Open or Closed Bridge

[randyg]

You're waiting for me to say whether you know of a reason to teach that a closed bridge is better for draw? OK: I don't think you do.

pj
chgo

Actually PJ we are a little off subject here. I advocate that one must know why and learn how to use multiple bridges. In certain situations one bridge may have a distinct advantage over another.

Is a "closed hand" bridge better for draw? Depends on the person. Depends upon what we mean by "better".

My problem starts when a student tells me he only uses one bridge for all shots. I think that student is leaving alot on the table....SPF=randyg

 

[Rich93]

You'll hear lots of opinions that you should use a closed bridge for certain kinds of shots, usually to "help keep the tip on the cue ball" when using spin (especially follow). Don't believe them. That misconception mostly comes from the fact that the shaft can hop out of your open bridge on hard follow or sidespin shots - that can be distracting, but believe it or not it doesn't really matter to the outcome of the shot. None of that hopping happens during the 1/1000th of a second while the tip is in contact with the cue ball, so it's only your peace of mind and confidence that's affected (if they are affected).

You don't need to "hold the tip on the ball" in order to successfully execute any shot (you also don't need to "press down" with your back hand as some suggest). In fact, you could suspend your cue from strings and let it swing freely into the cue ball and get results just as good, for any kind of shot, as you would using a tight closed bridge.

I use an open bridge for every shot, including masse and breaking, unless a closed bridge will fit better into the space available on the table. I like it because it allows me to see the entire shaft in an unbroken line, which helps me aim most accurately. Snooker players almost universally use an open bridge for that reason, and more and more pool players, including pros, are using them for more and more shots.

However, there's nothing inherently wrong with a closed bridge for any shot, and if an open bridge is uncomfortable for one reason or another, or if you simply prefer a closed bridge for whatever reason or no reason at all, then by all means use a closed bridge for some or all of your shots.

pj
chgo

I agree with all this.

In the old days of my youth everybody used a closed bridge. It was the first thing you learned. You learned it and used it because everybody you saw who was any good was using it. But it's now been proven that you can be a world class player using an open bridge, so a lot of players are using open bridges these days. I use a closed bridge but not because I think it's better. It's just what I'm used to. Hell, I just watched John Schmidt run a number of 100+'s using mainly an open bridge.

There was a time when carom games were as popular as the pocket games, and the great carom players all used closed bridges. That style may have transferred into pool or at least reinforced it. Carom balls are heavier and on the slower cloth of yesteryear you had to hit shots harder to hit three or more cushions, and a closed bridge gave you more control, or at least the feeling of more control. That being said, straight billiards often used tiny little nip shots where the balls traveled an inch or less and closed bridges were used for them as well. On these tiny shots a closed bridge probably also gave you more control.

An open bridge might be better for accuracy in the pool games if you get down real low with the cue on your chin. If you don't get down that low I don't think it matters. Three cushion players still use closed bridges but as a rule they don't get down as low and accuracy of the hit is not as important as in pool.

 

[PetToilet]

i am a lot more comfortable with an open bridge, however for some reason I just line up and make more shots with the closed bridge. non stroke shots included.

why!! I like the open bridge!

 

[wolfcookie]

open or closed

Mr. Willy Hoppie used a closed bridge and he beleived that you should keep it fairly tight.That was 70 are so years ago..I was tought open on high and closed on low..I dont follow that rule any more..Its what you fell the most comfort in,and how much confidance you have in what you choose..I beleive you should be comfortable with both and practice both..On the rail somtimes I use open somtimes I use closed it depends on the shot..The longer you play the more you will figure this out far your self..GOOD LUCK AND KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL..:wink: