Aug 5, 2025 MLive.com New family-operated pizza and pool hall to open Friday in Mt. Morris - MLive.com New family-operated pizza and pool hall to open Friday in Mt. Morris  MLive.com Jan 8, 2026 Stop Doing 23 Rule Math by Hand Billiards Digest Tips & Shafts by George Fels - Billiards Digest Tips & Shafts by George Fels  Billiards Digest Oct 2, 2025 ABC27 Pool & Billiard Hall purchases new home in Dauphin County - ABC27 Pool & Billiard Hall purchases new home in Dauphin County  ABC27 Aug 21, 2025 San Francisco YIMBY Renderings Revealed For Schools of the Sacred Heart Athletics Facility in Laurel Heights, San Francisco - San Francisco YIMBY Renderings Revealed For Schools of the Sacred Heart Athletics Facility in Laurel Heights, San Francisco  San Francisco YIMBY Oct 31, 2025 Britannica Allison Fisher - Britannica Allison Fisher  Britannica Feb 20, 2026 Nashville Guru Bars with Games in Nashville - Nashville Guru Bars with Games in Nashville  Nashville Guru Oct 16, 2025 Billiards Digest Pool's Top Source for News, Views, Tips & More - Billiards Digest Pool's Top Source for News, Views, Tips & More  Billiards Digest Mar 4, 2026 Every Lineup That Makes Numbers, in Seconds Popular Science How billiard balls led to plastic everywhere - Popular Science How billiard balls led to plastic everywhere  Popular Science Oct 7, 2025 Matchroom Pool EVENT GUIDE | 2025 WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIP - Matchroom Pool EVENT GUIDE | 2025 WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIP  Matchroom Pool Jul 21, 2025 Be Bossier Red River Billiards Opens in South Bossier - Be Bossier Red River Billiards Opens in South Bossier  Be Bossier Aug 12, 2025 Men's Journal Walmart's $1,000 Billiards Table Set Is 55% Off Right Now - Men's Journal Walmart's $1,000 Billiards Table Set Is 55% Off Right Now  Men's Journal Dec 9, 2025 Lawrence Journal-World Town Talk | Former auto dealership building on Sixth Street to become home of large pool hall, sports bar, restaurant - Lawrence Journal-World Town Talk | Former auto dealership building on Sixth Street to become home of large pool hall, sports bar, restaurant  Lawrence Journal-Worl... Jul 2, 2025 The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate Photos: Take a look inside Red River Billiards in south Bossier City - The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate Photos: Take a look inside Red River Billiards in south Bossier City  The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate Jul 24, 2025 A Captain Who Knows Their Numbers Plays Better Too Reading Eagle Charity pool tournament will honor Berks billiards legend for third year - Reading Eagle Charity pool tournament will honor Berks billiards legend for third year  Reading Eagle Sep 10, 2025 Matchroom Pool 2026 Premier League Pool - Matchroom Pool 2026 Premier League Pool  Matchroom Pool Feb 7, 2026 KTALnews.com Rack ’em up, massive new pool hall opening near Brookshire Grocery Arena - KTALnews.com Rack ’em up, massive new pool hall opening near Brookshire Grocery Arena  KTALnews.com Jul 16, 2025 IMDb John Arcilla, Loisa Andalio Billiards Drama ‘Bilyarista,’ Featuring Pool Legends Efren Reyes, Django Bustamante, Makes World Premiere at International Film Festival of India - IMDb John Arcilla, Loisa Andalio Billiards Drama ‘Bilyarista,’ Featuring Pool Legends Efren Reyes, Django Bustamante, Makes World Premiere at Int... Dec 20, 2025 Instant Gaming News Pure Pool Pro will be released on PS5 and PC this February 12, then in spring on Xbox Series - Instant Gaming News Pure Pool Pro will be released on PS5 and PC this February 12, then in spring on Xbox Series  Instant Gaming News Feb 5, 2026 SILive.com Longtime Staten Island dart, pool hall now under new ownership - SILive.com Longtime Staten Island dart, pool hall now under new ownership  SILive.com Sep 1, 2025 Make Your Captain's Life Easier -- LineUp Magic is Free Matchroom Pool EVENT GUIDE | 2025 LIVESB.IO US OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP - Matchroom Pool EVENT GUIDE | 2025 LIVESB.IO US OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP  Matchroom Pool Aug 18, 2025 The Straits Times ‘A dream come true’: Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp wins surprise 8-ball world title in US - The Straits Times ‘A dream come true’: Singapore’s Aloysius Yapp wins surprise 8-ball world title in US  The Straits Times Apr 8, 2026 Billiards Digest Pool's Top Source for News, Views, Tips & More - Billiards Digest Pool's Top Source for News, Views, Tips & More  Billiards Digest Aug 3, 2025 I Love the Burg Popular pool hall with 20 tables expands to Clearwater - I Love the Burg Popular pool hall with 20 tables expands to Clearwater  I Love the Burg Jul 7, 2025 Wilmington Star-News Historic downtown Wilmington pool room, closed for more than 5 years, could get new life - Wilmington Star-News Historic downtown Wilmington pool room, closed for more than 5 years, could get new life  Wilmington Star-News Jul 15, 2025 Market.us Middle East Billiards And Accessories Market Size | CAGR of 2.1% - Market.us Middle East Billiards And Accessories Market Size | CAGR of 2.1%  Market.us Nov 30, 2025 Stop Doing 23 Rule Math by Hand Montclair Girl Sports Bar + Pool Hall ‘Guys and Dolls’ Reopening in Belleville - Montclair Girl Sports Bar + Pool Hall ‘Guys and Dolls’ Reopening in Belleville  Montclair