Bridges: Open, Closed & Rail
The hand shapes that guide the cue — when to use each one.
The open bridge
Lay your hand flat, draw the fingers back to raise a groove between thumb and forefinger, and let the cue slide in that channel. The open bridge is easy to form, gives a clear view of the tip, and is ideal for soft and medium shots. It is the friendliest bridge to learn on.
The closed bridge
Loop your index finger over the cue to form a ring, so the shaft runs through a tunnel instead of a groove. This locks the cue down and keeps it on line through a powerful stroke, which is why players favor it for break shots and hard draw. It takes practice to form quickly and comfortably.
The rail bridge
When the cue ball is frozen to or near a cushion, you cannot build a normal bridge. Instead, lay the cue over the rail and guide it with your fingers pressed against the rail top, keeping the stroke level and short. Learning a few rail-bridge variations keeps otherwise awkward shots under control.