Should break jump cues be banned?

Question

I have heard of people using ruberised tips to make jump shots easier, which just seems wrong to me, so should players be limited to one shaft or at least have the shafts of their cues all be of the same type.

I have also noticed that there are a few pro players who break with their playing cue, like Shane Van Boening. Could break cues also be banned. Not sure about this one as I always liked seeing guys like Alain Martel break and put a 30 degree bend in their cue?

Answer 1

Stu',

I understand your point and appreciate your question.

Pool and Snooker have evolved just like so many other sports have. As the game evolves, so does the equipment. Some players still break and play with one cue. Playing with one cue for every purpose, does not necessarily mean that they are playing with a 'break cue'. It may be their only cue. While I do have three cues, not one of them is a "break cue" per se.  My break cue IS my pool cue. It is in no way modified for either breaking or playing only. My playing/break cue,  is simply a standard pool cue.

I've seen many players break AND play with their "play cues" and bend the heck out of their shafts. I too, break with my pool cue. I don't bend the shaft on my break like I used to. There is no need to bend the shaft when following through on a good break ---a completely different topic of discussion.

Banning the jump cue is fruitless at this stage in the game. I'd like to see pool played with ONE cue, but that's just not realistic as the game and the equipment have evolved over the years. All I can suggest is to become proficient with jumping, kicking, and good safety-play.

I remember when basketball had NO 3-point shot. It was simply unheard of.  Many fans highly protested it to no avail. The 3-point shot was implemented for fan appeal. The same holds true for jump-shots in pool. They eventually made equipment (jump cues) to help players with this artistic and crowd-pleasing shot. It has indeed changed the game. I feel that if a player wants to perform a jump-shot, they should have to use their playing cue. Unfortunately, I do not make the rules. It's all about fan appeal. It has taken away from the pure game of Pool. Jump-shots have been played for decades, but executed with regular pool cues. Personally, I find that to be more challenging and exciting to perform and to see, than with these modified jump cues that make the jump-shot so much easier. Fans will never come to  appreciate the complexity of the jump-shot, as long as the rule makers allow players to modify their cues and use jump-cues (mini-cues). Unless and until the players protest the use of these modified cues on a grand scale, we're stuck with it.

Pool, like all sports, WILL continue to evolve no matter how much it takes away from the pure game and how it was initially intended to be played.

Welcome to the 21st century -

LAG

Answer 2

The division of the APA I play in does not allow Jump Cues.  Most people I know with break cues have a harder tip on their break cue but that is about the only difference.

Answer 3

Nothing wrong with using a break cue or a jump cue. What about using a bridge, do you think a bridge should be banned as well.  

Answer 4

Another "break" issue...like I pointed out earlier, it is a very if not the most important part of the "pro" game.  If you can check out the "break" tape from Bert Kinister...really a great "technique" and really works once you get it down....but as I said earlier, I can' run them out and only end up scattering them.....I do think that jump cues should not be allowed..takes away the kicking game.....I go to all of the trouble of snookering you and then you pull out you "mini" stick and jump....I think it is cheating....but you will never see it eliminated.

Answer 5

What if a jump - break is the only cue you shoot with???

I really dont get your point.But Im his Kid I aint Johnny

Point of intrest -He is ok  Just so much Med. he is kinda out of it still