Girl Nov 14, 2025 Statista U.S. pool and billiard hall industry market size 2012-2022 - Statista U.S. pool and billiard hall industry market size 2012-2022  Statista Nov 26, 2025 WSYX Columbus man charged with murder after shooting at billiards hall in Whitehall - WSYX Columbus man charged with murder after shooting at billiards hall in Whitehall  WSYX Jun 7, 2025 Peoria Journal Star One of Peoria's best billiards players is recovering from a stroke. The sport is giving back - Peoria Journal Star One of Peoria's best billiards players is recovering from a stroke. The sport is giving back  Peoria Journal Star Jul 18, 2025 Matchroom Pool WHERE TO WATCH THE 2025 WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIP - Matchroom Pool WHERE TO WATCH THE 2025 WORLD POOL CHAMPIONSHIP  Matchroom Pool Jul 21, 2025 RuhrkanalNEWS LED Light Up Pool Table Set – Mini Billiards Game With Balls, Cues, Rack & Chalk, Portable Tabletop Fun - RuhrkanalNEWS LED Light Up Pool Table Set – Mini Billiards Game With Balls, Cues, Rack & Chalk, Portable Tabletop Fun  RuhrkanalNEWS Mar 10, 2026 Keeps Track of Your Numbers, So You Don't Have To IGN India PlayStation 5 Pro: Upcoming Billiards Game ‘Pure Pool Pro’ Set To Increase the Number of Titles With 8K Resolution Support - IGN India PlayStation 5 Pro: Upcoming Billiards Game ‘Pure Pool Pro’ Set To Increase the Number of Titles With 8K Resolution Support  IGN India Jul 25, 2025 Matchroom Pool WORLD NUMBER ONE GORST BEGINS PURSUIT FOR FLORIDA GLORY AMONGST STAR-STUDDED FIELD | 2025 LIVESB.IO FLORIDA OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP - Matchroom Pool WORLD NUMBER ONE GORST BEGINS PURSUIT FOR FLORIDA GLORY AMONGST STAR-STUDDED FIELD | 2025 LIVESB.IO FLORIDA OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP  Matchroo... Aug 5, 2025 Chicago Magazine Sharking, Running Out, and Dogging at Chris’s Billiards - Chicago Magazine Sharking, Running Out, and Dogging at Chris’s Billiards  Chicago Magazine Aug 15, 2022 RuhrkanalNEWS Drfeify Copper Pool Billiard Ferrules - 10 Pack, 9/9.5/10mm Snooker Tips Repair Parts - RuhrkanalNEWS Drfeify Copper Pool Billiard Ferrules - 10 Pack, 9/9.5/10mm Snooker Tips Repair Parts  RuhrkanalNEWS Mar 17, 2026 AzBilliards Ultimate Pool USA’s Ozone Billiards Iowa Shootout In The Books - AzBilliards Ultimate Pool USA’s Ozone Billiards Iowa Shootout In The Books  AzBilliards Apr 21, 2025 Baptist News Global In praise of billiards: A tool for ministry - Baptist News Global In praise of billiards: A tool for ministry  Baptist News Global Jan 4, 2023 Know Your Numbers. Never Risk a Forfeit. The Business Journals Speakeasy-style pool hall set to debut in Raleigh - The Business Journals Speakeasy-style pool hall set to debut in Raleigh  The Business Journals Apr 30, 2025 93.1 KISS FM VIDEO REMOVED? This Cowboy Playing Pool On A Horse Is Just A Lone Star Legend Now - 93.1 KISS FM VIDEO REMOVED? 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Here’s what it cost me  Sacramento Bee Apr 27, 2024 Argus Leader New pool, billiards hall designed for league play opening this fall in eastern Sioux Falls - Argus Leader New pool, billiards hall designed for league play opening this fall in eastern Sioux Falls  Argus Leader Aug 31, 2022 Block Club Chicago Surge Billiards Planning West Town Pool Hall On Chicago Avenue - Block Club Chicago Surge Billiards Planning West Town Pool Hall On Chicago Avenue  Block Club Chicago Aug 7, 2024 Billiards Digest Pool's Top Source for News, Views, Tips & More - Billiards Digest Pool's Top Source for News, Views, Tips & More  Billiards Digest Sep 5, 2023 The San Francisco Standard ‘This is my f***ing home!’: Pool hall diehards react to closure news - The San Francisco Standard ‘This is my f***ing home!’: Pool hall diehards react to closure news  The San Francisco Standard Dec 15, 2024 Tell Your Captain About LineUp Magic -- It's Free THE CITY - NYC News Steinway Billiards Abruptly Closes After More Than Three Decades - THE CITY - NYC News Steinway Billiards Abruptly Closes After More Than Three Decades  THE CITY - NYC News Jun 12, 2023 TheSmartLocal 13 Best Pool, Billiards & Snooker Halls In Singapore That Aren’t Lupsup Or Sketchy - TheSmartLocal 13 Best Pool, Billiards & Snooker Halls In Singapore That Aren’t Lupsup Or Sketchy  TheSmartLocal Feb 23, 2026 Oil City News Mint Billiards racks up modern pool hall experience in Evansville - Oil City News Mint Billiards racks up modern pool hall experience in Evansville  Oil City News Aug 29, 2024 breezejmu.org Billiards club racks up friendliness, brings on competition - breezejmu.org Billiards club racks up friendliness, brings on competition  breezejmu.org Oct 5, 2023 Articles from Google News. All articles link to their original sources. Free for 30 Days: Bullseye Billiards Premium The only pool training app with the BCA Seal of Approval. 300 shots across 9 cue ball control categories -- Fundamentals, Follow, Stun, Draw, Sidespin, Rails, Hangers, Scratches, and Advanced -- with video instruction and progress tracking. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! Claim 30 Days Free Not the Captain? Tell Yours About LineUp Magic While you keep up with the news, LineUp Magic keeps your numbers. Every lineup that makes numbers, in seconds. Managing more than one team? Up to 5 rosters, one free account. