What to Expect: Your First Clash 🎱
Welcome to the Clash List! Your first Clash is coming, so here's a quick rundown of what to expect, what you need to do, and how everything works.
Don't worry — it's pretty simple once you've gone through it the first time.
Getting Your First Clash
When a new round begins, you'll receive a text message and/or email, depending on your contact preferences, letting you know who you've been matched up against.
The message will include a link directly to your Clash. On your Clash page, you'll be able to see:
- Your opponent
- The race for your match
- Your Clash details
- Messages between you and your opponent
- Options for managing and eventually scoring your Clash
Step 1: Message Your Opponent
The first thing you should do is reach out to your opponent and start working out when and where you're going to play.
Clash has a messaging system built right into the app. When you send a message, the system is designed to notify your opponent by text and/or email based on their contact preferences.
Make scheduling easy
We strongly recommend giving your opponent a few options in your first message instead of simply asking:
"When do you want to play?"
For example:
"I'm available Monday, Wednesday, or Friday after 5. My home location is The Deck. Would any of those work for you?"
Giving a few options right away usually makes it much easier to get your match scheduled.
You'll have a full two-week window to work with your opponent and complete your Clash.
If you're having trouble getting in touch with your opponent or finding a time that works, contact your Clash Captain. Your Captain's contact information is listed at the top of your league page.
Step 2: Decide Where You're Playing
You and your opponent will also need to decide where to play your Clash.
You are not locked into one location. You can play at your home location, your opponent's location, or another location you both agree on.
Many established Clash Rooms will open the table for Clash players and allow you to play your match for free. Other locations may charge for table time.
Because every location is different, make sure you understand the table arrangements before your match begins.
Before Your First Match
Please take a few minutes to review both the How It Works page and the Rules before playing your first Clash.
There are two different types of rules to be aware of:
Clash Rules
These are the rules that govern the Clash List itself, including things like scheduling, communication, reporting scores, and how the Clash system works.
You can find these in the main menu under About → Rules.
Game Rules
These are the actual rules for the game you are playing, such as 8-Ball, 9-Ball, or 10-Ball.
Your Game Rules can be found directly on your league page.
If you have any questions about either set of rules, reach out to your Clash Captain before your match.
On Match Day
When it's time to play, both players should open Clash and go to the match page. You'll see a button to Start the Clash.
Once the Clash has started, you can use the app throughout the match to:
- Record games as they are won
- Keep track of the current score
- See the progress of the race
- Record achievements such as a Break & Run or 8 on the Break
Keeping the score updated as you play makes finishing the Clash quick and easy.
IMPORTANT: Finish and Confirm Your Clash
When the match is over, there's one last step that's very important:
Make sure both players confirm and submit the final score.
Your Clash isn't completely finished in the system until the result has been submitted and confirmed.
Take a few seconds before leaving to make sure everything is correct.
Most Importantly: Have Fun
Clash is meant to give you a fun, competitive match on a schedule that works for you.
Meet some new players. Play in some new rooms. Challenge yourself. Track your progress. And enjoy the competition.
This is a brand-new Clash List, so if something is confusing or you have any questions along the way, please reach out. We're here to help.
Have fun, and good luck in your first Clash! 🎱🔥