How to vertically-orient the "V" in the index-pressing-upon-middle finger bridge
Great observation Sean.
Coming from a snooker background, like you did, I had to go through a period when I forced myself to use the closed bridge on every shot, just so that I got comfortable with it. I soon worked out that the 'index finger pressing on the middle finger', as you have described it above, was the variation that worked best for me.
Having got over that, I can now just switch off and select open or closed bridge on auto-pilot. Neglecting special situations like rail bridges, I think that it comes out about 90% open.
However your post has made me realise that I haven't got the 'V bit right - in my case, it is very much sideways. Maybe with a better-formed closed bridge, I would use it more?
But how do you get the 'V' oriented vertically, without raising the bridge?
Siz:
Thanks!
To get right to answering your question, there are two ways to vertically-orient the "V" channel in the "index finger pressing down on the middle finger" bridge:
1. Lift the bridge in the air, like Mike Sigel does:
(Mike uses this "floating" style of this bridge virtually on every shot on the bed of the table that he doesn't have to jack-up over balls with. Even then, I've seen him use this bridge.) What's nice about this style of bridge, is that you are *used to* having your palm not touching the table. So when it comes to "variations" of this bridge where you find you can't palm the table (e.g. half-on, half-off the cushion), this bridge comes naturally.
2. "Scrunch" the index finger further up on your middle finger, like Alex Pagulayan does:
(That is, your index finger is pressing down on your middle fingers *second* joint, not the first joint. Yes, this puts more pressure on your middle finger [that second joint specifically], but also orients the "V" more vertically.) When you're focusing on that "inwards scrunching," you may find yourself unconsciously folding the ring finger underneath the hand as well. Don't worry about it -- for the most part, that ring finger isn't needed anyway, since you already have a three-point contact to the table surface with the palm, middle finger, and pinkie.
Alex also raises his palm up off the table in many, many cases, as well:
On that note, you may be surprised at how many pros raise the palm off the table to achieve as close to a vertical "V" orientation as they can:
I personally use approach #1 most often. It seems to come naturally, because I like to "bridge my cue in the air" (like I were holding a rifle to my body, "present arms" style), then "come down onto the table" with it. This way, I come down onto my finger pads, and anchor it right there. The palm touching the table is unnecessary, because the fingers, being bent backward a bit, give more than enough stability. And, the straightened bridge wrist is also sort of an "aiming device" as well -- with everything "pointed forward" like that (and not bent downwards), my body feels like it's lined up.
Give those two approaches a try!
Hope this is helpful,
-Sean