Do you use an open or closed bridge? Mix of both?

What type of bridge do you use?

  • Always open bridge

    Votes: 11 7.1%

  • Mostly open bridge

    Votes: 43 27.6%

  • About even

    Votes: 50 32.1%

  • Mostly closed bridge

    Votes: 48 30.8%

  • Always closed bridge

    Votes: 4 2.6%
  • Total voters
    156
SamLambert

SamLambert

Daydreaming about pool
Silver Member
Hello AZB,

Another question for you guys. I'm curious about what is more popular around here. Open, closed, or a mix of both. Most sources I've read indicate that an open bridge is preferred, but when you look at the elite, they seem to favor the closed bridge, at least for the few I've observed.

If you change it up depending on the shot, please elaborate as of why.

For me, it's almost always open bridge unless it's impractical because of the CB position.

Thanks,
Sam
 
I use both but mostly closed. It seems I naturally use an open bridge on shots I have to heavily cut.
 
I always use a closed bridge for hitting the cue ball low whether just a stop shot or a draw shot.

I mostly use an open bridge when hitting the ball center & above except when playing a power shot & then I will use a closed bridge.

One of the things that I think makes a difference & can separate players a bit is how one uses the rail as a bridge & the many ways that are needed to do so well.

When my Dad introduced me to the game as a 13 year old, he took me to a bowling alley & the first thing that he did was to pound on the rail rather hard & said, "Do your hear that? Hit it... I don't care what bridge you wind up using but you will never find or develop one as solid as that"

I've always remembered that as he made it a point to make that significant impression upon me.

Enjoy YOUR Journey, Sam.

Best 2 Ya,
Rick
 
I have developed a number of bridges for different circumstances, they are all closed. I don't like an open bridge at all.
 
I guessed mostly open, but i really can't be sure as i just bridge however i feel and don't pay too much attention to it.
 
Bank it said:
I have developed a number of bridges for different circumstances, they are all closed. I don't like an open bridge at all.
Click to expand...

Hmmm!...I wonder why an open bridge seems to work so well for Ronnie O'Sullivan, and all those other deadly accurate Euro player's!..I don't think I've ever seen anyone, (pro or amateur) use a closed bridge exclusively. :rolleyes:

Here are Dr. Daves observations....

Open vs. closed bridge...Is a closed bridge better than an open bridge? An argument can be made that an open bridge is better for most players and most shots. It doesn't look as fancy as the wide variety of closed bridges people use, but an open bridge offers many advantages....

1. it is very easy to learn (even for beginners).
2...it provides unobscured view of the stick (especially with a low stance), for aiming and establishing the stroking direction.
3..it is very stable, even at fairly large heights (with the heel of the hand on the table and the hand cupped).
4..it keeps the stick centered and unrestricted in the V-shape through the entire stroke, even with significant shaft taper (this is not the case with all closed bridges).
offers the least and most consistent resistance to cue movement, especially with hot, humid, and/or dirty conditions.
5..it offers a greater range of bridge heights. It can be easily flattened to a low cue position, and can be raised higher when bridging over a ball or shooting jacked-up shots.
6..it makes it easier to reach extended shots, as an option to using a mechanical bridge.
 
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SJDinPHX said:
Hmmm!...I wonder why an open bridge seems to work so well for Ronnie O'Sullivan, and all those other deadly accurate Euro player's!..I don't think I've ever seen anyone, (pro or amateur) use a closed bridge exclusively. :rolleyes:

Here are Dr. Daves observations....

Open vs. closed bridge...Is a closed bridge better than an open bridge? An argument can be made that an open bridge is better for most players and most shots. It doesn't look as fancy as the wide variety of closed bridges people use, but an open bridge offers many advantages....

1. it is very easy to learn (even for beginners).
2...it provides unobscured view of the stick (especially with a low stance), for aiming and establishing the stroking direction.
3..it is very stable, even at fairly large heights (with the heel of the hand on the table and the hand cupped).
4..it keeps the stick centered and unrestricted in the V-shape through the entire stroke, even with significant shaft taper (this is not the case with all closed bridges).
offers the least and most consistent resistance to cue movement, especially with hot, humid, and/or dirty conditions.
5..it offers a greater range of bridge heights. It can be easily flattened to a low cue position, and can be raised higher when bridging over a ball or shooting jacked-up shots.
6..it makes it easier to reach extended shots, as an option to using a mechanical bridge.
Click to expand...

