Advice from the Professionals - Q & A's |
| Looking
for information or need help or advice with a particular aspect
of your game?
Here's your opportunity to get expert opinion on a one to
one basis - click
here to send your question to JV |
| Q. Hi John, Mr Virgo.
I was having a debate with a mate from a snooker game online and i said that if a player intentionally goes in off to get advantage of play, the ref can actually replace the balls and make the player take the shot again, my mate said that is not correct.
Can you please clear this up for us both so the debate can end.
Thanks Wayne. |
| A. Hi Wayne. Thanks for your e mail, any intentional foul can be punished with the balls being replaced. The most common, is if a player needs a snooker with only pink and black on the table. The pink is over the pocket and the player needing snookers deliberately plays an in off. Good luck JV |
| Q. Hi John. I'm a fairly new player and I'm thinking of buying my first cue. Could you please tell me if there any specific things I should be looking for when buying, or is it a case of just picking one you like the look of the most. Many thanks, Mark |
| A.Hi Mark A cue is a personnel thing, there are so many good cues to choose from. I would suggest you find one that feels good to you should be fine. The only stipulation I would make, is don’t go smaller than a 9 mm tip. Regards JV |
Q. Hi John. Could you tell me the best colour chalk to use as I use light green at the moment and my father-in-law uses a dark blue, the problem I am having is that my chalk do not seem to stick to the tip where as my father-in-laws sticks better than the colour I use. I have tried to get hold of the same colour chalk but everyone seems to stock only the light green or could the problem I am having is due to the quality of my tip I appreciate the time given to answer my question
Best regards Steve |
| A. Hi Steve Thanks for the e mail, the reason most professionals use green chalk is we find it does not stick to the cue ball as blue chalk does. If you're having a problem with the chalk staying on your tip, tryroughing it up with file or sandpaper.Regards JV |
Q. Hi John.I've just turned 14 and I love the game of snooker. I want to become a very good, sucessfull player. I've been playing at my club Rileys in Preston for the last 3 days I have practised for 6-7 hours on full size tables . I went for the first time for a play but as I got going I began to enjoy it and love it that was a month ago. I have been watching snooker since I was a kid. But never been able to get access to a full size table till now. I have a 6x3 at home. Im paying 12 pound a day which is a lot of my money Do you know of any other clubs. Maybe clubs or centres owned by professionals in the Preston area (or Lancashire area) .
Secondly. In the last 3 days I have improved a lot on my short potting getting 60 - 70% of short pots potted on the reds mainly. I play some great long pots too and have improved at long pots. My posistional play is bad. I play okay topspin, but no sidespin because when I try I miscue it. And backspin isn't good (I know how to play it but can't master it and fail with shots not even spinning back sometimes). I practice with the red balls in a straight line for position. but play topspin on that practice need to get backpin and sidespin into that drill. Do you know of ways I can improve my game( practice drills,skills,).
Thanks Sam |
A. Hi Sam
Thank your for your e mail, playing any sport nowadays is expensive. I was lucky, in my club in Salford the manager would give me free table time for helping him
Clean the tables. Your practice routines are on the right lines, I wish I could help you more, but as I don’t know the area you live in its difficult.
Some clubs do have a resident coach, for a fee you can get tuition and table time maybe that’s the answer.
Good Luck JV |
| Q. Hello John, My hand that the cue slides when I shot is always kind of sweating so the cue faces exessive resistance during my cue action. Sometimes you can literally hear the cue producing a whistling sound because of that. I know that there is a glove I could wear that could help on that. It there any other way to put something in my hand ( i.e. a powder like product) for not having this resistance during my cue action? If there is something, Is this going to last or I would have to put this every 10 minutes? I m playing pool about 13 years and that was always my no 1 problem. Many thanks. Tassos |
| A. Hi Tassos, I would always wipe my cue with a slightly damp cloth, it worked for me. Good luck, JV |
| Q. Hi John, I have a 7 year old son, who is very good at snooker and pool. Would you advise me to get training from a professional or let his natural talents grow on their own.Thank you. Janette Wilkinson |
| A. Hi Janette, there are so many instructional videos on the market and snooker on television, I would give his natural talent a chance. Regards, JV |
| Q.
Hi John could you please give me any advice on shaping my tip
please, I have noticed some pros now use the mushroom tip what
is this? Many thanks Dave |
| A.
