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Pool/Billiards/Questions Answered by Expert Pool_Teacher
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Clarification re: Cue Ball Placement - Scratch | 2/6/2012 |
| Q: I have been playing 8-Ball pool since 1990. It seems with the WalMac Rules being intergrated into ... A: All authoritative rule sources (and for a very long time) play ball in hand anywhere on the table ... | |
| Last pocket 8 ball | 2/4/2012 |
| Q: In last pocket 8 ball, two balls are sitting next to a corner pocket. The 14 ball and the 8 ... A: Last pocket eight ball is a offshoot game that is played different ways in different places and ... | |
| Trying to change a ferrule on a pool cue. | 2/2/2012 |
| Q: My name is Jackie and I am trying to change some cue tips and ferrules for my uncle. I have some ... A: I can offer advice about how to remove the existing ferrule but first let me ask you if you really ... | |
| ajay pool cues | 1/17/2012 |
| Q: I just bought an Ajay 493444 21oz cue for $6.00 at a swap-meet. Do you know the value? The cue is in ... A: These were relatively cheapo cues (they sold for about 8 bucks in the late 1970s) and today are ... | |
| B.G.ICo Pat.9.92 | 1/1/2012 |
| Q: I found what to me appears to be a Wooden Gun cleaning rod with these markings on the metal ... A: Well, the company is B.G.I. Co., short for Bridgeport Gun & Implement Co. and the rest of it refers ... | |
| 8 ball | 1/1/2012 |
| Q: If i am shooting for solids, and i sink in a stripe, but i still sank a solid first in that same ... A: It depends. You haven't told me all the information I need--specifically whether you contacted your ... | |
| Rare pool cue | 12/31/2011 |
| Q: I'm trying to find out about a pool cue I bought in 1995 at some closed down store in San Antonio ... A: Sorry to disappoint but this is a cue of no great value. AMF Playmaster was a mass manufacturer of ... | |
| double kiss foul in eight ball. | 12/7/2011 |
| Q: Cue ball and object ball are 1/4 to 1/2 inch apart. Shooter addresses the ball head on. Foul or not. ... A: Here's the problem: The captain let him get away with it, and has to abide by his decision to do so, ... | |
| 1992 RCH VIP (Helmstetter) pool cue | 12/4/2011 |
| Q: Greetings Teacher, I acquired a Helmstetter, buy way of a pool game..... It is a signed ... A: This probably has a 5/16 x 14 pin, but you should be able to get information about specifications ... | |
| vintage pool cue appraisal/interest in selling | 11/29/2011 |
| Q: For over 30 years, I have owned a pool cue made by Burton Spain. It has been in storage for about 20 ... A: Nice cue. Burton Spain made many one of a kinds. These are far less susceptible to an accurate ... | |
| 8 ball break | 11/24/2011 |
| Q: If a person breaks, and 2 balls go in first, then the eight ball , does that person who broke, win? A: <i>When it is played that you win when pocketing the 8 ball on the break</i>, it does not normally ... | |
| Breaking a rack | 11/8/2011 |
| Q: I was in a tournament ,I broke and a stripe ball went in , can I pick my next ball as a solid or ... A: Answering your question from authoritative rules, and assuming you are talking about 8-ball, the ... | |
| shaky on value | 10/27/2011 |
| Q: I just won a pool stick in a game and it seems like a good quality stick, it seems very well ... A: That's just it Dave, the whole point of the previous column (which had two parts, did you read ... | |
| pool coach/teacher | 10/16/2011 |
| Q: In one of your previous posts you mentioned that having a good qualified coach/teacher is important. ... A: I'm on the other side of the country, but I put the Internet to good use. Check out this search: ... | |
| Rich Q. pool cue | 10/4/2011 |
| Q: I was reading one of your other answers about a Rich Q and you mentioned a Plexiglass window. I ... A: Branded cues like to display their brand. Rich Cues have put out thousands of sticks over their 70 ... | |
| Scratching..... | 9/29/2011 |
| Q: while playing straight ball with my dad (home table), he hit my ball first, then his & sunk his ... A: I will gladly settle the argument if you tell me what game you were playing. Are you talking about ... | |
| Tournament brackets - assigning byes | 9/29/2011 |
| Q: With a 16 man bracket playing 8-ball, i see how to set it up with even number people but what if ... A: It's easy math, though why it works is less straightforward. The number of byes is always going to ... | |
| pool stick | 9/28/2011 |
| Q: could you help me with how much its worth and what the id is. A: I can't help you with the other one. Too little to go on. That's a nice older McDermott, It's from ... | |
| Gluing pool table slate and felt | 9/25/2011 |
| Q: I just bought a pool table and had to disassemble it to get it out of the previous home. In order ... A: As I state in my profile, though I know more than your average bear about pool tables, I am not a ... | |
| break rules | 9/21/2011 |
| Q: If you sink the 8 ball on the break, does it matter if you make any other balls in to win? Or does ... A: <i>When it is played that you win when pocketing the 8 ball on the break</i>, it does not normally ... | |
| help with cue ID please | 9/20/2011 |
| Q: I have a rich Q that I would like to know more about. I am interested mostly in when it was made ... A: Some background: The Rich Cue Company started in 1912, originally based in Freeport, New York. The ... | |
| 40 plus cat hair, ivory and brass putter, cane, cue | 9/19/2011 |
| Q: I know that subject line was a dusey, lol. I know this pool cue, putter, cane is at least 40 years ... A: There are untold numbers of four piece cane/walking stick cues that were mass produced in the ... | |
| Name of game | 9/13/2011 |
| Q: I can't figure out the name of the table or game. Is a game like pool but is played on a table with ... A: My favorite game. Three-cushion billiards. The gist of the game is that you must strike both balls ... | |
| Potting an opponent's ball after connecting with your own ball first | 9/2/2011 |
| Q: I've been looking everywhere for clarification on this rule but it's not listed in any US pool ... A: I am assuming your question is about eight-ball, though you did not specify, but the result is ... | |
| Pool Rules | 8/15/2011 |
| Q: If you scratch on the opening break in 8 ball, do you automatically lose the game? A: The rule varies in authoritative source but in none do you lose. In the best and most complete ... | |
| Scratched ball Placement | 7/31/2011 |
| Q: In 8 Or 9 Ball, opponent scratches his shot, Does the Cue Ball Have To Be Behind The Headstring, ... A: If you want the rule played by aficionados and professionals, that is included in every set of ... | |
| Call Shot Foul | 7/24/2011 |
| Q: Our Bayview Seniors 8-Ball League holds a tournament every Friday. Our pertinent rule is that all ... A: Nope no change. The rule you play is not reflected in the authoritative rules but it affects the ... | |
| Call Shot Foul | 7/23/2011 |
| Q: Our Bayview Seniors 8-Ball League holds a tournament every Friday. Our pertinent rule is that all ... A: Not a foul. Let me lead you through the rules so that you can see why. On every shot in the game ... | |
| Ball in hand rule for 8 Ball | 7/17/2011 |
| Q: With ball in hand & you place the ball on the table; can you touch the cue ball again with your ... A: Until you take your shot you can move the cue ball again fifty times with your hand or with your ... | |
| Table Body Question | 7/4/2011 |
| Q: I have an American Standard 8ft 1 piece slate table. I'd like to move it to my basement. The slate ... A: All pool tables can be disassembled including American Standards. However, it takes some know how to ... | |
| game | 6/28/2011 |
| Q: i play a variation of 8 ball played just like the game except that the person with stripes has to ... A: The game you refer to is today called "One & Fifteen 8-Ball", "One and fifteen" or "One and fifteen ... | |
| Meucci SE 12? | 6/27/2011 |
| Q: My ex bought me this meucci stick quite a few years ago. I have been put in a situation where I need ... A: Yes, that is an SE XII. You can view a nice picture here: ... | |
| legal shot | 6/9/2011 |
| Q: Two Questions: On Straight Pools/8 Ball 1.I am playing stripes in straight pools. I hit the que ... A: In most authoritative official rules you do NOT WIN if the eight ball is pocketed. That rule results ... | |
| McDermott D-22 | 6/8/2011 |
| Q: I have a D-22 that is in excellent original condition and of course I know the values according to ... A: You are right on the money in guessing that they engage in some inflation. I actually talked about ... | |
| legal shot | 6/7/2011 |
| Q: Two Questions: On Straight Pools/8 Ball 1.I am playing stripes in straight pools. I hit the que ... A: That is entirely different. The way you set it up before I thought you meant that the opponent was ... | |
| legal shot | 6/6/2011 |
| Q: Two Questions: On Straight Pools/8 Ball 1.I am playing stripes in straight pools. I hit the que ... A: Both shots are fouls resulting in loss of turn and ball in hand for the opponent. On every shot you ... | |
| ball in hand | 5/28/2011 |
| Q: ? or can he place the Q anywhere on the table? also,if I scratch on the break,what should I or my ... A: I'm glad you found my last answer useful. No, you do not lose. Is is only a loss of game if you ... | |
| legal break/foul | 5/24/2011 |
| Q: Person attempts a break. Cure ball flies off the table and flies over the rack...no balls are ... A: You haven't told me what game you are referring to. I'm going to assume 8 ball, which is the game ... | |
| ball in hand | 5/22/2011 |
| Q: ? or can he place the Q anywhere on the table? also,if I scratch on the break,what should I or my ... A: A big problem with 8 ball is variance of the rules. Professionals and aficionados play by one ... | |
| is it still an open table | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: I play on an APA team though I can't seem to find this answer anywhere. My opponent broke and ... A: The table is always open after the break regardless of what is pocketed. Choice of group is not ... | |
| Large pool tournament | 4/19/2011 |
| Q: I am organizing a large pool tournament for work and realize I have made a bit of a gaffe. I am ... A: Sorry but three hours is simply not enough time to even come close to holding a double-elimination ... | |
| 8-ball legal shot? | 4/14/2011 |
| Q: Setting: You have a stripe ball sitting on the edge of a side pocket with the eight ball directly ... A: That is correct but I want you to understand WHY it's correct, so let me tell you the applicable ... | |
| 8-ball legal shot? | 4/13/2011 |
| Q: Setting: You have a stripe ball sitting on the edge of a side pocket with the eight ball directly ... A: It is perfectly acceptable strategically for you to contact the eight ball first or hit a solid ... | |
| 9 ball push out and Texas Express rules | 4/8/2011 |
| Q: I used to play 9 ball back in 1970. We had a 2 shot shoot out rule then. I guess now it is called a ... A: You're welcome. I do strive to give clear and unambiguous answers, although sometime the questions I ... | |
| 9 ball | 4/8/2011 |
| Q: I used to play 9 ball back in 1970. We had a 2 shot shoot out rule then. I guess now it is called a ... A: It was a really different game under the former two shot rules. Sometime in the late '70s one shot ... | |
| 8-ball | 4/7/2011 |
| Q: If your opponent has a strip or solid ball blocking a pocket, can you hit your target ball first and ... A: Nope, that would be a foul, loss of turn, and ball in hand for the opponent. Referring the my last ... | |
| 8-ball | 4/3/2011 |
| Q: If your opponent has a strip or solid ball blocking a pocket, can you hit your target ball first and ... A: No, that is a foul and results in loss of turn and ball-in-hand for the opponent. On every shot in ... | |
| 8 ball cue jump | 4/2/2011 |
| Q: Is it legal to jump the cue ball over another object ball in eight ball? A: There are certain venues where they do not allow jump shots because it is very hard on the cloth ... | |
| 8-ball | 3/31/2011 |
| Q: If your opponent has a strip or solid ball blocking a pocket, can you hit your target ball first and ... A: Yes, you can. Not only that: if you call your ball in the blocked pocket and then make the ... | |
| Can you ID this McDermott please? | 3/24/2011 |
| Q: I came across a posting where you identified an old McDermott cue for someone, and was wondering if ... A: I could never have identified the cue out of the hundreds of models McDermott has made from the ... | |
| pool table | 3/23/2011 |
| Q: the manufacturer plate says hayford limited calgary alberta it looks old and the old man i have ... A: Yes, that is indeed a snooker table. As I state in my profile, as an American I have very limited ... | |
| Foul or Lost game | 3/21/2011 |
| Q: What when a opponent try to hit his ball and accidently 8 ball potted in the Pocket. Doest the ... A: That is a loss of game. Let me quote you the World Standardized Rule: 4.20 LOSS OF GAME A player ... | |
| Carambolette Table | 3/7/2011 |
| Q: Have you ever seen one of these Carambolette Tables? A: Nope. Fascinating. According to Mike Shamos' Illustrated Encyclopedia of Billiards it is obsolete ... | |
| cue ball foul | 3/2/2011 |
| Q: at club pool game (moderate casual) the opposing player moved his cue ball "accidentally" about 1/2+ ... A: I've always found it so bizarre that with respect to pool, and in no other sport or game I know, ... | |
| Sinking the black ball | 2/27/2011 |
| Q: What is the result if I have one coloured ball left, I sink the coloured ball first and the white ... A: Assuming your question is about a form of eight-ball, you lose immediately. Whether the game is ... | |
| ask about a cue | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: I have a question concerning a pool stick i own i won it in a pool game its called a Jued Fuller and ... A: Unfortunately, you haven't provided any of the information for me or anyone to even begin appraising ... | |
| organising a tournament | 2/19/2011 |
| Q: I have been asked to organise an 8 ball pool tournament and am not sure where to start. the event is ... A: I'll give you some instruction on how to set up a tournament layout with brackets but I have to tell ... | |
| pool table | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: It has no placard on top of the rail on the under side has a placard with registion starts with jan ... A: That's not a lot of information to go on but I've identified this much: the table is by the ... | |
| Need help too | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: I was wonder img if you could help me identify this cue. I have no idea what it could be. I bought ... A: It's a pretty cue. It's model HOF-2 and retails for about $500. The Blue Book of Pool Cues gives its ... | |
| Unknown McDermott cue | 2/15/2011 |
| Q: I have a friend of mine that recently bought a used McDermott cue. I was wondering if you help ... A: That's model M4-3I called the "8-Ball" from McDermott's "Professional" series. Its manufacturer's ... | |
| Meucci Cue | 2/15/2011 |
| Q: I was given a Meucci Cue about 20 years or so ago as a birthday present, but am not sure of the ... A: Is it possible it was 16 years ago? It looks identical to model 95-3 and even if it was from a few ... | |
| 1921 pool cue | 2/11/2011 |
| Q: I found a 1921 pool cue while moving from our family home of 50 years. It is 2 piece and the only ... A: It is often very hard to identify cues that do not have any signature imprint or maker's name ... | |
| straight pool foul | 2/11/2011 |
| Q: I asked one of your colleagues this same question, but I want to tell my opponent that I asked two ... A: It is a penalty of 1 point. The 15 point penalty is defined in the rules as applying in only two ... | |
| Combo? | 2/8/2011 |
| Q: How do I determine what ball I am, solid or stripe, after the break has happened? Is the first ... A: There's a slight ambiguity in your question. I was not sure after reading it if you were still ... | |
| Pool break. | 2/5/2011 |
| Q: How do I determine what ball I am, solid or stripe, after the break has happened? Is the first ... A: In all authoritative rules the table remains open after the break no matter what you pocket. Making ... | |
| jumping a cue ball | 2/4/2011 |
| Q: I am a beginner in the sport of pool, I have a cue that is for breaking/jumping and although it has ... A: Instead of reinventing the wheel, I am going to refer you to a previous involved article on the jump ... | |
| calling of balls to be pocketed | 2/2/2011 |
| Q: I am a beginner in the sport of billiards, I started playing with my brother, I am a lady pool ... A: Sorry for the long delay in getting to your question (I've been away). Unfortunately for both you ... | |
| special Meucci? | 1/28/2011 |
| Q: We just had a tip put on my husbands Meucci and the dealer said it was a special stick and if we ... A: I hate to burst the bubble the dealer created but Meuccis with the logo near the top of the sleeve, ... | |
| Meucci Pool Cue | 1/24/2011 |
| Q: I have an old meucci cue.I am trying to find out info on it I contacted meucci got no response.I am ... A: Unfortunately, I have looked at the both editions of Blue Book of Pool Cues (one that came out in ... | |
| Meucci Pool Cue | 1/22/2011 |
| Q: I have an old meucci cue.I am trying to find out info on it I contacted meucci got no response.I am ... A: You can ask me and I will try to identify it for you. However, I will need a photograph (please make ... | |
| Ball frozen on rail. | 1/21/2011 |
| Q: When a object ball is frozen on the rail. Is that rail deemed out of play to object balls plus cue ... A: I'm not sure what you are asking. I think your question is about the ball and rail rule, i.e., that ... | |
| 9 ball | 1/19/2011 |
| Q: Do any shots have to be called including the nine ball? If I scratch on the nine ball do I lose? ... A: Answering your questions in the same order you've stated them, in Texas Express rules, the main rule ... | |
| pool | 1/16/2011 |
| Q: if you are playing taking out a ball when you scratch and you hit multiple of your own balls in and ... A: You haven't stated the game your question concerns but I am going to assume you mean eight-ball ... | |
| 8 ball | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: Pool Teacher, I play in a pool league where, there is no foul for failure to drive a ball to the ... A: It's very difficult to answer a question that asks for the rule for a particular situation in a ... | |
| straight pool | 1/5/2011 |
| Q: When you finish a rack and the 15th ball ends upon the foot spot don't you rack the ball with the ... A: Everything you need to know about inter-game racking in straight pool is provided by the chart at ... | |
| Poll Cue Indentification | 1/2/2011 |
| Q: Pool-Teacher, You recently answered a question for me identifing the value of a Pool Cue I own and ... A: That made it easy! It has its model type actually written in. It's from the Quantum series and in ... | |
| Poll Cue Indentification | 1/1/2011 |
| Q: Pool-Teacher, You recently answered a question for me identifing the value of a Pool Cue I own and ... A: Allexperts only shows the first picture that is uploaded, no matter how many additional pictures are ... | |
| price of a gold crown pro 8 1 | 12/31/2010 |
| Q: Have opportunity to by pro 8 gold crown table can you give me a range of what they go for used? ... A: Have you tried asking the person selling? If the table's nameplate is missing you have to identify ... | |
| Pool cue | 12/31/2010 |
| Q: I recently picked up a pool cue at a garage sale, I was wondering if you could tell me if he has any ... A: I hope you didn't pay much. It just happens I wrote a post about this exact topic recently. The long ... | |
| price of a gold crown pro 8 1" slate | 12/29/2010 |
| Q: Have opportunity to by pro 8 gold crown table can you give me a range of what they go for used? A: "Pro 8" is a size designation and not a model type. Gold Crowns come in models I, II, II, IV, and V ... | |
| Balabushka cue | 12/27/2010 |
| Q: Does this brass plate (see attached images) signify a Balabushka cue? Construction is extremely ... A: That is most definitely not a Balabuska cue for many reasons. Let me explain briefly. Balabushka ... | |
| ball in hand rule and respotting balls - 8-Ball | 12/27/2010 |
| Q: Can you please list the fouls for which the penalty is ball in hand behind the head string, versus ... A: In authoritative 8-ball rules, the penalty for all fouls, no matter the type, is ball-in-hand ... | |
| pool table sizes | 12/24/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering how to figure out how much space would be required to install a pool table and how ... A: Please see a few past answers I've given to similar questions: ... | |
| Rotation Pool | 12/19/2010 |
| Q: What are the rules for playing rotation pool? A: For me to answer your question properly I would have to regurgitate all the rules of the game plus ... | |
| Halex Table | 12/11/2010 |
| Q: Id like to start with the fact that I'm about the most inexperienced pool player as they come. Today ... A: Pool tables are necessarily expensive because they are furniture and being given one as a gift, even ... | |
| safety shot in 8 ball | 12/8/2010 |
| Q: what is considered the object ball in the safety call ? Is it the shooters ball or the opponents ... A: What one's object balls are never changes. An object ball is a ball you can legally shoot at and hit ... | |
| 8 ball | 12/4/2010 |
| Q: Everybody knows that if you break and you pocket a ball in, you are stripes or solids depending on ... A: Actually, the rule you cite as axiomatic: "if you break and you pocket a ball in, you are stripes or ... | |
| Pool | 12/3/2010 |
| Q: In last pocket pool.if my pocket has been chosen & my opponent shots his last ball in my ... A: Last pocket 8 ball is often played informally and is susceptible to many different variations of ... | |
| doubles rules | 12/1/2010 |
| Q: Before writing to you, I'd searched the web and couldn't find anything to cover our dispute. We ... A: I don't think you're going to like my answer because I can't settle the issue once and for all. ... | |
| 9-ball rules | 11/26/2010 |
