If you’ve watched the pros play on TV, chances are they were playing 9-Ball. The game of 9-Ball is a games where position and strategy mean everything! It is an extremely fast paced game.
In 9-Ball, the balls are racked in a diamond, with the one ball at the front apex. The nine ball goes in the center. The balls are broken by striking the one ball, and attempting to pocket a ball. The lowest numbered ball on the table must be struck first in order for the shot to be legal, and from there a ball must be pocketed or driven to a rail.
The object of the game is simple: Run the balls out and pocket the nine ball, or shoot a combo that legally pockets the nine ball. Do this before your opponent and you win the game.
A Night In An APA 9-Ball Pool League…
APA 9-Ball is played like Professional 9-Ball… but scored like Straight Pool.
In APA 9-Ball all balls have a point value. The balls numbered 1-8 are worth one point each… the nine ball is worth two. This makes each rack worth a total of 10 points. Players compete not to win games but rather to score the most points from each rack.
Under The Equalizer™ in 9-Ball, players are assigned a certain number of points (balls) to make. A lower ranked player, would need to pocket few balls than a more skilled opponent. Because every ball counts, the more skilled player cannot simply win by pocketing the nine ball, they must be aware of all the balls on the table and make every shot count.
APA 9-Ball leagues use a wider range of skill levels. Players are ranked from SL-1 to SL-9. This wider range allows for greater accuracy when determining a player’s ability, and creates a more competitive environment where all players have an equal chance of winning.
Every week 100 points are up for grabs (20 points per match). The players in each match compete to earn as many of those 20 points as possible. Even in a loss, a player may earns points for their team. The more balls a player makes, the more of the 20 points they earn. This keeps the match competitive.
Teams try to win as many of the weekly match points as possible. At the end of the session, those teams with the most points, plus one wildcard, advance to playoffs. The team that wins playoffs then advances to the 9-Ball Local Team Championship for that session for the chance to win $7,000 and a spot in the National Team Championships in Las Vegas.
How the Equalizer Works in APA 9-Ball!
In APA 9-Ball, you are required to score a certain number of points. During regular weekly session play, simply refer to the “POINTS REQUIRED TO WIN” chart shown to the right. This chart is also printed on the scoresheet for your convenience. 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. Each ball in the rack counts 1 point except the 9-Ball which is worth 2 points. Once you have determined how many points are needed for you and your opponent, you race to pocket the balls and reach your required total. Because the higher ranked and more skilled players must make more balls, the playing field is leveled.
| PLAYER’S SKILL LEVEL |
POINTS REQUIRED TO WIN |
| 1 | 14 |
| 2 | 19 |
| 3 | 25 |
| 4 | 31 |
| 5 | 38 |
| 6 | 46 |
| 7 | 55 |
| 8 | 65 |
| 9 | 75 |
APA 9-Ball Divisions
| Division # | Night of Play | Area of Play |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | NMB/Longs/Little River | |
| Monday | Wilmington | |
| Tuesday | Brunswick County | |
| Thursday | NMB/Myrtle Beach/Conway |
