This and part 1 of this series is exactly what I have been looking for. I can find the rules of English Billiards online and I know how to play it, but until now I could not find any videos on how to break off and common strategies such as the top of the table strategy. Thanks so much
A brilliant video. 55 years ago my misspent youth involved a lot of time playing billiards. Arrived early before lectures to win lunch money. Later years we left lunch early to fit in a game before afternoon lectures. We have just moved into a retirement village where the game is snooker, not billiards. I am totally clueless at snooker, and after seeing these two videos I now understand the fundamental differences between the two games. The most important difference, it seems to me, is where the cue ball is struck. So often in billiards, it is anywhere but the centre of the ball, and vice versa in snooker. I will now approach snooker with a much humbler attitude, realising my past billiards prowess, such as it was, counts for naught with snooker. And very likely I will need to unlearn old habits, and develop new ones. What a joy it was to watch such a skilled billiards player. Thank you both for both education and enjoyment.
Old Codger. I think it was Joe Davis who said Billiards was 10% cueing and 90% tactics whilst Snooker reversed those percentages. I don't think for one minute that he meant that seriously but he was trying to make the point that Snooker really does demand more on the cue action.
Was nice to see some billiards on the channel. I've been playing billiards for just under 2 years and I know I've improved as recently, myself and my doubles partner, won our first trophy.
Cheers Barry, that’s great, anything to help promote Billiards 😃 Great videos by the way, if you see James send him my regards as we crossed cues many years ago on the billiards circuit
Hi Barry. Have you got any tips on how to improve your knowledge on the table. This includes knowing the angles of the table. I realize it comes with experience but is there any other way to learn
Quoman. You are right by saying that experience is the real key, however you can also use the markings on the table, for example, just using the cue ball place it on any spot strike it at any point on the table, ( for example the cushion opposite the pink spot) register what happens and where the cue ball goes. Use your imagination to give a point of aim e.g. a foot from the middle pocket etc. Don't be afraid to make notes and remember that the right angles of the table make it easy to form parallelograms with the path of the cue ball, these are vital when getting out of snookers and for cue ball position.
Yes I have enjoyed these 2 videos Barry and I'd be happy if there were more. The spots on the two cue balls is very handy for observing how other players are using side, especially when it is used to drag the ball into a pocket. On your question: I have never heard of anyone having a foul called on them for not having one foot in contact with ground when taking their shot?
Music. I do agree that the spots on the ball do give an insight into the spin a player is applying. I will reveal the answer to the question in due course.
We called “three extra balls on the table” as one leg was usually along the edge of the table. Probably archaic and fallen into disuse as this was 55 years ago. But definitely called a foul in those olden days.
Hi Barry. Nice video. Would like to add that billiards is mostly played with top rather than snooker being stun & even screw. Also there are Lindrum lines and the magic circle near the blue spot. You also should throw in a mention about Fred Davis and Geet Sethi, the only man to have scored a 1000 break in Billiards and 147 in snooker.
Also on a natural half ball, 50% striking energy is transferred between both balls, so both white and object balls travel the same distance(50% each). This reduces as the cut angle increases.
Nandagopal. I totally agree with everything you say, I love to watch Walter Lindrum on UA-cam, or come to that, any competent billiard player, especially at the top of the table, snooker players could benefit from a little practise in that area.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thank you Sir. Great pleasure to see your reply. I am an amateur snooker player who took up Billiards later on like so many others. I feel there are some things if I had known earlier with Billiards, could gave helped in any cueing sport.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach I can see why as well, especially when, after seeing how it's played, it looks more strategic than snooker in certain aspects, namely the angle-centric approach towards shots/shot strategy
Really nice video Sir, quite helpful, but here in Greece we play a totally different version of Billiards. We play what is called the 3 cushion billiards. The table has no pockets, it's larger than a pool table and smaller than a snooker table. It has also 3 balls, a white, a yellow and a red. What is the purpose: To hit with your ball one of the other two balls, then contact three cushions, before hitting the second ball. It's really difficult but it can test your ability to use side. We call it the French Billiards. I think internationally it's called carom. Thanks for the video Sir!!!!!
