As per the schedules for both 8-Ball and 9-Ball, there are no games scheduled for week 6.  Instead, we are going to hold a mid-season team tournament to test out a new playing format.  Participation is optional, but all are welcome.  

WHY?  Many people are familiar with the annual Bangkok/Pattaya challenge.  It is played under a format that many people seem to like.  A number of pool leagues around the world have changed to this format.  At the last committee meeting, those that are familiar with it wanted to try it out in the Bangkok Pool League this season.  I have never played it personally, and wanted to do a trial run to see how it goes. There are plusses and minuses to it, and those that show up in week 6 will be asked their reaction to it.  If positive, we will test it out again for the playoffs.  If the consensus is again positive, we will be using it next season.

WHAT?  Rather than have 8 individual matches determine which team wins, the entire match will be played AS a team.  In 8-Ball, for example, it will be a team race to 15, with each match being 1 leg.  The 1st team to reach 15 legs won will win the match.  The home team will write down 4 players names.  The visiting team will look at the names, and then decide on 4 names to match up against the other teams players.  Strategy will obviously play a greater role.  A team can opt to put their best player up against the other team's best player, or opt to sacrifice their worst player in an effort to win the other 3 legs. After the 4 legs have been played, it will then be reversed, with the visiting team writing down the 4 names first.  This will continue until one team wins 15 legs.  Note that the "15" will be for league play.  Time restraints will not allow us to play to 15 for this event.  The number of teams, number of players per team, and the number of legs needed to win will be determined by how many people show up on Monday and Wednesday.

WHO?  People who show up as a team and want to play together certainly can.  I expect most people to show up well short of a team.  No problem, as teams will be created to accommodate all that show up.  If a small group of people from an existing team want to play together, they can, but players will be added so that all teams are roughly the same size.

WHEN?  8-Ball will be on Monday, March 10th and 9-Ball will be on Wednesday, March 12th.  We need to start this no later than 8:00 to maximize play.  I am asking those that can to please show up early.  An early start means more games can be played.  We will try to accommodate all that show up. 

WHERE?  The Ball In Hand at Times Square.

Please note that this tournament is a test, and it is a first for the league,  No part of this is etched in stone, which is why we are testing it.  Our hope is that, at the very least, it will be a fun night of free pool, a chance for people to play with and against new people, and  good chance to see how people feel about this format.  There are no trophies, nor prizes, but the first drink is on the house.