| Q: if i hit the the #2 ball in and the nine and scratched do i lose the game A: No, you do not lose. Instead: all balls you made but for the 9 ball stay down; the 9 ball is spotted ... | |
| McDermott pool cue | 11/21/2010 |
| Q: I have a "Miller Time Billiards '94" cue made by McDermott. it feels like the weight is around 23oz. ... A: Can you please post a photograph of the cue? Most cell phones nowadays allow you to take a picture ... | |
| Aiming target | 11/12/2010 |
| Q: Is it allowed to place the chalk on top of the rail to be used as an aiming device? ANSWER: Hi ... A: The APA's [pathetic] rules do not provide any guidance for this and a huge number of other ... | |
| Aiming target | 11/11/2010 |
| Q: Is it allowed to place the chalk on top of the rail to be used as an aiming device? A: "Allowed" implies there is one set of rules from which a global, definitive answer can be taken and ... | |
| Pool Cue McDermott | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: Pool Teacher, I am following up with your reply to my question and providing pictures of my cue for ... A: It is a level 2, model D-6 McDermott that came out in 1984. The picture in the Blue Book of Pool ... | |
| to win on the break | 11/6/2010 |
| Q: Where do I place the cue ball to have a high percentage to win on the break taking out the 8ball? A: First be aware that this is one of the most variable rules in 8-ball depending on what rule set is ... | |
| Meucci SE 8 | 11/5/2010 |
| Q: I have a Meucci SE 8..it is in about 98% condition...I am the second owner and would like to know ... A: I am not a fan of Meuccis but the SE 8 is a pretty cue. As with any used cue, ultimately it's what ... | |
| brunswick pool table authenticity | 11/5/2010 |
| Q: Was there ever a Brunswick "Richmand" table with plastic tubular ball return? Found one on the ... A: Though I obviously have no way of knowing what specific listing you are referring to, I would ... | |
| Last object ball scratch | 11/4/2010 |
| Q: I was recently in a friendly competition and had a question come up: My opponent was cleaning my ... A: If you commit any type of foul, including a scratch, on the same shot that that you pocket the 8 ... | |
| 8-ball Legal shot question | 11/3/2010 |
| Q: When playing 8-ball, is it a legal shot to shoot the cue ball (that is not frozen to a bank)at a ... A: The rule that matters here is that you must contact your own object ball first on every shot or it ... | |
| ball in hand | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: I am new at this game , and want to understand what ball in hand is and when it is applied, Thank ... A: There are two forms of ball-in-hand: plain old ball-in-hand, and ball-in-hand behind the head string ... | |
| Pool Cue McDermott | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: I have a McDermott Pool Cue I have been playing with for years and recently I was thinking of having ... A: You've done a lot of work describing the cue but McDermotts come in a few hundred models (all have ... | |
| 9-BALL RULE QUESTION | 11/1/2010 |
| Q: ON TV PROFESSIONAL "CALL" 9-BALL TOURNAMENTS. IF A POCKET IS CALLED FOR THE 9 BALL, BUT THEY MISS ... A: They do play call the 9 in some tournaments, both professional and amateur, but the standard rule is ... | |
| straight pool | 10/29/2010 |
| Q: how much time do i have to get my shot off A: There is no set amount of time. In tournament settings a stop clock may be built into the ... | |
| Rule Question/8ball | 10/28/2010 |
| Q: Ball sits on a pocket, before player shoots ball falls in pocket. Does the ball stay pocketed and ... A: I'm going to let the World Standardized Rules speak for themselves as they address everything in ... | |
| Mcdermott break cue | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: I need some help in identifying this so called Mcdermott break cue. Supposed to be around 10 years ... A: I take it from your use of "so called" that you think this cue might be a fake. No way. To use a car ... | |
| sears roebuck pool stick. | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: I have a pool stick from sears roebuck& co Chicago Ill, 60607. it has a number 6-25509. I was ... A: It's near valueless. It depends on age, condition and detail, but even old Sears Roebuck cues in ... | |
| identify cue stick | 10/12/2010 |
| Q: I have a cue with the following logo JP, with the p on top of the J. Can you tell me what brand it ... A: Sure. That cue is made by J. Pechauer Custom Cues, located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where they have ... | |
| Slate | 10/6/2010 |
| Q: I am buying my first pool table. Is it better to have more or less slate pieces. Is there different ... A: I can only give you some very general advice. I cannot tell you what table to buy, which involves ... | |
| cue maker | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: and liking, Players. I've seen Lucasi and am curious because the script on the butt looks the ... A: Yes, they're by the same company or the evidence is so strong for that conclusion that we might as ... | |
| POOL TABLE IN A ROOM | 9/28/2010 |
| Q: IM BUYING THIS CONDO AND I HAVE A 10'2 -13 ROOM WILL A REGULAIN POOL TABLE FIR IN THIS ROOM. WILL IT ... A: I cannot be sure what you mean when you say regulation pool table. Pool tables come in various ... | |
| TABLE SET-UP | 9/25/2010 |
| Q: HOW MANY INCHES SHOULD THE LIGHT BE SET OVER THE POOL TABLE. 32" FLORESCENT A: According to the World Pool-Billiard Association's Tournament Table & Equipment Specifications: "If ... | |
| cue ball size | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: If the cue is slightly larger then the other numbered balls then how does the pocket know how to ... A: You're not an initiate so I really shouldn't be telling you this—especially on a public forum—but ... | |
| 8-ball | 9/16/2010 |
| Q: I know that shooting out of turn is a foul but what if it isn't noticed until several balls are ... A: Yes you're right that it's a foul: "If the non-shooting player distracts his opponent or interferes ... | |
| After the 8 ball | 9/12/2010 |
| Q: If I pocket the 8 ball into the called pocket and then scratch do I win or lose? A: You lose. In 8-ball anytime you foul on a shot in which the 8 ball is pocketed you lose the game (if ... | |
| pool cue | 9/6/2010 |
| Q: This cue has been in the family for sometime. I displayed it this weekend; however, I would like to ... A: This type of carved cue that doubles as a cane (as I can tell from the brass screw in piece) are a ... | |
| regarding open or close (One Stripe and One solid) | 9/3/2010 |
| Q: I hv doubt there is 2 player A & B A pot 2 stripe ball in break but not able to close it B get ... A: I am answering this question from the perspective of the World Standardized Rules:8-ball. I do not ... | |
| room size | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: i am looking into opening my own pool hall and im trying to figure out how much room to put in ... A: According to the World Pool-Billiard Association: "a minimum measurement of 6 feet [1.83 m] is ... | |
| 8 Ball Pool | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: I have more than 1 question to ask hope fully you can. Firstly how many rules the the game are there ... A: You have some confusions in your question, or at least deep ambiguities, which make it difficult to ... | |
| Identify my cue | 8/30/2010 |
| Q: My name is Jacqui and I was recently given a pool cue that a friend found in the attic. I know it is ... A: That's model D-8 from McDermott's 1984 line. It's original retail price was $135 and its blue book ... | |
| POCKET SIZES | 8/28/2010 |
| Q: WHAT ARE THE POCKET SIZES ON A FT,8FT,8FT OVER SIZE,7FT AND/OR BAR TABLE?? ANSWER: Hi Bob: Pocket ... A: Three equally spaced diamonds are located on the rails between each pocket regardless of table size ... | |
| POCKET SIZES | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: WHAT ARE THE POCKET SIZES ON A FT,8FT,8FT OVER SIZE,7FT AND/OR BAR TABLE?? A: Pocket size is tied directly to ball size, not table size. This is because, no matter what table you ... | |
| Do you have to call the pocket in 8 ball? | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: Do you have to call your shots in 8 ball. If the ball goes in a different pocket then you were ... A: 8-Ball is a "call pocket game", but that designation can be misleading because, while you must ... | |
| Rail (cushion) height | 8/23/2010 |
| Q: When the ball hits the rail (cushion) where the ball meets the cushion... Should it be about half ... A: No the rail height should not be such that it contacts a ball at its equator. Per the World ... | |
| APA 8 Ball Rules | 8/22/2010 |
| Q: In APA Rules, when pocketing the 8 ball does it have to go clean or can it hit another object ball ... A: In APA rules, just like in the much better World Standardized Rules, it matters not at all how the 8 ... | |
| Vintage pool cue | 8/21/2010 |
| Q: i purchased a pool cue today new that is called Vintage and has a model number of VT-76. I was told ... A: My understanding is they are yet another bargain basement, Made in China cue, but it is very ... | |
| Question About Rick Q Pool Q | 8/19/2010 |
| Q: I have a excellent Rich Q pool cue that an old friend of mine gave me in the late 80's, he said it ... A: I hope I am not giving you the too obvious answer but ebay is a good bet. Just make sure you list it ... | |
| Value of and AMF Pool Table | 8/19/2010 |
| Q: Trying to find out what an AMF Aberdeen 8' English Mahogany on Maple pool table is worth. It was ... A: The best way to look for value is comparables to see what the market can bear, and there are many ... | |
| Calling a pocket for 8-ball | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: when shooting at 8-ball a pocket need to be called. if the shot is missed, then it is the opponents ... A: There are a few variations of eight ball that have rules like this. The most well known is last ... | |
| Question About Rick Q Pool Q | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: I have a excellent Rich Q pool cue that an old friend of mine gave me in the late 80's, he said it ... A: As you may have noted from the previous post, Rich cues are not the most highly valued of cues, ... | |
| Meucci Weight bolt stuck | 8/11/2010 |
| Q: I have a Meucci cue that I would like to add some weight to. I went to my local cue guy and we ... A: I am a player and billiard history buff and my expertise is in that area. Though I know more than ... | |
| Pocketing the 8 ball with the last ball | 8/8/2010 |
| Q: my friend as on his last ball. the seven ball. on his shot he calld the sevn in the cornr the que of ... A: He lost the game. However, not for the reasons you imply by the form of your question. It has ... | |
| 8 ball rules | 8/7/2010 |
| Q: What happens if my opponent (sunk all of their balls) sinks the 8 ball along with my ball, but the ... A: I take it from your first question that the issue is that your opponent pocketed one of your balls ... | |
| Regulation Size Table | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: ... I am like Belinda looking for the regulation or official size pool table. I read your response ... A: The short answer to your question is that the table you are looking for is a table with a playing ... | |
| weight | 7/25/2010 |
| Q: What is the typical weight of a 4.5 ' X 9' regulation size pool table and what does it cost to hire ... A: There's no simple answer to either part of your question. Regarding weight, it is completely tied ... | |
| KGI pool tables | 7/14/2010 |
| Q: I very much appreciate the help given me in the past, and have another. I am considering getting a ... A: You know I'm a player right? Not a pool table salesman, so the heart of my expertise is not really ... | |
| Value of 8' AMF HIghland Series Limited Edition | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: apparently AMF is out of the billiards business and I can't find a good assessment of value. Seller ... A: Listen, forget about pool tables. I am the owner of a wonderful bridge in Brooklyn, and I can offer ... | |
| Rich Cue - Zebra value | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: I have a cue that has a sticker with Rich Cue Company on it and another that says Zebra. It was ... A: Well the photo clears up one issue: it's not a zebra model or anything like that--that butt is made ... | |
| Pool Table Height | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: And the height from the floor to the top of table cushions please. Many Thanks Jo A: Ho Jo There is no standard height for the floor to the base of the table because bases have ... | |
| Rich Cue - Zebra value | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: I have a cue that has a sticker with Rich Cue Company on it and another that says Zebra. It was ... A: The Rich Cue Company, originally based on Freeport, New York, made cues from 1912 to 1982. The Rich ... | |
| Use of the Mechanical Bridge | 7/8/2010 |
| Q: I'm a blogger putting together a story on just who uses the mechanical bridge. I was wondering if ... A: First, some background. Mike Shamos' Illustrated Encyclopedia of Billiards (an invaluable book for ... | |
| Play Master Pool Table Resale | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: Back in late 2008 you graciously helped a person who didn't have all the details of the pool table ... A: I really don't have a great degree of expertise in pricing pool tables. My expertise is playing the ... | |
| B.G.I. Co. cue stick | 6/20/2010 |
| Q: i have cue stick????? B.G.I.CO. PAT.FEB.9.92. HAVE ALL MARKINGS.IS IT OR NOT??? IS IT WORTH ANY ... A: Please see this past post of mine on the same issue: ... | |
| Use of "scratch" verses "foul" | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: is a scratch the same thing as a foul in billiards? A: Language is a living thing and there isn't always one right answer. "Scratch" is sometimes used by ... | |
| regulation size table | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: Could you please tell me before I order what the regulation size is for a pool table. I am ... A: The parameters of "regulation size" for pool tables is a common source of confusion. When many ... | |
| Scratching on purpose | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: can you scratch on purpose when your opponent is on eightball and you still have one ball on the ... A: Yes it's legal in official rules, but if you are going to go by what official rules hold, you have ... | |
| Second ball pocketed when table was open | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: Me and my friend were playing 8-ball the other night, the table was still open he shot a low ball in ... A: Nope, he was assigned solids, and his inning continued. Incidental balls made on a legal shot are ... | |
| pool game | 5/18/2010 |
| Q: for what reason would you spot the eight ball back on the table A: Assuming your question is about the game of eight ball, which you did not specify, if the 8-ball is ... | |
| pool tables | 5/17/2010 |
| Q: If I wanted to get a 8 footer how much space would ineed to play around A: The room size I recommend for a 8 foot table for full sized cue use is 18' 2" x 14' 4". That's ... | |
| Billiards vs. Pool | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: how did Billiards, in particular pocket billiards come to be called pool. Why is it a "Pool" table ... A: Pool was coined in the U.S. and has been in use since at least 1850, owing to the practice of ... | |
| carom billiards | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: I wanted to ask you about carom billiards. My brother who is residing in Vietnam. And plays ... A: Carom Billiards is incredibly and sadly unknown here, with little opportunity for professionals. ... | |
| jump shot bar room rules | 5/9/2010 |
| Q: give rule on jump shot playing bar room rules? other player said it was okay to scoop cue ball over ... A: No one is right. There is no such thing as "bar rules" as a set of consistent and codified rules. ... | |
| meucci ques | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: which co.makes the best ques merdemont or meucci?i own a cheaper merdemont. but i would like to own ... A: McDermotts are in my opinion much better cues. Frankly, I dislike Meuccis quite a lot. Of course ... | |
| pool table felt | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: How do you know what side of the felt is the playing side when installing felt on pool table? One ... A: For all brands of pool table cloth I have experience with, it's smooth side up. However, you didn't ... | |
| Meucci Original Pool Cue | 4/25/2010 |
| Q: We have a Meucci Original Pool cue that we acquired about 10 years ago. We know that it's pre-1985 ... A: There really is only one book: The Blue book of Pool Cues by Brad Simpson. Meucci is a factory cue ... | |
| lines on pool table | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: Hi we have just brought a 4ft by 8ft pool table with no D or dot on it could you please tell me ... A: I am in the United States where we do not mark pool tables in this manner. I assume you are in the ... | |
| BCA rules | 4/13/2010 |
| Q: Are phenolic tips on break sticks legal in BCA and if not what is the rule number? A: In any tournament following World Standardized Rules, a phenolic tip is verboten: "The cue tip may ... | |
| Using An Opponent's Ball | 4/13/2010 |
| Q: Is it considered a legal shot if I bank the cue ball off a rail and it hits my opponent's ball which ... A: I am assuming your question is about the game of 8-ball, which is what most people mean when they ... | |
| Scratch on break | 4/10/2010 |
| Q: We play under APA rules. Our opponent won the lag and proceeded to break. The cue ball left the ... A: The APA's terrible rules (they take the World Standardized Rules (WSR) and dumb them down in many ... | |
| 9 ball safety | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: I was in a game (9 ball texas express) over the weekend when my opponent called "safety" shot and ... A: I have no take; I will tell you what is correct:-) Your opponent and the peanut gallery were wrong ... | |
| Balabushka pool cue? | 3/28/2010 |
| Q: I think I have an original Balabushka. I would like your expertise. It has a brown wood base and it ... A: That does not look like a Balabushka to me for a number of reasons. First, Balabushka butt sleeves ... | |
| Mechanical bridge history | 3/26/2010 |
| Q: I'm trying to put a shadowbox together for the game I've loved for so long, but really knew nothing ... A: Mike Shamos' Illustrated Encyclopedia of Billiards (an invaluable book for anyone interested in the ... | |
| Dufferin Pool Cue | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: I was gifted a Dufferin cue in the 90s. It was fancy and hasa signature - I used maybe five times. ... A: I'm going to disappoint you. Dufferins are mass manufactured cues (as of 2005 they were making more ... | |
| billiard | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: What size room do you need for a 7 1/2 or 8ft pool table? A: I have answered this type of question numerous times, and I always note that it is a matter that is ... | |
| AMF Playmaster need to sell | 3/19/2010 |
| Q: I have an AMF Playmaster that I need to sell and I don't know how much to ask for it. It is 5-8 ... A: AMF made many tables. They are either out of business or in trouble (their website has been down ... | |
| Helmstetter Cue | 3/14/2010 |
| Q: Please find attached are 5 pictures of my Helmstetter Cue that I purchased second hand back around ... A: I can only see one of the pictures you uploaded. In any event, I believe that is model 12 from ... | |
| A game of pool | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: many thanks gordon carter ANSWER: Hi Gordon: I have written some previous columns on using ... A: It's no different than using a single elimination tournament chart and one of the links I provided ... | |
| A game of pool | 3/12/2010 |
| Q: many thanks gordon carter A: I have written some previous columns on using tournament charts, player assignments, byes (not bys) ... | |
| straight eight | 3/11/2010 |
| Q: Is it a regulation that if you have only the eight ball left to go and then barely miss leaving the ... A: You have obviously been playing 8-ball in a venue or with a person that plays by one of the numerous ... | |
| Round robyn | 3/11/2010 |
| Q: I have 20 teams of two. Want to have a Round Robyn. Can i divide the teams into two groups and have ... A: Yes, you will need to break it up into two tournaments of ten teams in each. A single round robin ... | |
| My pool cue | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: I was trying to research my AMF Play Master Pool Cue to see what the quality of them were; however, ... A: I attempted to call AMF to inquire about your cue and, looking around, I discovered their billiard ... | |
| My pool cue | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: I was trying to research my AMF Play Master Pool Cue to see what the quality of them were; however, ... A: Does the cue actually say on it AMF Playmaster? The reason I ask is that though I know the brand ... | |
| pool/billiards how 15 year old can get into tournaments | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: i am 15 years of age and i have my own table. i play at least three games everynight. my father had ... A: Th best way to find tournaments is to call up pool rooms. Most do not have any listing of their ... | |
| Which is the Object Ball in a Comination Shot | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: WE USE "THE OFFICIAL RULES AND RECORDS BOOK" 2002 EDITION, PUBLISHED BY THE BILLIARD CONGRESS OF ... A: He is simply wrong, for all of the reasons previously stated. If you follow the context, plain ... | |
| sneaky pete | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: I bought a Sneaky Pete from a pawn shop a while back, but it dosn't have any type of brand on it ... A: Your cue is a sneaky pete. A sneaky pete is not associated with any particular brand of cuemaker, ... | |
| How to go pro... | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: I may be asking the wrong person but I don't really know who else to really ask. I'm a 19 year old ... A: There are very few formal prerequisites to turning pro. Mostly it's skill (practice and more ... | |
