Billiards Basics: Play Pool Like Minnesota Fats

“I got a hunch it’s me from here on in. One ball, corner pocket. I mean, that ever happen to you? You know, all of a sudden you feel like you can’t miss? ‘Cause I dreamed about this game, fat man. I dreamed about this game every night on the road. Five ball. You know, this is my table, man. I own it.” ~ Fast Eddie

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You’ve just finished watching The Hustler and all the high stakes action has got you pumped to hit your local pool hall to move the rock with the best of them. Problem being you haven’t touched the felt since your college rec room days and need to get some oil back in that stroke and make the cue an extension of your arm. Here are a few tips to get the ball rolling so you can strike up the next local tournament league play or maybe just hustle a few bucks from some of the suckers in the joint.

Choosing Your Cue

Getting back into most sports often requires purchasing a few basic necessities, and buying your own cue is a great way to keep you motivated towards the game. But, if you’re short on funds or are somewhat hesitant about spending money on something that may end up just gathering dust, the house cue is for you.

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House Cue

As the name implies, house cues are provided by the pool hall and can be found hanging up in the racks on the wall for your choosing. Most house cues, unfortunately, are extremely abused and damaged in more ways than one, so when searching for a cue, try to inspect a few areas of the stick to ensure you get the best shot possible.

• Check the tip for wear. The more leather the better. Try to find one with at least ¼ inch of leather to it. Avoid ones worn down to the nub.
• Place the cue on an empty table and roll it from one rail towards another while inspecting how warped the shaft is (and trust me, they’re all warped so go with the lesser of evils).
• A heavier stick helps steady your hand and keep your stroke controlled. It helps with beginners and bigger guys. Some cues will be marked with the weight in ounces, so shoot for around 20 oz. if you can, or just pick a few out and go by feel.

Maybe you have some cash that’s really burning a hole in your pocket or you’re thinking about joining a league and can’t settle with an ordinary house cue. This is the time to purchase a personal cue.

Personal Cue

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Now here is where you’ll find the most trouble, picking out a cue that will bring your game up a notch but you don’t know where to start and the price ranges are staggering. Remember, the most important thing is getting a cue you feel comfortable with. Always make sure the weight and the stroke feel good to you and test it out on a table if you can, or check for a return policy in case it doesn’t work out.

• For beginner players looking for a decent stick, stay in the price range of $50–$175. Intermediate players around $300. And if you’re an advanced player, get whatever you want, you’re good enough.
• Few things evoke manliness like threading together a two-piece wood cue. Stay away from aluminum and composites, if possible. Standard length is usually 57 inches long but the pros swear by 58 inches.
• Be sure that the fit between the pieces is tight and secure when fully threaded. Also, a nice evenly rounded leather tip will give you a good strike on the ball.
• Designs are more a matter of personal taste. Irish linen wrap? No wrap at all? Pearl inlays? Hardwood inlays? The options are nearly limitless. Get something that catches your eye and you would like to be seen playing with (when asked on several occasions how much my cue was, other players have been shocked to find out it was only $100).
• Cues with at least a 1-year warranty against warping or breaking are a plus.
• A few brands to look for are Cuetec, Players, McDermott, and Predator. (Note: Sneaky Pete’s are well-made two-piece cues that are meant to look like standard house cues. Pick up one of these and start your pool hustling career faster than you can spell M-I-N-N-E-S-O-T-A F-A-T-S.)

Case

If your new cue didn’t come with one, get one. Enough said.

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October 18, 2010