Table of Contents
Getting Started
Welcome to BilliardBoard! This guide will help you get the most out of your experience. Getting started is simple. Try the demo, explore ladders at your own pace, join when you decide to or wait to be invited by a manager or another player.
What is BilliardBoard?
BilliardBoard is a comprehensive platform for managing pool ladder competitions. Whether you're a casual player looking to join a ladder or a venue manager running multiple competitions, we provide all the tools you need.
Key Features
- Real-time Rankings: Automatic calculation and updates
- Match Management: Schedule, record, and track matches
- Player Profiles: Detailed statistics and history
- Ladder Administration: Complete management tools
- Mobile Access: Use anywhere, anytime
Quick Summary
Your journey on BilliardBoard:
- Create your account and join a ladder
- Play matches by challenging other players
- Climb the rankings as you win challenges
See the sections below for detailed instructions on each step.
Creating Your Account
Follow these steps to create your BilliardBoard account:
Step 1: Registration
Visit the registration page and provide some basic information to create your profile: your name, email address, zip code, and a secure password. Phone number is optional.
Step 2: Log In
Once registered, you can log in immediately. You'll receive a welcome email confirming your account creation. Your account starts in the Welcome Zone, and you can join ladders or start your own when ready.
Joining a Ladder
Finding and joining a ladder is easy with BilliardBoard:
Finding Ladders
- Log into your account
- Go to your dashboard and use the ladder search feature
- Search for ladders by name, city, zip code, or area
- Read ladder details and rules
- Click "Join Ladder" to join immediately
Getting Started in a Ladder
Once you join a ladder, you can:
- View the current ladder standings
- See players you can challenge
- Check ladder rules
- Start playing matches
Playing Matches
Here's how to challenge players and record match results:
Challenging a Player
- In your ladder dashboard, find a player you can challenge
- Click "Challenge" next to their name
- Add a message (optional)
- Submit the challenge
- Wait for their response
Accepting Challenges
When someone challenges you:
- Review the challenge in your dashboard under "Pending Challenges"
- Accept or decline the challenge
- If accepted, coordinate with your opponent to schedule the match
- Play the match and record the results
Recording Match Results
After your match:
- Both players report the results
- Enter the final score
- Add any notes about the match
- Submit the results
- Rankings will update automatically
Understanding Rankings
BilliardBoard uses a challenge-based ranking system where players are ranked by their position in the ladder based on challenge results:
How Rankings Work
- Rank-Based System: Players are ranked 1, 2, 3, etc. based on challenge wins
- Rank Movement: When you win a challenge, you take your opponent's rank and they (and players below) shift down
- Unranked Players: New players start unranked and become ranked after their first challenge match
- Challenge Eligibility: Ranked players can challenge up to two positions above them; unranked players have different rules
Reading Your Stats
- Current Rank: Your position in the ladder (1, 2, 3, etc., or unranked)
- Points: Points are tracked separately from rank and don't affect ladder position
- Win/Loss Record: Your match statistics (wins, losses, matches played)
- Forfeits: Tracked separately from regular match results
Managing a Ladder
If you're a ladder manager, here's how to effectively manage your ladder:
Creating a Ladder
- Go to "Create New Ladder"
- Set ladder name and description
- Configure rules and settings
- Set player limits and requirements
- Publish the ladder
Managing Players
- Add players to your ladder
- Remove inactive players
- Handle disputes and rule violations
- View player statistics and match history
Ladder Settings
- Adjust challenge rules and restrictions
- Set match time limits
- Configure ranking parameters
- Manage ladder visibility and access
Mobile Usage
BilliardBoard is fully responsive and works great on mobile devices:
Mobile Features
- Full dashboard access on your phone
- Easy match result recording
- Responsive design optimized for mobile screens
- Touch-friendly interface for all actions
Mobile Tips
- Bookmark the site for quick access
- Enable notifications in your browser
- Use the mobile menu for easy navigation
- Check your connection before recording matches