How it works
The bridge does one job: it keeps the front of the cue on line while the back hand swings. Any wobble at the bridge shows up as a miss at the ball, so the bridge hand presses down firmly on the cloth, with weight on the fingertips and the heel of the hand.
There are two basic bridges. Most other bridges are variations of them.
Open bridge Hand flat, fingers spread, knuckles slightly raised, thumb pressed against the side of the index finger. The cue rests in the V between thumb and index finger. Easy to learn, and you see the cue ball clearly. Good for most shots at the start, for long reaches and for follow.
Closed bridge The index finger curls over the cue and forms a loop with the thumb. The cue can’t jump out, so it’s steadier for power, draw and precise shots. Many strong players use it a lot, but both bridges are fine at any level.
Height: keep the cue as level as possible. To hit higher on the cue ball, raise the bridge by drawing your fingertips in. To hit lower, flatten the hand. Don’t lift the back hand to aim low.
Length: the distance from your bridge to the cue ball. About 20 cm (8 in) is a good start: shorter for soft, precise shots, a bit longer for power. A very long bridge magnifies any small error.
Step by step
The open bridge
- 1
Put your hand flat on the cloth about 20 cm behind the cue ball, fingers spread.
- 2
Pull the fingertips back a little so the knuckles rise.
- 3
Press your thumb against the side of your index finger to form a V.
- 4
Lay the cue in the V and press the whole hand into the cloth.
- 5
Check the tip height: it should point at the centre of the cue ball with the cue level.
The closed bridge
- 1
Start from the open bridge.
- 2
Curl your index finger over the cue and touch it to your thumb, forming a loop.
- 3
Rest the cue on your middle finger and thumb, with the loop snug but not tight, so the cue slides freely.
- 4
Press the hand down, then check the height and length as above.
Special bridges
Rail bridge When the cue ball is near a cushion, put your hand on the rail and guide the cue between your fingers. Avoid side spin: miscues come easily here.
Elevated bridge To shoot over a blocking ball, stand the hand up on the fingertips. Use a short, easy stroke and no side spin.
Mechanical bridge (rake) For shots you can’t reach. Place it close to the cue ball, hold it steady with your free hand, and use a short, smooth stroke.
Common mistakes
Loose bridge hand
The hand slides or lifts during the stroke. Also keep your hand, sleeve and body clear of other balls: touching one is a foul (WPA rule 3.6).
Lifting the back hand to hit low
Raises the butt, which makes it harder to hit accurately, and any side spin makes the cue ball curve. Lower the bridge instead.
Bridge too long
Small wobbles turn into big misses.
Loop too tight
The cue sticks in a closed bridge. Clean the shaft or use a glove.
Bridge hand half on the cushion
It wobbles. Use a proper rail bridge instead.
Practice this
Exercise · Level 1
Bridge switch
Play 10 easy straight shots with an open bridge, then 10 with a closed bridge. Notice which feels steadier.
Exercise · Level 1
Rail line-up
Put an object ball on the long rail about one diamond from a corner pocket and the cue ball 5 cm off the same rail, further back. Pot it straight along the rail 10 times with a rail bridge.
Check yourself: you can form both basic bridges in a few seconds without looking at your hand, and your bridge hand doesn’t move during 10 practice strokes. Then you’re ready for the next lesson.