Table of Contents
Getting Started
Welcome to BilliardBoard! This guide will help you get the most out of your experience. Getting started is simple: create a free account, explore the Player Lobby preview at your own pace, then join or create an organization when you are ready to compete for real.
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