143.—"When the ball is pocketed twice in two consecutive strokes by the same player should it be placed on the centre spot or the pyramid spot?"
When the red has been potted twice successively from the spot it must be placed on the centre spot of the table. If first potted from a position other than the spot there can be three red pots, including two from the spot, before the red is shifted to the centre. And if a cannon is made with the same stroke that pots the red from the spot the full number of subsequent pots can still be made.
144.—"In your article, 'Things that Matter in Billiards,' by Col. C. M. Western, published in April, 1912, you refer to a book entitled 'The Practical Science of Billiards,' by Western and another entitled 'Red Ball Play,' by Gray. I have written Methuen and Co., asking for quotations on these works, but they reply that they do not know the publications. Will you kindly let we know the price of these books and where they can be purchased?"
The publishers of the first book named are Odhams, Ltd., 93-4, Long Acre, W.C, and of the second, Cassell and Co., Ltd., La Belle Sauvage, E.C.
145.—"I shall be glad if you will let me know where I can purchase the 'Billiard Pointer' referred to in your May edition of The Billiard Monthly."
Aston and Mander, Ltd., 61, Old Compton Street, Soho, W.
146.—"Can you tell me where the remark now seen almost daily in criticisms of George Gray's special stroke that 'billiards is a game played with three balls' originated?"
We believe it was originated by the editor of The Billiard Monthly in the first issue dated November, 1910.
147.—"When putting on a billiard cloth is it better to stretch it as tight as possible, and do balls run faster when cover is well stretched?"
The tighter the better, if done evenly. This naturally ensures freer running.
148.—"Is it sound play when the direct or cushion cannon is wider than half-ball to force the stroke instead of applying slow side?"
It is entirely a question of position. For instance, if the red is on the spot and the cue ball a little away from the centre pocket upper shoulder the red can be brought to more accurate position by means of slow side than by force.
149.—"Is it an invariable rule that pocket side should be used when one of the pocket shoulders is more open than the other as looked at in a straight line through the centre of the object ball?"
There is hardly any invariable general rule in billiards.
Unless the pocket is somewhat blind and extreme accuracy in the running of cue ball is required it is often safer to attempt to run in with a nice amount of top and with central striking than to use side, but if perfect alignment of the cue can be ensured side rotation always helps except with an open pocket.
150.—"Is it well to cultivate the habit of thinking first of the after position and secondly of the way of making the immediate stroke?"
It is not only well, but absolutely essential. It is, indeed, the golden rule in position play, and it is better to play for safety than to make a stroke with no idea as to what will even approximately be left. After a while position play becomes a sort of second sight, and billiards is not billiards without it.
151.—"Are there any frequently recurring positions of the balls that are regarded by professionals as inexpedient to go out for?"
This is a good question. Observant spectators at professional billiard matches will notice that the players rarely leave themselves difficult shots, but when such arise they do not dream of attempting what the ordinary amateur would cheerfully go out for. In the first place it is too difficult, and in the second place the after position is too problematical. The short cut to position, or even to the immediate score, is rarely taken by professionals.
They do not immediately attack the white merely because it is in baulk, but gradually play the red near to it, and rather than make sparks fly with sensational forcers they utilize a gentle two or three cushion cannon which, although appearing difficult, is easier and better.
152.—"Kindly answer the following questions in the next issue of The Billiard Monthly: (1) When a ball is resting on the baulk line with the greater part of its diameter outside the line, is it held to be in baulk? (2) When resting on the baulk line, exactly fair, is it in baulk? (3) When a player is in hand and playing from the D can he place his ball exactly fair on the line surrounding D, or must be play from inside the line?"
(l) No; it is outside. (2) Yes. (3) Exactly on line.
153.—"May it be taken that for a finer and fuller than half-ball shot aim is taken the same distance off and on the object ball in order to get the same direction for the cue ball?"
Generally speaking, this is so, but the cue ball must be struck high at short range to ensure perfect rotation before contact.
154.—"Should an easy score ever be attempted if you cannot see that it will leave anything, whereas a more difficult one, if brought off, might reasonably be expected to leave an opening?"
If an easy score can be made and the object or cue ball thereby left more favourably (although not ideally) placed than the alternative shot it is good play to make it. But rather than leave an absolutely hopeless position following an easy one a position shot of some difficulty should be attempted instead. At the same time, a very easy shot ought usually to be so made as to leave good position.
155.—"Is it a fact that it is impossible to make a right-angled screw at a finer than half-ball contact?"
We are not quite sure as to shorter distances than, say, a foot, but beyond that distance we should think that it is impossible.