Open Bridge

[BrianK74]

I know what works best is different for each player - insight into another's thought process simply helps me clarify my own. If my priorities and game are similar to someone else's, I might want to try an approach that works for them. If they're dissimilar, I may want to go the other way. For example, the people urging me toward the closed bridge generally play with a lot of spin. At this point, I use spin very selectively. If I don't play the way they do, then why bridge the way they do?

I noticed that about Allison Fisher, and a few other pro women. It got me thinking. I was just wondering what the general consensus was in regard to the pros and cons of open vs closed bridges - that gives me a foundation for my own choice.

M

Great attitude Mary! (no sarcasm intended), open yourself up to as much information as possible than filter out what you can and can't use.

Your best bet is to learn the limitations of each bridge technique, and that will help you decide which one to use for each shot.

 

[predator]

Closed bridge clearly outperforms my open bridge only on shots where cue ball is relatively near the rail, but too far for a decent rail bridge, and I need big draw. Tough to stay down on that shot for me (my stroke flaw I admit), closed bridge helps there with added confidence.

There are also the break from center of the table, some awkward positions near the rail or bridging over the pocket where closed bridge seems more natural, so I use it there too. 10% of my shots using tight closed bridges is enough so that I'm ready to use it when I really need it. Kind of like Yang Ching Shun, just not that good...

What I'd like is to have fundamentals of Ronnie O'Sullivan. Why him? Because he has that snooker precision while not being 'mechanical' like some of them. Very very powerful stroke. His grip looks tight, but he puts incredible action on the cueball when he needs to. How? He must have spent a decade just working on that stroke and doing nothing else...

 

[MaryD]

I use the open bridge for any shot where there is less than 3.5 feet between object & cueball, unless there is a ball/rail getting in my way.

When I need extreme draw or follow, the open bridge is far too risky so I revert to a closed bridge.

If I need to stroke a shot very, very hard, I'll always use the closed bridge. On longer shots I always use a closed bridge because it offers less slop and therefore provides me more accuracy. The closed bridge has a way of ironing out any ruffles that can arise from using a forceful stroke.

On very, very delicate shots I like to move my bridge hand much closer to the cue ball. The closed bridge obscures the view of my tip at the cue ball, so open bridge is the only option in these scenarios.

Also, if I am stretching far for a shot, I always use an open bridge because again, closed bridge will obscure my vision/aim line of the cue.

I always break using the rail bridge as it's the most secure and offers no deflection when adding sidespin to the break.

For Masse/Jump shots I use the closed bridge as it holds the cue in place during elevation.

I always look for the best, most sound bridge for each individual shot, and this fluctuates dramatically. There is no holy bible of "Bridge etiquette", you do what suits the shot period.

I switch between 8 types of bridges during any given game, but I always prefer the open. Why?. Because it means I rolled the cueball within a comfortable distance from the object ball.....and that's always a great thing.

Also, what's more comfortable than the open bridge?. Since most people learn this as their very first bridging technique, it is usually the most natural.

I started incorporating the closed bridge into my game after about 10 years of playing.

A person can do just fine without ever using the closed bridge, but they must first learn the limitations of the open bridge and always play within them.




When you feel that you are consistenly seeing the aiming line using an open bridge, try experimenting using the closed bridge. Generally a closed bridge requires a slightly longer bridging distance, (from finger loop to cueball), if you have weak stroke mechanics, you will miscue more frequently.

If you mostly use vertical axis spin, (top, center & bottom), the open bridge should be just fine for your game. It's only when a player starts incorporating extreme sidespin and powershots into their game that the closed bridge may be required.

Since 85% of billiard shots can, (and should), be played using only vertical axis spin, stay with the open bridge the entire time you are learning your fundamentals.

Wherever the game leads, you will benefit from staying with the open bridge as long as possible. As a previous poster stated, the open bridge points out the flaws better than a closed bridge.

Hope this helps.

Very much - thanks. You've given me a lot of points to consider.

I'm pretty much decided on staying with primarily the open bridge indefinitely at this point.

Thanks,
Mary

 

[Colin Colenso]

Frankly I cannot see any advantages to shooting with a closed bridge, the exception being for an elevated near vertical masse shot.

The most accurate shooters in the world in Snooker are all open bridge players. Their game derived from english billiards which requires the use of lots of side and is also played mostly with open bridges, especially these days.

To me most closed bridge players have their cue elevated too high and hence create more swerve on shots than can be done with a lower open bridge.

I haven't see a shot anyone can play with a closed bridge that I cannot play as comfortably with my open bridge.

I think the reason most people use it is because of imitation, and because beginners often need to hold tighter onto their cue to keep it under control, so it becomes habit. Pehaps another reason is the US pool players can often get away with lower levels of accuracy and non-linear cue actions which they keep out of harms way using the training wheel (closed bridge).

Score - No advantages - 3 disadvantages (sighting harder, increased swerve from elevation and more skin gripping on cue adds to friction).

