8.—Would it not be a good feature in The Billiard Player to publish a billiard problem every month and offer a prize for the first solution?
We do not believe very much either in diagrams or prize solutions for a billiard journal. A single inch on the table is enough to upset any diagram, and the precise position given might not present itself in actual play for years. We shall give, however, from time to time, diagrams embodying essential principles.
9.—I am now just turned 21, and when I left the Army 18 months ago I had never handled a billiard cue. Since then I have made a break of 55 on a full size table and 171 on a three-quarter size. Could you say whether this is anything above the average in the circumstances?
It is certainly above the average, and the performance on the three-quarter table—by which we understand you to mean 9 by 4½—is quite a remarkable one and should be quickly followed by 100 on a full-size table.
10.—The point has been raised whether players— amateur or professional—who have no reasonable likelihood of winning should be allowed to compete in championships. What is the opinion of the editor of The Billiard Player?
The idea, no doubt, is to get acclimatized to strenuous games and to have the opportunity of observing crack players at close range. To that extent the essay is to be applauded. But a real national championship should be on a county basis, as cricket is, and we hope to see this condition eventually applied.
11.—Is Smith's method of addressing the ball with the tip of his cue some inches from it one that you would advise ordinary players to adopt, or is it merely a mannerism? All players seem to have a mannerism of some kind. I also notice that Smith has a sort of brass ferrule on the end of his cue. What is this for?
You mention an interesting point, and we should like to have an article from some observant contributor on the mannerisms of billiard professionals. If it is not forthcoming we will write one ourselves. But we do not think that Smith's cue delivery is a mannerism.
He wants, we suggest, to be quite sure of not touching the ball in addressing it. The tip to his cue is understood to form a permanent end, so that in re-tipping the cue need not be shortened.
12.—In a recent game at our Institute it was the turn of the player with the spot ball. The other two balls were touching, but he played at them. Was not this a foul?
It is only when the cue ball is touching the red that the balls have to be spotted. The reason is that any stroke moving the red in such a position must necessarily be a push stroke and, therefore, foul.
13.—Sometimes players lower the point of the cue before striking the ball, but raise it again in actually making the stroke. I believe that Diggle always did this. Can you say what is the reason?
The only reason that occurs to us is that the exact centre of the cue ball is better judged at the point where it touches the cloth than higher up.
14.—Shall be grateful to learn, through the medium of your columns, an effectual treatment for warp in a well-seasoned cue.
Walking sticks are straightened after being placed in hot sand at the bent part. Perhaps the same effect might be obtained by warming carefully and gradually in front of a fire, the convex portion of the bend being, of course, turned towards the fire.