Welcome to Minnesota's own straight pool league. Summer registrations end May 28th!

November 10, 2007
Why a straight pool association and league? As I try and make this organization a reality, I wonder that myself. I discovered the game several years ago, and very soon after was intrigued by it. It's not the fast action, quick paced game of 8 or 9 ball, which is what most pool league formats are. This is a game of skill, precision, and knowledge of the game. There is no hard break in which luck plays so much a factor. Even the break shots are controlled in 14.1.

So, again, why make a league for it? When I started frequenting pool halls in the northern metro, I would maybe see players in a straight pool match once every week or so. Now, I see it quite a bit more than that, maybe because that's the only game I will play 90% of the time. My goal with this association is to try and bring pool's premier game back to the Twin Cities. Bar box 8-ball and 9-ball seem to be dominating the competitive scene in the Minnesota as far as pocket billiard tourneys and leagues are concerned. Hopefully, this league provides a format in which players can learn the intricacies of the game, pass on knowledge, socialize with other straight pool players, and play 14.1 in a respectful environment (all on a traditional nine foot table in good working condition).

As of Fall 2008, the MNSPA is sanctioning with 14and1.com. This will allow Minnesota to send representatives to the yearly National Championships.

Fall season is approaching. There will be multiple divisions at three locations:
* Mondays - 7:00PM - Jimmy's Pro Billiards in Columbia Heights, MN
* Saturdays- 1:00PM - Two Stooges Bar & Grill in Fridley, MN
* Sundays - 7:00PM - Shooter's Billiard Club in Burnsville, MN

Depending on the number of signups, there may be multiple divisions at the same location on the same day. MNSPL details:
* Handicapped play based on the 14and1.com system.
* BCA World Standardized Rules, cue fouls only
* One match scheduled per week, although feel free to play other matches in advance if needed.
* Green fees are your responsibility (Stooges has a $8.50 daily league special, Jimmy's will have a $10 nightly special, Shooter's has a daily special).
* A $65 League Fee is due up front that covers the whole season, to be paid on the first week of play (if you have difficulty paying, please contact me to work something out).
* $15 14and1.com sanctioning fee is also due the first week of the season.
* This is a singles league/no alternates.
* If you are going to miss a match, at least 24 hours notice must be given to your opponent.
* Keep track of your high runs, there will be a high run prize at the end of the season.
* League fees to be awarded back as prizes (minus the operating costs of the league).
* Eligibility for Minnesota Straight Pool Association pool clinics, instruction, and tournaments.

Changes from previous MNSPA seasons:
* 14and1.com sanctioning. The top two players from each division are eligible for entry to the yearly national tournament in Atlantic City.

* 14and1.com handicap system. Essentially, the handicaps are starting from scratch again, with the new system. Scoring will remain simple (just record final score and high runs)

* Prizes will be awarded for the division high run, and will pay out to the top 2 or 3 places (depending upon the number of players). This prize money can optionally be put towards the national tournament fees.

* 14and1.com sanctioning fee. There is a $15 sanctioning fee that is due each season. This pays for the national tournament, and is the only money collected that does not stay local.

Several Straight Pool Associations have switched to 14and1.com for a national SPL format. For more information about 14and1.com, including the national tournament, please visit their website.

I'm not in this to make money, but to spread the game of straight pool. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

I would like to take the time to thank Rich Anderson, Avsar Aras, Jimmy Wetch, Dennis Green, Kevin Vidal, Demetrius Jelatis, Mike Fieldhammer, Toni Johnson, Dean Bradley, operators of other leagues, and my fellow 14.1 players for their assistance with the MNSPA!

Registrations for the Fall season have begun, so SIGNUP by Oct. 1st!


About Matt Lind, founder of the Minnesota Straight Pool Association:

Ever seen a man of a larger stature (i.e. big belly) perhaps wearing a bandana, speaking with an Iron Ranger accent, playing a game of straight pool or one pocket up in the northern metro? That's probably me. I began playing pool seriously shortly after becoming a Minneapolis "smoking ban refugee" in Anoka County. When I'm not playing pool or billiards, I'm busy either working at CCNow, curling at the SPCC, drumming for my band Stress Position, attempting to converse in Turkish, or wasting time on my Myspace account.

Yes, I know straight pool has a safety break.
yes I know this is an 8-ball break...on a dreadful bar box no less