| 9-ball texas express 3 foul rule | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: is it 3 consecutive fouls or is it 3 consecutive innings with a foul A: The former: three contiguous fouls. To make it crystal clear, if I step to the table and foul, then ... | |
| Space required for snooker table | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: iam thinking to start a snooker club. iam having a 1500sft how many tables can i install in this ... A: In order to answer your question I am going to have to make two assumptions, since you did not ... | |
| In Call shot, is it a foul to pocket the ball in wrong pocket | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: Me and my friend have a little dispute over this. So we were playing 8-ball call shots game. If you ... A: It is not a foul, the ball stays down (balls are never spotted except if the eight ball is pocketed ... | |
| sinking 8 ball at end of a game | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: Is it an legal shot if i sink the eight ball in a called pocket after an opponents ball has gone in ... A: I'm not sure why your name has changed (your first post was from "Moe" and now you're follow-up is ... | |
| area rugs | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: what is the correct size area rug that i need? thanks A: There is no correct size. Rather there are two types of sizes you should be looking at and only you ... | |
| Nine ball scratch | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: We run a weekly nine ball tournament - we have printed house rules that we abide by. I am the ref. ... A: I urge you to adopt the World Standardized Rules ... | |
| 8-ball | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: Is it an legal shot if i sink the eight ball in a called pocket after an opponents ball has gone in ... A: It is a legal shot in all authoritative rule sets (as opposed to the the common, uncodified, poor ... | |
| combination slop sliding cue ball | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: ive read all your Q & A and have not found one question like the one i have for you?! in 8ball when ... A: The shot you are describing is perfectly legal. I think your confusion arises from a ... | |
| Which is the Object Ball in a Comination Shot | 2/9/2010 |
| Q: WE USE "THE OFFICIAL RULES AND RECORDS BOOK" 2002 EDITION, PUBLISHED BY THE BILLIARD CONGRESS OF ... A: The object ball being called is always the ball you intend to pocket. You should be aware that you ... | |
| Game name & detailed rules | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: I asked this of you quite awhile ago but have lost the name and rules. Would you be kind enough to ... A: I very much enjoy "reverse pool" games, which is what you are describing. They are really fine ... | |
| 9 ball | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: do you have to call a combo into the nine? if you hit your ball in and the nine goes in is that ... A: 9-ball is not a call pocket game. If you close your eyes and shoot and you hit the lowest numbered ... | |
| ball frozen on rail | 2/2/2010 |
| Q: If there is a ball frozen to a rail and it is the object ball, when the cue makes contact with that ... A: You've hit the nail on the head. In order for a legal shot to be accomplished on a ball frozen to a ... | |
| lamps | 1/27/2010 |
| Q: height above table A: The World pool-Billiard Association has official Table & Equipment Specifications for tournament ... | |
| when breaking | 1/23/2010 |
| Q: If the que ball leave the table on the break do u lose the game A: What game are we talking about (there are a few hundred)? I am going to assume you mean 8-ball, as ... | |
| new--foot on floor rule | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: Our group has been playing pea pool for quite a while, and very much enjoy the variation that we ... A: You won't find direction in the World Standardized Rules, which simply says "Player must have at ... | |
| 9-Ball Rules | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: If you run balls 1 through 7 and then legally sink the 8 but the cue ball travels and hits and ... A: You probably got this impression from watching the Tournament of Champions. That particular ... | |
| 9-Ball Rules | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: If you run balls 1 through 7 and then legally sink the 8 but the cue ball travels and hits and ... A: Neither. You simply win, immediately, at least under the main rule variant played throughout the ... | |
| Illegal shot | 1/18/2010 |
| Q: What is the penalty for playing an illegal shot? Also, there seems to be a contradiction between the ... A: I assume by context, though you did not specify, that your post is about the game of 8-ball and ... | |
| drills | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: I was reading your response to Brock at http://en.allexperts.com/q/Pool-Billiards-2283/drills.htm ... A: Yeah it really annoys me that the main site went down and there's no redirect at the old address. ... | |
| Fouling on the break shot | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: In pool, especially 8 or 9 ball, what happens when the cue ball goes in a pocket with the break ... A: Assuming you want an answer from an authoritative rule set such as the World Standardized Rules: In ... | |
| foul vs scratch and ball in hand | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: In 8 ball, what's the difference between a "scratch and a "foul". Under what circumstances do you ... A: There are authoritative, logical, well settled rules of 8-ball called the World Standardized Rules ... | |
| Original Balabushka Value Estimate? | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: My father has what he thinks to be an original balabushka cue he purchased in a pool room in Queens, ... A: I can't tell you that it is a Balabushka from the picture, But I can tell you that it looks like a ... | |
| room size | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: Hi my friend I have a room 200 inches long and 185 inches wide I would like an 8 foot standard pool ... A: I strongly recommend that you do not reduce the size of the cue you use for most of your shots. ... | |
| Aramith Balls - Premier vs Pro | 12/21/2009 |
| Q: My boyfriend recently acquired a very nice Olhausen table which he refinished and re-felted himself. ... A: Both balls are manufactured by Saluc, a Belgian company that uses the brand imprint Aramith, and ... | |
| Potting opponents balls | 12/5/2009 |
| Q: After one player sinks 2 balls designating himself high balls and misses on the next shot, the other ... A: I'm going to let the text of the World Standardized Rules: 8-ball speak for themselves as they ... | |
| what balls are neutral | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: when your opponent breaks and gets two solids in and scratches the table is still open, right. then ... A: Yes, it is always open after the break, no matter what is pocketed, until a person subsequently ... | |
| Burton Spain Cue | 11/29/2009 |
| Q: Can U confirm this cue maker as a Sprain. I was advised it is 34 years old with vintage cue case. ... A: I have corrected the title of the post. His name was Burton Spain (not Sprain). What you're seeking ... | |
| pool table | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a four by eight Brunswick table that is an anniversary model out of an old pool hall. It has ... A: So you have one of these: ... | |
| Olio pool tables | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking at used 9' tables Brunswick, Gandy, Olio I know the first two have been around forever ... A: I would stay away from them. From what I understand, Olios are Chinese knockoffs of Brunswicks. ... | |
| Cue ball up on bumper | 11/22/2009 |
| Q: if cue ball is up on the bumper can you move it. A: Your question is subject to two interpretations so I'll tell you the rule for both. If you mean by ... | |
| Required distance from walls | 11/22/2009 |
| Q: what is the legal distance required from the pool cushion to the wall A: There is no officially regulated distance. However, the World Pool-Billiard Association sets out ... | |
| value of d-19 cue | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: i have a d-19 with lt maple and perfect linnen. absolutely mint. ibought it new in 87.used for 10 ... A: I'm going to assume you mean by "d-19", a McDermott model D-19, though you never stated the type of ... | |
| 9 ball pool | 11/14/2009 |
| Q: what are the rules for a 8 team 9ball double elimination. pool tournament. thank you. A: I'm not sure really what you mean by "rules" in your question. The rules of nine ball are the rules ... | |
| Q-ball hits other ball b/f 8 ball | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: ok. Me and my friend are playing pool and he was on the eight ball and i had a few of my balls still ... A: He lost the game. The rules in eight ball (World Standardized Rules) are that a player must contact ... | |
| Games where players alternate turns | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: Is there any type of billiards game that constantly trades between two players without having the ... A: I know of two games like this, five-pins and killer, as well as a format of playing any game that is ... | |
| Performing Legal Jump Shot | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: I am a relatively new pool player. I started with snooker so many aspects of the game were ... A: Jump Stroke tips: Make it easy on yourself. Get a swatch of material to place under the cue ball. ... | |
| Performing Legal Jump Shot | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: I am a relatively new pool player. I started with snooker so many aspects of the game were ... A: Sorry for the delay in getting to your question. It is perfectly legal. There is no rule that you ... | |
| Willie Hoppe cue stick | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: i have a willie hoppe cue stick i want to find someone who can authenticate it can you direct me to ... A: Does it look something like the sticks seen here: ... | |
| double elimination format | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: .. i have 20 players for our billiard tournament. They are requesting for a double elimination game. ... A: Please download this pdf file: ... | |
| trying to figure out if i have an 8ft or 9ft table. | 10/18/2009 |
| Q: I have a Brunswick Heirloom pool table that has a playing surface of 8ft 4in. Would that be ... A: You have a 9 foot table given the playing area length you've provided of 100 inches (8' 4"=100"). ... | |
| Balabushka pool cue: value | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: I have a balabushka in excellent condition, wondering how much to ask for it. Nice inlay%26 no ... A: Are we talking about an original Balabushka, i.e., a cue hand crafted by George Balabushka sometime ... | |
| 8-ball: ball accidentally touched | 10/9/2009 |
| Q: if i accidentally touch a ball and it moves when its my turn do i lose the game A: You do not lose in most situations. During the regular course of the game if you accidentally touch ... | |
| 8 ball pocketed first then cue ball | 10/2/2009 |
| Q: if you make the cue ball with the eight ball going in first in on the last shot of 8 ball, does the ... A: In a word, yes. Any foul in 8 ball where the eight ball is pocketed on the same shot is a loss of ... | |
| Is my cue worth anything | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1996 Luis Espirito. It has two shafts and one is pro-tapered. I can't seem to find out if ... A: Sure it's worth something if it is, as I suspect (capitalizing for emphasis), a RUSS EspiritU cue ... | |
| pocketing cue ball on break | 9/25/2009 |
| Q: Do you lose or continue the game of pool if you pocket the cue ball on the break ? Nothing else just ... A: You haven't told me what game your post is about. There are hundreds of pool games, with about six ... | |
| American Pool Break off | 9/19/2009 |
| Q: Person 1 - Breaks - Pots the cue ball - Along with 2 striped balls Person 2 - 2 shots - Able to ... A: In authoritative rules in the US the table is always open after the break regardless of what is ... | |
| Legal safeties in Professional 9-ball | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: Is there a professional players rule book? In golf there are rules for the USGA and a different set ... A: Sorry for the delay in getting to your question. You have hit on a pet peeve of mine that I cannot ... | |
| safety shot | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: Object ball and Q-ball are frozen in center of table; I wish to play a safe off this object ball. ... A: Let's launch straight into an examination of the relevant rules. From the General Rules of Pocket ... | |
| Pool Table | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: i was wondering if you could tell me where the lines and dots go on a seven foot pool table ... A: Pool table marking are the same regardless of the table size. Please see my previous post at ... | |
| Balabushka Cues | 9/12/2009 |
| Q: I was just reading your answer about George Belabushka and was surprised to read that he NEVER ... A: I wrote Wikipedia's article on George Balabushka (all by research in reliable sources which are ... | |
| Help identify this cue stick, please? | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: This cue has no markings, serial numbers, etc. Nothing to guide me towards it's origin. I believe ... A: I think that particular cue is made by Ramin. You can compare a picture here: ... | |
| pool | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: In pool, what does the term slop shot mean? A: A slop shot is generally used to refer to a luck shot, where a person either makes a ball in a ... | |
| 8 ball open table vegas rules | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: We play ball in hand but slop. Not call pocket in this area. Open table after the break. Opponent ... A: I can't answer any question from any standpoint but official rules because people play all manner of ... | |
| Pool Classes | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: I live in New York city,do you know any places/schools where u can get 9 ball pool classes.I am not ... A: Sorry about the delay. I've been away Call Tony Robles. He's a fantastic teacher, knows exactly ... | |
| Buying and setting up | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: Our family is considering buying a billiards/pool table. We are considering a 9'x4'6" or a 8'x4" and ... A: I have not seen this commonly and as your noted, there is no information on this table maker online. ... | |
| Buying and setting up | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: Our family is considering buying a billiards/pool table. We are considering a 9'x4'6" or a 8'x4" and ... A: The formula is basically that you need a minimum distance from the rail of: the length of the cue ... | |
| Q-ball distinctions | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: I have one of each Q-balls: red dot, red circle, blue dot, blue circle, etc., and all the other ... A: All the balls other than the cue ball in a set are easily identifiable as to the manufacturer by ... | |
| Cue ball bouncing out of pocket | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: if the cue ball goes into a pocket then pops back out on to the table while shooting the 8ball is it ... A: It depends. First note that it is not a loss of game to foul on the 8 ball unless the 8 ball is ... | |
| straight pool | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: In the game of straight pool: After first rack, Q-ball and last object ball remain in the re-rack ... A: When both are in the rack area, the 15th ball is spotted to the foot spot (meaning you would rack ... | |
| chipping the cue ball | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: Is there a rule against chipping the cue ball over the eight ball in order to hit the target ball if ... A: I assume by "chipping" you are referring to the golf term equivalent of what is called in pool a ... | |
| billiards | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: If I shoot my ball into a called pocket and it hits my opponents ball and still goes in the pocket I ... A: Yes it is legal. All authoritative rule sources play the "ball and pocket" rule, meaning you must ... | |
| 9 Ball PushOut?? Next???? | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: Is a push out when the person that broke doesn't have a shot at the 1 ball and asks you "Can I do a ... A: A push out can be called by whoever is at bat immediately after the break shot, be it the person who ... | |
| Pool Cue | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: white stripe dark oak that whit top hope picture will help ... A: Sorry for the delay but it took me a while to find it (and I have). You may be disappointed with the ... | |
| Calling a safety on the 8 ball | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: can you call safety on the 8 ball ? A: I'm not entirely sure what you mean by calling a safety. In official 8-ball rules, i.e., the World ... | |
| 8-Ball | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: I have heard that when making a shot in 8-ball you must have at least one foot on the ground while ... A: Yes it is indeed true. The most prominent and authoritative rules for 8 ball are the World ... | |
| 8-ball combination | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: Only two balls are on the table, the 8 ball and a solid object ball (mine). Can the 8 ball be used ... A: No, if you strike the 8 ball first it results in a foul, meaning you lose your turn and your ... | |
| 9 Ball table | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me where the markings go for a 9 ball table. Can you be very precise. Thank you Mara A: Most tables only have the foot spot marked (where the base of the apex ball of a rack is placed). ... | |
| 8- ball combination? | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: When one stripe and one solid are located close enough to strike both balls simultaneously and you ... A: The order of the balls being pocketed makes no difference whatsoever, nor does it matter that an ... | |
| maximum cue ball travel | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: I saw a trick shot competition where the shot was to make the cue ball contact eight rails and end ... A: Of course arm speed is a factor, and I can give you some advice on that, but it is very likely this ... | |
| pea pool | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: Our group has been playing pea pool for quite a while, and very much enjoy the variation that we ... A: Are you aware that jumping by scooping under the ball to fling in into the air is absolutely illegal ... | |
| Room size | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: Like most middle aged guys, I enjoy playing pool when I get a chance and for me that's about twice a ... A: The formula is basically that you need a minimum distance from the rail of: the length of the cue ... | |
| 9-ball: Push out after making a ball on the break | 7/6/2009 |
| Q: In 9-ball, if the player breaking the rack pockets one or more balls that are not the 9 ball, does ... A: If you pocket the 9 ball on a push out it gets spotted to the head spot (the spot on the table where ... | |
| billiards | 7/4/2009 |
| Q: in a split shot, is it legal to call a split shot if one ball is solid other stripe- in standard ... A: No, a split shot is illegal and results in a foul. The rule is that a player must contact one of his ... | |
| 9-ball: Push out after making a ball on the break | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: In 9-ball, if the player breaking the rack pockets one or more balls that are not the 9 ball, does ... A: The answer is yes. Whoever has the option of shooting the very next shot immediately after the ... | |
| 8 Ball | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: I am wondering what would happen in this case. Recently near the end of an 8 ball match my opponent ... A: There are innumerable local and anecdotal rules eight ball is played with. I assume from your ... | |
| 8 Ball | 6/27/2009 |
| Q: If you scratch on a break and don't pocket any balls do you lose? A: There are innumerable local and anecdotal rules eight ball is played with. I assume from your ... | |
| 9 ball | 6/20/2009 |
| Q: When the cue ball is struck and does not strike the lowest ball or any other ball on the table, is ... A: It is a foul. You must contact the lowest numbered all on the table on every shot (including the ... | |
| need more info | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: i need to know the name of the stick that u use to hit the ball and the name of the white ball plse ... A: The stick is most commonly called a cue stick, pool cue or sometimes billiards cue. It is also ... | |
| table | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: I have a none slate table can I convert it to a slate table? A: Sorry, that won't work. Real slate is an extremely heavy metamorphic rock. A slate table weighs ... | |
| 8ball with cue ball on last shot | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: On the last shot of the game my son shot the 8 ball into a pocket, but the cue ball followed. (so ... A: Your son lost. Pocketing the 8 ball on any shot on which a foul is also committed is a loss of game. ... | |
| safety shot in pool | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: Please define the safety shot. Does the cue ball have to hit a rail after contact with an object ... A: Since you have not specified a game, I am going to assume that your post refers to the game of ... | |
| Lighting for billard table | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking at 2 light pendant, 36" long (150 watt each bulb) OR 3 light pendant, 57" long (100 watt ... A: Sure, it may work. If the current lighting is fairly adequate the fixture you are installing ... | |
| Lighting for billard table | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking at 2 light pendant, 36" long (150 watt each bulb) OR 3 light pendant, 57" long (100 watt ... A: It's impossible for me to say with 100% accuracy without seeing the fixture setup; where the bulbs ... | |