Yes, I believe this game is called English Billiards. 3-Cushion Billiards one of several types called Carom Billiards played on tables that do not have pockets, typically 10 feet in length, including balkline and straight rail, cushion caroms, three-cushion billiards, artistic billiards and four-ball. Here in America English Billiards is virtually unknown, but I've seen some top amateur players playing a carom billiards game on a tournament-sized pool table. These were the kind of guys who play the game called One-Pocket.
George. I saw this game played at top level when I accompanied Kyren abroad, I was very impressed with the skills of the players and particularly their control when using side and also their knowledge of the angles.
Yes indeed, it really requires a lot of skill and experience to maneuver your ball around the table. I still believe though, that snooker is the most difficult game as far as Billiards is concerned. SNOOKER IS THE CHESS OF BILLIARDS!!!!!! Thanks for your reply Sir!!!!!!
tom. I am fairly certain that all professionals have tried the Taom chalk but not all of them like or use it. On the plus side it leaves less chalk on the table and does tend to reduce kicks, (how it dos this I'm not sure) however There are far too many mis-cues by top players who use it and for that reason I am not a fan. If a player is conscious of a possible mis-cue there will be an element of doubt in his mind and he won't commit fully to the shot in hand. Kyren has had doubts about it in the past but now uses it because he says the latest product is slightly better. I don't play often enough to let it bother me one way or the other.
Yes it was, it is the parts of the baulk line from the green and yellow spots to the side cushions. they have no relevance in the game of snooker, only billiards.
Hello Sir, big fan here! Great to see someone spreading the importance of billiards for snooker player!! I've got couple of questions: 1. This video indicates that red can be pot twice before it comes to the blue spot. Does that count of two include the red pot from any position or I can pot twice from black spot. i.e. lets say I pot the red from any position other than black spot, do I get two more pots from black spot before going to blue? 2. I could really relate to your shot with double attempt i.e. red pot and a cannon. I tend to do that very often while playing billiards assuming I would have a backup plan. Problem is whenever I am trying to do two things at a time, I tend to miss both the shots. Can you help with this? Should I drop the idea of having a backup plan? Thanks for the wonderful video.
Nishant. On the first question, Yes the two pots only count from the black spot. On the second question, I believe that there may be some confusion, you don't play the pot and the cannon with the same shot. An example would be, play a cannon at the same time knocking the red towards the pocket (not potting it) You then pot the red trying to leave the cue ball in a position whereby you can play a cannon, then a pot followed by a cannon, repeating the process. Not easy but worthwhile practising.
That is superb Sir Barry!! Will definitely have a go at this in order to improve the positioning of the cue ball!! You are one hell of a good coach!! Thank you...Thank You ...THANK YOU - Regards from sunny Malta!! :) With regards to your question, that has appeared and never been used??...i've wrecked my head thinking and overthinking....come on give us the answer please :)
Shawn. I believe I am right in saying that one player to win world titles at snooker and billiards comes from your part of the world. Paul Mifsud. I urge you to keep thinking on the question and also to be a little more patient.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach will wait patiently for the next video to get the answer. Yes Paul Mifsud was a very good snooker and billiard player....in billiards for sure he was the best from our little island :)
Hi Barry, I've watched your earlier videos on bridging and keeping the cue straight etc but I'm still rarely hitting the center of the cue ball and its giving me unwanted spin, completely ruining my game. When I feather, I can see the variations in my cue movement which is causing the problem - what would you say about no feathering at all except one before I hit the cue ball? I know Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor (in some shots) did this so just wondering,although Higgins had an incredible amount of natural talent. Many thanks
Smooth. I have the belief that if you cannot feather the cue straight then how can you play the shot and expect to cue straight. Also for me the feathering helps the player to develop a feel for the shot he is about to play. I am afraid you need to do some hard and at times frustrating work, may I suggest that you cue along the baulk line, don't try to hit a ball just feather along it. Feather without the cue touching the chest, make the action long and smooth, this gives the best chance of grooving the muscle fibres and producing that straight cueing that we are all trying to achieve. Once you are happy with this just bring the chest back into the action by allowing the cue to rest against it and you will find it gets easier, practice this skill regularly and good luck.