Hi Dave Thanks for your email, most players dome there tip slightly,
you do this with a fine piece of sandpaper. Lightly sanding
the edge of the tip, until you get the desired effect. A mushroom
tip is one that is slightly bigger than the end of the cue,
it overhangs slightly hence the term Mushroom, players use this
type of tip to avoid putting unintentional side on the cue ball.
Regards JV |
Q.
Hello John, I have been playing snooker for 4 years
now and have made good progress. I play regularly at the local
club, bought my own cue, so I have been doing the correct
things to I prove my game. I watch snooker frequently but
there is a few factors that hinder my performance. When I
miss a few easy shots I lose my head very quickly and get
agitated and that's the game finished or ruined.
Do you have any tips to help me keep patient and level headed.
Also,I tend to miss easy shots due to the fact I lose a bit
of concentration and once, and do you have any advice to keep
concentrated. Finally I am always playing with some one else
do you have any training activities that i can do on my own
to improve my game. Thanks, C Rodgers |
| A.
Hi. The most frustrating thing with the game of snooker is when
you miss, such is nature of the game that when your opponent
is at the table you have to sit there and suffer. Concentration
is important, but so is technique, try to practice a bit more
on your own and develop your cue action. The more confidence
you have in that, the more consistent you will play. Best of
luck JV |
| Q.
Hey John, I have a problem I can usually do backspin but recently
the cue ball hasn't been coming back that far, could it be that
I haven't cleaned the table recently so there's too much friction
to get a good backspin or am I doing something wrong? Thanks
Marc |
| A. Hi Marc. Thank you
for your email. To create backspin you hit the cueball below
centre with follow thro.You mention that you have not cleaned
the table for a while, that will not help, as the table will
get slower. It may also be an idea, when cleaning the table,
you give the balls a wash. Regards JV |
Q.
Hi John. Please explain step for step how to line-up the shot.
Someone told me to place my cue on the line of the shot and
then to bring my body inline with the cue. Do you agree with
this? I’m still a learner. Thanx,
Lyndon
|
| A.
Hi Lyndon. The basic principal for a good cue action is to be
able to push the cue thro straight, if you stand in a position
where you cant do this you Have a problem. That is why I agree
with placing the cue on the line of the shot, bringing your
body into line with nothing to interfere with the shot. Good
Luck JV |
| Q.
Hi, John. I have a bit of a dilemma concerning tips! What is
the best tip to use, the Elkmaster or the Blue Diamond and which
is the softest? Thanks, Mick |
| A.
Hi Mick. I personally prefer the Elkmaster, the reason, in my
opinion it knocks in quicker than the blue diamond. Both tips
though are very good. Regards JV |
Q.
Hi John, I have recently taken up snooker again after many
years. I used to play everyday up until the age of 17 then
stopped, I'm now 23 and I just can't seem to get into my game,
I miss so many easy shots and I'm thinking about getting coaching.
Many people have said no, you're too old to even bother, but
I disagree. I don't think you're too old to learn something
you love again. I was just wondering what you thought about
this matter. Just one more question please John to settle
an argument. If you are snookered and you hit a colour instead
of a red, does the opponent get 4 points or the value of the
colour hit? Your feedback would be very appreciated. Andy
|
A.
Hi Andy, If you enjoy a sport of course you should persevere,
coaching can help, but firstly I would play to enjoy, to see
if that gets you playing better. Snooker as I am sure you
are aware is a difficult game to master, be patient and don’t
expect to much to soon. World Snooker has coaching schemes
if you decide to go down that route. In the meantime keep
you head still and push the cue thro straight. If you make
a foul shot the minimum penalty is four points, if you make
contact with a colour valued more than 4 points you give penalty
points To the value of that ball. Good Luck JV |
| Q.
Dear John. My mate reckons that he saw Rex Williams pot the
blue straight from the break-off in a televised game. Personally
I think he's making it up. Please confirm either way. Cheers,
Paul |
| A.
Hi Paul. I don’t remember the instance you refer to,
but I have seen it happen on numerous occasions. Trying to
come round of two cushions you catch the blue three quarter
ball it can go in the top pocket. Cheers, JV
|
Q.
Hi John. Can you help me on my angles to pot. I am ten and
practice on a 6x3 table every day. Also my break is terrible
my average is 9 - if I'm lucky 15. Please help me. One more
thing my positional play is not so good, I pot one then a
another - then I go and miss. Careen
|
A.
Hi Careen. As someone who started just like you on a small
table, I know how difficult it is to make big breaks. You
should just enjoy getting used to hitting the ball with a
cue, in preparation for when you get to play on a full size
table. Keep Practicing. JV |
Q.
