RISING STAR TOURNAMENT RESULTS -

The Rising Star tournament was held on Sunday, July 28 at Pockets Billiards & Brew. This tournament was open to all B & C division SDPL players having played games (42% for B and 40% for C) of possible games this season. Players were seeded, best of 5 games (race to 3), double elimination tournament. Lag for 1st break then alternate breaks. The Top 2 players will play in the West Coast Challenge in Palm Springs August 21 – 23rd.

Click HERE for a complete breakdown of the tournament/results. 

Congratulations to:

1st:   David McCormick
2nd:  Mathew Crockett

Congratulations to Our Winners

The San Diego Pool League is pleased to announce the winners of our playoffs and West Coast Challenge qualifying tournaments. (The Tops and Bottoms Tournament will be held on June 28, 11a at Pockets.) Please join me in congratulating these players on their accomplishments.

League Champions/ Teams tournament invitees

B Division Champions/ WCC invitees

C Division Champions/ WCC invitee

Open Individual Tournament Invitees

Women’s Tournament Invitees

Tops & Bottoms Tournament Invitees

The Rising Star Tournament will be held this Sunday, June 28 at Pockets at 11a. All B and C division players with 42/40 games played this season are encouraged to attend. The 2 top players will also receive invitations.

The SDPL Women’s tournament is Saturday June 20^th @ 11am @ The Break Room and advance registration is now open!   See the flyer below for info.

To register by the 8pm June19th deadline:

1. Pay Jay Wunderl $10.00 via Venmo or Zelle
   1. Via Venmo pay Jay Wunderl@Jay-Wunderl 
   2. Via Zelle on your banks mobile app pay Jay Wunderl using (619) 416-4718
   3. Include “Women’s” and players full name being registered in the notes, especially if paying for a teammate 

Jay Wunderl

VP, San Diego Pool League

The SDPL Open Individual tournament is Sunday June 21^st @ 11am @ Pockets Billiards and Brew and advance registration is now open!   See the flyer below for info.

To register by the 8pm June 20^th deadline:

1. Pay Jay Wunderl $10.00 via Venmo or Zelle
   1. Via Venmo pay Jay Wunderl@Jay-Wunderl 
   2. Via Zelle on your banks mobile app pay Jay Wunderl using (619) 416-4718
   3. Include “Open” and players full name being registered in the notes, especially if paying for a teammate 

Jay Wunderl

VP, San Diego Pool League

TABLE TALK 6/08/2026:  WEEK #21

1. Tops & Bottoms (Hi/Lo) tourney results.  

1. 1^stPlace – Arcelio Garcia & Josh Cliff-Tuttle (Center)
2. 2^ndPlace – Abdul Ibrahim & Keith Ericson (Right)
3. 3rd Place – Gordon Byom & Scott Eaves (Left)

Congratulations to our top 3 teams and everyone that came to play. Arcelio and Josh will be representing San Diego at the West Coast Challenge 85 in Palm Springs.  And, we had great participation from each division.  Lastly, thank you to Garret and the team at Pockets Billiards and Brew for hosting us.

Next Tournament: Women’s – Saturday June 20^th at The Break Room.

2. FREE Skills Training/Education: Now’s your chance to learn from highly experienced A division players – FOR FREE!

a. Two Dates: Monday 06/15 & 06/22
b. Time:​ 6 – 8pm
c. Location: Alibi – 1403 University Avenue (Hillcrest)
d. To register: We will create an event on the SDPL Facebook page to sign up. If you don’t have FB, you can text me (Brian) at 713-416-9673 and I’ll hold a spot for you.

 3. Team and Individual Playoffs Reminder: Team playoffs begin next Monday the 15^th.  If you are on one of the top 4 teams in your division, check your schedule in the FargoRate App for the team and location you’ll be playing.

4. Fall26 season starts July 6. 

a. Players – please notify your captain if you will or will not return next season. Or your new captain is switching teams.
b. Captains - By June 9th tell Jay or Niki if your team will be returning in the same location, and of changes to the roster. We may have new players if you need replacements.
c. Want to be a captain? Call Jay or Niki and we’ll helpyou.
 

5. Table Tips. Check out this week’s skills videos under the MENU / SKILLS above.

6. New Host/Sponsor information packet now available.The SDPL is in need of new host bar/sponsor locations for Fall 2026. If you know of one and want to place your team there, you can find the SDPL Host-Sponsor info package in Documents on this site.  Check it out.

