J.B. (Dover).-—There is no mention of the point in the Rules of Billiards, but the custom certainly is that if a spectator hears a game called wrongly he is at liberty to correct the marker. And, if the correction is necessary, I do not see the least ground for objection. But the correction must be made simultaneously with the mistake, it would be futile to dispute the score at the finish of the break or game.
"Argument" (Aldershot).—The point you raise is governed by that fine old precedent—"the custom of the Service." As far as my experience goes, pool games for small stakes are permitted in sergeants' messes and rank and file billiard rooms in barracks. But this is always a privilege, and it would be quite within the powers of any Officer Commanding to prohibit play for stakes, however small they might be.
Boniface (London).—Your question is rather a poser. You state that in your billiard room when a game stood at "99 all," the object white was left right on the lip of a pocket. The striker played at it hard and recklessly and just missed the ball, but the forcible impact of the cue-ball against the cushion close to the pocket caused the white to drop. You ask:" What ought to be done under the circumstances?"—The B.C.C. rule on the point says, "A ball which has stopped on the edge of a pocket shall, if it falls in from vibration, be replaced; if it balances momentarily on the edge and falls in it must not be replaced." From this it is evident that the ball should be replaced and the stroke played over again, in which case it is any odds you like that the striker will score and win. On the other hand, it may be argued that as the striker made a miss the game is over and the ball ought not to be replaced.
This view of the matter is strengthened by the circumstance that in all probability the vibration which toppled the ball over was caused by the miss, and in equity it does not seem right that the player who made the miss should be given a million to one on chance of winning simply because the ball happened to drop. It has been ruled before now that when a ball on the verge of a pocket falls in before it can be struck by another ball progressing towards it, it must be replaced and the stroke played over again. This is obviously just, but your case is hardly the same, and although on the wording of the rule I cannot see what else is to be done except replace the ball and replay the stroke, yet I think there may be aspects of the matter which might be referred to the Council of the B.C.C., and I have no doubt that if you send a letter to the Secretary you will get an official ruling settling the point.
Marker (Brighton).—There are no official rules for "Shell Out." The game is identical with pyramids, except that any number of players may play in turn, and that the last red, which is played on until taken, counts two. There may be local variations regarding the last ball, but there is no exception to the rule that each nonstriker must "shell-out" an agreed stake for each ball pocketed by a player. It is a nice game—for those who can pot a ball well.
W.W.H. (Eastbourne).—Many thanks for your nice letter. It is most encouraging when a reader writes: —" I have taken your valuable paper from the commencement, and can honestly say that my play has benefitted thereby." Much obliged for your reminder re the diagrams, the matter is now under consideration, and as soon as it is settled you will be duly notified. As regards your difficulty with the long "jennies," you state: "I am told to play long 'jennies' slow with plenty of side, but I find that the object kisses the cue-ball before it gets properly by it and spoils the shot. This is especially so when the object is very near a cushion. Should be glad to hear how I can get over this. Perhaps it is due to incorrect placing of the cue-ball in the D." You are mistaken in assuming that the kiss is due to placing the cue-ball wrongly in the "D." If a first-class professional placed the cue-ball for you it would be long odds against your making the "jenny." The explanation is very simple. You aim at the point on the object ball you desire to hit, and play slowly with plenty of side. Consequently, the cue-ball swerves perceptibly as it runs up the table, and by the time it reaches the object it has deviated to such an extent that a thick contact brings about the kiss which spoils the stroke. This defect can be remedied by aiming quite fine at the object ball, and allowing for the effect of side to bring about the desired contact. A little practice will soon show you the exact point to aim at, and, of course the allowance for swerve must be decreased or increased according to the distance of the object ball from the baulk line. But when the ball played at is beyond the middle pocket, the most usual position for a long "jenny," it is wonderful how fine you can aim at the ball and make the stroke.
Needless to say, you must play slowly and impart a maximum of side to the cue-ball. Perfect strength, which requires a tremendous amount of gauging will leave the object ball in the middle of the table. Fortunately, however, the stroke can be made every time without achieving such positional perfection, but the stroke must be played slowly or it will never be a certainty. It will not matter a great deal if you strike the cue-ball a fraction below its horizontal centre when imparting side for the "jenny," but you must bring the tip of your cue into contact with the edge of the ball as near as you can without miscueing. But do not poke nervously at the ball play freely with a nice, gentle swing of the cue, and aim as directed and the long "jenny" will soon have no terrors for you.