Top 10 Reasons to Use an OPEN BRIDGE

Dr. Dave explains and demonstrates all advantages an open bridge has to offer. The closed bridge was used almost exclusively by American pool players in the past, but snooker players use an open bridge exclusively and there has been a definite trend toward an open bridge in pool ... and for good reason.

Contents:
0:00 – Intro
1:00 – 1: Easy to Learn
1:50 – 2: Stable
2:24 – 3: Unobscured View
3:02 – 4: Accurate “V” Guide
3:29 – 5: Centered
4:17– 6: Low Resistance
4:57– 7: Versatile
5:37 – 8: More Reach
5:49– 9: Accurate Pivots
6:31 – 10: Reveals Stroke Flaws
7:47 – Minor Disadvantages
8:33 – Wrap Up

Supporting Resources:
- “Pool and billiards grip and bridge technique and advice” video:

Subscribe to Dr. Dave's YouTube Channel:

Follow Dr. Dave on Facebook:

Show your Support (click on the donation button at the top of this page):

Purchase Dr. Dave's Instructional Videos and Merchandise:

Find Answers to Any Pool Questions:

Look Up Definitions for Pool Terms and Phrases:

Get Your Pool Diploma:

Attend a 3-Day Pool Boot Camp or Take a Private Lesson:

Learn More About Dr. Dave:

Good Luck With Your Game!!!

[DrDaveBilliards]

*Contents:*
0:00 – Intro
1:00 – 1: Easy to Learn
1:50 – 2: Stable
2:24 – 3: Unobscured View
3:02 – 4: Accurate “V” Guide
3:29 – 5: Centered
4:17 – 6: Low Resistance
4:57 – 7: Versatile
5:37 – 8: More Reach
5:49 – 9: Accurate Pivots
6:31 – 10: Reveals Stroke Flaws
7:47 – Minor Disadvantages
8:33 – Wrap Up

*Supporting Resources:*
- “Pool and billiards grip and bridge technique and advice” video:

[Editor_Hound]

One of the best things that happened to me as a young snooker fan, when I started playing billiards, is that I always used an open bridge. A closed bridge seems really restrictive to me. Awesome lesson at always, Dr.Dave!

[northstarr]

I've mostly used a closed bridge over the 6 years I've been playing. This video has helped me to start learning the open bridge better. Thanks again for more good content.

[EverlastingLuigi]

i recently switched to an open bridge and although it was hard to get used to, i’m so glad i stuck with it. after watching your previous videos, watching pro players, and watching snooker, i knew i had to make the switch to elevate my game. i never knew how much a closed bridge (or in my case a weird closed/open hybrid) could mask stroke flaws. the open bridge has really pushed me to correct my stroke and i’m potting so much more consistently now. i think my biggest issue was putting accidental sidespin on the cue ball and missing shots which i thought were aimed correctly. now that i’m using the open bridge and really focusing on shooting straight, my potting has improved tremendously. thank you Dr. Dave!

[billquiggle]

You suggested this in a lesson, I tried it and never looked has worked for me. Thanks!

[snookerhand]

Dr, Dave, this has been a long time coming. When I was just learning I tried the closed and open bridge. The closed bridge was never comfortable, just stylist. I found the open bridge did not have to have pressure applied like the closed bridge when applying full speed. The fingers broke up my line of sight and sometimes hindered my cue stroking. I thought silently to myself: what a crock of shit! I even break 8Ball with an open bridge. The cue sometimes jumps about. But who doesn't on some strenuously executed short. Sometimes some fundamentals run amiss. Then again, why care if I have already completed my stoke. Thanks Dave.

[RadioTom]

Wonderful! This video gives my recent efforts to switch to an open bridge even more incentive. I've been getting better results with an open bridge over the closed ones I've always used, but I find that I have to consciously decide to do it on each shot or I fall back into old habits.

[skiman]

I'll shoot both with a open or closed bridge depending on the shot. There's shots where a open bridge is actually going to make the shoot harder and same thing goes for a closed bridge. You really need to be comfortable using both.

[alextavarez]

Great content Dr. Dave. I shoot most of my shots effectively with what I call the “devil horns” style open bridge, where my middle and ring fingers are curled in. I feel this type of open bridge provides the best stability, it works for me all the time. I do use a closed bridge when necessary for mid-range to long draw shots, but I find that for follow shots whether soft or hard an open bridge works best, as it’s easy to adjust my aim while being able to fully see the cue ball.

[IcemanSK]

I'm not physically able to make an open bridge and I struggle making decent closed bridges due to cerebral palsy. I still love the game and appreciate your videos. Thanks!

[ChasingChinster]

Great and informative video, Dr. Dave! When I started playing a lot on 7' tables, I saw many players use the closed bridge as a crutch to power the ball around on slow cloth. I remember switching to the open bridge and focusing on the purity of my stroke and was able to move the cue ball around with relative ease. I also appreciate the simpler editing style without the sound effects!

[rbthekingalpha]

Good thing I chose to play with an open bridge from the beginning. Thank you for the Info Dr.Dave. Awesome video as always 🔥

[itsNicoRobii]

hi dr dave, after watching this video i decided to immediately go to my university’s student lounge to test this video on the pool table. i couldn’t believe how i never realized that i could play so much better by following this as wel as your other videos. i appreciate you a lot.

[beercanbrian]

I instinctively switch between an open and closed bridge without much thought. Whatever feels right for any given shot. Both work just fine.

[SarahsJewelryStudio]

I enjoy watching your videos and have noticed my game getting better. I just love your extremely accurate "what the" reaction that I see and hear at league so often! 😂

[KingStibroz]

Thank you for making this video. Draw shots are one of the most inconsistent area with my game and I've been trying to incorporate the closed bridge thinking it will fix my problems. After seeing this video I think I just gotta leave that idea and just practice my power shots more. I never felt too comfortable with the closed bridge anyway even though at times it gave great results.

[tkmeurleader]

I used to believe that you could get more power using a closed bridge until I started watching snooker. The cue power they generate with an open bridge is just incredible.

[waynewynnx]

Love the "What the..!?" humor part. 😂🤣
That's exactly my reaction whenever I have bad strokes on crucial deep screw and top spin shots.

[outcast_performance]

"tightening up during a stroke" yeah that happened to my grandfather

[thebreak]

Thank you very much for this video sir. It has now given me a boost of confidence. Yesterday I failed to win my deciding rack because of missing an easy shot on the 8, because nerves had taken over me and I was using a closed bridge. But later on in that same match a made consecutive balls with open bridge to give myself some relax and managed to clear the rack to win the race. And now this video has given me more relax thinking that open bridge is not a bad thing after all.
Thank you again for such wonderful descriptions sir.