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free Create a Free Account Not the captain? Your captain would love LineUp Magic -- tell them. It's free and it handles the lineup math so match night is one less thing to stress about. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/bullseye.html Free 30-Day Bullseye Billiards Premium: Exclusive Offer for LineUp Magic Users Get the Bullseye Billiards Training App FREE for 30 Days! Bullseye Billiards: Free 30-Day Premium 300 guided practice shots. Video instruction. Cue ball tracking. The most structured practice system available for pool players -- and 30 days of premium free through this page. LineUp Magic › Bullseye Billiards Offer Your Free Gift from LineUp Magic and Bullseye Billiards! 30 Days of Premium, Free Download the Bullseye Billiards app, then redeem your gift code in Settings. Your Gift Code LINEUPMAGIC Enter in the Gift field under Settings in the app 🎱 Claim My 30 Days Free → No credit card required. Takes about 60 seconds. In APA and TAP pool, your skill level moves when your game improves. The single skill that drives that is cue ball position -- getting the ball where you need it after every shot so the next one is makeable. Bullseye Billiards is a structured training system built around exactly that: 300 guided practice shots across 9 cue ball control categories, each with video instruction, a table diagram, tip contact point, stroke speed, and a target zone. You practice, the app tracks where you leave the cue ball, and you watch your position play improve over time. Through this page you can claim 30 days of premium free. Download the app, go to Settings > Redeem Gift, and enter code LINEUPMAGIC . No credit card, no obligation. "This is hands down the best training tool I've ever used and I've been using the Bullseye Billiards app since long before I offered LineUp Magic to the public. Bullseye Billiards made me a better pool player, and continues to help me improve my game every time I use it." Matt Landry · LineUp Magic APA & TAP League Player, Capital Region NY What the App Does 🎯 300 Cueing Drills A library of shots built to develop cue ball positioning, the skill that separates good players from great ones. 📋 Personal Practice Plan The app analyzes your scores and recommends what to work on next based on your weakest areas and least-practiced skills. 📊 Progress Tracking See your pocketed percentages, score trends, and total attempts over 30 days, 90 days, or longer. Watch the numbers climb. 🗺️ Interactive Table Diagram Track exactly where your cue ball lands on an interactive diagram. Review shot-by-shot to understand what you're doing right and wrong. Claim My 30 Days Free - Code LINEUPMAGIC → The Real Point of All This Working through 300 drills isn't about memorizing 300 specific shots. The goal is to log enough reps across enough shot types that when you're standing at the table on match night staring at a shot you need, you can say to yourself: yeah, I know how to get there. After enough sessions, you stop thinking and start feeling it. How the Tracking Actually Works After each shot attempt, you tap the table diagram to mark exactly where you left the cue ball. Do that for every rep in a drill session and the app builds a cluster diagram , a visual map of all your cue ball positions plotted on the table. The tighter the cluster around the target zone, the better your position play was on that drill. Loose, scattered clusters tell you immediately where to focus your next practice session. Below are a few examples from real sessions, my own results using the same app you'll get with gift code LINEUPMAGIC . Shot 22: Follow Shot Drill Each drill shows you the shot setup: cue ball start position, object ball location, and the target zone where your cue ball should land. Shot 22 is a follow shot; contact the object ball with a half-ball hit and a little top and the cue ball should travel about 30 degrees off the line of aim. Shot 22 Follow: My Results After each attempt, I tap where the cue ball stopped. The app overlays every result on the same diagram. The green and red rings are the target zone; the grey dot cluster is where I actually left the cue ball. A tight cluster means consistent position play. I need a little more work here, but mostly hit the target. Shot 94: Sidespin Drill Hard A hard-rated sidespin drill: here with left spin and slow speed. The app tells you exactly where to hit the cue ball and how hard. No guessing on technique. Shot 94 Sidespin: My Results The target sits in the bottom corner across table, a tough zone to hit consistently with sidespin in play. The cluster shows I'm landing in the right area, I felt pretty good about that one. Claim 30 Days Free -- Code LINEUPMAGIC → 🎱 Claim 30 Days Premium Free Use gift code LINEUPMAGIC for 30 days premium Shot 144: Rails Drill Moderate Contact the object ball just before the cue hit hits the rail, slow speed, a little top right. Rail shots with spin are super effective in league pool. This drill isolates exactly that. Shot 144 Rails: My Results Well, most attempts were at least on the target with one outlier, a solid cluster for a moderate rail shot with english. The kind of consistency that matters when position play decides the rack. I'd like to get better here. An inch or two and you either have shape for your next shot or you don't! Your Performance Profile Beyond the cluster diagrams, the