Between play fast or slow , as we saw last week, I prefer the second option. And between using a bridge (bridge) open or closed, I opted for the former. This is a very common question, especially for billiard players starting. To solve today we will look at the pros and cons of each type of bridge. So you can choose the style that best suits your game.

By David Muñoz   

Advantages and disadvantages of open bridge

Since childhood I learned to play with the open bridge and this is my preferred position for the supporting hand. If you’re just starting in this snooker, you’ll notice that it is much easier to learn how to properly use the open to the closed bridge. That is, for me, the first big advantage.

After 15 years of experience, the index finger and thumb are placed alone effortlessly automatic. But getting to that point takes a lot of practice. Most importantly , they are stuck with each other and form a stable “channel”. That imaginary line is where you go taco arrow. That line for me is sacred and always try to keep both for kicks, stuns or corridos. All you have to do is tilt more or less the four fingers in front depending on where you need to hit the white.

With the open bridge you avoid (or at least you reduce) the friction created fingers in contact with the cue, especially when wet or are prone to sweat. Moreover, while you bend over a lot, you will always see where the arrow points, which is more difficult when you use a closed bridge (because your own hand you cover).

As you know, it is very important to maintain the more horizontal and parallel to the best table taco. To do this open bridge is very useful because it allows you to place virtually flat hand.

Okay David, but the bridge will open negatives too, no? Some, yes, but few. If you’re not able to create this imaginary line, paste both fingers as if you had put Super Glue and all that with a relaxed hand, the open bridge can be a disaster. Another possible disadvantage is that the open is much harder to control the cleat can not move in extreme shots (when they strike hard, long kicks, etc.). But the lords of snooker show us in every tournament that is more than possible to make super retro with the open bridge, so it will be a matter of more train.

Advantages and disadvantages of the closed bridge

The closed bridge is most often used in carom and in certain regions pooleras option. In the United States, for example, it is very often closed with a thousand and one variations they have. Earl Strickland and Shane Van Boening are big proponents of this type of bridge.

The downside is that at first hard time finding a position that will be effective yet convenient. It requires more learning time to take advantage. But when you succeed the closed bridge can give you more control, especially when you need to play with effects or corridos.

The great advantage of closed bridge is that fixed in the encoder. If you close either the bridge is hardly going to move the arrow. Just worry to draw a straight shot back hand and not have problems.

The important thing is that the closed bridge block the arrow to prevent movement but turn free enough to let the journey is smooth and continuous. That is, there is no need to apply any force on the arrow. If you do, the movement will be unnatural and that will complicate the shot.

If you use the closed bridge, trying to lose the most of the hand so that the taco is as stuck to the table and exit possible horizontal.

And which I stay?

I recommend the open bridge, but that’s your decision. Again, there is no one better than another. Each has its pros and cons. Rate all the advantages and choose the one that best suits your game considering that you can, of course, make a mix. I, for example, use the 99% open shots and closed by 1%. Why do well to master both.

And you, billiard player, do you play bridge with open or closed bridge? Leave your opinion in the comments