Hi John, still great to hear your commentary at the BBC -
long may it last. Your are real ambassador for the game. I
have been playing since 13 so that's about 16 years. My highest
break is 128 and I have won several amateur events etc and
now playing on the B tour (pro ticket events). I'm ranked
40th with 2 events to go.. hehe. Still a chance I guess
Now to my problem:
My problem is firstly, not being able to
make my pause consistent. I think this could be the reason
for my lack of consistency? (I am quite a fluent player prone
to rushing). I also tend to go for the wrong shot on my break
building. I have had coaching in the past but cannot seem
to increase my consistency and I often break down too early
in my breaks that dents my confidence. What so you suggest?
Thanks John, God bless. James |
A.
Hi John, thanks for your e mail. The pause is important but
with every cue action, it is only part of it. The take away
is just as important, drawing the cue back slower prepares
you for a shot better than anything. You say you rush shots,
easy done, by slowing down your backswing you will be more
in control. Good Luck JV |
|
Q. Dear John,
I have for many years admired your game and approach to the
game of snooker and I think your commentaries are extremely
good. Several times I have sent this question to the 'team'
when a snooker tournament has been shown on TV, but all I
get is a 'rubbish' automated reply. Being disabled I would
find it very difficult to get along to any venue to watch
the game 'live', but I always follow the matches on TV. I
would be very grateful for your thoughts on my impression
of the 'touching ball rule', detailed below.
Being a logical thinker, as a Scientist/Mathematician
all my working life, everytime 'touching ball' is called by
the referee I cringe. One player may have played a really
good shot and gets caught by the touching ball rule - why
should his opponent have an easy shot, which may then put
the original player in a snooker? If touching ball (for reds)
allows the player to 'play away', having deemed to have played
a red by the act that it was touching it - then logically
touching ball on a colour means that playing away from it
will automatically incur a penalty as the coloured ball will
have been 'played'. This rule can very easily be changed so
that 'touching ball' on the reds will mean that the ball has
to be played away, but hit another red. If there is only one
red on the table this could be very interesting as the player
may have to play out of a snooker. This means that the original
player might gain an advantage, which he might justifiably
have earned from his original stoke. Yours sincerely, Ivor
K Pearce |
| Q.
Dear Ivor, thank you for your email which was mentioned in my
commentary. Regards, JV |
| Q.
Hey there. I have been a Jimmy fan for a number of years.
I think he is capable of winning some ranking matches and it
would be great for snooker and fans to see this, as well as
yourself. However I have noticed he has put on weight. Would
it be an idea to get him fighting fit?. Snooker is a game played
in the mind too, and if you feel refreshed you stand a better
chance on the challenges. If you feel sloppy you might play
it too. It's worth a mention. Zoran |
| A. Hi
Zoran, Thanks for you e mail, could not agree with you more.
Regards JV |
| Q.
Hi. Should snooker tables have spots on them to mark where to
place the colours, or is a drawn on cross better for the table.
I hate spots on the table but I am being told they protect the
table. Which is better? Carl |
| A.
Hi Carl. Spots do protect the cloth, you should see the championship
tables after a week without them. Regards JV |
|
Q. Hi, I’m
14 years old and started playing snooker when I was little.
I like to do a good break and usually clip the edge of the
end red, get the cue ball to hit the top cushion in the top-right
corner and double it to the same place on the right cushion
so it goes down behind the blue so it doubles off the left
cushion and I try to get it to snooker behind the green but
it never works. I’d like to know how professionals usually
break so I could try and get a better break. There are a couple
of pictures of basically what happens but they are only an
approximation. The first one is what happens and the second
one is approximately how it ends. I know that they still can’t
really shot or any thing but I can be put into snookers quite
easily. Thanks for your time. |
| A.
Hi, Thanks for your e mail, there are many ways to break of,
the line that you want the cue ball to follow in your diagram
is only possible if you use side spin. I also noticed that there
was only ten reds in the pack, if your not playing on a full
size table that will make a big difference. Good luck, JV |
| Q.
Hi John, Could you please tell me what the ideal cue tip size
is & the best shape etc. I am a fairly fast player with
quite a powerful play etc. Any recommendations would be much
appreciated. All the best Rick |
| A.
Hi Rick. There are many different opinions on tips, my preference
was a 10 mm, and slightly domed. Cheers, JV |
Q.