app tracks three core metrics for every drill you've logged. Score is your average on a 0-3 scale across all attempts. Pocketing is the percentage of reps where you actually pocketed the object ball. Positioning is a 0-100 precision value: 100 means your cue ball landed on the bullseye consistently, lower scores mean more scatter. You need at least 10 attempts on a shot before the app evaluates proficiency, which keeps the data honest. Three Metrics That Matter Score tells you overall execution. Pocketing tells you if you're making the ball. Positioning tells you how consistent your cue ball control is. Together they give you an honest picture of where your game actually stands. Every Shot, At a Glance The Performance Profile shows your score for every drill in the library, organized by shot type: Fundamentals, Follow, Draw, Sidespin, and more. Color-coded indicators flag your strongest and weakest shots instantly. No digging around to figure out where to spend your next session. Claim 30 Days Free -- Code LINEUPMAGIC → 🎱 Claim 30 Days Premium Free Use gift code LINEUPMAGIC for 30 days premium More Than Just an App The app is where I spend most of my practice time, but Bullseye Billiards has built out a full training system. The photo below shows the whole lineup, and I showcase several of these products on my gear page if you want to explore further. 📖 300 Practice Shots The shot books cover every category: Follow, Draw, Stun, Sidespin, Rails, and Advanced, with diagrams, tip contact, and stroke speed for each shot. Available as the original book or the Precision Series Vol. 1 . 🎯 Physical Targets Cloth targets lay right on your table so you can run the drills with a real reference point. Pairs with the books or the app. 🃏 Card Games 200 shot cards across 10 game formats, solo or group. Same shot categories as the app, organized by difficulty. Good for practice nights with your team. 📱 Pick a Shot, Track Your Progress Browse 300 shots by skill and difficulty, or let the app recommend one based on your weak areas. Your score, pocketing percentage, and positioning improve over time and you can see it. We carry the Bullseye books , card games , and targets on our gear page alongside other pool league equipment picks. Take a look, and don't forget gift code LINEUPMAGIC gets you 30 days of the app's premium tier at no cost. How to Claim Your 30 Days Free Three Steps Download Bullseye Billiards free on iOS or Android at get.bullseyebilliards.com . Tap Settings , then hit the Redeem Gift button under the Subscription section. Enter LINEUPMAGIC and unlock 30 days of premium. No credit card required. Free to download on iOS & Android No credit card required BCA Seal of Approval PBIA/ACS Level 2 certified instructor Developed by a certified pool instructor, the system has been endorsed by Dr. Dave Alciatore and featured by AZBilliards, Sneaky Pete Mafia, and the Billiard Education Foundation. Claim 30 Days Free -- Code LINEUPMAGIC → 🎱 Claim 30 Days Premium Free Use gift code LINEUPMAGIC for 30 days premium --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/insidethecase.html Inside the Case - Pool Gear Matt Uses | LineUp Magic LineUp Magic › About › Inside the Case By Matt Landry · APA & TAP League Player, Capital Region NY LineUp Magic Inside the Case The gear I use in APA and TAP with some additional suggestions and comments. Matt Landry APA & TAP pool player, upstate New York, creator of LineUp Magic I'm a 5/5 in APA and a 4/3 in TAP. I've tried a lot of things over the years. These are some of the tools that I've used a lot. This list should give you some ideas for tip types, extensions, training tools, more.... The Cuetec is a great cue for the money and the included Avid fiberglass shaft is amazing at that pricepoint. It plays like a much more expensive cue. Be sure to take a look at Bullseye Billiards in the training area below. They've helped me a lot in my own training and I can't say enough good things about that app. I put together a dedicated page about it here . I included a few of my own practice results there as examples, plus there's a gift code for 30 days of premium free. Also, a reminder that using amazon links helps keep lineupmagic free and does not increase the cost of anything you purchase there. Thanks! Matt As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Cues Shop Cuetec AVID Chroma Mojave 95-392NW-K My main playing cue. Two-piece, 12.25mm shaft, Tiger Everest medium tip, weight-adjustable 18-21 oz. Cuetec's 3/8x14 joint. View on Amazon Heavy Hitter Jump Break Pool Cue 3-piece break/jump cue, 20-23 oz. 100% Canadian maple, 13.5mm bakelite tip with phenolic ferrule for explosive breaks and effortless jumps. More energy transfer, better cue ball control. View on Amazon ASKA 36" Short Pool Cue - Wrapless Sneaky Pete 36 in., 12.5 oz. wrapless Canadian hard rock maple with a classic spliced Sneaky Pete look. 13mm hard leather tip, ABS ferrule, 5/16x18 stainless steel joint. The go-to when you're backed into a corner or tight against a wall. View on Amazon Cuetec Duo Smart Extension - 3" / 6" / 9" All-composite ultra-light construction with gloss black finish. Aluminum 3/8x14 Quick-Pin joint. Comes with a replacement DUO Ready butt cap. The 3-inch and 6-inch pieces combine to create a 9-inch extension. Made for Gen 1 Cynergy cues and anything with a matching joint. View