| 9 Ball Break | 5/30/2009 |
| Q: What would the ruling be on the following situation: 9 Ball Tournament, BCA Rules, Alternate ... A: The foul on the cue ball is treated just as it would be if he had successfully hit the rack but ... | |
| What game is this? | 5/17/2009 |
| Q: I recently got a table and it came with a "game pack". In the pack there was a shaker and little ... A: What you have is a shake bottle and peas or pills. The main game played using this equipment is ... | |
| Balabushka pool cue | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: i was just wondering where in Cincinnati could i go to sale my George Balabushpa cue and it has his ... A: If your Balabushka is signed then it is an Adam Custom Cue Company licensed replica (not an ... | |
| Calling stripes or solids | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: My sister-in-law and I got into an argument about terminology. When playing pool and you say "I am ... A: Because there are so many different rulesets, so many questions I get are ambiguous. I have to ... | |
| 8-ball combo shots | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: Scenario: I am solids and shooting to pocket the 2-ball in the corner but am going to have the 2 ... A: Regarding your first question, it is a legal shot in all authoritative rule sets as played by ... | |
| Breaking and mind game | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering if you had any tips on the best way to break when playing 8 or 9 ball. Whenever I ... A: First of all, one the links I provided in the previous post was broken, and it was really the main ... | |
| McDermott Pool Cue | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: I purchased a pool cue from a fellow league player around twenty years ago! It is a McDermott Cue ... A: I almost surely can tell you what the model is, but I have to see a picture of the butt and its ... | |
| room measurements | 4/10/2009 |
| Q: I'm considering an 8' table in a room 20' x 13'8". I've simulated ball situations with my 57" cue ... A: The room size I recommend for a 8 foot table for full sized cue use is 18' 2" x 14' 4". That's ... | |
| Slate top? | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: I'm selling my Masse pool table. I have no idea anything about pool, this guy asked me if it's a ... A: The bed of the pool table—that is, the solid surface underneath the cloth of better quality pool ... | |
| pool table | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: What is the correct size of the opening at the rails of a pocket? A: Pool table pockets come in various sizes. There is no correct dimensions per se. Rather people have ... | |
| Ball in Hand rule | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: I recently came up with a situation where I was on two fouls and my opponent takes ball in hand. The ... A: The rail is not part of the table per se. "Balls coming to rest other than on the bed of the table ... | |
| pea pool | 3/29/2009 |
| Q: Our group has been playing pea pool for quite a while, and very much enjoy the variation that we ... A: No source I can find details the answer to this question, including the Illustrated encylopedia of ... | |
| Pool cue cleaning | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: I read your, most excellent, post on pool cue maintenance. Quote: "If you must clean your cue, use ... A: Yes the dampness slightly swells out the wood at the surface on a very tiny scale, resulting in the ... | |
| measurements | 3/17/2009 |
| Q: What size room would I need for a 4 by 8 pool table? Thank You CISCO A: For a table measuring 4' x 8', the space I recommend is 18' 2" x 14' 4". This calculation is so you ... | |
| live ball when ball in hand | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: While playing APA 8 ball and an individual gets ball in hand and drops the ball on the floor is that ... A: Batch. No, there is no foul here. A player must not disturb the balls on the table while placing ... | |
| Pool table value | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I have a Brunswick gold crown 3 "ak" table. It's in very good condition. I'm selling it for $900. Do ... A: It may be in this economy, but that's a very low price. A Gold Crown III in good condition typically ... | |
| 16 Player Flow Chart | 3/1/2009 |
| Q: I have a 16 Player Flow Chart, but only 8 players showed up. Where do I place the Byes? Thanks, ... A: I assume you have a blown up chart and that's why you don't want to simply print out an 8 player ... | |
| Making the opponent's ball to make yours | 2/28/2009 |
| Q: If a players ball is blocking the corner pocket but I feel I can hit my ball first into his ball ... A: You are correct. According to authoritative rules, such as the World Standardized Rules, in ... | |
| 9 ball, consecutive fouls | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: My opponent scratches on the break(foul#1). I enter with ball in hand and shoot the 1 and then ... A: There's no ambiguity here. The player and the pool room peanut gallery are wrong and you are right. ... | |
| American Heritage pool table | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: In a previous question, you mention brands you recommend, Brunswick, Connelly, Olhausen as good ... A: No, The contender series still has excellent slate, but it is unbacked and thinner. Contenders are ... | |
| 8-ball touches hand | 2/21/2009 |
| Q: In the game of eight ball, what happens if the shooter hits the eight ball with their hand by ... A: The World Standardized Rules hold that when a match is refereed (probably not your situation) it is ... | |
| American Heritage pool table | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: In a previous question, you mention brands you recommend, Brunswick, Connelly, Olhausen as good ... A: I have no personal experience with these tables as no poolroom I've ever gone to has them (which ... | |
| Must you call every pocket? | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: Is there a rule that say you have to call every pocket A: It depends what game you are playing. Some games are call-pocket games such as 8-ball and straight ... | |
| scratch?? | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: Me and my buddy were playing for money and it was his shot, he first sunk his ball and then the cue ... A: You have not specified what game your post is about and there are many pool games. I am going to ... | |
| 8-ball | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: my ? is this when playing pool and your on your last ball that ball being the 8 ball can you make ... A: It depends on what rules you are playing and what game you are playing. 8 ball is played with ... | |
| object ball control | 2/6/2009 |
| Q: When pocketing an object ball along the rail in a corner pocket I have deducted that if the object ... A: You're right that an object ball frozen to right hand rail (from a shooter's vantage point) will ... | |
| scratch rule | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: if a player scratches during a game; who has the right to determine if a ball comes up on the table ... A: You haven't told me what game you are referring to. I'm going to assume 8 ball, which is the game ... | |
| After potting the called ball in the called pocket if the cue ball pots one of the oppenent balls | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: After potting the called ball in the called pocket if the cue ball pots one of the oppenent balls ... A: Incidental balls pocketed on an otherwise legal shot are irrelevant, regardless of whether they are ... | |
| What's it worth? | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: I was hoping you could tell me how much it was originally ($) and when it was manufactured? I ... A: Does it look something like these: ... | |
| 8-ball and basic play. | 1/30/2009 |
| Q: My first question is this. My friend was shooting for the 8 ball, he hit it first with the cue ball, ... A: For the first scenario, your friend won. Incidental balls pocketed on a shot are irrelevant, if the ... | |
| Cue ball placement after a scratch shot | 1/30/2009 |
| Q: In 8-ball, if your opponent scratches, and you're not playing "spotting balls", is it legal for the ... A: The short answer is no, it is illegal. But let me give a bunch of the intersecting rules in the ... | |
| combination shots | 1/26/2009 |
| Q: If a combo is made with the use of the of a solid to a stripe is a legal shot provided that the ... A: You are correct. You can intentionally hit his object ball to pocket yours. Intentionally fouling is ... | |
| Vintage Monroe/Michigan McDermott Cue | 1/26/2009 |
| Q: I was reading article how to identify my McDermott, and have the same delema. I purchased my ... A: I am looking at the exact cue in the Blue Book of Pool Cues. That is model 3 D-11, first produced in ... | |
| 8 ball foul | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: Heres the situation: I have just the 8-ball left to pocket. I can't even hit it since my opponent's ... A: There are bar rules where they play that this is a loss of game. But bar rules have no claim to ... | |
| question on 8 ball break | 1/24/2009 |
| Q: playing 8 ball on the beak the 8 ball and que ball go in the pocket. Do you win or loose? A: It very much depends on what rules you are following. Bar rules, for example, are inconsistent on ... | |
| Split Shots | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: Lets say a shooter is solids and has 2 solids side by side in a game of 8-ball. He calls both of ... A: I am amazed that after all these years there's still the occasional questioner that finds a loophole ... | |
| combination shots | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: If a combo is made with the use of the of a solid to a stripe is a legal shot provided that the ... A: You've left out some information from your question. Specifically, in the scenario whether choice of ... | |
| room size | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: How much room do I need for a full (standard?) size pool table? A: Assuming by full you mean a tournament size table measuring 4½' x 9', the space I recommend is 19' ... | |
| Do you lose if you scratch on the break? | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: If you scratch on a break do you lose playing a normal game A: You have not specified what game you are asking about. There are hundreds of pool games and about ... | |
| scoring | 1/16/2009 |
| Q: we have an "in house" league and are playing with 4 teams and four players a team. So as I ... A: You have assumed that the house system of scoring in place at the venue you frequent is a common ... | |
| jump cues | 1/15/2009 |
| Q: Are you supposed to chalk a phenolic tip for jump cues? A: Cetainly, yes, you should chalk a phenolic tip. Many people have complained over the years that ... | |
| Hitting the table | 1/12/2009 |
| Q: It would seem to me an obvious foul, but I have not yet been able to find a rule directly only ... A: It is a foul if it is intentional, though there is nothing in the General Rules of Pocket Billiards ... | |
| Pool rules off break | 1/12/2009 |
| Q: In normal pool if two different balls- one spot & one stripe- are potted off the break what is the ... A: There are many different sets of rules played under which the rules varies but the most ... | |
| Cue tips for maximum english | 1/11/2009 |
| Q: What would be the best tip for an amature pool player to gain more "english" on the cue ball. A: I don't recommend you buy anything but a medium tip and I further recommend that you use as little ... | |
| Identifying a Cue Stick | 1/11/2009 |
| Q: I need some help identifying a Cue stick! The Cue stick I have is a Cue/Walking stick! It has no ... A: Unfortunately, such sticks are mass produced and are not worth much. you'll occasionally see ... | |
| Ball speed/action | 1/9/2009 |
| Q: I have an Olhausen table with Simonis's best cloth which happens to be only a few months old. With ... A: The common external cause of slow speed is humidity. Wet conditions vastly slow down cloth (though ... | |
| Scratching on the eight ball | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: Say I have one ball left and my opponent is trying for the 8-ball. I go for a shot on my ball and ... A: Your friend is not only wrong, but he's doubly wrong. First of all, in the World Standardized ... | |
| 8 ball | 1/2/2009 |
| Q: if shooting at the 8 ball, you miss hitting the eight, do you lose game A: I answer all questions from the perspective of the World Standardized Rules, the most authoritative ... | |
| combo shot | 1/2/2009 |
| Q: ok so i called a combo shot, and it was where i hit my ball into my opponents ball and that one hit ... A: Yes it was legal. There are two relevant rules here. First, you only need to call the ball you are ... | |
| Definition of a Foul | 12/26/2008 |
| Q: We have always defined a "scratch" during 8 ball play (e.g. cue ball going in a pocket during course ... A: Yes, if you are playing by an authoritative rule set, such as the World Standardized Rules and the ... | |
| Scratch on the 8 ball: do you lose? | 12/20/2008 |
| Q: In regards to previous post- "Question when banking the 8 ball, if you scratch,does game play ... A: I generally answer all questions from the perspective of the World Standardized Rules (WSR)—the most ... | |
| Old cue stick | 12/19/2008 |
| Q: I found an old cue stick, 3 pieces, in a dresser that had my husband's hunting and fishing things. ... A: I do not think that it a pool cue but a gun cleaning rod. First, though it appears to be the ... | |
| Race rules | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: I play at a local bar. Some of the players want to play race 9 Ball but have no clue how to play the ... A: I'm sorry but I'm a bit confused by the terminology used in your question. I think you may be ... | |
| How many diamonds on a pool table? | 12/16/2008 |
| Q: how many diamonds are on a pool table A: There are seventeen actual inlaid diamonds on most table pool table: three between every pocket, ... | |
| Do you lose when you fail to touch the 8 ball? | 12/15/2008 |
| Q: IF I AM SHOOTING THE EIGHT BALL AS MY LAST SHOT BUT PRIOR TO TAKING MY SHOT, MY OPPONENT HAS PLAYED ... A: Assuming you want an answer from an authoritative source, which in much of the world is the World ... | |
| level pool table | 12/14/2008 |
| Q: i have slate table 7 foot, not level by a small margin but can see ball going to the low side... ... A: Yes, what you describe is the way to shim a slate. You must loosen the bolt and then slip the shim ... | |
| Identifying a vintage cue stick | 12/6/2008 |
| Q: I recently purchased a 1980's Mcdermott cue stick in great shape and wanted to know what it is. Are ... A: The Blue Book of Pool Cues does not indicate any serial number identifiers for McDermotts but I can ... | |
| 8 ball combination | 12/3/2008 |
| Q: is the 8 ball considered a neutral ball when shooting combination shots ex.( hitting the 8 ball with ... A: What you are referring to is one of the many inconsistent rules that are sometimes played in bars ... | |
| table | 11/30/2008 |
| Q: to apply bees wax to slate should u heat it up or rub the bar across crakes A: You heat it up. Most cue mechanics use a small blowtorch and a razor blade scraper to remove the ... | |
| 9-Ball legal shot | 11/28/2008 |
| Q: In 9-ball, it is a legal shot when the cueball first hits the lowest object ball and then either the ... A: It's a foul in all three games. The rules are clear that after an object ball is struck, some ball ... | |
| Nine Ball Break Speed | 11/26/2008 |
| Q: Perhaps you can settle an argument for me and my friends. Can you tell me at what speed in mph. ... A: The upper limit for breaks is about 30 mph. Professional men (not intentionally using a soft break) ... | |
| Marking the foot spot | 11/25/2008 |
| Q: I know where the foot spot goes on the table, but I want to know the best method of marking it on ... A: The Master brand spots (on the linked page) are what are used on the best tables in the best ... | |
| Marking the foot spot | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: I know where the foot spot goes on the table, but I want to know the best method of marking it on ... A: With no bells and whistles, the easiest way is with a felt tip marker, such as a sharpie. I prefer ... | |
| Combinations | 11/23/2008 |
| Q: If I call a combo and use the opponents ball to hit my ball in the pocket is that a legal shot? ... A: There's a point of ambiguity in your question. You say "We're only shooting straight pool." I have a ... | |
| Straight Pool Ball replacement on scratch. | 11/22/2008 |
| Q: Its been a while and I started playing straight pool again. I remember that if I make my called shot ... A: You have it exactly! You mark the negative on the other end to record the scratch; no balls come up ... | |
| Straight Pool Ball replacement on scratch. | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: Its been a while and I started playing straight pool again. I remember that if I make my called shot ... A: I know exactly what you are talking about. I think I can illustrate using zeros as beads and give ... | |
| AMF | 11/18/2008 |
| Q: What happened to AMF billiards? Their website redirects to "Red Hat Enterprise Linux Test Page" A: Hey Brian According to the apache page redirect: "The fact that you are seeing this page indicates ... | |
| Straight Pool Ball replacement on scratch. | 11/17/2008 |
| Q: Its been a while and I started playing straight pool again. I remember that if I make my called shot ... A: Hey Len. Always a pleasure to answer questions about straight pool. It's like the world has ... | |
| helmstetter cue | 11/17/2008 |
| Q: I have a signed Helmstetter cue with diamond shaped ivory inlays. I bought this from an elderly pro ... A: I think a mark of a good expert is knowing when his expertise has been exceeded. That's a fancy way ... | |
| Pool size/room size | 11/13/2008 |
| Q: What is the minimum required room size for an 8 foot table and 7 foot table. I am trying to see ... A: The basic formula is that you need to figure in the size of the playing surface, plus the length of ... | |
| pool table refelting | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: I've got a 3 piece slate what should i use to fill in slate joints? compound, drywall plaster or ... A: You should use a substance called Bondo. It is a putty manufactured by 3M. You should be able to ... | |
| Pocketing balls after the break | 11/8/2008 |
| Q: A scratch occurs on the break shot, the incoming player places the ball behind the headstring and ... A: Assuming that you are asking about the ruling under the World Standardized Rules: 8-Ball (to which ... | |
| Cue tip density | 11/4/2008 |
| Q: I am a repairer of cues and have, over the years, accumulated many different types of tips in many ... A: I have to say that it strikes me that YOU as a cue repairer, have a better claim as an expert on the ... | |
| 8 ball Rule (International Rule) | 11/2/2008 |
| Q: You are playing your last colored ball and you scratch and the opposite team only have the black ... A: It is not a loss of game but it may as well be. The opposing team gets to place the cue ball ... | |
| distance from wall for pool table | 11/1/2008 |
| Q: Thanks vern A: It's smart that you're only looking at clearances using a full length cue (57"-58"). Switching your ... | |
| Pocketing the 8 ball on a foul shot | 10/24/2008 |
| Q: player shooting on 8 touches opponents ball and kisses 8 in 1)ball in hand? 0r @scratch and game ... A: There is some ambiguity in your question. I'm not sure in your scenario whether: 1) The player shot ... | |
| pool table belly | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: when using your instructions on leveling a pooltable i did the slow roll and found that when i did ... A: It sounds like the slate slabs (typically there are three), are not level with respect to each ... | |
| 8- ball called shot | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: Ok..Everytime i step into a new bar .. I end up having a nice discussion bout one thing. When u are ... A: There are a few sets of official rules, most notably the World Standardized Rules: 8-Ball which are ... | |
| Do you spot balls pocketed on a scratch? | 10/22/2008 |
| Q: If you scratch,meaning the que ball goes into any pocket,do you bring up one of your pocket balls ... A: The answer depends very much on what game is involved, which you have not specified. There are a few ... | |
| Pool table size | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: buying a pool table...trying to fit it into space that previous home owners pool table was ... A: There are many brands and models of pool tables and they do not have consistent leg placement. ... | |
| Intentionally hitting opponents ball while shooting for 8 ball | 10/19/2008 |
| Q: I had an argument with an opponent the other day. He had no balls left on the table and was ... A: You're both right in a sense. On every shot but for a called safety, a person must strike one of his ... | |
| Leveling slates on a billiards table | 10/16/2008 |
| Q: what should be used between the slates to fill the gap before re-covering a billiards table A: The traditional material used is beeswax. It is melted until it fills the crack and then scraped off ... | |
| dead cushions | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: I'm wondering if you could help me with my pool table, its a 7x4 table and I have 2 dead cushions, ... A: I should say first that though I have done a fair amount of fooling around with pool tables--taking ... | |
| straight pool | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: After the first rack, Q-ball is in the rack and last object ball sits on the string spot. How are ... A: Assuming you mean by "string spot", the head spot where the apex ball of the rack is placed, then ... | |
| 8 ball tournament | 10/4/2008 |
| Q: At our local VFW post we are having an double elimination, doubles 8 Ball tournament. What is the ... A: Please see a few previous posts about byes I've written which I think will answer your question. If ... | |
| pool rule. | 10/2/2008 |