Hi John, I have brought a Riley Paul hunter 2 piece (H) snooker
cue, it's a bit on the heavy side, I've looked up the butt
to see if I can see a weight but I cant see anything, any
ideas how I can take the weight out please. Many thanks, Rob
|
| A.
Hi Rob. My suggestion would be to take it to an expert, other
wise you could ruin the cue altogether. I am sure you can
contact someone by trawling the internet, better to be safe
than sorry. Regards, JV
|
|
Q. Sorry to
trouble you John, I am a 40yr old and have been playing league
snooker since I was about 15. I was lucky enough to win my
own league individual championship 3yrs on the run,the only
player to do so. I also captained my own club side to the
champion of champions and also captained the league side to
the senior inter league title,my best break is a 137 clearance
twice. I had to acquire a new cue pre season as the John Parriss
cue I had all my success with was broken beyond repair. Sounds
funny but it felt like a death in the family! It took me a
while to get used to the new cue but I feel I am getting there.
Up to now I've had a 93 and a 87 in matches with it, but the
big problem I've got is that 99% of the time I miss - I miss
thick. Could this be just a case of aiming thinner or possibly
something to do with my eye sight cos my eyes aren't as good
as they used to be. Many thanks. Andy |
A.
Hi Andy, I presume the new cue is to the same spec
as the old one, sometimes a trace of unwanted side could be
the problem. It could be quite a number of things. I would
suggest then when your faced with one of these shots you give
it extra concentration, and to eliminate my first thought
make sure you play it plain ball. Good Luck JV
|
| Q.
Hi John, I keep replacing my cue tips as I cant seem to keep
them from going hard. Is there a way of making the tips softer
when they are still on the cue? The tips I use are blue diamond.
Thanks for your help. Grant Day |
| A.
Hi Grant, Thank you for your e mail, I don’t know which
glue your using to put the tips on, I am guessing its super
glue. If that’s the case, that could be the problem. In
my experience a contact adhesive is best, try Evo Stick. This
should stop the tip from going hard. Good luck, JV
|
| Q.
Hi John. I've been playing snooker for about 2 to 3 years now.
I'm only 15 and have just qualified for the Scottish Amateurs
Glasgow Cup. I was thinking about buying a new professional
cue, I was wondering if you would be able to give me any advice
on buying a new cue or if I am better sticking with the same
cue. I bought my cue from my local snooker club for £50
but I just wanted to know if the handmade cues are any better
and how much you can buy them for. Jamie |
| A.
Hi Jamie. Congratulations on qualifying for the Glasgow Cup.
When I was your age I was given a cue, which I still play with
to this day. The cue that Stephen Hendry won his 7 world titles
with, was just an ordinary cue his parents bought him. If the
cue feels good in your hands, there is not a shot it stops you
from playing, then stick with it. Good luck,
JV |
Q.
Hi John, I'm a thirteen year old
boy from Bromley and I love snooker but my parents hate it.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get involved apart from
join a snooker club? Thanks, Charles
Jaynes |
A.
Hi Charles, thank you for your e mail, I had the same problem
myself when I was your age, my father didn’t like me
going in the Snooker club. The problem is, to practice for
a couple of hours there was nowhere else to go. I don’t
know your area that well, but snooker clubs have improved
a lot over the years. Maybe you should ask your Parents to
go with you to put there minds at rest. Good Luck. JV |
Q.
Hi John. I have been playing snooker for many years
and have always used run-of-the-mill cue tips from general
sports shops. Could you please give me some idea as to what
tips the pro's use. Many thanks, Darren
|
A.
Hi Darren. The two most popular tips used by professionals
are, Blue Diamonds and Elk Masters. I preferred the Elk Master,
mainly because it took less time to knock in.If you go to
local Snooker club I am sure you will get one. Regards, JV |
Q.
Hi JV, what's the secret to successful Long Potting in Snooker?
And what is the difference in a two piece to a three Quarter
Sized Cue? Many Thanks, Rob |
| A.
Hi Rob, We have discussed long potting many times on the site,
it is still my opinion that looking at the cue ball last will
help. As for your second question, I presume you mean the
difference between a two and three piece cue. There should
be no difference as the third piece is an extension for shots
you cant reach with the normal cue .Regards, JV |
Q.