Hello Mr stark I hope you're doing well I have a problem with my stance When I walk into the shot and get down on the cue I feel a Lil pain in the back of my right knee I have tried different ways but I stiil feel that pain Any advice?
Fariba. This is actually quite common and generally is down to too much weight being placed upon the right leg, the weight distribution should be about even or for some a little more onto the left leg. Try placing your left foot a little more in front of the right allowing the body weight to be more forward. Failing that try bending the right leg very slightly, as long as you are stable this is not a problem in fact a few professionals play like that.
TheLast. English billiards is extremely difficult but you can learn an awful lot from it and apply those skills to snooker. If you are a snooker player and wish to learn more about billiards I can recommend a book ( The Snooker Players Guide to English Billiards, by Martin Goodwill and Roger Morgan)
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks, much appreciated. One thing that still confuses me- when does the second player get to come to the table? When the first player neither pots a ball nor cannons?
Another answer might be the butt end of the cue - its use was outlawed in 1885, but the chamfer to enable it to slide along the cloth is still put on butts today!
Dwm. Not necessarily, anatomically we are all slightly different, we vary in build, size and flexibility and for some people the text book position is very difficult to achieve without tension which should really be avoided. The only thing that matters is that you cue in a straight line, get through the ball and can play all the shots, how players achieve that can vary quite a lot.
Hi Barry Been enjoying your videos and they have been very helpful in improving my snooker skills. I decided to try out billiards on your advice but ended up in one situation where I didn't understand the rules for I played a thin in-off the object white but missed the object ball entirely and sent the cueball straight into the pocket without it touching any balls I know this is a foul and my opponent is awarded 2 points but I got confused if this means my opponent is playing with only the red and his cueball on the table because I've put him in a disadvantage because of my foul. Is that right or does something else happen? I tried to find the answer on a few websites but couldn't find an answer and ws hoping you'd tell me Thanks
After a foul your opponent has the choice of having the balls spotted i.e. red on the black spot, opponents cue ball on the blue spot and play his own cueball from hand.
Hi barry I've been following your videos for a long time now and they've been very helpful. But recently i saw one of your older videos on 'how to determine your dominant eye' and i observed that my dominant eye is my right eye. Since then I've been missing alot of pots in my game. Is this a normal thing or am i doing something wrong entirely ??
Not an expert but I'm gonna guess your head position is different thanks to you trying to work with your dominant eye and are paying less attention to how you're cueing. Also when you change something about how you play away from what was previously comfortable you'll probably get worse initially. Just a case of practicing over again.
Unaiz. Using your dominant eye correctly is an important aspect of playing snooker, however players tend to become obsessed with this and often line up incorrectly. Being right eye dominant some players believe that the cue must be directly under their right eye, this is incorrect, the cue should certainly be in such a position that it favours the right eye but seldom should it be directly under it. Most players adopt the correct position naturally and you should only adjust this if it is causing you to cue across the ball. Test whether you are cueing across the ball on the baulk line, you should be able to adopt a cueing position and your cue should cover the whole of the baulk line, if it doesn't then some adjustment may be necessary.
Hi Barry It would appear that my comment on billiards part 1 was blocked from public view, any reason for this ? I was only trying to spread the word about billiards and what a truly great game it is. I also noticed you didn’t reply to my comment unlike others ?
