"You just ran nine racks but you won't give me a spot?"
"I can't; I haven't seen you shoot yet." ~ anonymous pool hall banter

 

 

Which Cue Should I Buy?

Obviously, nothing on earth can be as beneficial to your game as a good cue. But, what is good? Well, that's what they call a "gray" area. If you've been using a warped house cue with a slip-on tip, I suppose one of those pieces of junk they sell at KMart, WalMart or Sports Authority might seem good to you. However, I think you should aim higher. How high is up to you. Many popular brands - Action, Players, for example - have good cues for players in the beginners to intermediate class for from $30 to $70. These are playable cues, but they might not hold up as well as a cue that costs $300 or more. The best cues have better hardware and are made out of better wood. They will stand up to countless tip changes without compromising the ferrule. There can be no argument against the proposition that better is best. So, get the best cue you can afford and you'll never be sorry. Find advice on How To Choose A Pool Cue, along with an illustrated description of pool cue anatomy, and a discussion of soft versus hard tips, on our special cue page.

"To use a cue at billiards well is like using a pencil, or a German flute, or a small sword -- you cannot master any one of these implements at first, and it is only by repeated study and perseverance, joined to a natural taste, that a man can excel in the handling of either." ~ William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair

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“This is a most amusing game. When you play badly it amuses me, and when I play badly and lose my temper it certainly must amuse you.” ~ Mark Twain

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"He's probably never been to Minnesota..." ~ Willie Mosconi, world champion pool player, commenting on infamous hustler Minnesota Fats

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"A three-cushion player doesn't need to be married. He already has enough aggravation." ~ Danny McGoorty

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