on Amazon Chalk Shop TAOM Pyro Billiard Cue Chalk Handmade in Finland. Maximum grip without residue, clean touch on the ball and a kick-free experience. Works for any level from beginner to competitive play. View on Amazon TAOM V10 Billiard Cue Chalk The latest formula from TAOM engineers, developed with world-class professionals. Stronger grip than Pyro with even less residue. Clean touch, maximum hold, works across all cue sports. View on Amazon TAOM Chalk + Magnetic Holder Gift Box Set A premium gift box pairing TAOM chalk with a magnetic holder built to last. Sealed rotating cap keeps chalk from drying out between uses. Brushed steel base with 3D diamond-texture top cap for even, consistent application. Thickened metal shell is waterproof, abrasion-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. Comes with a hex screwdriver. Available in multiple colors. View on Amazon Cue Tips Shop Tiger Dynamite Laminated Cue Tips 7 layers of pig leather treated to a consistent hardness. Hard tip with good control and reliable feel shot to shot. View on Amazon Tiger Sniper Laminated Cue Tip Boar hide tanned the old-fashioned way, buried and aged naturally up to a year with no chemicals. Soft-medium tip with maximum control, consistency, and minimal deflection. The black layer tells you when it's time to replace. View on Amazon Cuboid 8-in-1 Cue Tip Repair Tool Shape, trim, scuff, pick, and clean the ferrule all from one tool. Fits tips 8.5mm to 14mm. Aluminum body, carbon steel blade, comes with a replacement blade. 2.8 oz. View on Amazon Willard Cue Tip Shaper - Dime Radius Reshapes your tip to a precise 0.358 in. dime radius every time. Carbon brazed steel grit, built-in gauge so you know when you've hit the right shape. Small enough to carry on a keychain. View on Amazon Kamui Black Laminated Cue Tip High-elasticity leather for precise cue ball control - more spin with less force. Specially treated to resist humidity and mushrooming in any season. Best-in-class quality control, made in Japan. Available in multiple diameters and hardnesses. View on Amazon Training Shop GoSports 6, 7, or 8 ft Billiards Table My portable warm-up and drill table. Ready to play out of the box, just fold the legs out. No assembly required. View on Amazon Practice Pro Pool Table Pocket Reducers Reduces pocket openings by ~30% to force more precise aiming. Trains stroke, alignment, and accuracy. After drilling on tighter pockets, standard pockets feel huge. View on Amazon Shark Marks Ball Position Marker Stickers 20 sheets per pack, fits in most cue cases. Laminated stickers with removable adhesive so they won't damage felt and can be reused. Great for drilling specific shots and positions. View on Amazon MOOCY AAA-Grade Practice Training Cue Ball AAA-grade phenolic resin, 2-1/4" standard size, 6 oz. One side is beginner-friendly, the other shows advanced contact points for draw, follow, and spin. Helps you see exactly where to strike for any shot type. View on Amazon Bullseye Billiards App The only pool training app with the BCA Seal of Approval. 300 shots across 9 cue ball control categories: Fundamentals, Follow, Stun, Draw, Sidespin, Rails, Hangers, Scratches, and Advanced. Each shot includes video instruction, a table diagram, tip contact point, stroke speed, and a difficulty rating. I've been using this app since long before I offered LineUp Magic to the public. It made me a better player and it keeps doing that every time I use it. Download Bullseye (iOS & Android) 🎁 30 Days Premium on the Bullseye App! Use code LINEUPMAGIC for 30 days of Premium access free. After you install the Bullseye Billiards app from either app store, open it up and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to activate your 30 days. Bullseye Billiards Target Set The best instructional aid for practicing cue ball positioning. Lay the targets flat on any 6- to 12-foot pool, billiard, or snooker table, balls roll right over them without disruption. High-quality knit fabric that won't crease or fray. Each set includes a full target, a half target, 3 smaller bullseye targets, and a mesh carrying case. Pairs perfectly with the Bullseye Billiards book or app to put every drill into practice immediately. View on Amazon 🎁 Free Bullseye App Premium -- use code LINEUPMAGIC, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Bullseye Billiards Card Games 200 unique cue ball positioning shot cards across 10 game formats, works solo or with a group. Categories cover Follow, Stun, Draw, Sidespin, Rails, Hangers, Scratches, and Advanced shots, organized by progressive skill level. Each card is a distinct shot from the Bullseye training system. View on Amazon 🎁 Free Bullseye App Premium -- use code LINEUPMAGIC, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Hickoryville Skilliards, Billiards Training Card System A structured drill system covering stop shots, banks, and complex pattern play. Color-coded difficulty tiers give you a clear progression path, and each card links to setup diagrams and coaching tips via QR code. Point-based scoring lets you track progress and pinpoint weaknesses. Good for solo practice, coached sessions, or pool hall challenges. View on Amazon The Original Magic Billiard Ball Rack, 8 & 9/10 Ball Duo-Pack Flat template-style racks that sit flush on the cloth and let you rack tighter and more consistently than a traditional wood or plastic triangle. The duo-pack covers both 8-ball and 9/10-ball. Durable plastic, easy to use, and the kind of thing that quietly improves every game once you switch. View on Amazon Bullseye Billiards Book A target game played on a pool table, designed to improve cue ball control for beginning and intermediate players. 