Hi Barry I’m really struggling with consistency in my game some days I can be really good then some days I can’t pot a ball, and I can’t figure out which part of my game I need to work on to improve this, I know you have lots of videos for improving but I was wondering if you could tell me something i could work on specifically to improve this many thanks
Also I have been playing for 5 years never really taken it serious and my highest break is 72 but I’m very inconsistent on some days I can’t make a 10 break
Roman. Consistency is the one thing that we are all striving for, even a beginner can pot the occasional outrageous shot but ask him to do it again and they can't. The difference is that the good player can and quite simply it is down to better technique. If you want to improve you will have to take it seriously, you will only reach a certain level by just playing at this game. As with any sport look at the whole game, isolate an aspect of that game and practise it until you become proficient at it and then put it back into the game. This process when it relates to snooker starts with the cue action, where you place the bridge, where and how you hold the cue, are you cueing straight. To determine this, place yourself on video and study it, I would be surprised if you cannot spot something that needs more work.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach That is so true Barry thank you so much for taking the time to reply and yes there is many things to work on! Haha there is no easy shortcut just hard work and dedication thank you so much all the best
Hello, Barry! Please, please, please, for the love of God, make a video about doubles. Please! I have been trying so much to play the so called 'double' [shot] with very limited success. There must be a way to learn more about them. Thank you in advance and long may your videos continue!
Techno. Sorry but you are using the wrong balls for billiards. The official rules say the diameter is 52.5mm with a tolerance of +/- 0.5mm. Perhaps you are getting mixed up with Carom or some other game.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach yes the balls are called Carom balls do you know much about them I bought them from a guy on ebay in Greece .only cost me £50. I use a modified pool table in my garage a uk 7 foot pool table. I am able to use 2 inch and 2 1/16 balls easily. But I modified it to use american balls as well by sanding down the mdf board I just have to use a plastic box as its a coin op table. their is little difference using uk pool balls and snooker balls but a big difference using american pool balls. The carom balls are another step up being even bigger. size is 61.5mm
Mehar. I believe I have included this in one of my videos, it can be advantageous but really only used as a last resort. The cut and size of the pocket opening varies a little and so does the outcome when playing this shot. I will try to cover it again at some point.
I've heard people say billiards is boring. In other words, if you don't understand it - criticise it. Billiards is a wonderful game - the forerunner of snooker.
This and part 1 of this series is exactly what I have been looking for. I can find the rules of English Billiards online and I know how to play it, but until now I could not find any videos on how to break off and common strategies such as the top of the table strategy. Thanks so much
Noel. Glad to be of help.
A brilliant video. 55 years ago my misspent youth involved a lot of time playing billiards. Arrived early before lectures to win lunch money. Later years we left lunch early to fit in a game before afternoon lectures.
We have just moved into a retirement village where the game is snooker, not billiards.
I am totally clueless at snooker, and after seeing these two videos I now understand the fundamental differences between the two games.
The most important difference, it seems to me, is where the cue ball is struck. So often in billiards, it is anywhere but the centre of the ball, and vice versa in snooker.
I will now approach snooker with a much humbler attitude, realising my past billiards prowess, such as it was, counts for naught with snooker. And very likely I will need to unlearn old habits, and develop new ones.
What a joy it was to watch such a skilled billiards player. Thank you both for both education and enjoyment.
Old Codger. I think it was Joe Davis who said Billiards was 10% cueing and 90% tactics whilst Snooker reversed those percentages. I don't think for one minute that he meant that seriously but he was trying to make the point that Snooker really does demand more on the cue action.
Excellent video ! Thank you Barry & Jamie.
sundowner. Our pleasure.
Fantastic Barry this really helps put the last video into context in a live game scenario.
mezman. Fantastic game billiards, I still regret not playing it a little more frequently.
Barry u are a genius and such a nice person. My game has improved so much since i started watching your videos. Thanks alot
clash. Not sure about the genius bit but thanks anyway, very pleased that your game has improved and I have helped.
Was nice to see some billiards on the channel. I've been playing billiards for just under 2 years and I know I've improved as recently, myself and my doubles partner, won our first trophy.
Real. Very well done. Keep up the improvement its a lovely game.
I can't play snooker but I watch your all videos your all videos are best
You are best coach of snooker.
Hahaha
THINGS. Many thanks for the compliment. much appreciated.
This is such a great UA-cam channel. Good work Barry.
rvic. Glad you like the channel and many thanks.