| Q: is it illegal to hit the cue ball on my turn 1 inch and not hit any of the balls in order to not ... A: In all official rule sets for 8-ball, 9-ball, straight pool and other games, barring when a push out ... | |
| 9 ball again | 9/23/2008 |
| Q: We play call the 9 ball pocket,carom or combo off the object ball,at any time during game ... A: You're correct...sort of. When you vary the rules you can introduce ambiguities. In BCA rules you do ... | |
| Straight pool break | 9/21/2008 |
| Q: .. i am a player of a billiard Also,and to have a wider knowledge about billiards. I just want to ... A: The break you are describing is a "trick", gimmick break. All of the great straight pool players in ... | |
| Type of paint used for marking table felt | 9/19/2008 |
| Q: We purchased a pool table and there are were no markings on the felt. We have temporarily marked it ... A: Do not use paint! It will ruin the cloth; it will affect the roll of the balls as they move over it ... | |
| Pool Tiebreaker | 9/18/2008 |
| Q: Okay, I am having a small pool tournament in my dorm. Im not expecting many people to show up. I was ... A: You'll never have an uneven number of players in the second round because it'll all be evened out by ... | |
| Pool Table Measurement | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: From what spot on the top of the table does one measure from? Meaning.....from inside ... A: You always measure the playing surface of a pool table, from the noses of the cushions. I'm not sure ... | |
| scratch cue ball on purpose is that legal? | 9/10/2008 |
| Q: ok its like this. i have black ball to pocket in order to win the game. my friend has yellow solid ... A: You are obviously playing by bar rules, which really means that you are playing by no real rules at ... | |
| Pool instructions | 9/2/2008 |
| Q: I've been wanting to learn how to play pool for the longest time. I've bought a few videos but I'm ... A: Hands on instruction is a very good idea. I wish I could recommend someone I know personally, but I ... | |
| 8 ball hanging, opponent''s ball blocks me | 8/30/2008 |
| Q: I have the eight ball resting in a corner pocket just needing a nudge. My opponent hit a "foxy" shot ... A: I am answering your question from the perspective of the World Standardized Rules, which are quite a ... | |
| amf playmaster pool table. | 8/30/2008 |
| Q: i'm trying to sell an amf playmaster 7/8 thick slate pool table.its in pretty good condition but is ... A: I need some more information. Please check all your parts for a model name and/or serial number. ... | |
| What type of slate? | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: I have a pool table that has been taken apart. How can I tell what type of slate it is? Thank you ... A: I'm not really sure if you're talking about the actually type of slate, i.e., whether it's Italian, ... | |
| Description of Billiards Table | 8/23/2008 |
| Q: What is the dimesion of Billiards Table 12' x 6' corner pockets. Regards Toys and Sports A: It's hard to answer your question for two reasons. The first is that there are no exact dimensions ... | |
| measurements | 8/22/2008 |
| Q: Somebody is giving me a pool table and every time I ask the measurements he just says a standard ... A: The person sounds like they're masking their ignorance by giving you an answer that is clear as mud. ... | |
| 8 ball | 8/22/2008 |
| Q: In 8 ball, if I am stripes and I strike the cue ball which hits 3 stripe balls and 1 ball goes in. ... A: Yes it is "legal" in the technical sense of how that word is used. A legal shot refer to a shot ... | |
| Hitting the cue ball off the table | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: This sounds like a stupid question, but is it considered a scratch or called something else when you ... A: With regard to terminology, illegal shots resulting in a penalty are usually called fouls (and ... | |
| Handicapping pool players | 8/16/2008 |
| Q: I need help in how to establish a handicapping system... Any help would be most appreciated ANSWER: ... A: Sorry for the delay. Probably the best handicapping system for eight ball is done by simply making ... | |
| Racking | 8/16/2008 |
| Q: How do you detect a bad rack or a rack that an opposing player gave you so would scratch? A: No one can give you a rack that makes you scratch. That has to do with something you are doing wrong ... | |
| Handicapping pool players | 8/15/2008 |
| Q: I need help in how to establish a handicapping system... Any help would be most appreciated A: I probably can help but you haven't supplied the most basic information I would need order to offer ... | |
| pool table | 8/8/2008 |
| Q: I saw your post in regards to regulation pool tables and the size of the room that is needed, what ... A: There are many internet sites that provide room size specifications for pool tables. They are based ... | |
| Pool lights | 8/5/2008 |
| Q: We recently bought a new 9 foot pool table for our house and my question is about lighting it. From ... A: The World pool-Billiard Associations' has official Table & Equipment Specifications for tournament ... | |
| 9-ball Question | 7/29/2008 |
| Q: If you're going for an object ball and you hit it first, but then the object ball knocks in the ... A: Yes you win. In the predominant variant of 9-ball played across the world (sometimes called Texas ... | |
| pool tables | 7/27/2008 |
| Q: what is regulation height of a pool table A: According to the World Pool-Billiard Association's Tournament Table & Equipment Specifications ... | |
| rule for snookering oneself | 7/25/2008 |
| Q: if a player snookers himself does a ball have to touch a cushion after the object ball has been hit? A: Assuming you're talking about pool and not snooker, and want an answer from the perespective of the ... | |
| accidently hitting the 8-ball | 7/24/2008 |
| Q: I have recently (in the last year)started playing pool (8-ball) and am finding out I am quite ... A: You said it. There are a few sets of official rules, most notably the World Standardized Rules which ... | |
| turning pro | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: i have been playing for the past 30 years. 3 cushion billiards, nine ball, 14-1, pocket apiece, and ... A: I can't tell from your post what aspect of turning pro you are questioning; the procedure or the ... | |
| Does my inning continue if I pocket the opponent's ball? | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: Can you clear something up for me. If im spots and my apponent is stripes, and his stripe is ... A: No, you only get to go again if you pocket one of YOUR object balls, a stripe if you're stripes and ... | |
| the hook by meucci | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: I purchased new a Meucci "Hook" lacquered white linen cue in 1984,I am curious of the ... A: There are a few instances of that cue selling online, from $475 to just over $1,000. ... | |
| Scoring in 8 ball | 6/25/2008 |
| Q: How do you score points in 8 ball? I always see in the movies players flipping the scoring beads ... A: There is no scoring in eight ball. If you are indeed watching 8 ball and players are marking beads, ... | |
| 8 and 9 ball rack - brand? | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: I have just purchased my first 9' table and Simonis 760 cloth. I am now looking for a very nice ... A: Of course. The rack you are referring to is the Sardo Tight Rack. The latest model, the M-5000, is ... | |
| hard to find 3 cushion book | 6/16/2008 |
| Q: I owe a friend a copy of the following, perhaps you have seen it in your experiences: ... A: I'm sorry but I've never come across that book, or possibly you're not describing it with enough ... | |
| 8 Ball | 6/2/2008 |
| Q: I was playing 8 ball and my rival had only the eight ball to sink to win. He had a direct shot to ... A: If you were playing by any set of official rules than it was absolutely illegal; a foul. On every ... | |
| Slow play | 5/22/2008 |
| Q: Is there a time limit, on how long you can take to make your shot in pool? A: Many professional tournaments have a shot clock--usually set to between 30 seconds and 1 minute. But ... | |
| Three cushion billard | 5/18/2008 |
| Q: Three o four days ago I find a page which had recommended to somebody, it was ... A: Yes you found one of my past answers to a question. The post is at ... | |
| Slop Pool | 5/17/2008 |
| Q: In "slop" eightball can you use your opponents ball in a combo, make the shot and continue? A: There are no defined rules for "slop" eightball. There are a few sets of official rules, most ... | |
| loose rack | 5/15/2008 |
| Q: A guy I play 8 ball with has perfected the art of a loose rack. No matter how hard I hit the balls ... A: There is a simple solution. Demand to play rack your own. If he refuses and you still want to play ... | |
| The Kitchen | 5/11/2008 |
| Q: In Billiards, Why do they call the one area a kitchen? A: According to Mike Shamos' Illustrated Encyclopedia of Billiards, the question has been the subject ... | |
| 8 ball shot | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: if "X" calls the 8 ball and both the 8 ball and "Z"s ball goes in a pocket at the same time - does ... A: Yes, the player wins. Incidental balls made on shots are irrelevant. It doesn't matter if they drop ... | |
| 9-ball rules question | 4/25/2008 |
| Q: Most sets of rules I've been seeing on the internet state that a player is never required to call a ... A: The rules played all over the U.S. and much of the world, sometimes called Texas Express rules, do ... | |
| legal shot? | 4/22/2008 |
| Q: In reference to an answer to a previous person's question, located at this link ... A: Though this was not directly what he was answering, what you took from Bill's post is correct. The ... | |
| Looking at the cue ball last | 4/6/2008 |
| Q: as i use to always look at the object ball last and have do so all my life the problem i have with ... A: This is fine in the short term but, in my opinion, bad in the long term. It is incredibly important ... | |
| Playing Pool (open table) | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: after the break when the table is open and nothing else is pocketed. If I call solids and pocket ... A: No, choice of group was immediately assigned when you pocketed the solid you called on a legal ... | |
| Missing the eight ball | 3/29/2008 |
| Q: I've had an interesting bar rule situation come up recently. My friend and I were playing a ... A: No one is right. Bar rules don't exist. The expression means "chaos", since there are no formal or ... | |
| 2 questions | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: What is the call when a shooter hit the cue ball into the object ball, and the object ball does not ... A: I'm going to assume your questions are about 8-ball, which is the game most people mean when they ... | |
| cue tip selection | 3/21/2008 |
| Q: Cue tips are rated soft medium and hard. Why? Is the hardness related to draw? control? ... A: Different hadrness of tips change various aspects of play and different users develop different ... | |
| pool rules | 3/20/2008 |
| Q: If Player 1 pots 3 balls form the break (2 red and 1 yellow), they still have a free table. If ... A: It depends on what rules you are playing but in almost all sets of authoritative, codified rules, ... | |
| Beginning 3 cushion question | 3/19/2008 |
| Q: I have a friend in my league and we're both interested in playing 3 cushion. We have access to a ... A: I cannot tell you how much I love three-cushion. Playing with better players and especially ones ... | |
| open table 8 ball combo | 3/3/2008 |
| Q: If the table is open after the break in bca can u use the 8 ball in a combo shot and can u hit the 8 ... A: It depends. You can always use the 8 ball as part of a combination (at any time in the game), so ... | |
| Jumped Balls | 2/7/2008 |
| Q: I am fairly new to this sport, being an amateur for 1 year. My question is this: i one or more balls ... A: I am actually on vacation, and set my settings on this site to not allow any questions, so I'm not ... | |
| legal shot | 2/3/2008 |
| Q: lets say I have the "2ball" frozen on the end rail and I hit the cue ball into the "2ball and the ... A: You got shafted--they were dead wrong, though I think I know the source of their confusion. I think ... | |
| Accidental hitting of the cue ball | 2/1/2008 |
| Q: I was reaching far over the pool table to shoot the 8-ball in and I accidentally touched the cue ... A: No it was a foul for multiple reasons and you lose your turn and your opponent gets ball in hand. ... | |
| Pool History | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: Are the words "pool" and "billiards" able to be used interchangeably? And, Where did the term "pool" ... A: It really depends on where you are and to whom you're talking. Historically, billiards referred to ... | |
| Sinking opponents ball while on the black | 1/22/2008 |
| Q: What are the World Standardized rules for 8 ball pool regarding sinking an opponent's ball when you ... A: Let me state some rules first, so my answer is given context. Incidental balls made on a shot are ... | |
| scratching in 8-ball | 1/19/2008 |
| Q: what is the difference between placing the cue ball anywhere in the table and when you place the cue ... A: <answer removed> | |
| combinations | 1/16/2008 |
| Q: In 8 ball if im solids, can i hit a stripe into a solid to make a shot? thank you..more to come as ... A: No you cannot. When you hit your opponent's ball first at any time it is a foul; you lose your turn ... | |
| Eight ball ? | 1/14/2008 |
| Q: Can I hit my opponents ball first to make my ball in, like a combo shot. I know if I hit the ... A: When you hit your opponents ball first at any time it is a foul; you lose your turn and your ... | |
| Pool Question | 1/7/2008 |
| Q: my friend and I play a very competitive game of pool, and recently there was a diffrence in ... A: Under the most authoritative ruleset, the World Standardized Rules: 8 Ball, you lost the game. ... | |
| COMBINATION SHOTS | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: If THREE HIGH OR THREE LOW BALLS FOLLOWS IS THERE A TRIPLE BALLS COMBINATION ALLOWED,OR DOES A ... A: In all authoritative rules sets you only need to call the ball and the pocket. As long as no foul is ... | |
| straight 8 rules | 12/28/2007 |
| Q: I need to know - if you when you stratch when hitting your own object ball in a called pocket - ... A: You've hit the nail on the head. There are numerous inconsistent and anecdotal rule sets that can ... | |
| intentionally pocketing an opponents ball | 12/27/2007 |
| Q: plese interpret again rule 4.11 Legal shot if I hit an object ball of my group first and using a ... A: No, you have completed a legal shot so no foul has been committed but do not get to continue ... | |
| Push Out Rules | 12/23/2007 |
| Q: I was always under the impression that you could not contact any balls during a push out because ... A: On a push out, which is only available on the first shot after the break, you can contact no ball or ... | |
| Which is best? | 12/19/2007 |
| Q: I'm considering buying a pool table. I have heard about slate pool tables and wood pool tables. ... A: A slate bed is a minimum in quality. A table with a wooden bed (or other material) is simply not ... | |
| Regulation pool table sizes | 12/14/2007 |
| Q: What is the official regulation size of a pool table 8 or 9 ft? I personaly like the 9 foot but want ... A: The parameters of "official regulation size" pool tables is a common source of confusion. 4½' x 9', ... | |
| 8 ball rules | 12/8/2007 |
| Q: What is the rule for any ball dropping into a pocket AFTER a player is finished with his/her turn? ... A: I often have to interpret various rules to answer a person's specific question, but here, the ... | |
| How To Put The 9 Ball Down On the Break | 12/7/2007 |
| Q: What are the Official Rules For 9 Ball Fouls ANSWER: Hi Josh. When you commit a foul in 9 ball the ... A: There is no way to guarantee making the nine ball. I read years ago that a good breaker makes the ... | |
| 8-Ball Legal Shot | 12/6/2007 |
| Q: I am hoping you could clarify a legal shot in 8-ball. According to this excerpt from the BCA; 4.11 ... A: The rule defines something that must be accomplished on every shot in order that no foul is commited ... | |
| 9 Ball Rules | 12/5/2007 |
| Q: What are the Official Rules For 9 Ball Fouls A: When you commit a foul in 9 ball the penalty is ball-in-hand for the opponent, meaning he may pick ... | |
| nine-ball rules | 12/4/2007 |
| Q: In nine-ball, when you try for the nine ball combination to win, what happens if you miss the shot? ... A: In nine-ball (World Standardized Rules) you must contact the lowest numerical ball first on every ... | |
| Fouls | 11/26/2007 |
| Q: Is it considered a foul if a player hits the cue ball but it doesn't touch any other ball? A: Assuming you are referring to typical games such as 8 ball, 9 ball, straight pool, etc., the answer ... | |
| pool | 11/25/2007 |
| Q: If I attempt to sink the eight ball and miss it completely, do I automatically loose the game by ... A: I am answering you question from the perspective of the World Standardized Rules: 8-ball. They are ... | |
| 9-ball | 11/22/2007 |
| Q: Pool Teacher, On the very last shot of the game, with only the 9 ball and the cue on the table, I ... A: You committed a foul by scratching. Technically it is not a loss of game. The 9 ball gets spotted to ... | |
| 2 topics | 11/21/2007 |
| Q: Say you're playing "call shot" 8 ball. If no balls go in on the break and the first person who ... A: Tht table is always open after the break regardless of what is pocketed and choice of group is not ... | |
| 8 ball wins | 11/20/2007 |
| Q: Can you still win if you call a called combo off of your last ball on the table to the 8 ball into a ... A: I'm not 100% clear what you are asking, but I can only think of three possibilities. Either you ... | |
| pool rules | 11/19/2007 |
| Q: What is the rules regarding hitting others balls on a pocketed called-shot? For example: I call my ... A: Almost all authoritative rule sets, such as the World Standardized Rules, only require "ball and ... | |
| pool table demensions | 11/13/2007 |
| Q: What are the actual demensions of a 4ft by 8ft table? and do you measure only the playing surface ... A: The correct dimensions, according to the World Pool-Billiard Association's Tournament Table & ... | |
| 8 ball Win/Lose | 11/10/2007 |
| Q: heres the question, My ball is near a pocket my opponents turn to shoot. He is on the 8-Ball, He ... A: It was a win. The rule in eight-ball, at least in most official sources of rules such as the World ... | |
| organizing a pool tournament | 11/9/2007 |
| Q: what type of bracket placement is best? Whats the ideal number of participants with only one table? A: With only one table your options are limited unless you want to stretch out the tournment for many, ... | |
| jumping | 11/5/2007 |
| Q: I just learned how to jump and I have realized that it is easier for me to jump a ball with my ... A: I am answering From the perspective of the World Standardized Rules, which include the General Rules ... | |
| new table | 10/31/2007 |
| Q: We recently purchased a pool table and the starter set has me baffled. It included a plastic bottle ... A: That's a pill bottle and pills (or peas, tally balls or shake balls) used in various game to assign ... | |
| Breaking with bridge | 10/27/2007 |
| Q: Looks silly question but i might face such a situation.. 1.Can i break the rack using mechanical ... A: 1) Yes. I'm trying to think of a reason you would want to, other than a proposition bet (and ... | |
| eight ball game | 10/26/2007 |
| Q: 1stafter break there are 2 things unclear in my mind: a.I call ball no.1 in left centre pocket but ... A: Let me tell you some applicable rules first, and then explain their application to your question. ... | |
| Regarding rules of 8 ball game | 10/25/2007 |
| Q: 1)Its a call game right.So do we have to start calling after the break or do we have to call after ... A: Let me tell you some applicable rules first, and then explain their application to your questions. ... | |
| calling a shot | 10/17/2007 |
| Q: what happens if you call a shot and one of your balls goes in before the ball you called falls in ... A: Nothing happens. Incidental balls, whether they are pocketed before or after the called ball, are ... | |
| the dots | 10/16/2007 |
| Q: i was just wondering if you could suggest any material that lays the out the dot system on the table ... A: Post answer follow-up: It is very disappointing that you would give me a terrible rating. I can't ... | |
| cue shaft dings | 10/15/2007 |
| Q: i dropped my cue on the floor and the shaft has a ding on it. i was told to use very thin ... A: This will only work for an actual ding, rather than a gouge. Take a pea-sized piece of wet toilet ... | |
| Double ( triple) combination shots | 10/14/2007 |
| Q: In 8-ball, if I am stripes and I strike the cue ball which hits a stripes which hits a solid which ... A: It was a legal shot and yes you can. The rule in eight-ball, at least in most official sources of ... | |
| pocket sizes | 10/13/2007 |
| Q: are pocket sizes for pro tournaments standard for men and women A: It depends on the tournament. Tournaments which are subject to World Pool-Billiard Assocation ... | |
| Kiss rules | 10/11/2007 |
| Q: I am wanting some clarification on this rule. You need not call anything but the ball and the ... A: Nope there is no limit. This is the rule in both eight-ball and straight pool. Just to illustrate: ... | |
| Fouls | 10/9/2007 |
| Q: if a player hits his intended ball and makes it, but in the process pockets and opposing ball with ... A: You haven't stated the game your question concerns so I am going to assume you mean eight-ball or ... | |
| Staying confident | 10/5/2007 |
| Q: I've played pool for years but just recently started playing in leagues and tournaments and have ... A: First, remember to breathe! Many player barely breathe while they are tense and at the table. Don't ... | |
| Bank Shots | 10/3/2007 |
| Q: I am a slightly better than average Bank Shot Shooter... But, I actually Do Not have any specific ... A: Like every aspect of pool, natural talent will take you to one level; hard work will take you to the ... | |
