Scotch doubles is a pool game format for two teams of two, where both players on a team alternate shots during their innings at the table (unlike bar-style doubles where one player on a team continues to shoot until they miss). 8-ball is usually the game of choice for scotch doubles.
In my area, scotch doubles pool tournaments are commonly played with a skill level cap (usually a combined max Fargo Rating of 1100 or 1200) and/or “Jack & Jill” style (one male and one female per team). These limits are set to prevent the formation of “stacked” teams and even out the playing field.
There are also scotch doubles tournaments at BCA and APA World Championships. Until recently, both were Jack & Jill with a skill level cap. BCA now allows any team pairing below the skill cap.
Regardless of skill level, you can create an unbeatable team. After playing many scotch doubles tournaments, with different partners, I discovered that success boils down to these 4 things.
This post was written in collaboration with my very own scotch doubles partner since 2021, Doug Whaley. We have many high finishes, locally. We’ve also played together in the BCA Pool League World Championships, held in Las Vegas.
1. Chemistry
First, scotch doubles should be fun. Choose a partner whose company you enjoy and whose level of competitiveness matches yours.
The next thing to consider before choosing a scotch doubles teammate is their play style. Do you have similar thought processes about when to attack and play safe? Do you see similar patterns and opportunities?
The teammates needn’t be similar to be successful, but it’s important to be aware of your differences. Seeing pool from another’s perspective is good for your game, too.
The only way to know if you have chemistry is to practice together. And when you do practice, play scotch doubles (switching suits when you miss) — do not play against each other. Practice is essential to prepare for big events, like APA or BCA World Championships.
Don’t get discouraged by poor matches, it could take a few tries before finding the right teammate. A friend or spouse doesn’t always equate to a good scotch doubles partner (for you).
2. Communication
Rules on communication between teammates will vary by tournament. If you are playing with time-outs or cannot speak to your partner while they’re at the table, strategizing during your opponent’s innings can help you save your time-outs for the most challenging situations.
If there is open communication, avoid over-communicating. Over-communicating can tank your team’s rhythm and confidence. Unless there is a drastic divide in knowledge between the partners, try to keep your conversations to a minimum.
Doug is not a fan of open communication play. This is what he has to say about it, in the context of BCA World Championships:
“The Scotch format has transitioned significantly over the past 20 years. It was once a game composed of Jack-&-Jill teams (one male and one female) and communication between partners during their inning at the table was limited to one time-out per game (or ZERO time-outs per game). Thus the teams that developed the best personal chemistry of similar game strategies were generally rewarded with higher results. But in the last 6–7 years, the format has allowed for what is now referred to as OPEN Communication where partners can confer as many times as they want during their inning at the table, which usually leads to drastically slower play, AND the stronger skilled player “coaching” the lesser partner continuously on every shot.”
If you’re coaching, make sure your partner understands your recommendation. Try to keep the advice simple and take their level of ability into account. If you are giving them a shot that is against their play style, be reasonably confident that it’s within their level of skill to pull it off.
Remember that coaching is only a suggestion. In most cases, the shooter should take the shot that feels the most comfortable to them. Too much coaching can be overwhelming, so know when to hold back.
Keep your partner feeling encouraged by staying positive and holding all feedback until the end of a match.
3. Trust
Trust in oneself and each other is critical for a scotch doubles team to be resilient and successful.
Sometimes there are equally balanced teams who just flow together, but generally there is a leader and a follower. The leader and the follower mustn’t operate from extremes. For example, the follower could be intimated or afraid of disappointing their partner, which means they don’t trust themselves.
A worse offense of the leader/follower situation is the stronger player trying too hard to make things easy for their partner. In this case, you see the stronger player attempting tough positional plays and missing more balls. They take on the team burden because, in the moment, they don’t trust their partner.
Just like in solo play, you must practice acceptance because there is very little within your control. As a team, you will sometimes have differing opinions but it’s vital to commit to learning and growing together if you want longevity.
4. Never say “sorry”
The most important rule I have for scotch doubles is never to say “sorry” when you miss. Saying sorry to your teammate is unnecessary because you’re not missing on purpose and apologizing can lead to feelings of guilt and lower your confidence.
It might take time to adjust to the dutiful feeling you’ll have toward your partner. In doubles play, suddenly, you want to do well for your partner. You feel your mistakes more heavily because now they are affecting another person.
But mistakes are inevitable! Have grace so you and your teammate have fun and stay in harmony.
Take this advice and you’re well on your way to creating an unbeatable scotch doubles team.
Here’s to many more tournaments (and wins) together, Doug!
Doug Whaley is a PBIA instructor and 2-time BCA scotch doubles platinum division finalist. Visit poolmentor.com if you are looking for a mentor in Northern California to help your scotch or singles game!
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Pocket Watch: A blog to share the lessons learned about the mental game of pool and billiards written by a competitive pool player on her road to pro. (#08)