200 shots, each with a diagram covering line of aim, tip contact, stroke speed, and an instructional hint. Shot types include fundamentals, follow, stun, draw, sidespin, rails, scratches, and advanced. Works for 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, straight pool, and more. View on Amazon 🎁 Free Bullseye App Premium -- use code LINEUPMAGIC, go to Settings > Redeem Gift Bullseye Billiards Precision Series Vol. 1 100 challenging cue ball positioning shots for intermediate and advanced players, organized into seven categories: Thin Cuts, Near the Object Ball, From the Pocket, High Spin, Stun Run-Through, Cheating the Pocket, and Rail-First. Each shot includes diagrams and precise coaching guidance, plus a complete Improvement Process and Shooting Process for building consistency under pressure. View on Amazon 🎁 Free Bullseye App Premium -- use code LINEUPMAGIC, go to Settings > Redeem Gift The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards A mechanical engineering professor with a passion for pool presents more than 80 principles of the game, illustrated with 250+ precisely scaled diagrams and photographs. Covers 8-ball and 9-ball fundamentals: grip and stance, basic shots, position play and strategy, bank and kick shots, and advanced techniques. Organized for quick study with cross-references, video clips, and mathematical formulas. View on Amazon Accessories Shop Collapsar Retractable Cue Bridge Stick Telescopic stainless steel, extends to 56 in. 4-in-1 metal screw head so you can swap between high brass, spider, cross, or moosehead. No tools needed, far better than a house bridge. View on Amazon Predator Second Skin Billiard Glove Left bridge hand. Ultra-dry breathable mesh, second-skin low-friction surface, non-slip thumb heel pad, elastic-velcro closure. Double stitched for durability. View on Amazon Balance Rite BRF-18 Cue Extension System 3.75 in, 2 oz. Fits between butt and shaft, rebalances forward weight for a natural stroke and eliminates the need for a bridge. Available in 6 joint styles. View on Amazon Aramith Premium Pool Cue Ball 2 1/4" Aramith phenolic resin with Vitrotech technology for lasting brightness. Meets 8 quality criteria: density, balance, diameter, roundness, color, glossiness, hardness, and weight. Made in Belgium. Not magnetic. View on Amazon Aramith Super Pro Bundle includes Balls, Cleaner, Cloth & Case Four-item bundle: Super Pro billiard ball set 2-1/4", Aramith Ball Cleaner (8.4 fl.oz.), Aramith Microfibre Cloth (7"x7"), and an Aramith ball case. Professional-grade phenolic resin, through-hardened vitrified surface, precisely calibrated for consistency. The cleaner is specifically formulated for phenolic balls, keeps them polished, shiny, and antistatic. The microfiber cloth absorbs 4x its weight in water and 8x in grease with no fibers shed onto ball surfaces. View on Amazon E-Z UP Tall Directors Chair - 31" Seat Height Lightweight aluminum frame, black herringbone fabric, padded armrests and back. 225 lb. weight rating. Sits you at rail height so you can watch the table comfortably between shots. Includes carry bag. View on Amazon PU Leather Cue Ball Case with Swivel Clip Fits any standard 2-1/4" ball. Water-resistant synthetic leather exterior, soft interior lining, smooth zipper closure, and a brass lobster clasp that clips to your cue bag or belt loop. Good companion to a training ball. View on Amazon Spring-Loaded Quarter Holder Holds a full roll of 40 quarters or dollar coins and dispenses them one at a time - no more digging through your pocket or case on bar box night. Spring-loaded metal tube slips easily into your cue case pocket and keeps coins from rattling around. Works with US and Canadian quarters. A small thing that every bar pool player eventually wishes they had. View on Amazon BOSSTIN Pool Cue Case Tear-resistant, waterproof fabric with strong stitching. Individually padded interior slots protect cues from impacts and scratches, fits 4x3, 3x3, and 2x2 configurations in a 34" x 8" x 4" bag. Two external pockets for balls, gloves, and accessories. Carries three ways: concealed backpack straps, detachable shoulder strap, or handle. View on Amazon Porper Cue Rack Table Clamp Wrap-around clips hold your cues firmly so they won't get knocked loose on a busy league night. Soft plastic clips won't scratch your finish, safe for high-end and custom cues. Clamps to most table edges up to 2" thick, no tools needed. Folds flat for your case pocket. Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty. View on Amazon Pool Ball Cleaning & Polishing Machine Cleans and polishes a full set of 16 balls at once in about 2 minutes. Each port sized for standard 2.26" American-style balls; high-quality wool felt pads do the work without scratching. Comes with polishing spray. Lift the tray to remove balls when done. Balls not included. View on Amazon When I Need a Break Shop Professional Soft Tip Darts Set, 20g When I need a break from pool. 20-gram keel-design soft tip darts with deep-groove grip barrels, blue aluminum shafts, 6 standard flights, and a portable case. Includes 50 rubber O-rings, 30 replacement plastic tips, and extras. Straight streamlined barrel with even-load balance and pattern flights that reduce drag for a consistent path. Works with any electronic dart board. View on Amazon Rack 'Em Up, Billiards Shot Glass Set Ten 1 oz pool ball shot glasses served up in a triangle rack tray. Each glass is numbered and colored like a real billiard ball. Durable glass construction, plastic triangle tray keeps them organized and display-ready. A solid gift for any pool player or bar night. Hand wash only. View on Amazon Pleasures of Small Motions, Bob Fancher, Ph.D. Mastering the Mental Game of Pocket Billiards. Written by a psychotherapist and pool columnist, this is the book that finally applies real science to the mental side of pool. Covers how conscious and unconscious mind work together, drills for improvement, mastering emotion, developing rhythm, the difference between concentration and focus, and competitive play. Billiards Digest called it the best thing ever written on pool's mental game. 160 pages. View on Amazon Grubhub+ Free with Prime Prime members get unlimited $0 delivery fees, lower service fees, and exclusive savings on eligible orders. Active members save an average of $300 a year. Link your Amazon account, activate Grubhub+, and order through the Amazon app using your existing payment method. Activate Free Grubhub+ Pool Movies Watch The Hustler (1961) Paul Newman plays Fast Eddie Felson, a pool shark working the small-town circuit on his way to a showdown with the legendary Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason). The film that defined pool movies. If you haven't seen it, fix that. Watch on Amazon The Color of Money (1986) Fast Eddie Felson takes raw talent Vincent Lauria under his wing. After the two fall out, Eddie gets back in the game and eventually has to face his former apprentice. Directed by Scorsese, starring Paul Newman and Tom Cruise. Watch on Amazon Poolhall Junkies (2002) A talented pool hustler who walked away from the game gets pulled back in when his little brother gets tangled up with the same man who sabotaged his career. A cult favorite with anyone who grew up around pool halls. Watch on Amazon The Baron and the Kid (1984) Johnny Cash plays Will "The Baron" Addington, a former pool pro whose career and family fell apart. When he crosses paths with a cocky young player who turns out to be his son, he tries to steer him right despite a shady manager pulling the other way. Watch on Amazon Prime Amazon links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, LineupMagic earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only list gear I actually use. Know your numbers before match night. LineUp Magic handles the lineup math automatically -- up to 5 rosters in one free account, for APA and TAP captains. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free LineUp Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association (APA), TAP, or any pool league organization. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/contact.html Contact LineUp Magic - Get Help or Send Feedback LineUp Magic › Contact LineUp Magic Get in Touch Questions, feedback, account help, or feature ideas. Send a message and I will get back to you. LineUp Magic was built by Matt Landry . I'm an APA and TAP pool player in upstate New York. I love pool, and when I'm not playing or working I'm watching pool videos or something related. I'm a 5/5 in APA and a 4/3 in TAP. I play with a Cuetec AVID Chroma Mojave affiliate and sometimes a Schmelke . The app is easy to use and it's my sincere hope that it'll help you have more fun playing and experience less stress on league nights! Gear I Use Message sent. Got it. I will follow up at the email you provided. Back to LineUp Magic Your Info Name * Email * Topic What is your message about? Select a topic... Account or login help Something isn't working right Feature request or suggestion Billing or subscription question General question Other Message What would you like to tell me? 2000 characters max. 2000 characters remaining Quick Check Loading... That's not right. Give it another go. Send Message Manage up to 5 rosters in one free account. Know your numbers before the first rack. LineUp Magic handles the math so match night is one less thing to stress about. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free ← Back to LineUp Magic Also worth checking out: Bullseye Billiards -- the training app I use. Use code LINEUPMAGIC - after installing, open the app and go to Settings > Redeem Gift to get 30 days to try all 300 drills! LineUp Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association (APA), TAP, or any pool league organization. --- ## Source: https://lineupmagic.com/user-survey.html LineUp Magic User Survey - Help Build Better Features for Pool League Captains LineUp Magic › User Survey LineUp Magic Help Me Build What You Actually Need A few quick questions from the person building LineUp Magic to the captains using it. No account required, no spam, completely optional. LineUp Magic was built by Matt Landry . I'm an APA and TAP pool player in upstate New York. I love pool, and when I'm not playing or working I'm watching pool videos or something related. I'm a 5/5 in APA and a 4/3 in TAP. I