Cheers Barry, that’s great, anything to help promote Billiards 😃
Great videos by the way, if you see James send him my regards as we crossed cues many years ago on the billiards circuit
Gary. Don't see James as often as we would both like for many reasons but I will certainly pass on your regards.
Hi Barry. Have you got any tips on how to improve your knowledge on the table. This includes knowing the angles of the table. I realize it comes with experience but is there any other way to learn
Quoman. You are right by saying that experience is the real key, however you can also use the markings on the table, for example, just using the cue ball place it on any spot strike it at any point on the table, ( for example the cushion opposite the pink spot) register what happens and where the cue ball goes. Use your imagination to give a point of aim e.g. a foot from the middle pocket etc. Don't be afraid to make notes and remember that the right angles of the table make it easy to form parallelograms with the path of the cue ball, these are vital when getting out of snookers and for cue ball position.
Yes I have enjoyed these 2 videos Barry and I'd be happy if there were more.
The spots on the two cue balls is very handy for observing how other players are using side, especially when it is used to drag the ball into a pocket.
On your question: I have never heard of anyone having a foul called on them for not having one foot in contact with ground when taking their shot?
Music. I do agree that the spots on the ball do give an insight into the spin a player is applying. I will reveal the answer to the question in due course.
We called “three extra balls on the table” as one leg was usually along the edge of the table. Probably archaic and fallen into disuse as this was 55 years ago. But definitely called a foul in those olden days.
This and part 1 have been great as, with my 9-ball cue have been looking to learn this game and I have some skittles too.
Koshi. Glad you like the video.
Adoro seus vídeos. Obrigado pela postagem!
Hi Barry. Nice video. Would like to add that billiards is mostly played with top rather than snooker being stun & even screw. Also there are Lindrum lines and the magic circle near the blue spot. You also should throw in a mention about Fred Davis and Geet Sethi, the only man to have scored a 1000 break in Billiards and 147 in snooker.
Also on a natural half ball, 50% striking energy is transferred between both balls, so both white and object balls travel the same distance(50% each). This reduces as the cut angle increases.
Nandagopal. I totally agree with everything you say, I love to watch Walter Lindrum on UA-cam, or come to that, any competent billiard player, especially at the top of the table, snooker players could benefit from a little practise in that area.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thank you Sir. Great pleasure to see your reply. I am an amateur snooker player who took up Billiards later on like so many others. I feel there are some things if I had known earlier with Billiards, could gave helped in any cueing sport.
A much belated reply but it is a brilliant diversion from snooker, especially when you rightly can learn a lot from billiards
Abdul. I wish I had time to play it more often, great game.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach I can see why as well, especially when, after seeing how it's played, it looks more strategic than snooker in certain aspects, namely the angle-centric approach towards shots/shot strategy
the baulk line on either side of the D
Jon. In the words of Michael Caine, not a lot of people know that, well done.
Really nice video Sir, quite helpful, but here in Greece we play a totally different version of Billiards. We play what is called the 3 cushion billiards. The table has no pockets, it's larger than a pool table and smaller than a snooker table. It has also 3 balls, a white, a yellow and a red. What is the purpose:
To hit with your ball one of the other two balls, then contact three cushions, before hitting the second ball. It's really difficult but it can test your ability to use side.
We call it the French Billiards. I think internationally it's called carom.
Thanks for the video Sir!!!!!
Yes, I believe this game is called English Billiards. 3-Cushion Billiards one of several types called Carom Billiards played on tables that do not have pockets, typically 10 feet in length, including balkline and straight rail, cushion caroms, three-cushion billiards, artistic billiards and four-ball. Here in America English Billiards is virtually unknown, but I've seen some top amateur players playing a carom billiards game on a tournament-sized pool table. These were the kind of guys who play the game called One-Pocket.
Thank you for your information!!!!
George. You are welcome sir.
George. I saw this game played at top level when I accompanied Kyren abroad, I was very impressed with the skills of the players and particularly their control when using side and also their knowledge of the angles.
