which is a better bridge?
- Thread starter unyo27
- Start date
i think you have to go with whichever youre most comfortable with. Usually that means definitely a closed for draw shots, definitely an open for follow, and whatever i feel like in between. Most snooker is done with an open bridge, some say you can sight and aim better because you have an uninterrupted view of your cue with an open, and snooker players are arguably the most accurate pool shots. You need to be able to do both equally comfortably imo
unyo27 said:
What you are comfortable with. Years ago in Phoenix one of the best local players was named Billy. He used an open bridge - reason was he had NO fingers.
Closed bridge- helps keep the cue from wandering, more secure and controlled.
Open bridge- gives uninterupted line of sight down shaft for aid in aiming.
I use an open bridge most of the time, mostly due to the fact that thats how I learned, and it is now habit. I like the benefits of a closed bridge, but have trouble making some cut shots when using one. I adjust my bridge hand while getting down on the shot, and it kinda looks like I am tapping my fingers. I am really just making small adjustments to the placement of the bridge. Many players tap their fingers just as a nervous habit, and it has nothing really to do with shooting at all.
Open bridge- gives uninterupted line of sight down shaft for aid in aiming.
I use an open bridge most of the time, mostly due to the fact that thats how I learned, and it is now habit. I like the benefits of a closed bridge, but have trouble making some cut shots when using one. I adjust my bridge hand while getting down on the shot, and it kinda looks like I am tapping my fingers. I am really just making small adjustments to the placement of the bridge. Many players tap their fingers just as a nervous habit, and it has nothing really to do with shooting at all.
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I've heard that the tapping thing can help you get a sense of timing and calmness when you are down on your shot. You don't necessarily need to use a closed bridge for draw shots. I can easily draw a full table length, from the 2nd diamond, with an open brige. It's a problem though, if you jerk your cue up.
If you want to work on your stroke, keeping an open bridge (other than rail shots and breaks), can really help you improve. Try it for a week or two, and then use a closed bridge again. You might be surprised. I was
If you want to work on your stroke, keeping an open bridge (other than rail shots and breaks), can really help you improve. Try it for a week or two, and then use a closed bridge again. You might be surprised. I was
the tapping i have always wondered the same thing, i call it the trigger finger itch. Most people i asked about this mention'd they didn't even know they were doing it most of the time. I thought it was a trick of the trade myself but its just a relaxing thing as i sorta catch myself doing it after seven years of playing.
I use all kinds of different bridges, including the Fang bridge j/k. I love the Cross over Bridge myself, but most of the time i use the open bridge, even for some draw and break shot. As i find i can control the cueball better.
I use all kinds of different bridges, including the Fang bridge j/k. I love the Cross over Bridge myself, but most of the time i use the open bridge, even for some draw and break shot. As i find i can control the cueball better.
i think the tapping thing from my point of view was always because Jimmy White did it so i did
i had a few lessons on stroke mechanics from a snooker pro and he said " that tapping thing jimmy white does it and ronnie osullivan does it but they are great great players with respect your not so pack it in"
so i stopped
i had a few lessons on stroke mechanics from a snooker pro and he said " that tapping thing jimmy white does it and ronnie osullivan does it but they are great great players with respect your not so pack it in"
so i stopped
I use both open and closed.
I mainly use closed when I am shooting at the extreme edges of the cue ball or when shooting a fast shot (to prevent a miscue). Also cue ball frozen to the rail shots. A closed bridge keeps the tip in contact with the ball.
Otherwise I use an open bridge which gives me a better "view" of the shot.
I mainly use closed when I am shooting at the extreme edges of the cue ball or when shooting a fast shot (to prevent a miscue). Also cue ball frozen to the rail shots. A closed bridge keeps the tip in contact with the ball.
Otherwise I use an open bridge which gives me a better "view" of the shot.
Use a closed bridge. Every time someone has asked me this question, it is because they can't use or don't like a closed bridge... Get over it, and learn to use it more than any other bridge. 
Oh, and the whole aiming is easier with an open bridge thing is BS. I refuse to give that any credit. Just for the record.
Oh, and the whole aiming is easier with an open bridge thing is BS. I refuse to give that any credit. Just for the record.
The tapping thing is really in relation to the whole "is rhythm important" thread that was posted a bit ago. I think it is in relation to how people find thier rhythm. I know a guy who taps one of his feet the whole time he is shooting, and he would have to spot me the the orange crush 
every shot is different, so there is no "better" bridge, in 9 ball where power is important then a closed bridge, if its an east shot and your just tapping the $$$ ball then an open bridge is better because you cas se everything, all the replys in this thread above mine are all very good and worthy of memorizing for a begginner.