play with a Cuetec AVID Chroma Mojave affiliate and sometimes a Schmelke . The app is easy to use and it's my sincere hope that it'll help you have more fun playing and experience less stress on league nights! I will continue to build out app functions based on what real captains and players tell me they need. If you have three minutes and an opinion, this is the place to share it. Answers go directly to me. Not using LineUp Magic yet? It's free to sign up . Enter your roster once and get every legal APA or TAP lineup combination instantly, sorted strongest first with the 23 Rule applied automatically. Stop Doing the Math in Your Head This survey is completely voluntary. You are not required to fill it out to use LineUp Magic. No account or personal information is required to submit. Responses are used only to help prioritize new features. Thanks, got it. Your responses go straight to me. I read every one of them. If you left an email and I have questions, I'll follow up. Back to LineUp Magic About You Are you a team captain, a player, or both? Team captain Player only Captain and player Other (sub, coach, etc.) Your League Which league or leagues do you play in? Select all that apply. APA TAP BCA / CSI VNEA Local or bar league Other Game Format What format or formats do you play? Select all that apply. 8-Ball 9-Ball 10-Ball Scotch Doubles Mixed formats Know Your Numbers Before the First Rack Skill Level What is your current skill level? APA uses SL1–SL9. If you play TAP or another system, pick the range that feels closest. SL1–SL3 (beginner) SL4–SL5 (intermediate) SL6–SL7 (advanced) SL8–SL9 (expert) Not sure / different system Where You Play Where do your matches mostly take place? Bar or tavern Pool hall or billiards room Mix of both Somewhere else How You Use LineUp Magic When do you typically use the app? Select all that apply. Before match night to plan the lineup On match night to check options quickly During the season for roster planning Just trying it out Stop Doing 23 Rule Math by Hand Features Which of these would you actually use if I built them? Be honest. Checking everything doesn't help me prioritize. Select what you would genuinely use. Tournament bracket and schedule tool Match history tracking per player Notes on individual players (availability, strengths) Text SMS messages to your roster to check attendance Season-level win/loss stats by player Native mobile app (iOS or Android) Shareable lineups to send teammates How You Found LineUp Magic How did you first hear about it? Google search Facebook group or post Teammate or captain recommended it Reddit YouTube Somewhere else Help Your Captain Worry Less and Play More Anything Else Feature ideas, frustrations, things that work well, things that don't, anything you want to say. 1000 characters max. I read all of these. 1000 characters remaining Follow-Up (Optional) If you'd be open to a quick follow-up question, or want to know when a feature you mentioned gets built, leave your email below. Completely optional. I will not add you to any mailing list without asking first. Quick Check Loading... That's not right. Give it another go. Submit Survey LineUp Magic is a free APA and TAP lineup calculator for pool league team captains. Enter your roster, set your cap, and every valid combination is calculated instantly. Try it free at lineupmagic.com. Keeps Track of Your Numbers, So You Don't Have To Questions About the Survey Is this survey required to use LineUp Magic? No. The survey is completely voluntary. You can use LineUp Magic without filling it out. I just find it useful to hear from the captains and players who use the app. It helps me decide what to build next. What will my responses be used for? Responses help me prioritize new features and improvements. I'm not selling or sharing your answers. No account or personal information is required to submit. What features are you planning to add? I'm actively evaluating tournament bracket tools, match history tracking, and SMS player availability management. Survey responses from team captains directly influence what gets built and in what order. Does LineUp Magic work for TAP as well as APA? Yes. LineUp Magic works for APA, TAP, and any league with a team skill level cap. You can set the cap to any number (22, 23, 25, or whatever your league uses), adjust how many players per match, and the senior player cap is tracked automatically. It's built to handle the rules as they actually exist, not just the default APA open division settings. I play in a local league with a different point cap. Can LineUp Magic help me? Yes. The cap, the number of players per match, and the senior skill level rules are all adjustable. If your league runs a 22-point cap with four players, or a 25-point cap with six, you can set that up and LineUp Magic will calculate every legal combination accordingly. If something about your league's structure isn't covered, the open feedback box in the survey is the right place to describe it. Thanks for being part of LineUp Magic. Every piece of feedback helps. Up to 5 rosters in one free account -- if you're captaining multiple teams, your numbers are all in one place. 🎱 Try LineUp Magic Free ← Back to LineUp Magic LineUp Magic is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the American Poolplayers Association (APA), TAP, or any pool league organization. ---