To the Editor.
Speaking as an ardent follower of the game, and especially as a club member, it has occurred to me that there has for some time been something wanting in amateur billiards to make the game more interesting, and to give it such grip that it would be impossible for the game to fall into decadence after it has gained so many enthusiasts.
Now, the introduction of a league is the very thing, as by its means it would enable a good player playing in the league to get out of the lethargic way he has accustomed himself to by playing mostly "friendly games," more often than not disregarding the actual results, and it would also spur on the man, who was coming on, to improve his game in order to be chosen to represent his club.
From the spectacular point of view a league is bound to bring about a keener appreciation of amateur billiards than prevails at present. We all know how followers of certain football clubs eagerly scan their papers on Saturday to see whether their favourite team has gained a better position in the table, and therefore there is no reason why the same enthusiasm should not be shown in any amateur billiard league amongst the coterie of club billiards.
If, therefore, the formation of such a league for, say, West London, appeals to clubs in that district. I shall be pleased to assist in any spade work to bring about such a result.
I am, etc.,
E. H. MORLEY,
Shepherd's Bush Club, W. Hon. Secretary.
Sept. 13, 1912.
To the Editor.
The stroke described by your correspondent, Mr. A. E. Crutch, in the October number of The Billiard Monthly, viz., to pot the red in the centre pocket when this ball lies on the centre spot with the object white touching it and exactly behind it as viewed from the D, is no new discovery; indeed, it must be nearly as old as the game of billiards itself. The stroke was shown me nearly thirty years ago by an old pyramid player who learnt it may years previously from another player, who in turn was shown it by someone else.
I may mention that the stroke is illustrated and described in the fourth volume of my work "Billiards: The Strokes of the Game"—page 328, diagram 407—published in 1907.
From the same placing of the balls the red may also be potted from positions above the centre spot. Such a stroke— also illustrated in my book—appears to those who have not seen it before still more wonderful than the pot from the D.
Riso LEVI.
To the Editor.
I enclose an admirable list of "Don'ts for Amateurs," which I thought you might like to insert in your next issue.
Many billiard rooms in this part of England are frequented by men who are either perpetually whistling or humming their favourite tune. This is certainly not conducive to good billiards and is in my opinion very bad form, or shall we say that it is done thoughtlessly or for a want of knowing better? If someone would suggest a good remedy it would certainly be a great blessing.
A LOOKER ON OF THE GAME.