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  1. Home
  2. The basics of billiards

The basics of billiards

To get off to a good start with billiards, it’s important to master the basics. Familiarize yourself with the equipment first of all, then learn about the stance and positions to use. In billiards, the bridge (positioning of the fingers to properly direct the cue) is a key notion and one of the first terms we generally learn. Stance (positioning of the legs and arms) is not to be neglected either. Then all you have to do is make the right move to reach your target.

Find out everything you need to master the basics of billiards with this tutorial by Florian Kohler, alias Venom, multiple world record holder in artistic billiards.

EQUIPMENT

The billiards table:

Billiards is played on a table, comprising a structure, a slate and a playing surface.  Traditionally, the structure is made of wood, the slate is of mineral origin and the playing surface is made of felt. For outside play and maneuverability, Hyphen, the outdoor pool table from Cornilleau, comprises a stainless steel structure, a synthetic slate in solid-core laminate, and a playing surface in rot-proof textile. A pool table such as Hyphen has six pockets, while a French billiard table has none. There are several sizes of pool tables. The length is always twice the width. It is generally between 2.1m and 2.8m. Hyphen’s playing surface is 2.2m long, a very popular size.

The cue

The cue is essential to the game. It is characterized by two main parts: the butt and the shaft. It can be disassembled to take up less space in the sleeve. The ferrule and tip are found at the end of the shaft. The role of the ferrule is to ensure rigidity between the wood of the butt and the tip. It ensures the quality of the impact with the ball.

The balls

Balls come in different sizes and colors depending on what type of billiards you're playing. The white ball is the cue ball. The other balls are object balls. French billiards is played with 3 balls: a red and two white balls, one of which is marked with a black dot. Pool uses 16 balls: one white, and 15 balls numbered 1 to 15. Finally, English billiards is also played with 16 balls: one white, one black, seven red and seven yellow.

billes billard américain

The chalk

The chalk is a cube of limestone that you rub on the tip of the cue. It prevents the cue from sliding off the ball, keeping it precise. Don't hesitate to apply it regularly: it tends to wear off fast. Gently rub the chalk onto the center of the tip and rub in a circular motion from center to edge. By doing this, you’ll avoid wearing down your cue and help it last longer! Cornilleau pool tables come with chalk that’s the same color as our playing surfaces: gray.

The triangle and diamond

The triangle is the most-used aid for positioning the balls. It’s used for setting up play for the most popular variation of billiards – 8-ball – and also other games, e.g. 10-ball or straight pool (14-1). The diamond is used to place balls in the starting position for 9-ball.

POSITIONING AND STANCE

Finger positioning: the different types of bridge

Good finger positioning is crucial in billiards; it lets you precisely direct the tip of the cue for a precise shot.

The “closed bridge”, which is very popular among players of all levels, involves forming a very stable tripod with the middle and ring fingers, and possibly the little finger too, while placing the palm of the hand on the table and creating an opening between the thumb, the index and the middle finger. This opening need to be tight enough to properly guide the cue

position des doigts au billard
chevalet ouvert au billard américain

To form an “open bridge”, first place your hand flat on the table and slightly raise your fingers. Slide the cue between the thumb (also raised) and the base of the index finger.

If the ball is very close to the cushion, i.e. too close to place your bridge on the playing surface, you can place it on the cushion. We recommend using a slightly revised open bridge when the ball is right alongside the cushion. To compensate the fact that it’s impossible to position the palm of your hand as a stable anchor point, spread your fingers further apart to lean them on the edge of the table.

chevalet ouvert sur la bande au billard américain
chevalet bouclé au billard américain

If the ball is a little further away from the cushion, we recommend opting for a loop bridge. This involves passing the cue between the index and middle fingers, using the thumb to guide the cue under the hand.

Leg positioning

Make sure that your stance is stable, then adopt a posture that feels natural and in which you are at ease. For a successful shot, it is important to be in a comfortable position when striking the ball with the cue. One foot should be slightly forward and the other slightly back. Then bend the knee of your front leg so you’re at the same height as the table.

chevalet bouclé au billard américain
la position du bras

Arm positioning

Slightly bend the elbow of your front arm for increased flexibility. The cue should be almost parallel to the playing surface. Your forearm at the rear end of the cue should be perpendicular to the cue.

How to hold the cue for a good shot

For your shot to be as precise as possible, it is important for your rear hand to be correctly positioned and not to grip the cue too tightly. You really only need to use the first two or three fingers to hold it, not your whole hand. You need to make a light, ample movement to carry off a precise, powerful shot and add spin.

le bon geste pour un bon coup de queue de billard

ALL TUTORIALS « HOW TO PLAY BILLIARDS ? »

Rules of billiards and variations of the game

Aiming and controlling ball trajectory

Play like a pro: spin techniques and white ball control

How to perform a cushion shot

MORE BILLIARDS TIPS

Become a trick shot whizz with Florian Kohler!

How to care for your billiards table

The history of billiards

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