With all due respect to you, Ronnie, Dr.Dave and anyone else. It is a personal thing. If you bridge as I do clamping the index finger on top of the middle finger there is a natural V channel formed that you do not get with other forms of a closed bridge. For me it is a about control. I don't think there is any "one" type that is right for everyone, or a right or wrong answer here. It's more about what is right or wrong for each individual.:grin:
 
Be careful!

Dick,
You do know that it is reported that old guys reading Dr. Dave's website can make their head explode, right?

JoeyA

SJDinPHX said:
Hmmm!...I wonder why an open bridge seems to work so well for Ronnie O'Sullivan, and all those other deadly accurate Euro player's!..I don't think I've ever seen anyone, (pro or amateur) use a closed bridge exclusively. :rolleyes:

Here are Dr. Daves observations....

Open vs. closed bridge...Is a closed bridge better than an open bridge? An argument can be made that an open bridge is better for most players and most shots. It doesn't look as fancy as the wide variety of closed bridges people use, but an open bridge offers many advantages....

1. it is very easy to learn (even for beginners).
2...it provides unobscured view of the stick (especially with a low stance), for aiming and establishing the stroking direction.
3..it is very stable, even at fairly large heights (with the heel of the hand on the table and the hand cupped).
4..it keeps the stick centered and unrestricted in the V-shape through the entire stroke, even with significant shaft taper (this is not the case with all closed bridges).
offers the least and most consistent resistance to cue movement, especially with hot, humid, and/or dirty conditions.
5..it offers a greater range of bridge heights. It can be easily flattened to a low cue position, and can be raised higher when bridging over a ball or shooting jacked-up shots.
6..it makes it easier to reach extended shots, as an option to using a mechanical bridge.
Click to expand...
 
Bank it said:
.... It's more about what is right or wrong for each individual.:grin:
Click to expand...

Can't argue with that!..But let me compare open/closed bridge, to the the break shot in one pocket.. Thousands of players, tried hundreds of different ways, 'til the accepted way everyone uses now, finally was determined to be the most effective.

Given the popularity of the open bridge, by most of the worlds best player's, I'm just wondering if you ever really gave it a fair try?..You just might kick your game up a few notches..Nothing to lose by trying!..Good luck..:thumbup:

PS..I used a closed bridge for the first half of my 65 very active playing years.(I'm 82 now)..I gradually transitioned to an open bridge, and my overall game improved considerably!..For sure, puppies are easier, but you can teach an old dog new tricks..Jes' sayin'! ;)
 
FTR, everyone uses an open bridge from time to time. You have to if you want to bridge over a ball, perform a jump/masse or stretch the length of the table. These are pretty much the only times I use an open bridge. That said, I know some great players that use an open bridge far more often than I do.
 
Jude Rosenstock said:
FTR, everyone uses an open bridge from time to time. You have to if you want to bridge over a ball, perform a jump/masse or stretch the length of the table. These are pretty much the only times I use an open bridge. That said, I know some great players that use an open bridge far more often than I do.
Click to expand...

Jude, I see the cute little girl in your avatar has developed her own style bridge..Lets call that "the Claw bridge"..:D

PS..Should work great, for warding off unwanted male admirers! ;)
 
SamLambert said:
Here's some info from Dr. Dave's website:

http://billiards.colostate.edu/threads/bridge.html#open

It is consistent with what I've read from other sources and tends to indicate that an open bridge is preferred.
Click to expand...
Sorry, I didn't see this post before I posted the link. You beat me to it.

BTW, for people with stroke flaws (e.g., grip tightening and tip lifting during the stoke), a closed bridge can offer advantages. Also, for some shots where an open bridge can be very awkward (e.g., close to a cushion), a closed bridge might be better or required.

Regards,
Dave
 
JoeyA said:
Dick,
You do know that it is reported that old guys reading Dr. Dave's website can make their head explode, right?

JoeyA
Click to expand...
I agree 100%. Old guys seem the have the toughest time embracing new information and the busting of myths that are firmly entrenched. :grin-square:

If any old guys out there don't want their head to explode when they visit my site, they might want to take it slow by starting with this page:

How to Use billiards.colostate.edu

Cheers,
Dave
 
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I use both. Mainly open unless I need to take a power shot or breaking

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk
 
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