7. Stats Reporting:    You will find this week's results, this week's 4-0s, and the Top 20.   The results are organized by each division.    

Click here to see the Stats

REGISTRATION ENDS 8PM TODAY (SATURDAY)!

C & B division players – this is a great tourney to team up with and learn from more advanced players. 

The Tops & Bottoms tournament is this Sunday June 7^th @ 10am and advance registration is now open!   See the flyer below for info.

To register by the 8pm June 6^th deadline:

1. You should have 40+ games played to play in the tournament.  
2. Pay Jay Wunderl $10.00 via Venmo or Zelle
   1. Via Venmo pay Jay Wunderl@Jay-Wunderl 
   2. Via Zelle on your banks mobile app pay Jay Wunderl using (619) 416-4718
   3. Include players full name being registered in the notes, especially if paying for a Monday night teammate 

Jay Wunderl

VP, San Diego Pool League

TABLE TALK 6/01/2026:  WEEK #20

1. Tops & Bottoms (Hi/Lo) tourney is Sunday June 7th. This tournament partners novice players with advanced players as a team in a best of three (race to 2) double elimination scotch doubles format. Winning team will play in the West Coast Challenge in Palm Springs August 21 – 23rd.

a. C division – If you want free lessons from a very good pool player, you’ll be partnered with an A division player.  It’s a great way to learn.

b. B division – A strong B team duo could earn you a spot in the WCC 

c. A division – Come share your knowledge & experience

Want more info on registering:

a. See email sent to you on Saturday May 30th @ 1:45pm 

b. See our Event on our SDPool Facebook page. 

2. FREE Skills Training/Education: Now’s your chance to learn from highly experienced A division players – FOR FREE!

a. Two Dates: Monday 06/15 & 06/22

b. Time:​ 6 – 8pm

c. Location: Alibi – 1403 University Avenue (Hillcrest)

d. To register: We will create an event on the SDPL Facebook page to sign up. If you don’t have FB, you can text me (Brian) at 713-416-9673 and I’ll hold a spot for you.

3. Fall26 season starts July 6. 

a. Players – please notify your captain if you will or will not return next season. Or your new captain is switching teams.

b. Captains - By June 9th tell Jay or Niki if your team will be returning in the same location, and of changes to the roster. We may have new players if you need replacements.

c. Want to be a captain? Call Jay or Niki and we’ll helpyou.

4. Table Tips. Check out this week’s skills videos under the MENU / SKILLS above.

5. Team and Individual Playoffs Reminder

6. New Host/Sponsor information packet now available.The SDPL is in need of new host bar/sponsor locations for Fall 2026. If you know of one and want to place your team there, you can find the SDPL Host-Sponsor info package in Documents on this site.  Check it out.

7. Stats Reporting:    You will find this week's results, this week's 4-0s, and the Top 20.   The results are organized by each division.    

Click here to see the Stats

The Tops & Bottoms tournament is Sunday June 7^th @ 10am and advance registration is now open!   See the flyer below for info.

To register by the 8pm June 6^th deadline:

1. You should have 40+ games played after this Monday to play in the tournament.  (You are getting this email because you’re either over 40, or close to it.)
2. Pay Jay Wunderl $10.00 via Venmo or Zelle
   1. Via Venmo pay Jay Wunderl@Jay-Wunderl 
   2. Via Zelle on your banks mobile app pay Jay Wunderl using (619) 416-4718
   3. Include players full name being registered in the notes, especially if paying for a teammate 

Jay Wunderl
VP, San Diego Pool League

TABLE TALK 5/18/2026:  WEEK #19

1.  Next Monday is Memorial Day - no regular league play. C division make up matches include:
   1. SRO-2 vs Lancers 
   2. Alibi 1 vs Camels 1
      
      

2.  Spring26 ends June 8 for A & B.  C Division has make-up games that night.
   1. Alibi 1 vs SRO-2
      
      

3. SDPL Board Meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 7p at the Loft.   The agenda is posted under documents. All are welcome. Click here for a direct link to the agenda. 
   
   

4. Fall26 season starts July 6. Please notify your captain if you will or will not return next season. Captains please tell Jay or Niki of changes in your team. We have new players if you need replacements.
   
   

5. New Host/Sponsor information packet now available. The SDPL is in need of new host bar/sponsor locations for Fall 2026. If you know of one and want to place your team there, you can find the SDPL Host-Sponsor info package in Sponsors and Documents section on this site.  Check it out.
   
