Re: League Scoring

In my opinion, handicapping only works reasonably well when the
players are at relatively similar skill levels.  If one player can run
about 3 balls and that's all, but the other player can run 3
consecutive racks in 9-ball, then there is no way you can handicap
them and get a fair result.  A player who is much more skilled, can
control more than just the cue-ball.  They can control the entire
match, and the head of the less skilled player.

Another twist:  How do you handicap a choker?  Here's a player who can
run racks, but simply can't get out to save his/her life when on the
hill.  Should that person be a high handicap?  Low?  ???  I don't
think you can, or should, handicap mental toughness.  Might as well do
what has already been said here, and just flip coins.

The most fair handicapping system I've seen (tournaments), is to have
a short race and a graduated entry fee system.  Short races mean luck
is more of a factor.  Handicapping the entry fee means that weaker
players don't pay as much to enter.  This way, the skilled players
usually make the money, but not always.  And the skilled player has to
focus hard to win the short races.  The weaker players still feel like
they have a chance, and that it doesn't cost them much to take that
chance.

My honest opinion:  If you don't like losing, improve.  Handicapping
systems will only reward you for staying the same.

cheers
jeremy