Yes indeed, it really requires a lot of skill and experience to maneuver your ball around the table. I still believe though, that snooker is the most difficult game as far as Billiards is concerned.
SNOOKER IS THE CHESS OF BILLIARDS!!!!!!
Thanks for your reply Sir!!!!!!
What do you think to the taom chalk all the pros use? And do you use it yourself?
tom. I am fairly certain that all professionals have tried the Taom chalk but not all of them like or use it. On the plus side it leaves less chalk on the table and does tend to reduce kicks, (how it dos this I'm not sure) however There are far too many mis-cues by top players who use it and for that reason I am not a fan. If a player is conscious of a possible mis-cue there will be an element of doubt in his mind and he won't commit fully to the shot in hand. Kyren has had doubts about it in the past but now uses it because he says the latest product is slightly better. I don't play often enough to let it bother me one way or the other.
Hi Barry, thanks for the video...was there an answer to the question at the end of this one?
Yes it was, it is the parts of the baulk line from the green and yellow spots to the side cushions. they have no relevance in the game of snooker, only billiards.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach ah i see, thanks for clearing that up for me!
Look foward to next video. Thanks for your advice. I'm billiard player. Fall in love snooker
I believe billiards and snooker compliment each other, you seem to share that view. Many thanks.
Hello Sir, big fan here! Great to see someone spreading the importance of billiards for snooker player!!
I've got couple of questions:
1. This video indicates that red can be pot twice before it comes to the blue spot. Does that count of two include the red pot from any position or I can pot twice from black spot. i.e. lets say I pot the red from any position other than black spot, do I get two more pots from black spot before going to blue?
2. I could really relate to your shot with double attempt i.e. red pot and a cannon. I tend to do that very often while playing billiards assuming I would have a backup plan. Problem is whenever I am trying to do two things at a time, I tend to miss both the shots. Can you help with this? Should I drop the idea of having a backup plan?
Thanks for the wonderful video.
Nishant. On the first question, Yes the two pots only count from the black spot. On the second question, I believe that there may be some confusion, you don't play the pot and the cannon with the same shot. An example would be, play a cannon at the same time knocking the red towards the pocket (not potting it) You then pot the red trying to leave the cue ball in a position whereby you can play a cannon, then a pot followed by a cannon, repeating the process. Not easy but worthwhile practising.
That is superb Sir Barry!! Will definitely have a go at this in order to improve the positioning of the cue ball!! You are one hell of a good coach!! Thank you...Thank You ...THANK YOU - Regards from sunny Malta!! :)
With regards to your question, that has appeared and never been used??...i've wrecked my head thinking and overthinking....come on give us the answer please :)
Shawn. I believe I am right in saying that one player to win world titles at snooker and billiards comes from your part of the world. Paul Mifsud. I urge you to keep thinking on the question and also to be a little more patient.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach will wait patiently for the next video to get the answer. Yes Paul Mifsud was a very good snooker and billiard player....in billiards for sure he was the best from our little island :)
Hi Barry, I've watched your earlier videos on bridging and keeping the cue straight etc but I'm still rarely hitting the center of the cue ball and its giving me unwanted spin, completely ruining my game. When I feather, I can see the variations in my cue movement which is causing the problem - what would you say about no feathering at all except one before I hit the cue ball? I know Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor (in some shots) did this so just wondering,although Higgins had an incredible amount of natural talent. Many thanks
Smooth. I have the belief that if you cannot feather the cue straight then how can you play the shot and expect to cue straight. Also for me the feathering helps the player to develop a feel for the shot he is about to play. I am afraid you need to do some hard and at times frustrating work, may I suggest that you cue along the baulk line, don't try to hit a ball just feather along it. Feather without the cue touching the chest, make the action long and smooth, this gives the best chance of grooving the muscle fibres and producing that straight cueing that we are all trying to achieve. Once you are happy with this just bring the chest back into the action by allowing the cue to rest against it and you will find it gets easier, practice this skill regularly and good luck.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks I will keep giving it a go, I'll get there in the end haha
The great game.😛
Hello Mr stark I hope you're doing well
I have a problem with my stance
When I walk into the shot and get down on the cue
I feel a Lil pain in the back of my right knee
I have tried different ways but I stiil feel that pain
Any advice?
