We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with FargoRate to bring our members the most accurate pool-player rating system in the world! FargoRate computes worldwide pool-player ratings by coupling game win/loss data from leagues, tournaments, and select challenge matches around the globe. Unlike any other system ever developed, it rates players everywhere on the same scale and solves many of the problems we face today. While we are not yet prepared to release all of the details, we want to give the pool world a brief glimpse of what is coming.
Provides Consistent Ratings Worldwide
One of the largest deficiencies in amateur and professional pool has been the lack of a universal rating system. Some regions use a number system (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc.) while others use a letter system (C, B, A, AA, etc.). Many national organizations, including us, have used labels such as Master, Advanced, Open, etc. Therefore, a player may be rated a “7” in his or her local league, a “B” at the state tournament, and “Open” at the national championships. This is inconsistent and confusing. Even when two regions use the same scheme, they are rarely consistent. For example, a “B” rating in Kansas is likely not the same as a “B” in New York or Chicago. This problem is now solved. A Fargo Rating of 620 means the same thing in Halifax, Nova Scotia as it does in Christchurch, New Zealand as it does in Phoenix, Arizona.
Saves Time & Money
Many regions and organizations use personal judgment or rating committees to determine ratings but they are problematic. When a person or group evaluates players and assigns ratings, politics, arguments, and favoritism usually results. Stronger players lobby to not be raised while lower-skilled players demand it. Aside from the politics, rating players in this manner is often a tremendous waste of time and money because committees are often comprised of people spread over wide distances that must meet on a regular basis. This can now be avoided.
Defines a Fair Match
Accurately handicapping pool tournaments and leagues is one of the most difficult tasks for league operators and tournament directors and causes the most complaints. Most players will accept a fair handicap but without an accurate rating system, it’s nearly impossible to do. We have all seen the consequences of this; weaker players spotting stronger ones or stronger players easily winning every match because the handicaps do not give weaker players enough of a chance. Using FargoRate, handicaps can now be set much more accurately to provide a better experience for more players.
Defines Amateur & Pro
What exactly is a professional pool player? How does one obtain that status? You have likely heard many opinions on these questions. Some may say a pro is someone who earns more than 50% of his or her income playing pool. Others may say a pro is someone who finishes high in one or more significant events. In reality, there is no clear definition. One negative consequence of this is that sometimes, lesser known professional level players are permitted to enter amateur events. This too can now be resolved.
FargoRate & CSI
FargoRate will be gradually incorporated into every aspect of CSI leagues and tournaments.
FargoRate for Leagues
We are currently developing a new state-of-the-art league management software system, complete with FargoRate built in, that will be available to all BCA Pool Leagues and USA Pool Leagues. This will give all BCAPL and USAPL leagues the ability to accurately rate all members and create the best conditions possible while significantly easing the burden on League Operators and Managers. The new software is being beta tested now and we plan to make it available to all of our leagues in the near future.
FargoRate for Tournaments
We are also planning to release a modified version of our tournament software, CueSports Tournament System (CTS). It will be available to tournament directors worldwide and come complete with FargoRate built in to allow data from around the globe to flow into the FargoRate system. Any event, whether it’s a small weekly tournament at the local bar or a large regional event, will have access to the system and the option to use FargoRate for classifying players or handicapping matches.
Determining Tournament Divisions
We will be using FargoRate to determine divisions in future CSI events. A review historic data shows that there are often huge differences in skill levels within divisions. This can now be corrected to make all divisions more competitive for all players.
To learn more about FargoRate and how it works, visit www.fargorate.com. To lookup players in the FargoRate database, find a fair match between two players, or see the statistical odds of any match, visit fairmatch.fargorate.com.
Look for the “powered by FargoRate” logo for leagues and tournaments that use FargoRate to determine divisions or set handicaps.
Look for the “FargoRate enabled” logo for leagues and tournaments that provide results to FargoRate.
The intent of this announcement is to provide a broad overview of how FargoRate will benefit CSI leagues and members. More detailed information will be released soon.
To learn how to sanction your existing league, start a new league, or become an individual CSI member, visit our website at www.playcsipool.com or call the office at (702) 719-POOL, Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm pacific time.