Take the time to learn to cue straight back and forth and you'll be able to play any shot with any power you need without your cue leaving your thumb ridge for the crowd.

(No death threats please )

 

[cuechick]

Hi Mary,
After playing for 9 years with only an open bridge, I am starting to incorporate a closed bridge for draw shots. I am working with a very good coach who has insisted on me doing this and after weeks of practice and finger stretches ( I often practice the closed bridge while driving) I am now feeling more comfortable with it and and have seen it enhance my game. I still you an open bridge most of the time but when I need to draw I can do it!
The thing is, in the past I would try it and give up, having small hands and finding it uncomfortable. This is the first time I have stuck with it and worked at stretching my fingers, something I did not know I could do till my coach told me it would happen. So I encourage you to hang in there and practice it.
I set up a simple draw shot and just do it over and over at least two or three racks worth, every time I practice.
Good luck.

 

[chefjeff]

(snip)
I still use the closed bridge, but only if I need a lot of draw.

I think this common usage has it backwards. Shouldn't an OPEN bridge be used for DRAW and a CLOSED bridge used for FOLLOW.?

Think about it...the cue tends to come UP on a follow shot, ergo the looped finger to prevent that. The cue tends to go DOWN on a draw shot so an open bridge is sufficient for that, and superior overall, re stroke, sighting, etc.

Everyone thinks I'm crazy and have this backwards, but I think everyone else has it backwards. (The "crazy" part is debatable, regardless! )

notsgniviL ffeJ...whoops, I mean:

Jeff Livingston

 

[zeeder]

I think this common usage has it backwards. Shouldn't an OPEN bridge be used for DRAW and a CLOSED bridge used for FOLLOW.?

Think about it...the cue tends to come UP on a follow shot, ergo the looped finger to prevent that. The cue tends to go DOWN on a draw shot so an open bridge is sufficient for that, and superior overall, re stroke, sighting, etc.

Everyone thinks I'm crazy and have this backwards, but I think everyone else has it backwards. (The "crazy" part is debatable, regardless! )

notsgniviL ffeJ...whoops, I mean:

Jeff Livingston

I like to use the closed bridge on power shots. A snug bridge helps to be more accurate on full stroke shots. Also, if I'm using power draw I definitely like to use the closed bridge for the simple fact that if I didn't the cue would be bouncing on the table...lol. If you don't drop your elbow and use an open bridge for power shots, with, maybe, the exception of extreme follow, the cue will hit the slate and bounce.

 

[Billy_Bob]

I think this common usage has it backwards. Shouldn't an OPEN bridge be used for DRAW and a CLOSED bridge used for FOLLOW.?

Think about it...the cue tends to come UP on a follow shot, ergo the looped finger to prevent that. The cue tends to go DOWN on a draw shot so an open bridge is sufficient for that, and superior overall, re stroke, sighting, etc.

I was just thinking the same thing. I know a closed bridge works better for me with draw shots, but why? Does not make sense!

So I went and looked at my open bridge - just thumb sticking up in air supporting downward movement of shaft - easy to press down on cue shaft and move cue downward.

Then I made a closed bridge. I noticed that in addition to wrapping my index finger around the shaft, I also moved the "second to index finger" over under the shaft. And that with a closed bridge, I actually have two fingers under the shaft resisting downward movement! If pressing down on shaft, it goes nowhere.

Anyone else notice this with their bridges?

 

[chefjeff]

I was just thinking the same thing. I know a closed bridge works better for me with draw shots, but why? Does not make sense!

So I went and looked at my open bridge - just thumb sticking up in air supporting downward movement of shaft - easy to press down on cue shaft and move cue downward.

Then I made a closed bridge. I noticed that in addition to wrapping my index finger around the shaft, I also moved the "second to index finger" over under the shaft. And that with a closed bridge, I actually have two fingers under the shaft resisting downward movement! If pressing down on shaft, it goes nowhere.

Anyone else notice this with their bridges?

Oh sure, confuse us with real facts!

Interesting experiment, BillyBob. What this means to me is that your (our?) open bridge is imperfect and needs work.

Perhaps "we" think the open bridge doesn't deserve the same attention to detail that the closed bridge does. How many here practice the OPEN bridge when driving, sitting at a desk with a pencil, etc?

I'm going to go to work on my OPEN bridge for a while and see what happens. Maybe the "fist bridge" is the way to go?

Jeff Livingston

 

[NewGuy]

I think this common usage has it backwards. Shouldn't an OPEN bridge be used for DRAW and a CLOSED bridge used for FOLLOW.?

Think about it...the cue tends to come UP on a follow shot, ergo the looped finger to prevent that. The cue tends to go DOWN on a draw shot so an open bridge is sufficient for that, and superior overall, re stroke, sighting, etc.