| Small hands | 10/1/2007 |
| Q: How do you make a good solid bridge with very small hands. I find that her hands aren't big enough ... A: Is your question about a child? You didn't say. In any event, I suggest you go buy some fine talc. ... | |
| pocket size | 9/22/2007 |
| Q: Is the regulation size of a pocket the same on 4x8 as it is on a 4 1/2 x 9' table. Thanks, Jim A: The regulation sizes are promulgated by the World Pool-Billiard Association for WPA World ... | |
| bar rules / billiards | 9/17/2007 |
| Q: was playing a game of pool against someone at the bar. we were just playing bar rules. my opponent ... A: H Casey. "Bar rules" has no real meaning since every bar has a different set of rules and often ... | |
| Intermediate Drill Shots | 9/14/2007 |
| Q: I've been playing pool for 9½ months now and I've gotten rather good considering the length of time ... A: Great! glad to be of help. Now I understand what you were referring to. The evaluation is not an ... | |
| Intermediate Drill Shots | 9/13/2007 |
| Q: I've been playing pool for 9½ months now and I've gotten rather good considering the length of time ... A: I've been sitting here scratching my head for a while about the "evaluation" I told another ... | |
| 8th ball | 9/5/2007 |
| Q: if my apponent calls a pocket for the 8th ball to go in and i have 3 balls on the table...so he hits ... A: He lost. Any foul committed at the time the 8 ball is pocketed is a loss of game. Scratching the cue ... | |
| nine ball | 9/1/2007 |
| Q: How do you make a one shot win in nine ball? In other words where do you place the ball A: There is no way to guarantee making the nine ball. I read years ago that a good breaker makes the ... | |
| legal kiss shot; lost of turn? | 8/24/2007 |
| Q: my friend and i have been having a dispute over a shot i made. my friends ball was in front of the ... A: Your friend is wrong under the all official rule sets (as are you; though you win in the dispute). ... | |
| 8 ball pool | 8/18/2007 |
| Q: I am just a beginner player to 8 ball pool. My question was this. Left on the table is my one ... A: Eight ball is played with many different variations of rules—especially in informal settings. I am ... | |
| Ball in hand Rule | 8/17/2007 |
| Q: I have a friend who has told me if you don't hit your ball at all or first prior to hitting any ... A: He is correct. The rule for fouls in eight ball and nine ball is ball in hand anywhere on the table ... | |
| Pea (Kelly) Pool | 8/15/2007 |
| Q: I have been searching the internet for rules for Pea (Kelly) Pool and getting differing answers. ... A: The only official rules I know of for Pea Pool are those promulgated by the Billiard Congress of ... | |
| Pool table slate??? | 8/13/2007 |
| Q: I have a Halex pool table and have no idea if it is slate or not. Is there any easy way to find ... A: I attempted to do some research on the Halex brand. I was not able to determine whether they make ... | |
| Legality of kissing your ball off another | 8/12/2007 |
| Q: is it legal too kiss your ball off of a opponents ball too put your ball in a pocket. A: Yes it is legal. The rule played in most official rule sets is called "ball and pocket," and it ... | |
| Sizing a table to a room | 8/11/2007 |
| Q: The area I have availabe in my basement for a table is 16'4" long by 13'0" wide, which is too short ... A: It's always a balancing equation, which you seem well aware of. Larger tables are just better. I ... | |
| push out | 8/8/2007 |
| Q: I know that push out can only be called by the breaker. Now, are there any ball clubs or association ... A: You have been misled. Whoever is the incoming player after the break always has the option of ... | |
| becoming a pro poolplayer | 8/7/2007 |
| Q: I have been shooting pool since I was 8 years old. I am now 37 and my major problem is that I have ... A: You're right that it's hard for me to come to an informed opinion without far more information, but ... | |
| slop or not slop | 8/6/2007 |
| Q: I recently was playing a game of 8 ball with some friends and we agreed that we wanted to play no ... A: Sorry for the delay in getting to your question. The game you are playing has no official rules. ... | |
| Pool8 - foul ? | 8/5/2007 |
| Q: There were 2 opponent's ball on the table and black ball. I was trying to pocket the black ball but ... A: Since you are referring to opponent's balls and the black ball, rather than to stripe, solids and ... | |
| line markings | 7/31/2007 |
| Q: just would like to know what the line markings for a 8 by 4 pool table A: Go to this website first so you can better see what I mean: ... | |
| Breaking | 7/30/2007 |
| Q: Two questions about breaking. 1. If you break and do not make a ball, is it the other players turn? ... A: It depends on the rules you are playing. There are a few different official rule sets played in the ... | |
| breaking | 7/24/2007 |
| Q: If you scratch while breaking the balls do U automatically loose? A: The rules for breaking vary depending on the type of game being played (there are a few hundred ... | |
| SAFE SHOT | 7/18/2007 |
| Q: Can safe shot be called, when all your balls are gone, and your are on the 8-ball? A: The called safety shot in the game of eight-ball allows a player, for strategic purposes, to pocket ... | |
| pool tournament double elimation | 7/14/2007 |
| Q: im lookin for a pool tournament double elimation chart for 16 players a lay out chart for how its ... A: The following site provides a number of different tournament charts: ... | |
| pool | 7/12/2007 |
| Q: if a player pots the black on a break do they win the game automatically? A: Many amateurs, who play by a crazy patchwork of rules that vary all over the map, play by the rule ... | |
| eight ball | 7/8/2007 |
| Q: i was playing someone and the play was like this. i had three stripe balls left and he had only the ... A: There is no definitively correct answer to this question because you weren't playing by official ... | |
| pool | 7/5/2007 |
| Q: in normal red ball & yellow ball pool if i pot 1 of each colour do i have the choice of what colour ... A: I am a Yank so I don't play and am not personally very familiar with the form of eight ball or ... | |
| Eight Ball | 6/30/2007 |
| Q: When a player pockets one of his balls and the cue ball then hits an opposing ball in does that ... A: No a player does not lose his or her turn. There is no penalty at all for pocketing an opponent's ... | |
| aiming | 6/27/2007 |
| Q: When making contact with a ball in all other sports we are instructed to keep our 'eye on the ball'. ... A: Most instruction books and many knowledgeable players will tell you that you should focus on the ... | |
| The White Ball | 6/23/2007 |
| Q: If a player sinks the white ball, where does the opponent have to place the white ball? A: I am going to assume you are referring to the game of 8-ball since you have not specificed a game ... | |
| Scratching | 6/16/2007 |
| Q: into some arguments. Can you please clarify exactly what is a scratch, eg, is it a scractch in 8 ... A: First some terminology. There are a whole host of different types of shots that are fouls. "Scratch" ... | |
| other players ball | 6/15/2007 |
| Q: my friend and i played a game for money and i was hitting a shot where the white ball hit his ball ... A: Since you haven't specified what game you were playing I am going to assume it was 8-ball. You did ... | |
| pool | 6/13/2007 |
| Q: i want 2 know if once i have lined my shot up and i start 2 pull my cue back do i still keep looking ... A: There are many things that could be affecting your game. It's often difficult to diagnose what ... | |
| i need help | 6/11/2007 |
| Q: my friend and i were playing pool today. I'm not sure what the game is called, but you rack all the ... A: The name of the game is 8-ball. The result of the scenario you detailed is a loss of game. Pocketing ... | |
| want a fast cloth | 6/10/2007 |
| Q: I just purchased a 7’ Addison pool table (I only play in bar tables so I wanted a 7’). I prefer ... A: I have no idea on Velocity Pro; I am not familiar with it, but what they're telling you about the ... | |
| carom | 6/6/2007 |
| Q: i would like to know if there are any books of instruction on 3 rail carom. 61.5 mm size balls. 5 ... A: Oh yes, they are out there. I own quite a number and love three cushion. Unfortunately, they are ... | |
| foot spot | 6/4/2007 |
| Q: How do you put a foot spot on a new cover and know that you have it correctly placed? A: The is easily down with a pencil and a tape measure. The foot spot is marked by finding the spot ... | |
| After the break | 6/3/2007 |
| Q: in regular pool, (I don't know the real name), where you play an opponent and the first to pocket ... A: The game you are referring to is 8-ball; there is no such thing as "regular pool." I think the ... | |
| Tournament Charts | 5/21/2007 |
| Q: I am trying to get another tournament started at my local bar, and am having trouble locating or ... A: This site provides a number of different tournament charts: ... | |
| National Billiard Table Brass Nameplate | 5/16/2007 |
| Q: I recently purchased an antique Pool Table that was manufactured by the National Billiard Table ... A: I was asked not long ago about this company and believe I tracked down their current information: ... | |
| Combo shot with 8 ball | 5/11/2007 |
| Q: Is it legal to use the 8 ball in a combo shot if you plan on hitting the 8 ball first? For example, ... A: It is not legal and results in a foul because you must hit your object ball first on every shot. ... | |
| Weights of break cues | 5/8/2007 |
| Q: I am in the market for a break cue. What is the heaviest weight they come in, just out of curiosity. ... A: There is effectively no limit when you order a custom made cue, but the heaviest break cues I see on ... | |
| room | 5/7/2007 |
| Q: my wife and i building a house. I want to have a pool table in the house. What in your opinion are ... A: It depends on what size table you are getting and what size cue stick you will be using. I strongly ... | |
| scratching on purpose | 5/3/2007 |
| Q: What do the rules say about your opponent scratching on purpose as a "safety"? Example - I have the ... A: Sorry for the delay in getting to your question. It is perfectly legal to scratch on purpose, but ... | |
| Eight ball trick shots | 5/1/2007 |
| Q: Is there any way to consistently hit the eight ball into any pocket off the break in a normal game ... A: Simply put, no, there is not, period. As I'm sure you're already aware, there are breaking ... | |
| origin of words | 4/25/2007 |
| Q: Where did the word "english" come from when referring to the spin emparted on the cue ball..?? A: According to the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Billiards (one of the top authoritative sources in the ... | |
| cues | 4/17/2007 |
| Q: I am considering purchasing either a McDermott of Joss cue. Joss seems to play harder then a ... A: Both Joss and McDermott cues, as retail cues go, are fine products. I personally generally prefer ... | |
| nine ball - vegas rules | 4/10/2007 |
| Q: I recently played in a nine ball tournament at our Legion, using Vegas rules.There seems to be a ... A: I'm sorry but I have no idea what "Vegas Rules" are. I tried looking them up and found no mention in ... | |
| Help please | 4/6/2007 |
| Q: My wife and I were playing pool at a local bar tonight and I had a problem!!! We were playing 8 ... A: I have good news and bad news. According to BCA rules, you did not lose. You only lose on the eight ... | |
| ruling for a push out in 9-ball | 4/2/2007 |
| Q: I am a very good player in Knoxville Tennessee and we had a ruling issue at the weekly tournament ... A: It's exactly the same as if you had pushed and hit another ball (which is legal, even if it's not ... | |
| First ball contacted | 3/30/2007 |
| Q: On World Standardized 8-balls :Example I am on solids. Besides nominating the intended ball to be ... A: No you do not. The rule is called the "ball and pocket rule" for a reason. All you must do is ... | |
| Hello got a question on a custom stick im getting made | 3/22/2007 |
| Q: At my aerospace company i am gettin a acrylic pool stick made and would to find the measurements of ... A: That sounds very interesting. I have never heard of a see through acrylic pool cue. Unfortunately , ... | |
| nominating in eight ball | 3/20/2007 |
| Q: hey mate. i really need to know the answer to this rule. i play pool in a small country league. this ... A: I am going to assume you are speaking of eight-ball rules since that is the game most players mean ... | |
| 8 Ball | 3/19/2007 |
| Q: My boyfriend and I were playing doubles with a couple friends the other night... My boyfriend broke ... A: It was still open table. Choice of group is only decided by pocketing a ball in a legal manner after ... | |
| Pocket Billiards | 3/7/2007 |
| Q: Rules for rotation and straight pool A: The rules for straight pool are available on the Billiard Congress of America's website, here: ... | |
| When is play over? | 3/2/2007 |
| Q: This is a question that my friends and I have been arguing about for some time now, and I was hoping ... A: The completion of the INNING on which a winning or losing shot is made is what matters. You don't ... | |
| 8 ball | 2/28/2007 |
| Q: I am in a in-house league, my opponent was shooting the eight ball, he called the correct pocket and ... A: The world standardized rules for 8-ball cover this situation. 3.31 BALLS MOVING SPONTANEOUSLY ... | |
| regulation size | 2/27/2007 |
| Q: what is a regulation size table A: Many people are confused by the use of the word "regulation", using it when what they mean to refer ... | |
| The National Billiards Company | 2/23/2007 |
| Q: I have a 9 foot table that has a plate on it saying it was manufactured by the National Billiards ... A: I have no familiarity whatsoever with the company but my research indicate that National Billiards ... | |
| byes | 2/21/2007 |
| Q: how many byes do you give in a 20 man 8 ball tournament A: With a 32 player chart, you would be giving out 12 byes in the first round and only eight players ... | |
| Professional tournament play area/pocket mouth sizes | 2/19/2007 |
| Q: Specifically, do the professional U.S. Open and Pro Tour Championships have 100" x 50" play areas ... A: Professional tournaments are hosted at many different venues and by many different organizations. ... | |
| bakelite and phenolic tips | 2/18/2007 |
| Q: What is the difference between bake-lite tips and phenolic tips. And which one is harder. A: Both bakelite and phenolic tips are very hard. I don't know exactly where they fall compared to each ... | |
| straight 8 ball | 2/15/2007 |
| Q: Do you know the rules for playing straight 8 ball? A: There is no such game as "straight 8 ball." There are a number of sets of competing official rules ... | |
| Breaking | 2/14/2007 |
| Q: What different technique are there for breaking? A: I have written two previous involved columns on the break which I'm going to refer you to. Note that ... | |
| english | 2/12/2007 |
| Q: Why is the particular shot referred to as "ENGLISH" and not by some other nationality? A: According to the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Billiards, the origin of the the term english to refer ... | |
| Rules/Strategy | 2/9/2007 |
| Q: I have a rules/strategy question. In 8 ball, is there any penalty (other than a foul) for ... A: I assume when you say "bank" in the first numbered option you mean a kick shot. The shot you are ... | |
| Inside/Outside | 1/29/2007 |
| Q: I have a combo formal dining/formal living room perfect for a pool table. Problem is we have ... A: There are a bunch of issues here. First you can mute the noise level somewhat (and the likelihood ... | |
| best size pool table | 1/27/2007 |
| Q: but size cue is best for a 7 foot table?My room size is 15 feet by 15 feet, what size pool table ... A: I would recommend buying standard sized cues--57" for your main play and two cheap shorter cues as ... | |
| best size pool table | 1/25/2007 |
| Q: My room size is 15 feet by 15 feet, what size pool table will fit best to this room, but closest to ... A: Unfortunately, if you are going to be using a full size cue (57"), no table will be without a ... | |
| Fixing uneven slate | 1/24/2007 |
| Q: I have a new table just put in and the slates have become uneven, so I called to have it fixed under ... A: I am not a table mechanic but have helped recover tables and table mechanics do their work and I ... | |
| Practice techniques/drills | 1/21/2007 |
| Q: I am an aspiring pool player (8-ball) and I'm thinking of trying out for the provincial team where I ... A: I'm going to start with your second question. In eight ball, any type of foul on the break results ... | |
| Balls | 1/19/2007 |
| Q: I was wondering why the balls look the way they do? I know how the tables,cues,chalk,rules and ... A: Sorry for the delay in answering but I composed this answer three days ago and the site was down ... | |
| pool/billiards | 1/18/2007 |
| Q: I am right handed but I push my cue with my left. My game is a little bit above average, but I just ... A: Well you're obviously not not completely right handed. You weren't forced to play left; you ... | |
| Eight ball on the break=win? | 1/14/2007 |
| Q: If you hit the 8 ball in off the break do you win A: In professional rules you do not. In many bar and recreational venues, however, you do. There is ... | |
| Pivot Point | 1/12/2007 |
| Q: Can you explain exactly what the pivot point means? I have read that a shaft with a longer pivot ... A: The pivot point and issues of its benefits is a complex topic. I'd like to point you to an excellent ... | |
| Other Pool Games | 1/11/2007 |
| Q: What other games are commonly played ohter 8-Ball and 9-Ball? Are there any websites that include a ... A: The most common games other than 8-ball and 9-ball, at least in the United States, are probably ... | |
| I really need your help obout 8ft or 9ft pool table. | 1/8/2007 |
| Q: I just bought a new pool table very exicted about it that until what my friend tells me. you see I ... A: Angles never change. What your friends may be thinking of is that on the really small tables most ... | |
| markings | 1/7/2007 |
| Q: i have a small, recreational, children's pool table, the markings are not on it and we would like to ... A: Not a problem. The small semicircle you speak of should not be drawn at all. Known as the "D", it is ... | |
| Help Identifying a Game | 1/6/2007 |
| Q: A few months ago, an acquaintance of mine taught me a game that he referred to as carom, though I'm ... A: Your acquaintance, or whoever taught him, may have invented the exact ruleset he's using, but there ... | |
| Rules and techniques | 1/5/2007 |
| Q: You certainly answer well. :) But there is something i`m still curious at. According to the 2nd ... A: Hey again Jeffrey. In professional rules there are few situations where balls are spotted. In ... | |
| Rules and techniques | 1/3/2007 |
| Q: I`m a still a little confuse over your first answer to my question... So does it means that as long ... A: Sorry if I wasn't clear enough. Let me try to be exhaustive and take it step-by-step so we're not ... | |
| SAMPAIO POOL CUE | 1/2/2007 |
| Q: I OWN A SAMPAIO POOL CUE MODEL "PREMERE" WHICH I PURCHASED IN 1963 IN BUFFALO, N.Y. I HAVE NO IDEA ... A: The more elaboration of a cue--carvings, splices, inlays (and what material they are made out of) ... | |
| Safety shot | 1/1/2007 |
| Q: I have two questions. 1) What exactly is a safety shot and please explain in detail. 2) When you ... A: First I am going to assume, based on the fact that you later speak of the game of 8-ball, that you ... | |
| Stick | 12/31/2006 |
| Q: I have been looking into getting a new stick for sometime now, as i have been playing with a ... A: There are literally thousands of choices, but I'm going to assume some limiting factors, since you ... | |
| Rules and techniques | 12/30/2006 |
| Q: Say players already nominated their choice of groups in an 8-balls pool game. So if a player with ... A: For whatever reason, your first question is the cause of great confusion so you're not alone—I get ... | |
| Scratching on the 8 ball: loss? | 12/25/2006 |
| Q: is it a loss if you scatch while on the eight? before the 8 is made? A: According to official rules (the World Standardized Rules promulgated by the Billiard Congress of ... | |
| Terminology: Origin of the "kitchen" | 12/23/2006 |
| Q: Why is the area from the headstring to the cushion often referred to as "The Kitchen"? A: That's a very interesting question and thank you for asking it because I had no idea and now that I ... | |
| eight ball | 12/22/2006 |
| Q: what are the rules when jumping the cue ball to hit the object ball A: The most important rule is that a legal jump requires the shooter to hit down on the cue ball, thus ... | |
| rule of double-hit of cue ball playing 8 ball | 12/22/2006 |
| Q: During an 8-ball game I was playing with a friend, I was shooting for the 8 ball. The cue was quite ... A: The real problem is that bar players play by innumerable sets of local rules that often do not cover ... | |
| cue suitability | 12/21/2006 |
| Q: If a cue with the best "feel" would be a one-piece, solid cue, does that translate to a 3 cushion ... A: God knows I love my billiards cue but playing pool with it just doesn't work well. Billiards cues ... | |
| 8 ball bank shot | 12/18/2006 |
| Q: when banking the 8 ball, if you scratch,does game play continue? in other words it is not a loss but ... A: It depends on whether you pocket the eight ball or not. Any foul committed on the same shot the ... | |
| Does he/she win or lose the game if.... | 12/12/2006 |
| Q: There is one of the opponent's balls remaining on the table and the other player has only to pocket ... A: The player wins. The fact that he or she hits the opponent's ball or even pockets it on the same ... | |
| snooker | 12/11/2006 |
| Q: I would like to know the correct dimensions for setting the balk line and size of D for 4 1/2 x 9 ... A: First, are you sure you want a baulk line and D on a 4½' by 9' table (baulk not balk; balkline is a ... | |
| Penalties for scratching | 12/9/2006 |
