THE GAME OF BILLIARDS

Shannon News, 1 December 1925, Page 2

THE GAME OF BILLIARDS

Private practice is the golden key to success at billiards, but if it is to be o± appreciable value, it must be earned out-with the fixed resolve to master one stroke thoroughly before (passing- to another. Neglect of this rule accounts for so many players pleading that the things they do at practice fad them in actual play. The fact is that tney have not practised any one stroke Jong en ough to have more than a partial knowledge of it. '• Mark Twain's Lament. When Mark Twain declared: "The game of billiards has destroyed my naturally sweet disposition," he gave the following story in explanation: "Years ago, when I was an underpaia reporter, whenever I wished to play billiards I went.out to look for easy marks. One day a stranger came to town and open'ed a billiard saloon. I looked him over casually. When he proposed a game, I. answered, All xight.' " 'Just knock the balls around a little so that I can get 'jomi gait,' he said, and when I had done-so, he remarked, 'I will be perfectly fair with you. I'll play left-handed.' I foU hurt, for he was cross-eyed, freckled, and had red hair, and I determined to teach him a lesson. He won first shot, ran out, and all.l got was the opportunity to chalk my cue.. 'lf you can play like that with your left hand,' I said, "I'd like to see you play with your right.' 'I can't/ he said, 'l'm. left-handed.' " > < Cream of the Game. It is surprising what an interesting diversity of opinion there is on the point of "What is regarded as, the cream of the game," as frequently discussed by billiards players. Generally speaking, "top of table" play, interspersed with a touch of "all round" billiards, has the better of the discus-1 sion. In days gone by nothing much except the rousing "screw shot" or the spectacular cannon oft* a multiplicity of cushions evoked real applause at firstclass billiards—always excepting the ovation inseparable from the conclusion of a notable break. Now, however, positional strokes frequently fill the bill, as has' been evidenced by most all the top-notcheTS, but more especially by the brilliant young artist, Walter.! Lmdrum, whose delicate play and indicate touches at the "spot end" have always been appreciated to the full by patrons who signified their approval and delight in unstinted applause. It is indeed-a very healthy sign that the marvellous control of the balls in the limited area at the top of the table always meets with the flattering recognition it merits. By that it is clearly demonstrated that more are studying the game, are paying sufficient attention to it to be able to enjoy its finest aspects, and to such the top of the iable billiards will always be accepted as the cream of the game. Variety and Charm.

The casual observer probably finds 1 the alternating cannon and red winner rather tame after he has seen it once or twice, an dhe is not at all sorry when the position is lost and the player is forced to adopt more open methods for a while. But this is not the case With what may be termed the expert spectator. He watches every stroke in the vicinity of the spot with eager "interest. The battle to keep the cueball in ideal position, to confine strength to a fractional part of an inch, or to utilise every degree of screw and side is full of pleasure and excitement to those who know the true meaning of the situation. To such, the top of the table game is full of infinite variety and charm, and will always claim their support as the most fascinating de- ' partment of our great national indoor game.