   

6. Table Tips. Check out this week’s skills videos under the MENU / SKILLS above.
   
   

7. Stats Reporting:  You will find this week's results, this week's 4-0s, and the Top 25.   The results are organized by each division.

Click here to see the Stats

TABLE TALK 5/11/2026:  WEEK #18

1. ---

   FargoRate App: SDPL players may download and use the FargoRate App to view future matches, team & individual standings, and more. A FargoRate guide for downloading and using the App is on the “MATCH PLAY” page. 
   
   

2. ---

   FargoRate App Premium Features: SDPL players also get premium features via our BCA Pool League membership. Unfortunately, those have not happened automatically. This FargoRate Premium Features Guide will help you get your premium features and eliminate that pesky note to purchase premium for $12.99. It also provides info on obtaining a refund if you’ve paid for the premium features.
   
   

3. ---

   New SKILLS page – Check it out in the menu above!  We’ll continue to add helpful videos to this page. SKILLS

4. ---

   Team Divisional Playoffs: As approved by team Captains, the top four teams in each division will have divisional playoffs on Monday June 15^th and June 22^nd.  

a.    Home team each week will be the team with the best regular season record.  (E.g., 1^st place team in regular season is always home team.)

b.    The winning team from each division will be invited to join the SDPL in Palm Springs for the West Coast Challenge (WCC) August 21 – 23^rd. The A division team will compete while B and C team winners will assist tournament directors, observe great pool play, and may compete in evening $ tournaments.

5. ---

   Spring26 Tournaments: Events have been created on our Facebook page. Check out the eligibility info and let your team and competition know if you intend to play. 

6. ---

   Games Needed to Play in Tournaments: As this is a West Coast Challenge (WCC) qualifying season, you must play at least 25% of eligible games to qualify for team playoffs and 50% of eligible games for the Spring26 Tournaments.  That means:  

7. ---

   A Message from the President: Every week I read news items detailing how Christian nationalism takes action against minority communities, including the LGBT+. This week, the Supreme Court stripped away voting protections from black and brown people. Last month, they gave the ok to forcing gay teens to suffer through conversion therapy. Texas A&M University banned the mention of sexual orientation in the classroom while MAGA school boards ban books. The National Park Service removed the pride flags from the Stonewall National Monument. Utah, Idaho and Montana ban the display of the Pride flag in schools, government property and public spaces. Florida will strip state funding to any local government that supports Pride festivals, threatening Key West Pride. It feels like anyone who is not a White Christian Male is under attack.

SDPL formed in the early days of the Pride movement and exists now because gay men wanted a safe space. Today we recognize each person’s pool playing skills while valuing their individuality, diversity and lived experience. Our Leaders in government should celebrate the dignity of individuality and diversity.

Elections are your time to express your opinion. Do not waste it. Do your research and vote for those that represent and protect your interests.

Curtis, President

8. Stats Reporting:    You will find this week's results, this week's 4-0s, and the Top 20.   The results are organized by each division.    

Click here to see the Stats

TABLE TALK 5/4/2026:  WEEK #17

1. Please welcome Brian Purcell as our Skills Training Manager. Brian will begin creating the Skills Training Program to include hands-on training classes. I will have more to say in the coming weeks.
   
   

2. INTRODUCING TABLE TIPS: As a part of the Skill program, each week will include a new feature we are calling Table Tips.  Brian will select short skill videos for each week’s Table Talk. The tips offer solutions to common problems such as popping up, chicken wing, rail shots, and speed control. Please let Brian know what you want to see.
   

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3. “Camaraderie and Competition in Safe Places” is the SDPL guiding principle and is summed up in the term “good sportsmanship.”  This week, I want to offer a few words on this topic. We gather each week to spend time with close and casual friends for friendly competition in safe places. Our first priority is having fun and building relationships. Within that context, we enjoy the competition by which we hone our skills and improve our game. At the Captain’s Meeting, we debated the Shut the Fuck Up Rule and concluded that the success of our league is built on good sportsmanship. Arguments, hostility and aggression are evidence of poor sportsmanship; they damage camaraderie and leave players feeling unsafe. We encourage players to use skill to win yet be gracious and value your relationships more than scoring a win. Other leagues encourage “strict adherence to the rules” and promote a “win at all cost” environment. If that is your game, SDPL is not for you.
   
