The difference between a good and an average pool player can often be traced to their respective hand bridges. When it comes to accuracy, nothing is more important than the firmness and steadiness of a player's bridge. Accuracy is a product of many factors: a relaxed balanced stance; a smooth level stroke; proper cue grip; controlled backswing and follow-through.... And, above everything else, the guidance of the cue. Like a bullet through a barrel, the path of a cue is guided through the channel of the bridge hand. An effective bridge ensures stability, fluid movement of the cue, and all but determines the accuracy of the shot.


Bridges are simply guides to keep the cue on its proper course. In many ways, a billiard-cue bridge is much like a roadway bridge: a firm support structure, built to streamline a cue's travel, designed to make passage more precise and efficient. Like a roadway bridge, a billiard bridge should have a solid foundation, with the bridge hand firmly planted on the table or rail. In most cases, your bridge should allow you to use a level stroke. In every case, your cue should move easily and smoothly-regardless of the shot or the type of bridge used. Your stroke should never be compromised by a choked or sticky bridge. Your cue should glide fluidly, without pulling against the flesh, through the channel formed by the thumb and forefinger.


There are two basic types of bridges: an open and a closed bridge. Each can be modified, according to the demands of a given shot, by altering the configuration of the fingers. The open bridge is generally recommended for beginners. (This has become a debated point among professional players. Many say that an open bridge is fine for beginners; that it's easy to use and makes learning the game easier. Others argue that the closed bridge should be used from the beginning. That the sooner it's mastered, the sooner even a beginner will see dramatic improvement in his or her game. Both sides agree that when it comes to consistency, control-and, above all, accuracy-the closed bridge is far superior. We at Pool Player believe that old habits, in any sport, often die hard. That every player should be encouraged to learn the most beneficial techniques, the first time he picks up a cue. That in the long run, every aspect of your game will be rewarded. Your stroke will be truer, your confidence higher, and your overall game will be far more polished, the sooner you master the Standard Closed Bridge.)

Closed Or Standard Closed Bridge	Open Bridge
The closed bridge is used by virtually every professional player. It allows superior control of the cue, which leads to better control of the cue ball. Any shot that requires something extra to be exerted on the cue ball (i.e., draw, follow, speed, etc.) is best served by a closed bridge. more...	While the closed bridge can be used in about 90% of your shots, there are certain shots (i.e., shots close to the rail, stretch shots, shooting over an object ball) in which an open bridge is far more effective. more...

Kinds of Bridges	Mechanical Bridge
Open Rail Bridge is the most effective bridge when the cue ball is frozen to, or less than three inches off the rail. In this bridge, the hand should be flattened, with the heel of the hand slightly raised. more...	The "Ladies" Aid." The "crutch." The mechanical bridge. The object of score and ridicule. When, in truth, the mechanical bridge is a very useful instrument. Using it is not a sign of "effeminate" weakness, but intelligence, self-assuredness and playing to win. more...