Can you play pool with a break cue?

A break cue is an alternative pool cue to a playing cue, and offers a high-performance option for one of the most fun shots in pool – the break. Break cue construction makes it a perfect tool for pounding the cue ball extremely hard, extremely often.

What is the point of a break cue?

One of the main reasons players opt for a breaking cue is to avoid wear and tear on their playing cues. Breaking requires more force and has a greater impact on the pool cue's tip, especially if it is a leather tip. With repeated breaks, the leather tip of a nice cue will mushroom over time.

Are break cues legal?

Two common examples of bad sportsmanship are: conceding an unfinished game; and breaking down a cue during play. Both forms of conduct are frowned upon by professionals, and have no place in amateur play. All players are asked to allow opponents to finish the game before racking the balls or breaking down cues.

What break cue do the pros use?

Cuetec Bullet Break Cue. The Cuetec Bullet Break might be cheaper than most in this list but still packs enviable power. Some of the top pool pros, such as Shane Van Boening, use this cue stick.

Are players break cues good?

A break cue is heavier, which delivers more force. Additionally, it has a harder phenolic tip that transfers more energy to the cue ball. In fact, this type of cue can be so effective at improving your break that some leagues and tournaments prohibit its use.

Break Cue Comparison

What cue did Tom Cruise use?

The famous scene in the 1986 sequel to The Hustler, The Color of Money where Tom Cruise is given a beautiful cue by Paul Newman and told, “It's a Balabushka,” made the name Balabushka synonymous with top quality pool cues.

Is a lighter or heavier break cue better?

The idea is that the lighter the cue, the faster you can swing it. And the faster you can swing it, the harder you can break. Because this theory revolves around acceleration and speed, lighter break cues are good for players who are able to be accurate with a fast, athletic break stroke.

Can you jump with a break cue?

This is the proper and only legal way to execute a jump shot, and this is why it makes sense that a jump cue is shorter. So there you have it, a jump/break cue is used as kind of a multi-tool in the sport of pool. Personally, I prefer to have a separate break and jump cue, but to each their own. Have fun!

How heavy should a break cue be in pool?

What Weight Should My Break Cue Be? The ideal cue stick weight varies and depends on one's personal preference. However, heavier sticks providing similar accuracy and speed tend to break with greater power than lighter cues. For the break cue, you want a stick that falls under the standard weight (18-21 oz).

What are best pool cues?

How often should you chalk your cue?

How Often Should You Chalk Your Cue? Some players find success re-chalking after every other shot, but others prefer to re-chalk before each shot they take. You can chalk your cue more sparingly if you want, but if you need to take a shot with some spin, it's a good idea to apply some chalk.

What is the heaviest legal pool cue?

Per BCA rules, a pool cue may not weigh more than 25 oz. There is no maximum length specified. The tip may not be wider than 14 mm, and the ferrule may not be longer than one inch.

How do professionals break in pool?

Are heavier break cues better?

A heavier cue will tend to create more CB speed for a given stroke effort. A heavier cue might also be easier for some to keep on line during the stroke, but this is a very individual thing. More weight can also help prevent stroke deceleration.

What is the best shape for a break cue tip?

The most common shape for a pool cue tip is either a nickel radius or dime radius. The common belief is that the more curvature you put on your tip, the more english you can apply.

Do you lose if you sink the cue ball on break?

If any balls are sunk on the break, the breaking player continues to shoot. The table remains open after the break regardless of what is sunk on the break. Sinking the cue ball on break is a scratch and passes the turn to the opponent, giving them ball in hand.

What is a sneaky Pete cue?

A Sneaky Pete is designed to look like a poorer quality, traditional house cue instead of a custom cue. The idea behind this was that people would underestimate the capabilities of their opponent and be susceptible to being hustled.

What is the best cue weight for beginners?

Length & Weight

Cues usually weigh 18 – 21 ounces. For a beginner, we would recommend about 20 ounces.

What is the most expensive pool stick?

The McDermott Intimidator Masterpiece Cue - $150,000. Owning the most expensive playable pool cue in the world will set you back about $150,000. The Intimidator, like all great art, lives up to its name. When you pull out your one-of-a-kind pool cue, your opponent is sure to feel threatened.

What pool cue was in The Color of Money?

The Color of Money Cue by Joss Cues is a replica of the pool cue used in the classic Martin Scorsese movie, "The Color of Money." Referred to in the movie as a Balabushka, this cue was, in fact, a Joss Cue.

Did Tom Cruise learn pool?

10. THEY DIDN'T HAVE TIME FOR CRUISE TO LEARN EVERY POOL SHOT. Cruise prepared for his role by shooting a lot of billiards, estimating that he had improved “200 percent” in a few weeks' time. Cruise performed all of his own pool stunts, except for when Vincent jumps two balls to make his desired shot.

What is the 3 point break rule in pool?

The 3-point break rule is in effect. For a break to be legal a player must drive 3 object balls past the head string, or a combination of 3 pocketed balls and balls above the head string. Failure to execute a legal break is not a foul.

Where do you hit on the break pool?

On the break, the first shot of the game, the cue ball must be played from behind the head string (i.e., in the “kitchen”). If an object ball is pocketed on the break, you get to continue with your turn, unless you scratch (i.e., you pocket the cue ball) on the break.