Everyone thinks I'm crazy and have this backwards, but I think everyone else has it backwards. (The "crazy" part is debatable, regardless! )

notsgniviL ffeJ...whoops, I mean:

Jeff Livingston

True... but I was talking about power draws. If I only need to draw it back a little, then I'll just use an open bridge. But, when I have to use a little bit of power, I tend to bring my cue up (I'm working on it). So a closed bridge would be better. If you think about it, with an open bridge, some people will tend to bring the cue up a little. If you do this while attempting a draw shot, at best you'll get a center ball hit.

 

[zeeder]

True... but I was talking about power draws. If I only need to draw it back a little, then I'll just use an open bridge. But, when I have to use a little bit of power, I tend to bring my cue up (I'm working on it). So a closed bridge would be better. If you think about it, with an open bridge, some people will tend to bring the cue up a little. If you do this while attempting a draw shot, at best you'll get a center ball hit.

Sounds to me like you're at the very least dropping your elbow, and perhaps even your shoulder depending on how high the cue comes up. Even if you don't drop your elbow the cue then bounces off the slate on power draws.

 

[chefjeff]

(snip)
the cue then bounces off the slate on power draws.

Does that really matter to the shot?

Jeff Livingston

 

[zeeder]

Does that really matter to the shot?

Jeff Livingston

No, but it's a little annoying and it's possible that it could hit another ball while it's bouncing, especially if you used right or left and it has horizontal momentum.

 

[Billy_Bob]

...What this means to me is that your (our?) open bridge is imperfect and needs work...

Hummm... I just tried something interesting. I made a closed bridge, then moved just my index finger off the shaft and pointed it up in the air, then away from the shaft.

So I then had an open bridge with my 2nd to index finger also under the shaft for additional downward support.

So best of both worlds for draw shots - the support of a closed bridge, yet it is open so you can see the shot better.

And this bridge looks weird! [With that finger up in the air.] Bound to cause all sorts of discussion at the pool hall. "Look at that guys weird bridge..."

 

[zeeder]

Hummm... I just tried something interesting. I made a closed bridge, then moved just my index finger off the shaft and pointed it up in the air, then away from the shaft.

So I then had an open bridge with my 2nd to index finger also under the shaft for additional downward support.

So best of both worlds for draw shots - the support of a closed bridge, yet it is open so you can see the shot better.

And this bridge looks weird! [With that finger up in the air.] Bound to cause all sorts of discussion at the pool hall. "Look at that guys weird bridge..."

I just checked and the rest for the closed bridge is the exact same for me as the open when lifting the index finger. The only difference is that instead of the thumb and the index finger making a groove it's the thumb and middle finger making the groove.

 

[NewGuy]

Sounds to me like you're at the very least dropping your elbow, and perhaps even your shoulder depending on how high the cue comes up. Even if you don't drop your elbow the cue then bounces off the slate on power draws.

Thanks. You might be right. I'll have to tape myself or get someone to watch me the next time I practice.

Every time I try a power draw with an open bridge, I usually end up getting a stop shot. One thing that someone noticed was that I wasn't following through with the shot. I've been trying to correct it, but I still get more draw with a closed bridge.

 

[zeeder]

Thanks. You might be right. I'll have to tape myself or get someone to watch me the next time I practice.

Every time I try a power draw with an open bridge, I usually end up getting a stop shot. One thing that someone noticed was that I wasn't following through with the shot. I've been trying to correct it, but I still get more draw with a closed bridge.

You might also be clenching your grip hand which will stop the follow through and cause the cue to come up with an open bridge. When you're practicing your stroke take the time at the end of each stroke to evaluate exactly what happened. Where did your tip finish? What's your grip hand like and where did it finish? Did the cue follow through straight or to one side or the other? Is your body in the same position as when you started (solid stance)?

 

[Billy_Bob]

I just checked and the rest for the closed bridge is the exact same for me as the open when lifting the index finger. The only difference is that instead of the thumb and the index finger making a groove it's the thumb and middle finger making the groove.

May want to get another person to try pressing down on the shaft with each bridge. Then see which has more downward support or if both are just as good.

I'll do this with my regular open/closed bridges and the new...

Ummmm...

"Draw Bridge!" (Index finger in the air and pointed away from shaft.)

 

[zeeder]

May want to get another person to try pressing down on the shaft with each bridge. Then see which has more downward support or if both are just as good.

I'll do this with my regular open/closed bridges and the new...

Ummmm...

"Draw Bridge!" (Index finger in the air and pointed away from shaft.)

Both of my bridges are very stable. I have pretty big palms so that provides a reasonably large/wide base no matter which bridge I use. When I took my lessons with Mark, my stance, balance, bridge stability and grip were definitely some of my stronger points.

 

[Colin Colenso]

If you can't get as much draw hitting with an open bridge, it's simply because you're not hitting whitey low enough. Probably coz you're not as confident with this position.

Follow through doesn't make any difference. All the cue ball knows is the speed of the cue, weight of the cue and position relatice to center at which it is struck.

There may be slight effects from dipping the tip on impact, as there can be with sliding across the face with a sidespin shot, but these are relatively minor and hard to control consistantly.