Fariba. This is actually quite common and generally is down to too much weight being placed upon the right leg, the weight distribution should be about even or for some a little more onto the left leg. Try placing your left foot a little more in front of the right allowing the body weight to be more forward. Failing that try bending the right leg very slightly, as long as you are stable this is not a problem in fact a few professionals play like that.
I had never seen English billiards before last week and tried it down the local snooker hall. It's a lot more difficult than James makes it look!
TheLast. English billiards is extremely difficult but you can learn an awful lot from it and apply those skills to snooker. If you are a snooker player and wish to learn more about billiards I can recommend a book ( The Snooker Players Guide to English Billiards, by Martin Goodwill and Roger Morgan)
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks, much appreciated. One thing that still confuses me- when does the second player get to come to the table? When the first player neither pots a ball nor cannons?
What has never been used? The cup? (at least not as something to drink from?).
Another answer might be the butt end of the cue - its use was outlawed in 1885, but the chamfer to enable it to slide along the cloth is still put on butts today!
Hi Barry when a foul is made in billards and you want to re spot the balls what spot do you put your opponents ball on?
Noel. The opponents ball goes on what would be the blue spot in snooker.
Thank you Barry you're a gentleman
Hi, when i play snooker, i cant get my shoulder behind my head. Is there something that i am doing wrong?
Dwm. Not necessarily, anatomically we are all slightly different, we vary in build, size and flexibility and for some people the text book position is very difficult to achieve without tension which should really be avoided. The only thing that matters is that you cue in a straight line, get through the ball and can play all the shots, how players achieve that can vary quite a lot.
Thank you
Hi Barry
Been enjoying your videos and they have been very helpful in improving my snooker skills. I decided to try out billiards on your advice but ended up in one situation where I didn't understand the rules for
I played a thin in-off the object white but missed the object ball entirely and sent the cueball straight into the pocket without it touching any balls
I know this is a foul and my opponent is awarded 2 points but I got confused if this means my opponent is playing with only the red and his cueball on the table because I've put him in a disadvantage because of my foul. Is that right or does something else happen?
I tried to find the answer on a few websites but couldn't find an answer and ws hoping you'd tell me
Thanks
After a foul your opponent has the choice of having the balls spotted i.e. red on the black spot, opponents cue ball on the blue spot and play his own cueball from hand.
Hi barry
I've been following your videos for a long time now and they've been very helpful. But recently i saw one of your older videos on 'how to determine your dominant eye' and i observed that my dominant eye is my right eye. Since then I've been missing alot of pots in my game. Is this a normal thing or am i doing something wrong entirely ??
Not an expert but I'm gonna guess your head position is different thanks to you trying to work with your dominant eye and are paying less attention to how you're cueing. Also when you change something about how you play away from what was previously comfortable you'll probably get worse initially. Just a case of practicing over again.
Unaiz. Using your dominant eye correctly is an important aspect of playing snooker, however players tend to become obsessed with this and often line up incorrectly. Being right eye dominant some players believe that the cue must be directly under their right eye, this is incorrect, the cue should certainly be in such a position that it favours the right eye but seldom should it be directly under it. Most players adopt the correct position naturally and you should only adjust this if it is causing you to cue across the ball. Test whether you are cueing across the ball on the baulk line, you should be able to adopt a cueing position and your cue should cover the whole of the baulk line, if it doesn't then some adjustment may be necessary.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thank you so much ... Your advice helps me alot .. and it feels nice that you reply everytime i ask a query 😇..!!
Hi Barry
It would appear that my comment on billiards part 1 was blocked from public view, any reason for this ? I was only trying to spread the word about billiards and what a truly great game it is. I also noticed you didn’t reply to my comment unlike others ?
Gary. Sorry about that, because you actually mentioned a link in the comment it was held for review and slipped my mind. It has now been published.