| Q: What is the penalty for scratching the cue ball, with or without a ball being pocketed? A: Well Thelma, it depends on the game, and it depends what you mean by scratch and it depends on the ... | |
| using bridges | 12/7/2006 |
| Q: I am wondering what if any rules apply to the use of artificial bridges. I know you can use an ... A: Sorry for the delay in answering Bruce. The Billiard Congress of America's rules for the Mechanical ... | |
| ball racking | 12/6/2006 |
| Q: what is the correct sequence of regulation 8 ball racking? A: The only rules for a regulation 8 ball rack are that the eight ball be placed in the center, and the ... | |
| billiards and pocket billiards | 12/5/2006 |
| Q: Could you please help me answer this: There three players that have won championships in both ... A: I'm sorry Anthony but though I have a few Byrne's books, I wouldn't know where to look for this ... | |
| pool table heights | 11/30/2006 |
| Q: icant seem to find what the height for a pool table should be, every i look on the internet the ... A: According to the World Pool-Billiard Association, which provides the equipment specifications for ... | |
| pool | 11/29/2006 |
| Q: i consider myself to be a C player and my love for the game is beyond words, however, at age 35, do ... A: I'm sorry to tell you this Vam (and about the delay in answering this question) but I agree to some ... | |
| pool table rule | 11/27/2006 |
| Q: when a person has no shot because the 8 ball is in the way can he or she (bump the white ball to put ... A: The problem you are having is I believe a function of that both sides are hampered by not playing by ... | |
| Table Specs | 11/22/2006 |
| Q: I have played 8 ball for many years, only for fun. I purchased an 8' table five years ago, it is a ... A: 4.5 inches is considered a tight pocket. Tournament specs for pockets, which are generally more ... | |
| Slatron table | 11/20/2006 |
| Q: What is the quality of slatron tables? I never heard of them till recently. A: Slatron is a manufactured supposedly warp-resistant, resin-reinforced, wood fiberboard substitute ... | |
| valid shot or not? | 11/16/2006 |
| Q: we need help settling a bet. my friend sunk a tough shot. we never said anything about the cue ... A: Wow! Your friend is really arguing with you on this? I bet he's quite the con artist. Everywhere, ... | |
| Pool table on hardwood floors | 11/14/2006 |
| Q: Buying a 1" slate table on oak hardwood floors... What, if anthing, should be placed under the feet ... A: The legs will likely place marks on the floor. Placing swatches of a rug under each leg would keep ... | |
| what happens | 11/9/2006 |
| Q: What happens if you scratch on the 9 ball in pool? A: The opponent gets ball in hand (may place the cue ball anywhere on the table), which means that if ... | |
| Rules for Rotation | 11/5/2006 |
| Q: Please could you tell me the rules for playing Rotation pool. This is for leisure purposes only. A: The basic rule of rotation are as follows: Rotation is played with a full rack of balls; the 1 at ... | |
| black ball | 10/30/2006 |
| Q: Yes we r playing eight ball. So what happens if you r both on the eight ball and you on ur hit u ... A: Any foul committed on the same stroke that the eight ball is pocketed is a loss of game. Scratching ... | |
| black ball | 10/28/2006 |
| Q: and you hit the black ball in and the cue ball follows immediately, do you automatically lose? A: Assuming you're talking about the game of eight ball (there are many types of games each with ... | |
| POOL SHOT | 10/26/2006 |
| Q: If the object ball is hit then the cue ball and the eight ball go in to the same pocket at the same ... A: There is no specific rule that I know of which covers the situation where there is no official ... | |
| draw stroke | 10/20/2006 |
| Q: I have been playing in leagues for a few years now and continue to grow as a pool player. I found my ... A: It's difficult for me to precisely diagnose any problems without watching you play but I can offer ... | |
| felt | 10/17/2006 |
| Q: What is the difference between regular felt and pool table felt? A: Pool table CLOTH (we never call it felt) is a durable woven cloth made typically from a blend of ... | |
| pocket size | 10/14/2006 |
| Q: What is the regular pocket size of a pool table? A: According to the World Pool-Billiard Association, standard pocket measurements for tournament ... | |
| Identifying a cue | 10/4/2006 |
| Q: I have a pool cue that I have been playing with for 20+ years. It has what appears to be a ... A: Your best bet is to first post the pic somewhere online. www.photobucket.com is a good, free webhost ... | |
| Eight Ball Shot | 9/23/2006 |
| Q: In the game of eight ball, if it is my turn and I hit in my ball first and then the que ball ... A: As long as you make you ball in a legal manner and no foul is committed, you go again. Since it is ... | |
| Terminology | 9/20/2006 |
| Q: What is the word used to refer to the action of pocketing a ball in snooker/pool? As in Golf it is ... A: In golf, shots from different areas of the course and different types of strokes necessary from ... | |
| Shot Ruling | 9/15/2006 |
| Q: A shot has been called. The player hits his ball first, and it goes in the predesignated pocket, but ... A: The shot is legal and the player goes again, assuming you are talking about any of the standard call ... | |
| leveling pool table | 9/14/2006 |
| Q: I am having a big problem leveling my pool table. Everyone keeps telling me that it is warpped ... A: Leveling a table is dependent on the type of table. For instance, on some tables the bottom plate ... | |
| Pool pocket measures | 9/7/2006 |
| Q: I would like to know wich is the distance of the rails in pockets because i think that my pool table ... A: It sounds like someone made the corner pockets to be super, super (super) tight. And yes, the side ... | |
| Diamond systems | 8/30/2006 |
| Q: I have been playing pool for 10+ yrs now and have takin a few lessons from some people. I would say ... A: I am not personally familiar with instructional videos but I knew where to look, so, I have a few ... | |
| jumping balls | 8/28/2006 |
| Q: when i was younger i was tought to hit the cue ball on the bottom to make it jump. but a couple of ... A: Yes it is deemed illegal in all authoritative rule sources to jump a ball by scooping underneath the ... | |
| Pool tournament double elimination chart instructions | 8/24/2006 |
| Q: I have found a lot of valuable information on this website for our 9 ball pool tournament that ... A: A short while ago another questioner informed me that the link I had previously given was down. I ... | |
| 3 cushion pocket inserts | 8/23/2006 |
| Q: I am looking for a set of pocket inserts to convert my pocket billiards table to a 3 cushions table. ... A: Unfortunately, because of the relative lack of interest of pool players in three cushion, there ... | |
| pool table markings | 8/20/2006 |
| Q: can you tell me where i can find information on how to place the dots on the sides of the pool table ... A: First know that despite that many tables use round "dots," such marking are always called diamonds ... | |
| scratches | 8/15/2006 |
| Q: If you are to scratch in the middle of a billards game, is the cue ball to be placed behind the head ... A: I'm going to go out on a limb and guess you are referring to eight ball when you say "billiards." ... | |
| 8 ball question | 8/4/2006 |
| Q: My friend and I are trying to parse the BCA rules regarding the following situation: player calls a ... A: The result is a loss of turn but not a foul and the ball remains pocketed (is not spotted). There is ... | |
| pool game break | 8/1/2006 |
| Q: My friend and I were playing pool yesterday and he started the game by breaking.He sunk a stripe ... A: Sorry Coen but your friend is correct. Choice of group is never decided on the break. Instead, no ... | |
| Combination Shot | 7/29/2006 |
| Q: This is what happene: I was playing 8-ball and I hit the object ball first, it then hit another ball ... A: If I understand the scenario correctly (the object ball, first struck by the cue ball, was itself ... | |
| Breaking rule | 7/23/2006 |
| Q: I understand that in eight ball you do not have to contact the apex ball on the break. I also ... A: Absolutely. If the rules for eight ball don't prohibit it (which they don't), and the general rules ... | |
| Pool Balls | 7/22/2006 |
| Q: I am looking for new pool balls and I was wondering what is the regulations size and weight for the ... A: All balls must be composed of cast phenolic resin plastic and measure 2¼ (+.005) inches [5.715 cm ... | |
| buying a pool table | 7/21/2006 |
| Q: My husband and I have just about decided to buy a pool table for our upstairs den. Neither one of ... A: I think a regulation size pool table is always an ideal to shoot for but it's better to get a ... | |
| Scratching on the 8 ball | 7/16/2006 |
| Q: what happens if i scratch on the eight ball when it is the last ball i need to hit? Do i lose? A: Bond. No you do not lose. It is a foul. You lose your turn and your opponent comes to the table ... | |
| Improving skills | 7/15/2006 |
| Q: I have been playing along time , but can't seem to take it to the next level. I shoot good, I was ... A: If you haven't used any instructional books, I would recommend: Robert Byrne's New Standard Book of ... | |
| Practice drills | 7/11/2006 |
| Q: I am a 9-ball player and I have plenty of occasions to play/practice alone. Recently, I'm trying to ... A: I'm sorry Pat, but I have simply failed at making drills not boring. Drilling is something I have ... | |
| 9-ball (calling 9 game) | 7/10/2006 |
| Q: I know sometimes in special rules-tournaments, you have to call the 9-ball to win. My question is ... A: Because nine ball rules simply don't require calling the nine, there is no rule for that situation. ... | |
| nine ball | 7/6/2006 |
| Q: does a player lose the game if he is attempting to pocket the nine ball and instead he pockets the ... A: The answer is no. However, if the shot on the nine ball was at the end of the game (not an attempted ... | |
| Markings | 7/4/2006 |
| Q: I have bought a 6 by 3 foot table and it has no markings on it ('D' or line or the dot where the ... A: I am posting a link to an online table you can view which has some table markings on it in correct ... | |
| srcatching | 6/28/2006 |
| Q: I was just playing 8-ball pool at my friend's house the other day and I scrached. The scrach was ... A: Not only is your friend incorrect, but even if you scratched and at the same time as you made one of ... | |
| Use the 8 ball? | 6/12/2006 |
| Q: I don't play much other than in my own basement but this past weekend I played 8-Ball in a bar with ... A: Your opponents were dead wrong (or right depending on how you look at it). Yeah I know, what could ... | |
| Combination Shot | 6/6/2006 |
| Q: In eight-ball, can you strike your opponents ball first in a combination shot as long as that shot ... A: Hey T. Once the table is no longer open (choice of group has been determined), the cue ball must ... | |
| Doubel Elimination Chart | 6/2/2006 |
| Q: Good day - someone already requested to find a double elimination chart; I attempted to retrieve the ... A: You're right. That website is down. I searched but cannot find any freely downloadable double ... | |
| cleaning the ferrule | 5/30/2006 |
| Q: do you have any advice on how to keep my ferrule clean? thank you A: Go to your local hardware store and buy 000 (zero zero zero) steel wool. It'll make your ferrule as ... | |
| 9-ball | 5/21/2006 |
| Q: When playing 9-ball, do you have to call where you are going to sink it. A: I normally spend a lot of time answering questions but the answer to your question can but summed ... | |
| Scratching on the 8-ball | 5/18/2006 |
| Q: Is it considered a scratch/foul if I sink the 8-ball (when the 8-ball is the object ball) along with ... A: As long as you pocket the eight ball in a legal manner, i.e. commit no enumerated foul such as ... | |
| 8-Ball Play | 5/17/2006 |
| Q: I wanted to know if you could use the 8-ball as a neutral ball when trying to make an object ball? A: Nope, not even when the table is still open. As stated in World Standardized Rule 4.9: "...when the ... | |
| jump shots in 8-ball | 5/13/2006 |
| Q: I need a little help understanding the jump shot rules of 8-ball...I tried to read it in the World ... A: What is illegal is scooping under the cueball to perform the jump. This actually results in two ... | |
| pool table | 5/7/2006 |
| Q: Is there a regulation height for a pool table? What is it? A: The regulation height for a pool table is "...between 29 ¼ inches [74.295 cm] and 31 inches [78.74 ... | |
| Assigning choice of group | 5/3/2006 |
| Q: Pool Teacher: I love this game and don't like arguments when I'm trying to learn, so please answer ... A: Different games have different rules. I'm not sure what you mean by "regular everyday pool." Many ... | |
| 14.1 rule | 4/29/2006 |
| Q: In 14.1 what is the ruling regarding pocketing the designated object ball but scratching the cue ... A: A foul has been committed. The ball you pocketed is not counted toward your score, since it was ... | |
| fifteenball rack | 4/28/2006 |
| Q: Sorry I messed the question up. In continuous pool also known as straight pool the rules say the 1 ... A: Aha! You have to be careful in naming the game. By the way it's 14.1 continuous (not continuous ... | |
| fifteenball rack | 4/27/2006 |
| Q: Why in fifteen ball is the 1 and the 5 in the bottom coners in the rack? If the answer is because ... A: I'm not sure because the rules of fifteen ball do not state that they must be racked in this way. ... | |
| Tip Maintainance | 4/13/2006 |
| Q: I'm new to the game and just bought a Players Jump/Break cue with a Le Pro Hard tip. The tip is very ... A: All tips need scuffing, although it is not as important with a break cue to keep it as perfectly ... | |
| Pool Room Size | 3/12/2006 |
| Q: In my basement, there's plenty of room for a pool table, but we have this room on the first floor I ... A: If you didn't have the basement room, I would warn you that playing with a short cue is well-nigh ... | |
| what does it mean | 3/11/2006 |
| Q: in pool, what does "Kiss"mean? A: Kiss means nothing more than contact between balls, but is usually used in the context of describing ... | |
| Breaking the balls/general strategy | 3/8/2006 |
| Q: Pool Teacher: I recently got a really cheap 7' pool table ($200ish for the table, two cues, a full ... A: Sorry for the delay in getting to your question. You failed to state what game you are breaking for, ... | |
| pool table cloth | 3/7/2006 |
| Q: I'v been playing 9 ball apa league for 3 yrs. skill level 3 just bought used 8' brunswick going to ... A: Simonis is indeed considered the best of the best by many aficionados and is what I mostly play on, ... | |
| Eight Ball Break | 3/7/2006 |
| Q: My friend and I were playing eight ball pool. He broke and the eight ball went in and he said he ... A: Your friend is not so off base because at one time the rule was that pocketing the eight ball on the ... | |
| Inquiry | 1/16/2006 |
| Q: I am confused about how a push out shot will work after the break on 9-Ball. Would you explain it to ... A: A push out works like this. Whoever is at the table after the break (the breaker if a ball or balls ... | |
| Cue recommendation | 1/11/2006 |
| Q: I am a high intermediate player. I have played pool on and off since I was about 12, but only began ... A: Sorry for the delay; I had a busy week. I hate to start off hostile to the one preference you stated ... | |
| practice/drills | 1/10/2006 |
| Q: " Hello Pool Teacher, I am a new player to pool. I live in the United States and am trying to ... A: You sound like you're going to be a good player. Yes I can tell that over the Internet because the ... | |
| Wrapping around pocket | 1/6/2006 |
| Q: When I am practicing, a good percentage of my shots (25% or more) circle in and out of the pocket. ... A: It's very hard for me to diagnose what exactly is going on without actually watching you shoot, but ... | |
| table sizes | 1/5/2006 |
| Q: could you tell me the regulation size of a competition pool table?i'm looking at buying a 7foot ... A: The regulation size of a competition table is 4 1/2 feet by 9 feet. A 7 by 3 1/2 footer is very ... | |
| Rail Pool Shot | 1/3/2006 |
| Q: When the cue ball and the object ball are both frozen to the same rail, what is the best way to ... A: The shot you have presented is quite tricky. When the cueball is frozen to a rail, if you shoot ... | |
| playing for money | 1/3/2006 |
| Q: Do you have any advice for gaining an advantage over people you gamble with regularly? The same ... A: Hey Tim. So you've been playing the same group. I'm assuming right now its about a wash--sometimes ... | |
| Nine Ball - Legal Shot to win | 1/1/2006 |
| Q: In all the rules I have read it states that the game is over when the nine ball is pocketed on a ... A: It counts as a win. In nine ball, under official rules, the nine ball can be made by pure luck and ... | |
| Size of table footprint | 12/30/2005 |
| Q: I've been reading your posts and they have really helped me plan a pool room. I have perhaps an ... A: Hey Jeff. Glad my posts have been of help. I understand exactly what you mean but you are going to ... | |
| i really need some help | 12/28/2005 |
| Q: I am trying to learn the game of Pool/Billiard, and i think it is exciting as well as challenging. I ... A: I'm glad you find the game exciting and challenging because I have been playing pool and billiards ... | |
| Follow | 12/27/2005 |
| Q: If you have a straight in shot that either centerball hit or an above centerball hit (follow) will ... A: The whole game of pool revolves around position play. Once you have analyzed the table and decided ... | |
| Sneaky Pete's? | 12/20/2005 |
| Q: I was wondering what a sneaky Pete was and what is its benefits? I was told it was was a normal cue ... A: The description you were told is accurate. A "sneaky pete" describes any two piece cue that ... | |
| practice drills | 12/20/2005 |
| Q: what kind of drills should i do to improve my game A: Sorry for the delay but I have been busy with the holidays. In order for me to effectively answer ... | |
| What makes a quality pool table | 12/20/2005 |
| Q: I am shopping for a regulation size pool table. Needless to say there are many brand names ... A: Instead of reinventing the wheel, I am going to post the same text I used for a similar question ... | |
| scratch | 12/18/2005 |
| Q: I HAVE ALWAYS PLAYED THAT IF I SCRATCH ON MY LAST SUBJECT BALL,STRIPES OR SOLIDS,THAT IT DOES NOT ... A: The problem here is that you are apparently playing under some set of rules where it MATTERS whether ... | |
| Professional Billiards Player | 12/15/2005 |
| Q: It's nice to send you e-mail. I'm a college student in Japan. I began to play billiards when I was a ... A: Maru konnichiwa, betsu no kuni kara amari hito ga watashi shitsumon wo kikanai node ureshii desu. ... | |
| The term "follow" | 12/7/2005 |
| Q: I know that during a straight in shot if the cue ball is struck above center on the vertical axis, ... A: What you are finding confusing, in short, is the difference between "follow" as that term is used to ... | |
| General questions | 12/6/2005 |
| Q: I've been playing pool for about 20 years. I started at age 19, and I'm about to turn 39. I've ... A: Hey Bill. #1: You ask whether I like soft or hard tips. I'll split the difference with you: I like ... | |
| Billiards 8-Ball Rule | 12/4/2005 |
| Q: I was playing a casual game of 8-ball with a friend(I am a novice but still know most rules), and ... A: When you say you know most of the rules, I can't tell if you mean the official rules, or what passes ... | |
| I noticed that when I stroke... | 11/28/2005 |
| Q: I noticed that when I stroke the cue I hit the right side of my chest with my right hand(the hand I ... A: "I noticed that when I stroke the cue I hit the right side of my chest with my right hand (the hand ... | |
| cue tips | 11/25/2005 |
| Q: I've been playing for about 20 years on an unknown name cue. Strictly recreational, but a problem ... A: You've probably heard this before but you might be better off replacing your ferrule with a more ... | |
| billiard tournament. | 11/18/2005 |
| Q: im trying to start a billiard tounament with the 4 balls where you have to hit 2 balls in one shot ... A: The game you are describing, if it is indeed the game I am thinking of, is extremely rare--at least ... | |
| Nine Ball Rules | 11/14/2005 |
| Q: If you hit the cue ball into the object ball, and the cue ball bounces around and then finally ... A: Yes it is a win, and no it doesn't matter if the object ball goes in. In nine ball you do not need ... | |
| 8 ball rule:called ball does not go into designated pocket | 11/8/2005 |
| Q: Rule 4.16 says that "object ball is considered to be illegally pocketed when...(2) the called ball ... A: Welcome back. This can be a confusing rule. Especially when a player is allowed to call a safety ... | |
| 8 ball rule on object ball off table. | 11/3/2005 |
| Q: I understand that if the object ball is jumped off the table, the ball is not re-spotted. My ... A: As stated in the rule, when an object ball is jumped off the table "it is a foul." Thus, the foul ... | |
| pocketing eight ball | 10/30/2005 |
| Q: I am shooting the eight to win (8-ball is the game)and am trying to make a difficult cut. I shoot ... A: I am not sure whether you mean you shoot at the eight ball and miss it entirely, i.e. fail to ... | |
| rules of 8 ball | 10/26/2005 |
| Q: According to the world standarized if I were to be playing 8-ball and I call for example the three ... A: Welcome back Kays. In both situations, pocketing the opponent's ball is irrelevant. In the first, ... | |
| bridges | 10/3/2005 |
| Q: I have been playing pol for almost 5 years and since I have started I have been using an open ... A: I'm not surprised a closed bridge is working better on the long shots. Keep working with it and ... | |
| billiards tournament | 9/30/2005 |
| Q: Do you know of any junior national billiard tournaments for 21 and under? IF you do when and where ... A: Here you go Kays: http://www.juniorbilliardstour.com/ This is the only junior league of national ... | |
| 8-ball rules | 9/28/2005 |
