A good rack allows all the balls to touch when pushed forward and the rack is lifted from the table. Even with a good rack, if the table cloth is uneven from dings, balls can separate. If the rack is properly made, the balls should cluster together when pushed together. A poorly designed rack will leave gaps between the balls. (The balls could also separate because of unequal diameters.) Continue reading →
Pool chalk comes in small cubes. It is applied as a thin layer to the cue tip. When contact is made between the cue tip and the cue ball, chalk helps "grab" the cue ball and keeps the tip from slipping around the ball, causing a miscue. It is important that the layer be thin and even. Continue reading →
This question has been asked to players of many levels. Several pro-level players, when asked, recommend concentrating on playing the table. Their rationale is based on the fact that since you are on the table, and your opponent isn’t, so just run out the balls and win the game. Their competence makes this a viable approach to competition. There are several thousands of professional players. There are millions of regular players. Their approach works for them because, when given an opportunity to shoot, the table gets run out to the win. Continue reading →
As you concentrate on improving your skills, consider what an outside eyeball sees when you are shooting balls in competition and practice. For best and most immediate results, work with an instructor who can observe what is happening. He can do an intelligent analysis of your fundamentals and recommend various modifications to make things more better. Continue reading →
The break is the start of a new game. Who breaks is determined by a variety of ways, for example: lagging, coin toss, or by some other mutual agreement. On subsequent games between the same opponents, the options are: alternating breaks, loser breaks, winner breaks, or other mutual agreement. Continue reading →
When you need to send a shaft, butt, or the whole stick to be fixed or repaired, you need to select a trustworthy package shipping service. In the USA, many people use the US Postal Service, UPS (United Parcel Service), or Fed-Ex (Federal Express). Other services are available, but these all are well-known. Continue reading →
If you have spent good money on stick that you are using regularly, you are very careful to use it correctly and well. You take steps to ensure it is well maintained and also stored safety. If you lend the stick out for someone else to use, especially a stranger who expresses an interest, what are some of the things that could go wrong. Continue reading →
Pocket billiard tables are rectangular in shape, twice as long as wide. Table sizes are usually measured by the playing space inside the cushions. Most table sizes are: Continue reading →
The cue tip is a piece of material placed at the end of the cue stick that hits the cue ball. It's shape and condition is more important to good players than whether the cue stick is straight. A serious player will always use a warped cue stick with a well-shaped tip then any other stick with a less then optimal (bad) tip.
When you are assembling your cue case contents, besides your sticks you will need a few accessories. These items are necessary to ensure that pool playing time is not interrupted. Most of your minor problems can be fixed by pulling out one of these accessories. Continue reading →