Hi John, How straight can an ash cue
[shaft] be? Seems a daft question but after using a carbon cue
for the past 15 or so years I decided to try out a more standard
cue for playing (mostly pool, occasionally snooker). Looking
at cues, both expensive (£100+) and inexpensive (£30)
I find that the shafts
are rarely dead straight, unlike the old carbon cue, with bowing
of the shafts the most common fault even to the small amount
of perhaps 1mm rise in the centre of the shaft (when rolled
across a flat surface). Are there tolerances in the manufacture
of the cues that say whether ANY deviation from straight is
acceptable and what, in your opinion, is an acceptable level
of curvature in a cue shaft? Cheers, Reg
|
| Q. Hi
Reg, thank you for your e mail, I don't believe there should
be any tolerance, a cue should be as straight as possible. Rolling
it on the table however is not the best way to check if it is
straight or not. Looking down the shaft is the best way to check
it .Regards, JV |
Q.
Dear John, Please could you advise
me on the best way to enter junior snooker tournaments, I
am 13 years old and would like to try and become a professional
snooker player. Currently I have been playing junior pool
for England but my aim is snooker.If you could advise me on
contact names and numbers I would like to try my luck in junior
tournament.Your help would be a great.Many Thanks, Connor
Jones Aged 13 |
| Q. Dear
Connor, thank you for your email, the best course of action
for you is to contact World Snooker. Best wishes JV |
| Q.
Dear Mr Virgo, Could you possibly settle
a family dispute? Other than Ken Doherty, has there been any
other professional Irish snooker players by the surname Doherty,
or similar, who played around the 1970's? Thank you for your
time and attention, Stephen
Burns |
| A.
Hi Stephen, thanks for your e mail, I have no recollection of
another snooker player with that name. Regards JV |
| Q.
Hi John. I am a quite experienced 38 yr old player at the consistent
30-40-45 break stage and maybe I knock in the odd 80 if I am
lucky, however I have identified a major weakness in my game
and do not know how to sort it out. The reasons why my breaks
end are not generally over the loss of position but the missing
of a simple pot (I think they call it lost bottle!) When I am
in the zone it is the complete focus on the job in hand and
I play very well however when not in zone I am quite simply
awful (there is only good play and shocking play with me at
the moment). To this end, I would ask if have u any tips on
keeping the focus and sorting out the mental side of the game.Your
help would be much appreciated. Regards, Dave |
| A. Hi
Dave, the blight of most snooker players is missing easy shots,
This is caused by a number of things, concentrating on positional
play is the main one, another is, not enough care and attention
eg its an easy shot it cannot be missed. Every shot needs respect,
relax for a second and you can miss anything. Remember give
every shot 100%. JV |
Q.
Hi John, I'm having a real problem
getting the white ball to screw back to where I want it to
after a shot, making the next shot very difficult after a
close range pot. Also, my mate said you once did a song called
"my balls are on the cushion" Is this true? Sam |
A.
Hi Sam. With any screw shot you must hit
the cue ball below centre and follow through. If you're not
getting the desired effect, its for one of those reasons.
With regards to the song you refer to, it was a line from
a song I sang with the group RIGHT SAID FRED. Unfortunately
it turned out to be a Gotcha Oscar, things we will do for
money.Regards JV |
| Q.
Hi John, I have a question about the miss
rule. I played a match tonight in my local club, no referee,
not much prize money. My opponent got me in a snooker with
one red remaining, I was about 30 points in front. It was
a very difficult snooker (for me) with the red in the middle
of the table at the baulk end and the white at the other end
of the table, a full ball snooker, blocked by 3 balls, with
the middle pocket blocking the natural
angle. I missed it, and my opponent turned to me and said
" miss, ok?'' I said ok and tried again. It took about
6 attempts before I hit the ball, at which point I was behind
in the frame.
The thing is that on several
attempts to hit it I had left him a shot on. At one point
he even had a free ball with an easy pink into the middle
which would have left him on the red. He refused the shot
and just kept calling "miss". I probably should
have disputed it but didn't want to get into an argument and
lose my cool. (gentleman's sport and all that).
Well, I lost 2-0 and afterwards
thought maybe I should have said something. My point is that
this was a very difficult snooker and there was no advantage
to me in missing the ball, in fact, I gave him the advantage
a couple of times in my misses which he refused in favour
of racking up points for himself and making me play again.
I understand why the miss rule exists in the professional
game but does it/ should it exist in the amateur game? Also,
considering the miss rule is all about the referee's opinion,
can you have a situation where the players are calling a miss?
Sorry it's so long winded, and, by the
way, I always enjoy your commentary on the telly. Thanks,
Richard. |
| A.