It is the Cannonaid aka the rest which one handed players use?
Graham. Sorry, no.
Mmmm. Is it a replacement cue ball in case of damage due to bouncing off the table etc?
Hi Barry I’m really struggling with consistency in my game some days I can be really good then some days I can’t pot a ball, and I can’t figure out which part of my game I need to work on to improve this, I know you have lots of videos for improving but I was wondering if you could tell me something i could work on specifically to improve this many thanks
Also I have been playing for 5 years never really taken it serious and my highest break is 72 but I’m very inconsistent on some days I can’t make a 10 break
Roman. Consistency is the one thing that we are all striving for, even a beginner can pot the occasional outrageous shot but ask him to do it again and they can't. The difference is that the good player can and quite simply it is down to better technique. If you want to improve you will have to take it seriously, you will only reach a certain level by just playing at this game. As with any sport look at the whole game, isolate an aspect of that game and practise it until you become proficient at it and then put it back into the game. This process when it relates to snooker starts with the cue action, where you place the bridge, where and how you hold the cue, are you cueing straight. To determine this, place yourself on video and study it, I would be surprised if you cannot spot something that needs more work.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach That is so true Barry thank you so much for taking the time to reply and yes there is many things to work on! Haha there is no easy shortcut just hard work and dedication thank you so much all the best
Very helpful video's sir
Mehar. Glad to be of help.
Hello, Barry! Please, please, please, for the love of God, make a video about doubles. Please! I have been trying so much to play the so called 'double' [shot] with very limited success. There must be a way to learn more about them. Thank you in advance and long may your videos continue!
Martin. How can I refuse all those please's.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach THANK YOU! I’ve been struggling with that shot for too long! Looking forward to the video :)
Not seen this before today. If someone said billiards. Id think of a table without pockets.
JC. Both very different but equally skilful games.
Is the answer 'the reserve table'?
Simon. Sorry, no. I will reveal the answer in the next video.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach "I will reveal the answer in the next video."
I've just watched that very video and no you did not.
How about the single letters stamped on some of the equipment.
I should of said some of the single letters so two tries.
Just had another idea how about an insect of some sort.
@@TELE6220 HaHaHa!
Paul. Full marks for trying, you are not right yet though.
My natural instinct kicked in and was always looking for the pot 🙈
Daniel. A common problem when a snooker player takes up billiards.
Sometimes you can restrict your options by potting in billiards.
Is the answer the fishing tackle? :D
Jason. Good thinking but sorry no, wrong answer.
ah dam I thought I had it lol hmmm Great question Barry Stark Snooker Coach 🤔
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach the scoreboard
what size of balls are you using
Techno.They are a standard set of snooker balls approved by World Snooker and measure 52.5mm in diameter.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach but billiard balls are 61mm in size I know as I own a set.
Techno. Sorry but you are using the wrong balls for billiards. The official rules say the diameter is 52.5mm with a tolerance of +/- 0.5mm. Perhaps you are getting mixed up with Carom or some other game.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach yes the balls are called Carom balls do you know much about them I bought them from a guy on ebay in Greece .only cost me £50. I use a modified pool table in my garage a uk 7 foot pool table. I am able to use 2 inch and 2 1/16 balls easily. But I modified it to use american balls as well by sanding down the mdf board I just have to use a plastic box as its a coin op table. their is little difference using uk pool balls and snooker balls but a big difference using american pool balls. The carom balls are another step up being even bigger. size is 61.5mm
Sir please make a video on how to do jaw shot, escape from snooker with the help of jaw shot please sir
Mehar. I believe I have included this in one of my videos, it can be advantageous but really only used as a last resort. The cut and size of the pocket opening varies a little and so does the outcome when playing this shot. I will try to cover it again at some point.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach thanks sir
Snooker fans will say billiard is nothing
Bokimo. That can be a common belief until they try to play it, then they will realise the skills involved.
I've heard people say billiards is boring. In other words, if you
don't understand it - criticise it. Billiards is a wonderful game -
the forerunner of snooker.