Poll: Jump cues and cue extenders

[Paul Mon]

Paul:

I can certainly understand jump cues. In fact, if I see someone even attempt to use one in a game of straight pool or one hole, "I'd like to play him/her some." (You know what I mean.)

Jump cues have no place in straight pool or one hole. Unlike rotation games (where there is one and only one object ball on the table at any given time), straight pool and one pocket have multiple object balls -- there should NEVER be a need to have to jump over a ball -- it's just plain silly.

However, cue extenders? Really? How does this device "detract" from the spirit of the game? In fact, using a cue extender with any kind of skill can be challenging in itself, since often, one has to use a very long open bridge (probably very close to the joint) and has to concentrate on maintaining a straight stroke under these adverse conditions. Is a mechanical bridge better under these conditions? Probably. I'll admit, I keep a cue extender in my case. But I also admit I'm a switch-hitter, and don't use the cue extender all that often (seldom, in fact). The only times I have to use it, would be when I have a tough cut shot down table, about middle diamond, cue ball on the center line of the table, shooting towards that middle diamond (where it doesn't matter if I'm shooting righty or lefty -- it's too far "into" the middle of the table). Once in a great while, I'll pull the cue extender out for this purpose if I don't have to shoot over a ball. If I do have to shoot over a ball, I'll use the mechanical bridge. I have a little bit of a snooker background, so I'm quite adept at using the mechanical bridge. But I'll admit, I have greater speed control with the cue extender, because the cue is contacting my hand -- greater opportunity for "feel."

Anyway, that's my thoughts on this. I disagree with disallowing cue extenders, since cue extenders *are* allowed in the great game of snooker, and you'll see them used all the time by the greats -- oftentimes in tandem with mechanical bridges. I just don't see the harm in them -- how in the world do they "detract" from the game?

-Sean

Well said Sean. I'll agree that we disagree.

When I execute a "move" in 1 pocket that requires my opponent to either stretch out or use the bridge I've accomplished my goal. When they take out the cue extension to gain the few inches needed to neutralize my move, it cheapens the entire strategy of one pocket. I liken it to using a computer to count cards (Blackjack). All the skill needed to either shoot opposite handed or with the bridge was eliminated for $29.95 + S&H.

Paul

 

[sde]

Maybe I don't get out much, but I had never seen a cue extender used in 3 Cushion until yesterday. Actually it wasn't used, only brought in an attempt to reach a shot.

I thought to myself WTF but didn't say a word or LOL as he tried to reach the shot by bridging in the center of the forearm with the tip waving about like a hooker on a street corner. He put the extension away, finally, and chose another shot.

Steve

 

[sfleinen]

We all have those pet peeves

Well said Sean. I'll agree that we disagree.

When I execute a "move" in 1 pocket that requires my opponent to either stretch out or use the bridge I've accomplished my goal. When they take out the cue extension to gain the few inches needed to neutralize my move, it cheapens the entire strategy of one pocket. I liken it to using a computer to count cards (Blackjack). All the skill needed to either shoot opposite handed or with the bridge was eliminated for $29.95 + S&H.

Paul

Paul:

We all have those pet peeves, and I hear ya, buddy! But do keep this in mind: OnePocket.org itself references both the BCA and the WPA as the foundation for equipment specifications, and tracing this back:

OnePocket.org Official Rules -> BCA General Rules of Pocket Billiards -> "Equipment Specifications" link on right-hand sidebar yields the following excerpt:

"17. Cue Sticks
Cue Sticks used at WPA competitions should comply with the following
during play at table:

Length of Cue: 40 inches [1.016 m] minimum / No Maximum
Weight of Cue: No minimum / 25 oz. [708.75 gm] maximum
Width of Tip: No minimum / 14mm maximum
[...]"

There's no mention of cue extenders there that I can see, but it's interesting that there's no maximum cue length recognized by either the BCA or WPA either.

Efren himself has in his case a very special cue that consists of a longer butt with a longer shaft -- and he can be plainly seen switching his playing stick for this particular point-purpose longer cue for special shots in the Accu-Stats 2006 DCC One Pocket DVDs (e.g. against Alex Pagulayan and Jason Miller).

What are your feelings about special purpose longer cues vs. the cue extenders? If your opponent pulled out one of these special purpose longer cues after you executed a "move," would you feel cheated? (Please understand I'm only curious, Paul; I'm not trying to rib or needle you here.)

-Sean

 

[bigshooter]

Older + fatter = vote for cue extender.

 

[Paul Mon]

What are your feelings about special purpose longer cues vs. the cue extenders? If your opponent pulled out one of these special purpose longer cues after you executed a "move," would you feel cheated? (Please understand I'm only curious, Paul; I'm not trying to rib or needle you here.)

-Sean

Sean,
I didn't know that about Reyes and I've got that DVD. I suppose that if onepocket.org says it's OK then I've got to get over it. I also didn't think that cues could have moving parts but saw Mike Massey extend his cue by twisting the butt and sliding it out about 10". It was not during competition but at one of his shows. I did remember Karen Corr adding about 12" by screwing an extension into the butt.

BTW, I never thought you were trying to break my chops. I know Tommy T is definitely needling.

FWIW, I'd ban belly putters in golf too. Just looks odd.

regards......Paul

 

[TommyT]

Sean,
I didn't know that about Reyes and I've got that DVD. I suppose that if onepocket.org says it's OK then I've got to get over it. I also didn't think that cues could have moving parts but saw Mike Massey extend his cue by twisting the butt and sliding it out about 10". It was not during competition but at one of his shows. I did remember Karen Corr adding about 12" by screwing an extension into the butt.

BTW, I never thought you were trying to break my chops. I know Tommy T is definitely needling.

FWIW, I'd ban belly putters in golf too. Just looks odd.

regards......Paul

Quit your crying. You know I'm gonna break your heart again with one or the other. The look on your face when I take out the tildo is worth one ball :wink: