Snooker

Recently, I talked to some of the 6-Red Sangsom Players, held here in Bangkok between 7-12 July, on advices for new players. Here are what I observed from the conversation. Should be a good thought for those entering the game :
1. Get someone experienced to advice you on the basics (bridge hand, cueing hand, stance, feeting, etc. Follow those advices.
2. If you want to be a regular player, hoping to play better and better as time goes by, get yourself a personal cue. But if you play only for fun, good club’s cue should be well enough.
3. Personal cue means the cue that fits you well, e.g. correct length, comfortable weight, proper butt diametre, and about 9.5 – 10mm cue tip. Use good cue tip (such as Elk, or Blue Diamond, or those in the upper class quality – it’s like putting good tires to your car). Seek ‘fitting’ specs from your adviser.
4. They give most important consideration to the quality of the shaft (ash or maple, dont matter) – wood should be well matured and dried, straight, and quality of the cue tip using. Cue Balance that fits your playing style (weight forward, middle, or butt). When asked about butt beauty – layers of splices, etc., they said it’s personal choice and nothing to do with playing quality (I like beautiful butt work as I am not a good player but wanted to be recognized by other players).
5. Practice, practice, practice, and practice. Improve your weaknesses. Don’t aim for higher scores at start, but firm basics, potting angles, and where your cue ball will be for next potting balls.
6. Cue with good quality will last a very long time, with proper care. Tendency of quality cues will come from good cuemakers. Handmade or machine made is not a criteria here. I saw Ken Doherty using machine spliced cue (perhaps it’s made by a good cuemaker, or it’s the one that fits him very well) and played very well in both attack and offensive.
Hope this helps