As I was out at league night earlier this week, I sat and had a conversation with Andi Beebe. One of the "best kept secrets" about APA is the singles competition. Year after year, month after month, I always have players remind me about how much fun their Singles experience has been. From the local Qualifier Boards, through Regionals, and the experience actually playing in Vegas - Singles is a fantastic fun pool experience for players of all skill levels. Andi was kind enough to share the following about her experience with us. Please read on and enjoy!

- Tom

There is More Than One Road to Vegas

Some of my favorite things about playing APA are the camaraderie and opportunities to learn. I have made life-long friends, celebrated triumphs that could not have been achieved without a team surrounding me, and commiserated with that same team through crushing defeat. Without question, my game is better for all of the experience team play provides. I can’t wait to earn a ride to Vegas with my comrades, and glad to have them at my back on those days when I’m just not shooting as well as I would like to.

But did you know about APA’s hidden gem: singles play?

After a 20+ year hiatus, I was excited to get back into league play a year ago. After some research, I opted to join APA. One aspect that excites me is the opportunity to play many formats, from Team play, including double jeopardy and Masters, to doubles, multiple local tournaments, and importantly: singles. The 8-Ball Classic and 9-Ball Shootout are the singles tournaments APA offers. I am grabbing every opportunity I can to be a part of that experience.

To get there, all you have to do is play a Local Qualifier Board. These are small events of 4-8 players scheduled by local leadership throughout the region. It’s also a great way to meet more players than the same people you see week after week.

APA members who are currently playing on an active 8-Ball or 9-Ball team, and have attained at least 10 League match scores during the past two years in their respective format(s), are eligible to participate in the Singles Program. These events are held over a period of time twice a year. They are typically set up with grouped skill levels: a Board will be 2’s & 3’s, or 4’s & 5’s, etc. 2’s don’t have to face 7’s, and 7’s don’t have to face 4’s (little known fact: those high rank players hate playing us midlevel players 😊). Win a board and earn your spot in the Regional Event.

Qualifying Sessions:

Jan. 1 – June 15, Season 1 Qualifier Window – Winners advance to Fall Regionals in October June 16 – Nov. 30, Season 2 Qualifier Window – Winners advance to Spring Regionals in March

I earned my spots at the Fall Regional tournaments coming up in October in 8-Ball and 9-Ball by playing Local Boards earlier this year. I also already won a couple of boards recently in the Season 2 Qualifier Window so I can do it again at Spring Regionals in March. Those Regionals in turn earn winners a spot in Vegas. The boards are a ton of fun. I am really looking forward to Regionals next month to put my skills up against all the other Local Board winners in Western Washington. I am bound and determined to earn that ride to Vegas one way or another!

Keep your eye on all the communication tools – watch your APA app, pooplayers.com, or local Facebook Group for announcements and opportunities to sign up for Local Boards. Talk to your captain, division rep, or league operator to learn more. Then look for me in Auburn at the Fall and Spring Regionals – and hopefully Vegas next April. I can’t wait to see you there!

- Andi Beebe