question about the bridge

C

chickentony

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hi,

Recently, through informal practice I have made improvements my game and have started to be able to break and run balls. I noticed though that I use an open handed bridge for 90% of my shots and that most of the pros I see on tv and video use a closed bridge (is that what it is called). What are the advantages of this style and the disadvantages of open ? I am still a beginner and learning the game I would appreciate some tips.

thanks
 
Welcome to the best Billiard forum in the world, AZ!!!! I thought, maybe incorrectly the closed bridge was for the power shots and the open bridge was for softer shots........Charlie D
 
chickentony said:
Hi,

Recently, through informal practice I have made improvements my game and have started to be able to break and run balls. I noticed though that I use an open handed bridge for 90% of my shots and that most of the pros I see on tv and video use a closed bridge (is that what it is called). What are the advantages of this style and the disadvantages of open ? I am still a beginner and learning the game I would appreciate some tips.

thanks
Click to expand...

There is nothing wrong with using the bridge for 90% of your shots. Allison Fisher does just the same with a great deal of success. The open bridge is easier to sight down to the intended target. Especially if the cue comes close to touching your chin in your stroke. Much like looking down the barrel of a rifle.

As Charlie pointed out the closed bridge adds stability when power is being used. It provides a firm foundation for break shots, power draws, and force follows.

I played exclusively with an open bridge but forced myself to shoot with a closed bridge to learn it. Two weeks later using only the closed bridge I felt comfortable with it.

Today I use the open more so than the close but I can't say by how much.
 
the closed bridge adds stability when power is being used. It provides a firm foundation for break shots, power draws, and force follows.
Click to expand...

I use an open bridge for all shots, including break shots and power draw/follow. My shaft jumps up out of my open bridge occasionally, but that happens after it hits the CB so it doesn't change the outcome. Once I got used to that there were no drawbacks.

pj
chgo
 
Patrick Johnson said:
I use an open bridge for all shots, including break shots and power draw/follow. My shaft jumps up out of my open bridge occasionally, but that happens after it hits the CB so it doesn't change the outcome. Once I got used to that there were no drawbacks.

pj
chgo
Click to expand...

Again nothing wrong with that. I learned the closed bridge because I thought I had to. I know better now, but it is nice knowing how. ;)
 
renard said:
Again nothing wrong with that. I learned the closed bridge because I thought I had to. I know better now, but it is nice knowing how. ;)
Click to expand...

Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying an open bridge is for everybody. I'm just saying an open bridge doesn't physically limit what you can do with the cue ball - it's psychological.

pj
chgo
 
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