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Table 3: Tools of the Trade

Should there be an introduction for this page?  I don't think so.   Just scroll down, and find the ``tool" you want to read about.

The Cue

Definately, this is the premier tool you have to choose when playing pool.  There are lots of cues out there...that's for sure, but how do you choose a good one?  Read on:

• What weight cue should I use?  This is all a matter of taste.  While a heavy cue (20-22 ounce) provides powerful and a stronger hit, the light cue (17-19.5 ounce), lets you control the cue ball much more.  This, to me, is very important; that's why  I prefer an 18.5 oz..  Currently, I shoot with a Meucci.
• How should the tip be shaped?  Ideally, the tip of your cue should be rounded like the egde of a nickel.   Professionals shape their tips to be equal to that of the edge of a dime.   Unless you *really* know what you are doing, the dime shaped tip will only apply too much ``english" to the cue ball, and your game will be really bad.  If you could care less about nickels and dimes, just be sure not to use a cue that has a flat mushroomed tip.
• I have my own cue...but how do I keep it clean?   The shaft of the cue should be cleaned on a regular basis.  This will prolong the life of your cue, and make shooting a lot easier.  Here's what I do:  I use the great product, McDermott's ``McMagic"(retail: $7.95) to get the grit and grime of chalk and debris off of the cue.  (McMagic has the equivalent to 7,500 grit sandpaper.  Yea, it's that good).  That serves to clean the cue.  Then, I use ``Cue Silk" (retail: $5.95/bottle) to seal the cue.  By it's name, you can guess that it does a wonderful job in making your cue very sssslllliiiicccckkkk.  The trick is, you have to know how to use it.  After the cue silk is applied, I use a 9,000 grit sandpaper to finish the shaft off.  When all of that is complete, the cue shaft is left very smooth, and very shiny. Email me if you have any questions.

(Hustler's Note:  They say that having your own cue, and using it on a regular basis helps you game improve up to 20%!  Can you believe that?  It's true.  BUT, if you, the cool guy hustler, want to do any real hustling, you best put away that grand $500.00 Meucci and play with a house cue.   No idiot in their right mind will bet any good amount of money with someone who is shooting with a cannon, ya dig?)

The Chalk

There's not much to this one.  I'm only including it because it is often forgotten that chalking your cue can "make or break" your shot.   Proper chalking can help you appy the correct english, as well as decreasing the chances of a miscue.

When chalking, make sure you...:

• Use a piece that is not all hollowed out.  That way, you can be sure that chalk will cover the entire tip.  A hollowed out piece will, at best, chalk up the outer edges of your tip...and that's not good enough.
• Hold your cue at an angle.  This way, the debris chalk shavings don't all fall upon your shaft.

The Table

Odds are, if you have your own table, you know how to take care of it.   Just a few pointers to stick with:

• Don't vacuum the top of your pool table  Brushes work good enough.

• Don't Let your cat (or your drunk friend) sleep on your table.

• Ping pong is great, but they have special tables (without the felt) for that.

• Don't sit on the table.  Yes, it is VERY sturdy, but over time, you will weaken the foundation.

Feel free to mail any other pool table dont's, and they might be added to the list.

Miscellaneous

The Tip-Pick: This is a fine tool. Although it's retailed at about 12 bucks, if used correctly, it will provide you with a good tip.  After you properly shape the tip, use this tool to (1) rough the tip up, and (2) add little gullies, so that more chalk will hold.  If you have the money, I say buy it... RATING: 3.141592

McDermott's McMagic:  This is a really good shaft cleaner.  There are four multicolored plastic-type sheets that act as a step by step process to clean the shaft of any wooden cue.  If used correctly, (horozontally rubbed, make sure no heat builds up), these little sheets can work wonders.  They retail at about 8 bucks, and they are worth every penny.  One good thing is:  they can be cleaned and re-used.  RATING: 5

Cue Silk:  This stuff is also highly recommended.  Being only about 6 bucks a bottle (it is a liquid), you can really seal and slick your shaft up.  Appy with any type of   rag.  Note: don't apply it with a towel or tissue, for the cue silk will soak into the towel rather than the wood.  I use this stuff after the McMagic.  It's very good, but if you're not *very* serious, it's not all important.  RATING: 4.5

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