During regular weekly League play, simply refer to the “Games Must Win” chart shown below. This chart is printed on the scoresheets for your convenience. To read the chart, find your skill level along the left side. Then find your opponent’s skill level along the top of the chart.

Your Highest Skill Level in the 8-Ball Classic and 9-Ball Shootout shall be the highest of the following: the skill level that you believe represents your best pool playing ability; your current APA assigned skill level; your highest skill level in any APA League area in which you currently play;

Although the process of calculating your handicap is explained in your APA Team Manual, we have addressed some of the effects of routine weekly handicap calculation below. Your handicap is based on your performance in each match you play.

The 9-Ball handicap system has Skill Levels ranging from 1 thru 9, 1 being the lowest Skill Level, and 9 being the highest. Players earn a point for each ball they sink and 2 points for the 9-Ball. The chart below shows how many points each Skill Level must earn in order to win their match.

To read the chart, find your skill level along the left column. Then find your “Points Required to Win” in the right column. To determine how many points your opponent needs to win, follow the same procedure using his/her skill level. Every rack in APA 9-Ball is worth 10 points.

Your Local League Office calculates and reports skill levels to the teams on a regular basis. Your skill level determines how many games you have to earn to win your match. Skill levels are maintained, calculated and updated by the Local League Office.

The APA system will give you an ‘applied score’ base on your winning percentage instead of that 3.00 score you worked so hard to get. These applied scores are used for every match you win in which you shot more innings than your skill level indicates.

The 8-Ball handicap system has Skill Levels ranging from 2 thru 7, 2 being the lowest Skill Level, and 7 being the highest. When a Skill Level 4 has to play a Skill Level 6, the 4 only has to win three games while the 6 has to win five games. Scroll down to view the yellow handicap chart below. Learn more about the Equalizer® Handicap System.

Your skill level (SL) determines how many games you have to win in 8-Ball, or points you must earn in 9-Ball, in order to win your match. Calculating skill levels involves a number of factors and the application of specific mathematical formulas.

Your skill level and that of your opponent will determine the number of games in 8-Ball or points in 9-Ball you will race to during your match. All scoresheets include a Games Must Win, or Points Required To Win chart to assist you on League night.