| Q: All these diferent names confuse me. We play pool where there are 7 yellow, 7 red and one black ... A: The answer to your question is yes you may. When the table is open (and only when the table is ... | |
| 8 ball Legal Shot | 9/23/2005 |
| Q: In a scenario where you shoot the cue ball into your object ball and your object ball then hits one ... A: The shot you have described is indeed legal. In eight ball, you must only call the ball and the ... | |
| Marking Lines | 9/18/2005 |
| Q: I need to now where to mark the lines and dots on a table the size of 37inches X 74inches A: The lines are drawn from the diamonds. The headstring dot is found by measuring half the distance ... | |
| choosing a break cue | 9/17/2005 |
| Q: Followup To Question - I wanted to get my brother a break cue as a gift but I am not sure which ... A: It's not better in the sense of harder. Other tips are even harder. But once you get into the very ... | |
| choosing a break cue | 9/13/2005 |
| Q: I wanted to get my brother a break cue as a gift but I am not sure which break cue is the best one. ... A: No. A hard tip marginally increases the power you deliver. It is no magic bullet. The cues in that ... | |
| choosing a break cue | 9/6/2005 |
| Q: I wanted to get my brother a break cue as a gift but I am not sure which break cue is the best one. ... A: What you should look for in a break cue is a well balanced, very stiff cue with a very hard tip. The ... | |
| 7 ball | 8/22/2005 |
| Q: I saw a game called seven ball on the TV and I was wondering where or when it was popular(or if it ... A: The game of seven ball as it is played on tv is fairly recent, although the games itself (with ... | |
| 9 Ball Question | 8/5/2005 |
| Q: Just had a question on what happened the other day while playing 9 Ball. While shooting and making ... A: It's still a win. In nine ball you do not need to call any ball in any pocket, period. The only time ... | |
| 9 Ball Question | 8/5/2005 |
| Q: Just had a question on what happened the other day while playing 9 Ball. While shooting and making ... A: No it was not the correct call and I hope you thereafter won the game, because you had ALREADY WON ... | |
| 8 ball rules | 7/27/2005 |
| Q: In 8 ball, is it a legal shot to pocket one of my opponents group of balls if I hit one of my group ... A: The general answer to your question is no, but the language you have used must be clarified and ... | |
| pool cue maintenance | 7/20/2005 |
| Q: i recently purchased a pool cue and am wondering how i should take care of it. what tools are ... A: Hey Chris. I answered a similar question regarding cue maintenance a short time ago which has been ... | |
| 8 ball pool combination | 7/18/2005 |
| Q: Okay, my friend and I are having a dispute I need to get settled. It was my shot, my friend's ball ... A: Pool is almost unique in that, while there are official, world standardized rules, most people don't ... | |
| joint and chalk marks | 7/9/2005 |
| Q: Would you recommend a Uni-Loc quick release joint for a break cue or a jump cue? I have noticed ... A: At this point, I recommend a regular joint for all cues. When the uni loc and other quick release ... | |
| technique | 7/4/2005 |
| Q: i have just recently started playing 9 ball ina league. i am having so much trouble w/my technique. ... A: I am going to teach you a specific aiming technique, but I want you to understand its purpose. The ... | |
| cue tip | 6/26/2005 |
| Q: i am a biguinner .. whish size of tip is rigth for me 13mm, 12.5 or 12mm A: There is no "right" cue tip size. If you strike the cue ball properly with just about any cue, with ... | |
| Pool table size | 6/21/2005 |
| Q: Our house came with a pool table. I measured it and got 8'4" X4'8". Is that considered regulation? ... A: A regulation table is 4 1/2' by 9'. Most table are perfect rectangles, nmeaning the bed of the table ... | |
| eight ball rules | 5/20/2005 |
| Q: What are the basic rules and why can't I find them in print/printable form? I know BCA,APA,etc. ... A: The official rules of eight ball (World Standardized Rules) and a number of other games are set ... | |
| buying cue tips for a jump/break cue | 5/1/2005 |
| Q: I was wondering if triangle tips would be good to install on a jump/break cue and if not why? What ... A: For both jumping and breaking you want a very hard tip. What you are actually doing on a jump is ... | |
| buying a break/jump pool cue | 4/20/2005 |
| Q: am looking to buy a jump/break cue, but I don't know much about them. What should I look for when ... A: I would think the two cue models will perform similarly. Although they are different models, having ... | |
| use of the bridge | 4/19/2005 |
| Q: When using the bridge in a game of straight pool, is it legal to lay the handle of the bridge on the ... A: Hey Gerald, thanks your stopping by. It is perfectly legal to lay the handle of the mechanical ... | |
| buying a break/jump pool cue | 4/17/2005 |
| Q: am looking to buy a jump/break cue, but I don't know much about them. What should I look for when ... A: You can buy a perfectly adequate break/jump cue in about the $150 price range. In fact I have a ... | |
| Straight pool rules | 4/16/2005 |
| Q: I have two questions about straight pool rules: 1) Is it correct that the rules for the opening ... A: 1) Yes, you have stated the rule correctly. Note that if you read Rule 6.6 carefully, the rule which ... | |
| rules of 8-ball | 4/15/2005 |
| Q: I am playing 8-ball. It is my turn, I have th 8-ball left, and my friend is up to his last object ... A: The professional rules for most pocket billiards game are set forth in: The World Standardized ... | |
| Hubbart Cues | 4/15/2005 |
| Q: I have a Hubbart Cue that I purchased in 1973. It came with Two shafts and a case. I noticed that ... A: I recently received an email from allexperts that your question was pending, and had never been ... | |
| cues | 2/16/2005 |
| Q: OK, I have been wanting to purchase a new cue and have read many manufacturers statements from ... A: The problem is that each player may prefer a different hit and there are so many excellent cuemakers ... | |
| 3 Ball | 2/8/2005 |
| Q: We are considering having a 3 ball tourney but we can not find, the rules or a way to set up a ... A: Sure I can help. The rules for three ball can be found on the following website: ... | |
| rules | 2/5/2005 |
| Q: I had a disagreement with my friend about two situations that came up when we where playing a game ... A: Welcome back Kays. You have entered the pool rules twilight zone with both of your first questions. ... | |
| break shot | 2/2/2005 |
| Q: i'd like a little hint on the topic of powerbreaking. As far as i know it is a desireable goal to ... A: Welcome back Rolex. EQUIPMENT: Most players have a cue dedicated just to breaking. A good cue ... | |
| straight pool | 2/1/2005 |
| Q: i'd like a little advice on the opening shot in straight pool. i was told to play it from this ... A: The standard straight pool break is exactly as you have diagramed it, except that I place my cue ... | |
| 8 ball rules | 1/29/2005 |
| Q: According to the wolrd standarized rules (8 ball) if I scratch while shooting at the 8 ball, would I ... A: Welcome back Kays. According to the world standarized rules (8 ball) if I scratch while shooting ... | |
| 8-ball rules | 1/26/2005 |
| Q: Scenario: ME: solid (low) Opponent stipe (high) I would like to shoot my object ball (low/solid) ... A: This is indeed a legal shot! Although there is no rule that directly declares this shot scenario to ... | |
| Cue tips | 1/21/2005 |
| Q: Hey Pool_Teacher I've just bought a new cue. I'm not sure if the tip is H,M or S(it doesn't say, how ... A: Sorry, but I don't know of any way to tell whether a cue tip is hard, medium or soft just by looking ... | |
| aiming | 1/17/2005 |
| Q: Good day sir!tell me how to aim successfully and to maintain the straightness of every stroke.To ... A: I am going to teach you a specific aiming technique, but I want you to understand its purpose. The ... | |
| space for a pool table | 1/15/2005 |
| Q: i am planning to buy a pool table and was wondering how much room you need. i found a pool table ... A: You say the table you have located is 4 1/2 feet by 8 feet. Since all tables are perfect rectangles, ... | |
| Pool table | 1/13/2005 |
| Q: What is the standard height of a pool table, top of table surface above the floor? A: According to the Billiard Congress of America, the governing body for professional play, the ... | |
| cue maintenance | 1/10/2005 |
| Q: I bought a new cue and I was wondering what are some things that I should look for before I use my ... A: In no particular order, here are a number of pointer's for cue maintenance. Almost all cues have a ... | |
| pool cue | 1/10/2005 |
| Q: I won a cue off aguy and don,t know what it is. Wondering if you might, it is birdseye maple with a ... A: I own one. It's a Russ Espiritu. Russ Espiritu is a cuemaker out of Mississippi. He's been making ... | |
| 8 ball | 1/7/2005 |
| Q: In eight ball on the break if you pocket one small and two large ball, is the table open or do you ... A: According to the World Standardized Rules, it is always open table after the break. Legally ... | |
| level table | 1/5/2005 |
| Q: My brother accidently pushed my pool table and I think that my table may not be level anymore. I ... A: Leveling a table is dependent on the type of table. For instance, on some tables the bottom plate ... | |
| deciding on cue length | 1/3/2005 |
| Q: How would an beginer billiards player decide on the length of a cue he would want to buy? A: Kays. Almost all cues come in a standard length. Standard length is typically 57 to 59 inches. ... | |
| billaiard ball history | 1/2/2005 |
| Q: Why does the cue ball have a dot on it? A: As far as I know, dots on cueballs are used to identify the cueball manufacturer. Object balls (the ... | |
| Jump-shot technique | 12/30/2004 |
| Q: I've got a little problem with jump shots. When I try to make such shot (using Classic jump-break ... A: I should say to start that I'm an old time player--meaning I learned to play before the jump shot ... | |
| taper of | 12/29/2004 |
| Q: What part of the shaft would I have to measure to sfind out what is the diameter of my shaft in ... A: What is measured in millimeters is the TIP of the cue. Whatever that measurement is, is maintained ... | |
| The 8 ball is my final ball... | 12/26/2004 |
| Q: The 8 ball is my final ball left on the tabel. If i hit the 8 ball first and call the pocket,but hit ... A: Looks like you have a list of questions. No problem. 1) The 8 ball is my final ball left on the ... | |
| drills | 12/22/2004 |
| Q: I am not new to pool but want to take my game to the next level. I wanted to know some drills that ... A: In order for me to effectively answer your question, I need to you to download a resource where I ... | |
| cue | 12/8/2004 |
| Q: Can you tell me what do you think about cue made from aluminium (aluminium cue)? if i made mistakes ... A: Your English in this question is perfectly adequate. Unfortunately, I must tell you, an aluminum cue ... | |
| eight ball and nine ball | 12/5/2004 |
| Q: In eight ball and nine ball do you win or lose if you make the ball on the break. A: In nine ball, playing by official rules, you win if you make the nine ball on the break unless you ... | |
| shimming pockets | 11/23/2004 |
| Q: i have a table with 5 inch pockets. i can run 5 balls in rotation , starting with ball in hand ... A: To shim or not to shim--a question for the ages that has baffled many an otherwise decisive pool ... | |
| billiards | 11/18/2004 |
| Q: on one of his tapes, bert kinister says a "C" player should be able to break up a 9 ball rack , take ... A: It's always seemed to me that the descriptors, C, B and A to describe the entirety of the range of ... | |
| Practice Drills | 11/15/2004 |
| Q: I am looking for some practice drills to help me learn the angle off 1+ rails. I am decent on 1 ... A: There are so many different situations where the cue ball is traveling off of two rails that I wish ... | |
| 8 ball | 10/5/2004 |
| Q: Can a skratch EVER lose a player the game. A: Often. In fact, almost every time in nine ball when you scratch while shooting at the nine ball and ... | |
| pool cue | 9/20/2004 |
| Q: I just read your advice about meucci cues... and so now I am wondering: what kind of cue I should ... A: I'm not really sure of your price range from your post. In any case, in the $250+ price range there ... | |
| pool cue selection | 9/13/2004 |
| Q: I'm a beginner and would like to buy a cue stick, but I don't want to spend more than $150.00. What ... A: This is a very opened-ended question. There are so many different cues that might suit your needs in ... | |
| Where to find name plate | 8/13/2004 |
| Q: I just received an old Brunswick crown gold table but it is missing the name plate that goes on one ... A: Unfortunately, I do not know of any specific place where you could buy a nameplate, but I have a few ... | |
| Apex Ball on the Break | 8/13/2004 |
| Q: In 8-ball and/or 9-ball, must you make contact with the apex ball on the break? Or at least some ... A: The answer to your question varies depending on the game. In eight ball you do not have to contact ... | |
| Meucci cues | 7/31/2004 |
| Q: In one of your previous answers, you advised someone to "Stay away from Meuccis! " Simple question ... A: If you like Meucci cues, don't let me keep you from getting one or loving the one you have. What I ... | |
| tables compare | 7/21/2004 |
| Q: I have heard brunswick is the best, My question is how would you rate Olhausen tables, and what is ... A: In my opinion Brunswick Gold Crowns IVs are top of the line, but that top spot is shared with ... | |
| billiard table light/lamp | 7/20/2004 |
| Q: Not sure if you can answer this, but I cannot find anyone else online with general expertise. We ... A: Yes you can get a decent brand new table for $3,000 and a really quite incredible used table in that ... | |
| Filling out a tournament chart | 7/16/2004 |
| Q: I fill in running a local pool tournament, but I have difficulty figuring out how to fill out a 16 ... A: I don't know of any place that gives insrtuctions for assigning byes, but I will give you ... | |
| buying a pool table | 7/16/2004 |
| Q: I am looking at buying a 8' pool table for my basement. What are the key things I should look for? ... A: I must apologize for the delay in answering this question. I just received an email from Allexperts ... | |
| Fury pool cues | 7/7/2004 |
| Q: I posted this but i don't think it went through, so here it is again. First I'd just like to thank ... A: Dan, sorry but I know very little about Players cues, and for that matter, have much more experience ... | |
| STRAIGHT POOL (14.1 CONTINUOS) RULES: Break Fouls | 7/1/2004 |
| Q: In Straight Pool, in the break the player must (1) designate an object ball and pocket and made the ... A: Welcome back Alvin: The answer to your question is that is depends. If you pocket a ball on the ... | |
| 8 Ball | 6/12/2004 |
| Q: In general what is the rule in 8 ball where a player has only the 8 ball left and were not playing ... A: Well the thing is Kevin, there is no game called "slop eight ball" nor "non slop eight ball." There ... | |
| Fury pool cues | 6/10/2004 |
| Q: What is the difference between a Tru-Loc joint and a Uni-Loc radial pin joint? Which is better and ... A: I have never investigated the differences between these types of joints, nor do I play wih any cues ... | |
| Fury pool cues | 6/10/2004 |
| Q: I play pool quite a bit and want to get my own cue. I was looking for something in the 150 to 200 ... A: Fury makes a decent low end cue. Keep in mind that, especially in that type of price range, the ... | |
| EIGHT-BALL RULES: Playing the 8-Ball | 5/25/2004 |
| Q: When the 8-ball is the legal object ball and I pocket it without calling the pocket: Do I win? Do I ... A: As always, I must state that eight ball is played with a innumerable sets of rules. Yes the official ... | |
| Pool__________???? | 5/18/2004 |
| Q: Can you help settle a bet? Is it a pool "shark" or a pool "sharp"? A: In the United States it is most definitely, indubitably, and assuredly SHARK. However, I have read ... | |
| HELP | 5/9/2004 |
| Q: i tapped the cue ball on my second stroke and the ball didnt move my opponent said i lost my shot is ... A: Yes he's right. Not only that, but assuming you were playing nine ball or eight ball, by failing to ... | |
| i need help | 5/7/2004 |
| Q: im on a bar league and last week my opponent called this shot "8 ball to kiss off my ball in the ... A: Sure I can help. "I'm on a bar league and last week my opponent called this shot: "8 ball to kiss ... | |
| 6-BALL RULES: Pocketing the Six-Ball on the Break | 5/7/2004 |
| Q: How is the six-ball legally pocketed on the break to win, if so: the cue ball caroming the six-ball ... A: I do not play the game, nor have I watched it. All the rule resources I have checked do not give a ... | |
| 14:1 | 4/30/2004 |
| Q: I have just returned to playing pool again after being away from the game for about 15+ years. Is ... A: I hate to tell you this Nick but straight pool has been on the decline for years and years. Most old ... | |
| 8-BALL RULES: loss of game | 4/29/2004 |
| Q: According to Rule 4.20 of World Standardized Rules: 8-Ball: 4.20 LOSS OF GAME A player loses the ... A: All of the world standardized rules for particular games also include the: GENERAL RULES OF POCKET ... | |
| jumping | 4/23/2004 |
| Q: i recently received a jump cue for my birthday. I play very often and i wanted a jump cue so i could ... A: I am a bit of an old time player--meaning I developed my game before the jump shot was really in ... | |
| 8-BALL RULES: the rack | 4/16/2004 |
| Q: In racking the balls in 8-Ball, the apex ball goes on the foot spot, one striped ball goes on one ... A: Welcome Back Alvin. You have stated it correctly. The only rules for the rack in eight ball are ... | |
| RACK: Rotation & Fifteen-Ball | 4/14/2004 |
| Q: How are the balls racked in Rotation and in Fifteen-Ball? A: welcome back. Here's the racking rules for Rotation and Fifteen Ball. Rotation: All 15 balls are ... | |
| Other Recommended Books | 4/13/2004 |
| Q: What other pool books do you recommend besides Robert Byrnes's New Standard Book of Pool and ... A: welcome back. "What other pool books do you recommend?" Just about everything by Robert Byrne: ... | |
| 8-BALL RULES: obvious shot | 4/7/2004 |
| Q: What is an obvious shot in 8-ball, and how must the balls must be for the shot to be obvious? A: I'm not really sure what you are asking Alvin so I'll answer what I think you are asking. If you ... | |
| pool cues | 4/4/2004 |
| Q: what is the value of a pool cue that is the cane or walking stick type?i bought this cue in the ... A: I have seen a number of examples of the type of cue you have and, unfortunately, such sticks were ... | |
| What is the regulation size of a pool table? | 3/25/2004 |
| Q: I need to know the regulation size of a pool table. I am planning on purchasing one for my husband ... A: Sure I can help you with that question. A regulation sized table is 4 1/2 feet by 9 feet. Other ... | |
| Hanging a pool table light | 3/21/2004 |
| Q: We recently bought a pool 8' table, We picked up a nice 38" stained glass light for it. Is there ... A: I want to first say that, although I will endeavor to answer your question, I have no personal ... | |
| Preparing mentally | 3/21/2004 |
| Q: I tied for first place in our local Women's Pool League. We have a playoff in two days. Race to ... A: I think having a consistent pre-shot routine is the first step to overcoming mental weakness at the ... | |
| pool tournament | 3/21/2004 |
| Q: My son, Sam is trying to get a pool tournamnet together at a local tavern. They have had 3 ... A: Welcome back. So they're assigning byes (not bies) by reference to skill level rather than ... | |
| 3 Cushion Billiards | 3/19/2004 |
| Q: That was exactly what I was looking to learn. The websites are really great as well because they ... A: Hmmm, I just might check out virtual pool hall. Just so you know, some of the best players in the ... | |
| 3 Cushion Billiards | 3/18/2004 |
| Q: I have never played 3-Cushion Billiards and but I have seen others do so in seemingly exciting games ... A: I'm glad you're interested in 3-cushion because it is beautiful intricate game. When I first ... | |
| Pool Cues | 3/14/2004 |
| Q: Hey, I have been playing pool for about a year consistently every week and I am looking to join a ... A: This is a very opened-ended question. There are so many different cues that would suit your needs in ... | |
| double elimination bracket | 3/7/2004 |
| Q: The local tavern my son frequents wants to have a pool tournament. The standard rules, no slop, ... A: No problem. Go to the following website for a free double elimination pool tournament chart: ... | |
| pool hall | 2/24/2004 |
| Q: ------------------------- Hi, First of all, tahnk you so much for taking the time out to supply me ... A: Ah, heated tables. I'm not sure of your knowledge level so let me first explain (possibly ... | |
Pool_Teacher
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I have wide ranging knowledge of all the cue sports, with the exception of snooker. I can answer most questions related to playing any of the standard games such as straight pool (14.1 continuous) eight-ball, nine-ball, one-pocket and 3-cushion billiards and the variations on these games. Questions welcomed regarding technique, strategy and rules, history of the sport, trick shots, the mental game, practice, practice drills, pool/billiards publications, and so on.
Experience
I have been a dedicated player of pool and 3-cushion Billiards for many years. I have given lessons professionally and have run and participated in too many tournaments to name, including professional events such as the U.S. Open. I am also a cue collector and student of all aspects of the game.
Note: I was starting to get far too many questions about pool cue and pool table valuation and will no longer take these questions, sorry. I am a player and historian of the sport and the heart of my expertise is not product comparison or appraisal.
Education/Credentials
Doctorate
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