   

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4. With sadness, I share that Steve Duckman, President of the Los Angeles Pool League, died in his sleep last Tuesday. Steve played a key role in moving the West Coast Challenge to Palm Springs.  He will be missed.   
   
   

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5. Spring26 Tournaments: Watch for registration information on SDPool.org, our Facebook page and your email coming soon. 
   1. Sunday, June 7; 10am - Tops & Bottoms @ Pockets 
   2. Saturday, June 20; 10:30am - Womens @ The Breakroom 
   3. Sunday, June 21; 10am - Open Individuals @ Pockets
   4. Sunday, June 28; 11am - Rising Star @ Pockets  
      
      

6. Stats Reporting:    You will find this week's results, this week's 4-0s, and the Top 20.   The results are organized by each division.    

Click here to see the Stats

TABLE TALK 4/27/2026:  WEEK #16

Captain’s Meeting: The Captains had the seasonal meeting yesterday and approved the following items: 

1. Double Posting: For the Fall26 season, SDPL will allow “double posting” when a team is shy of 4 players. Before the match starts, the captain must notify the other team. The opposing captain can pick any player to play the additional 4 games (play for 2 positions/ 8 games). The rule provisions were included in last week’s Table Talk. We will test this rule change in the Fall 2026 season, after which, the captains will vote to make the change permanent. 
   
   
2. Divisional Playoffs: The Captains approved a change to this season's playoff format, allowing the Board to test Divisional playoffs. The Board previously approved sending the top teams from B and C divisions to the West Coast Challenge 85 in Palm Spring in August. The Board recommended that we reorganize the playoffs so that the top 4 teams from each division will compete for the right to go to WCC. The A division teams will compete to be the SDPL’s WCC team representative. The B and C teams will participate in the evening money tournaments and will attend WCC under the same terms and conditions as all other invitees. If successful, the playoff format will go to the Rules Committee to decide if the change will be permanent. 
   
   
3. Other approved rule changes: a) BCA rules regarding the standard cue ball size and weight, b) cue stick weight and length, c) tournament seeding and d) beginning Fall 2026 season a team captain will be allowed to initiate a timeout. 
   
   
4. Charitable Organization: The Captains approved a change of SDPL from a sports organization to a charitable organization under IRS regulations. This will allow us to offer tax-deductible receipts for contributions. 
   
   

Captains Tournament: 12 captains participated in the tournament following the captains meeting. And the winners are: 

1st Place = Niki Dolecki, “She Devils” SRO team in B division 
2nd Place = Josh Cliff-Tuttle, Pec’s 2 team in the B division 
3rd Place = Stuart Duffy, “Hole Wreckers” Eagle team in the A division
 

Stats Reporting:    You will find this week's results, this week's 4-0s, and the Top 20.   The results are organized by each division.    

Click here to see the Stats

TABLE TALK 4/20/2026:  WEEK #15

1. CAPTAINS MEETING SUNDAY APRIL 26TH: Reminder the Captain meeting is Sunday April 26th, 10:00am at The Break Room on Convoy Street.  Every team must have a captain or co-captain in attendance.  The Captain’s tournament will immediately follow the Captains Meeting. 
   
   

2. Stats Reporting:    You will find this week's results, this week's 4-0s, and the Top 20.   The results are organized by each division.    

Click here to see the Stats

3. New Rule for Captains to vote on at Captains Meeting  

At the Captain’s meeting, we will propose that the SDPL permit “double posting” on a trial basis for one season. 

Why?  

We expect this change to lower the number of forfeits, postponed matches, and need for more than 7 players.  Opposing team captain picks the player to play in two positions for up to 8 games.  (Weakest player likely to be picked.)  

Provisionally effective Fall 2026 with Fall season captains to ratify by email vote prior to start of spring 2027.  Reminder team dues of $40 to be paid regardless of double posting or forfeits. 

1.8.1 DOUBLE POSTING – Teams with fewer than four players may have one player fill 2 player positions ("double post") playing up to 8 games under these conditions: 

1. 1. Acting team captain must notify opposing captain of need to double-post before start of match. 
   2. Opposing team captain chooses the player to double post and play up to eight games total. Un-played games are forfeit. 
   3. A team may only double post once per match.  (Cannot double post two players.) 
   4. If both teams need to double post, the visiting team picks first. 
   5. If a chosen player cannot or refuses to play the extra games, those games are forfeited. 
   6. Late arrivals may not replace a double-posted player. 
   7. Double posting is not allowed for players leaving early; those games are forfeited if no fifth player is available. 
   8. A team with two players to start may: 1) double post one player and 2) forfeit four games.  Or, 1) double post one player in 3rd position at start of match and 2) initiate play for player in 4th position upon arrival.  
   9. Double posting is not permitted during last 4 weeks of play nor during the playoffs. 
   10. Double posting is not permitted during a previously postponed “make-up” match. 
   11. Provisionally effective Fall 2026 with Fall season captains to ratify by email vote prior to start of spring 2027 if it helps solve our forfeits/postponing challenges.  

