A page of replies from representative amateurs was given last month, and the following further replies have since been received:—
Mr. H. C. Virr, Many Times Amateur Champion:— "In my opinion it is the game to put down the white whenever the player thinks it is to his advantage to do so."
Mr. H. A. O. Lonsdale, Twice Amateur Champion:— "I should always pot the white in either friendly or match games if I thought it advantageous. The prejudice against doing so is a relic of the game as played two or three hundred years ago, when the only scores allowed were potting the red and cannons. For potting the white, going in-off white, or even the red, you were penalized. That is why to this day to go in-off a ball is called a ' losing ' hazard."
Mr. T. A. Edge, Member of the B. A. & C. Council:— "I believe in putting down the white ball in the circumstances you name." Mr. S. Eumorfopoulos, Member of the B. A. & C. Council:— "Anyone who considers it unsportsmanlike to put down the white and leave a double baulk, or who fails to do it when it is the game, is not a thoughtful billiard player. Billiards 5s a game of skill and brain."
Mr. G. N. E. Hall-Say, Member of the B. A. & C. Council:— "Whatever prejudice exists against potting the white in an ordinary hundred-up arises from the fact that the player so doing is more concerned with winning the game than with the fun of playing it, or giving his opponent a sporting chance. I do not think in a strenuous amateur game (or in any professional match) serious objection is ever taken to the stroke. Clearly, if it is to the advantage of the striker, he should pocket the white; while, if it is not so, what possible ground of complaint has the opponent? With the ordinary third class amateur and below (whose best break is somewhere near the hundred), it would seem better to resurrect the pocketed white on a spot in baulk corresponding with the billiard spot, and allow no misses except where no direct stroke is on. This makes the individual strokes no easier, but generally gives a few more opportunities of scoring, and thus enlivens the game."
Mr. Chas. E. Johnson, Member of the B. A. & C. Council:— "With reference to putting down the white ball, I think it should always be done when it is in the jaws of a pocket and there is no means of getting in-off or moving it away by making a cannon. In this case it is, of course, best to play for position for continuing with the red ball, otherwise a double or single baulk. In certain circles it 5s still considered unsportsmanlike to pot the white, and in friendly games one has often to bow to that opinion. It is very absurd, and it is certainly not billiards as it should be played. The idea is to win the game, and by not putting the white down when it is the right thing to do, you not only lose an opportunity of scoring, but perhaps may lose the game."
Mr. Alfred J. Peters, Member of the B. A. & C. Council:—; "I should answer: ' It is the right thing to do.'"