Every player has a handicap. The lower (more minus) the number, the stronger the player. A -20 player is stronger than a +10 player.

The upper limit is +25. There is no lower limit.

Your current handicap is on the Handicaps page of the website, and next to your name on your team's page.

The player with the higher handicap starts the frame with the difference between the two handicaps already on the scoreboard.

Example: Dave is -10 and Steve is +15. The difference is 25, so Steve starts the frame 25 points up.

The most start anyone can get in a frame is 45 points.

Example: A -30 player plays a +25 player. The difference is 55, but the start is capped at 45.

Your handicap changes after every league singles you play: down 3 if you win, up 3 if you lose.

Example: You're on +10 and win your singles. Next match you're on +7. Lose the one after and you're back to +10.

Example: A player on +25 who loses stays on +25, because +25 is the upper limit. A player on -25 who wins goes to -28, as there's no lower limit.

Only league singles count. Doubles and cup matches don't change your handicap, but you play them off your handicap on the night.

The website works it all out as soon as the scorecard is sent, so the Handicaps page is always up to date for the next match.

This system was agreed at the AGM on 8 October 2026 and starts with the 2026/27 winter season.

In doubles, add the two partners' handicaps together and halve the total. Positive numbers round up, negative numbers round down. The start is then the difference between the two pairs, as in singles.

Example: Pair A are -15 and -10: -25, halved to -12.5 and rounded to -12. Pair B are +5 and +5: +10, halved to +5. The difference is 17, so pair B start 17 points up. (This is the league's own worked example from the 2017 rules.)

A new player's captain suggests a starting handicap, based on what they know of the player's game. The committee then reviews it and approves it, or sets a different one, before the player's first match. After that it moves like everyone else's.

If you think a handicap is wrong, have a word with your captain, who can raise it with the Handicap Administrator.