The Billiards Control Club deserves all praise for the work done by it to regulate the game of Billiards, and to make this indoor pastime a finished art so far as it can be accomplished by rules and regulations and by giving advice.
The new method of Handicapping is not the least of its achievements, and may eventually prove to be the greatest.
The special supplement of our April number, which treats of this subject, has created wide and deep interest; it has been favourably commented on in many newspapers, and numerous letters have reached us from correspondents. These are sure signs that Handicapping in Billiards is likely to become exceedingly popular.
Of course we are only voicing the author's views when we compare the new system with handicapping in the game of golf. If we are of assistance it is simply in helping to give it publicity and perhaps in giving a fuller explanation than is possible on the "average break" cards and Handicap Tables.
Many clubs are discussing this new method with some enthusiasm, and it may be taken for granted that a large number of them will arrange their contests on this basis next season. It is evident that it will soon become impossible for the officials of the B.C.C. to deal with the whole of the handicap cards that come in. It will be necessary to make arrangements whereby cards can be examined and certified locally.
An important member of the B.C.C. recently informed us that in his opinion it will shortly become feasible to have representatives in various districts, and for billiard markers who will be specially appointed by the governing body to take the average of any player. This should be a decided help, as there can be no doubt that the scheme will be somewhat limited in its operations until something of this kind is done. It might also be arranged, where possible, for one or two of the best amateurs in each particular district to take the matter in hand.
Quite a number of players have asked us the meaning of the directions given under the Handicap Table for arriving at the start to be given to the lower handicap man. Though these directions are by no means intricate, it may be of assistance to some if we repeat here our explanation by way of illustration.
In every game played an equal number of visits to the table is made by each player, except when the same player breaks the balls and plays the last stroke of the game, when he has one more visit than his opponent.
Obviously, the number of visits in a particular game must be calculated by the average break of the better player, for it is he who has to make 100 points (supposing it to be 100 up) in order to win. Having arrived at this number, calculate how many points the lower handicap man should score in the same number of visits; the start he should receive is the number between this total and one hundred.
To give an example: A has an average handicap of 5; B's average is 3&fractional2;. A, playing on his average, must make 20 visits to the table to score 100; B, only being able to pay the same number of visits, i.e., 20, would, on his handicap, make a score of 70 (3&fractional22; x 20). The difference of 30 is the start he should receive.
We have received a considerable amount of correspondence on this subject, and we insert two letters of general interest which raise new points. We trust our other correspondents will understand that it is only the exigencies of space which prevent us publishing theirs also. The publication of these letters by no means implies our agreement with the views set forth in them.
Dear Sir,—I have read with considerable interest your admirable supplement dealing with the new method of handicapping, and would, crave the indulgence of your space to ask whether the method by which the handicap is arrived at is the best which can be devised. It seems to me that the test of actual play with an opponent is open to so many varying influences, i.e., one plays better against some men than others, some men leave the balls better than others, etc., that I beg to suggest that some other means of getting at the handicap might be tried to see how it works.
In the "Badminton Billiards" I came across the following note the other day, which illustrates the notion I have in mind: "Place a ball over each middle pocket for easy losing hazards and play the break from hand. After each break record the scores, and after five or ten trials take the average." May I ask, Mr. Editor, whether an average struck in this fashion is not a better guide to a man's real form than that now in vogue? Opinions are sure to differ on the point, but I think it is at least worth discussing.
Yours, etc., APPRECIATIVE CRITIC. St. Stephen's Club, Westminster, S.W.
Dear Sir,-—Referring to the supplement of the April number of the "Billiard Times," may I make a suggestion in regard to the new method of handicapping, which is, that a half point be added to the top player's average if he is, say, more than 2 above the lower player. In my case, as handicapper at this Club for the last 8 or 9 years, I take notice of averages, and I find I have still to give the weaker player more points.
Wishing success to the "Billiard Times," Yours truly, (Signed) J. WILLIAMS, Head Marker.
[We invite correspondence on this subject.—ED., "Billiard Times."]