There is nothing more challenging in online pool than putting players from this league against those of other leagues, where the standard is invariably higher than domestic tourney or ordinary ladder play. Straight-Shots have been involved in interleague competition for quite a while and have fared reasonably well over the seasons, collecting several notable honours along the way.

Representing one's league is seen as an honour and we as a league want to do well rather than just make up the numbers. We believe that Straight-Shots should be challenging for possible success and not just be there as a middle-of-the-road outfit. With that in mind, we are looking for a higher calibre of player to compete against some very talented opposition. We need players whose use of safety play and English is of a high standard. Not everyone can make the grade so the SS interleague teams will be competitive. If you are interested, you really need to be talented with plenty of experience. This can be gained on the practice tables as much as doing well in domestic league competition.

With the League buzzing with activity recently, the interest in interleague in SS has been considerable and very encouraging. In an effort to bring the feel and excitement of interleague closer to more members, we have been running 7-v-7 interleague-style friendlies which are proving to be popular. The 'challengers' are the SS POTENTIALS team who will take on the 'might' of our SS-UIC team (winners of the UIC5 Emerald Consolation Cup) in regular matches under interleague conditions in 'All Mixed Up'.

It is our members' chance to sample interleague-style pool against some of SS's best players, an opportunity to match their safety-play and use of English against quality players very familiar with cautious interleague battles! The perfect arena to shine out and impress with their pool talent! These are friendly league games where the loser reports as a normal league game. Apart from allowing our interleague players to practice, it also serves as an opportunity to see what other members can do on the pool table under interleague conditions. You can find more details in the Message Forum under 'Interested in Interleague?'.

The League will also be taking part in UIC's brand new 1v1 Swiss knock-out tournaments which has replaced the ill-fated UIC Cam. UIC Swiss will be held every Friday in three different time zones, namely 7pm USA EST, 7pm in UK BST and 7pm in Australia EST. A maximum of 5 competitors from any league can enter each tournament, making a total of 15 per league each week. A player has to register with UIC, jump tourneys just like any SS tourney and report losses on the UIC Swiss website. Players gain points for progressing in each round with a maximum of 20 points for winning a tournament. All points gained by a league's players are added together to give the league a place in the weekly standings. More information is given under the UIC SWISS tab.



Straight-Shots Head Admin, Laura, enthuses: "I'm delighted that there is so much interest in interleague. I am hoping that quite a lot of members will be flying the SS flag in 7v7, 5v5, 2v2 and 1v1 competitions over the coming months. We've been successful in the past and, with some very good players on board, I like to think we can challenge on all fronts. We're blessed with good, dedicated people running our interleague sections so hopefully with plenty of cooperation and commitment, more players than ever can represent SS in interleague." Adds Laura, "If you do get to take part, even if its just in the friendlies, good luck to you!"

"I've had quite a few members asking to play UIC but we have a very competitive squad of talented and experienced players," says Nigel, SS's UIC Captain. "To break into the team, a member needs to have a lot to offer in terms of safety play, use of English and all-round pool ability. There is absolutely no point in taking on players who cannot compete at the same level. Because the standard is generally higher, players not up to scratch would cost the team dearly. I would suggest this is the same for the other interleague competitions we enter." He concludes, "I would advise any hopeful wishing to play interleague to sign up with MLP and/or UIC SWISS and take part in the 1 v 1 tournaments, if only to gain interleague experience."

Steven, the MLP Captain for SS, says: "Well, I'm pleased with the way things have gone. Interleague in SS is on an up which is fantastic. I expect to go a good way in the MLP play-offs because I've got a good team. They play awesome under pressure and is one of the best teams in MLP I've had since SS started in MLP9. Season 9 was a planning season to see what SS was up against so that we could come out for MLP10 and give them all they wanted and we did that." About the calibre of players he needs, he continues, "I just won't take anyone to play MLP for SS. They gotta show me they know how to play before I even suggest them to sign up for MLP. Next season I would like to hold friendlies like our UIC team. I hope to take players who know English and safety play well. Ideally I'd like to see more established players in MLP and UIC interleague."

Should you wish to discuss the interleague scene, please yim any of the people listed on the left.