A correspondent asks for a "tip" to assist in the making of the long loser off the centre spot. Here it is: Swing cue very lightly and freely, striking cue ball a trifle above the centre, and aiming a shade thicker than half ball. This should bring the object ball nicely below the centre pocket without any undue exertion. Spot seven inches from centre for ivory, rather more for crystalate, and more still for bonzoline.
To know whether object ball will strike one, two, or three cushions above middle pockets when playing from baulk, remember that with ordinary half-ball shots two cushions are usually struck when player's ball is nearer side of table than the object ball and three under the same circumstances when the object ball is well down the table.
When the cue ball has been correctly spotted aim is best taken over its centre with the eye before settling down to the stroke This ensures the body being in right position and there is no need to wriggle or shift uneasily after the cue is brought to the ball.
Whilst side is often essential to position play, too much of it often defeats the main idea. It is very pretty to see a lot of side operating after the actual stroke is successfully completed. But what about position after the next cushion contact?
When practising in-offs from baulk with object ball 23½ inches up the table, on the centre spot or on the pyramid spot, take the pocket on each side of the table alternately.
It is possible to practise too much on one side of the table.
Use the rest when over-reached or when left-handed play is not certain, and remember that when using the butts the strength must be less than usual or the stroke will be forced. Chalk the butt tip.
When the object ball is a few inches above the centre spot a half-ball in-off from baulk generally sends each ball in a top pocket. To avoid this, play a little fuller than half-ball, spotting rather finer.
A cannon that is doubtful and difficult off one cushion is frequently easy and almost certain off two or more, besides leaving better position. Take the sequence of half ball angles with the eye and apply side or not as required.
In screwing, the fuller the contact the greater the recoil, but the direction of the object ball has also to be considered and low cueing and strength must be regulated accordingly.
The half-ball aim is not merely at the edge of the object ball. It is at the extreme edge, or slightly over one inch on the perpendicular line from the cloth.
At top of the table keep the balls reasonably apart. Some of the greatest players overlook this essential, hence the frequent use of the masse stroke.
When the table is evenly lighted the shadow on the cue ball is an excellent guide for central and also for screw striking.
The over-ironing of a table is a mistake. A fair amount of nap assists careful play.