TABLE TALK 4/13/2026:  WEEK #14

1. OUT AT THE PARK: 42 tickets were sold and we have 8 more available.   Contact Russ Mortenson-Boyd to purchase from the 8 available. We will send tickets and further instructions in the coming days.

    CLICK Image for full-screen

2. A REMINDER: The friendship and respect of teammates and opponents are more valuable than being right or winning the point. Be competitive yet gracious when you win and supportive when opponents are having an off night. Be a good sport. We’re all here to play pool, have fun, and make friends.

3. CAPTAINS MEETING SUNDAY APRIL 26^TH:  Reminder the Captain meeting is Sunday April 26^th, 10:00am at The Break Room on Convoy Street. Every team must have a captain or co-captain in attendance.  The Captain’s tournament will immediately follow the Captains Meeting.

4. Stats Reporting:    You will find this week's results, this week's 4-0s, and the Top 20.   The results are organized by each division.   

 Click here to see the Stats

 5.    Rule 1.31 DOUBLE HIT: This rule is one of the most challenging to understand and judge if a foul occurred.  The rule itself in the SDPL and BCAPL is basic because it’s difficult to write out the many different scenarios that can happen.  Here’s the rule.

1.   It is a foul if your cue tip strikes the cue ball more than once on the same stroke. 

2.   It is a foul if your cue tip is still in contact with the cue ball when the cue ball strikes an object ball. However, if the cue ball and object ball are in close proximity to each other and the cue ball strikes the object ball at a very slight angle, the shot will be considered legal https://www.sdpool.org/5116ca2d-e4c1-42db-9b7a-44c4a0d45a85" alt="A diagram of a circle and a ball AI-generated content may be incorrect." width="157" height="142" />provided no other foul is committed. During a play-off match, the referee is the sole judge of whether the angle taken results in a legal shot. The referee may not advise you concerning the angle taken for the shot. 
3.   Close proximity is defined as a chalk's width or less in length. 

 Tips to avoid a problem during the match

1. 1. Educate yourself on how to detect a DOUBLE HIT FOUL.Dr. Dave has a good video on this.  How to Easily Detect a Double Hit Foul.
   2. Educate yourself on how to avoid a Double Hit Foul.Again, Dr. Dave has a good video on this.  10 Useful Ways to Avoid a Double Hit Foul.
   3. If the object ball is within a chalk width from the cue ball, ask an impartial player familiar with the rule to watch the shot.His/her ruling on the shot is binding.

Summary: As the videos show, this is one of the more difficult shots to legally make, and to truly assess if a foul, or not.  Having a trusted player watch the shot is one way to avoid an argument.  

6.  Two Proposed Rule Changes for Captains meeting April 26^th at The Break Room

1. 1. 1.4 CUE STICK REQUIREMENTS: Captains will be asked to approve two changes to this rule to align with BCAPL:
      1. Add length of cue stick to be 40” minimum, no maximum
      2. Add Cue Ball specifications to: All balls will have a diameter of 2¼” ± .005”. The weight of the balls will be between 5½ and 6 ounces.

Why?

2. • Current SDPL rules do not specify a minimum length of cue stick.This primarily affects “jump cues”.
   • We use a red dot/red circle out of habit.But SDPL does not officially require use of a specific brand of cue ball.  Cue balls such as black diamond, red circle and red “measles” by Aramith are all legal as they conform to the diameter and weight in the BCAPL rules. 

1. 2. 8.0 TOURNAMENTS: Captains will be asked to approve a change to this rule to align with current & past practices.
      1. Add language to define tournament seeding.“Seeding & bracket placement for Open Individuals, Women’s, and Rising Star based on 1) percent of wins then 2) number of wins.  See 7.3.1 TIES for resolving individual player ties.”

Why?

• • Simply formalizing in writing how we’ve seeded these tournaments in the past and intend to going forward.