Hi Richard If you have listened to my commentary
over the years you will know what I think of the miss rule.
The mere interpretation of the rule does not decide how good
or bad a player is. Originally this rule was for professionals
only, but its understandable that every player wants to play
to the rules that they see in major tournaments. To my mind
any rule that does not apply to everyone is a bad rule, I
would certainly like to see this rule abolished, but I know
that's not going to happen. My only suggestion would be, no
referee no miss rule. Regards JV |
Q.
Hi John, I was just wondering, Before a
match how do you compose yourself? Do you practice or just
relax to try and compose yourself?.Also, do you have any pre-shot
routines that you use in order to help you concentrate on
the shot you are on? Cheers, Chris |
| A.
Hi Chris Most players will have time on
the practice table before they go out, that in a way helps
you relax. I was always a believer that all your practice
should have been done before you arrive at the tournament,
when there it was a case of thinking positive thoughts, and
belief in yourself. Regards JV |
| Q.
Hi John , I have been playing snooker
from a month now for about 1.5 hours at an average everyday
and i seem to be beating people my age who have been playing
from about 2 years now(I'm 16). I want to improve my game
and get to the next level.Will my game improve just by playing
more matches or by practicing a few routines regularly? Also
I wish to improve at a fast rate,which I think I will, unlike
other players.Can you suggest a few practice routines or anything
else which can improve my positional play? My potting,as other
have said,is really good.Also I remember of making a break
of 22,a clearance,on about day 10.But honestly the positions
after I potted the brown were all fluke. Arjun |
A.
Hi Arjun Hard work and lots of practice
is the key to improving your game, there are no short cuts.
A practice routine that most players use is the line up, place
the colours on the spots and The reds lined up between the
black and blue, I would normally place six between the black
And pink, the remainder between pink and blue. Put the cue
ball behind the first red and pot As many balls as you can.
Best of luck JV
|
| Q.Hi
John, I am 14 years old and am getting more confident playing
on a full size table. I am good at long shots and positional
play and when it comes to safety I'm OK. The problem is that
it seems that I can pot great shots on the reds but when it
comes to the colours I can't seem to pot them too well, the
white ball stays under control but the colour just doesn't
seem to want to go in the pocket. I've checked my stance,
my cue stroke and grip, but nothing seems to work. Please
can you help me? Martin Walton,
Newcastle. |
A. Hi
Martin. You have to be a little more patient, it sounds like
you haven't been playing on a full size table for to long.
The practice routine you need to use, put the colours on their
spots, the cue ball in good position on the yellow, and see
how many times you can clear the balls. Good
Luck JV |
Q. John,
I am currently in the process of buying a full size table,
and wondered if you could help me. I recall in an earlier
article you said the thicker the slate the better. What
playing differences would there be on a table of a one and
a half inch thick slate bed from the modern era, and a two
inch thickness of slate from the tables of old. Thanks Steve
(Knottingley)
|
A.
Hi Steve The thicker the slate the better
the roll of the ball, this was for playing at the top level.
A slate thickness of one and a half inches thick would Certainly
be OK Regards JV |
Q.
Dear JV. When you have a shot that to pot
it, means you have more than a 10 degree off straight angle
to judge. How do you decide where you have to hit it? I’m
always getting my angles wrong. Always 10cm away from the
pocket either way. Is there a rule of thumb that you should
try to get closer to help my game? Also is there a tutorial
website I can look at to help my game? Many thanks Kevin
Davis |
A.
Hi Kevin In answer to your question with
regards to potting a ball at an angle, the most important
thing is to pick out the spot on the object ball Before you
get down to play it. The World Championship starts shortly,
watch Matthew Stevens method of picking out the right spot.
Take a leaf out of his routine, and you wont go far wrong.
Regards JV
|
Q.
Hi Mr Virgo. C could you please tell me
a snooker rule please. Me and my brother were playing a game
of snooker he was at the table on a red. He hit the red and
left it over the pocket very close in the pocket, then I went
to the table to take my shot after about 10 seconds the red
fell in. Is this a foul to my brother? Thanks, Neil
|
A.
Hi Neil If a ball is hanging in
the jaws of the pocket, and drops in as you are about to take
your shot, the ball should be replaced. As with most rules
in sport, if you have not got a referee to officiate then
common sense should take over. The rule of thumb On this type
of problem would be a couple of seconds, certainly not ten.
Regards JV |
| Q.
Dear John Virgo & Jimmy White, My name
is Ivan Shopov and I am twenty nine years old from Bulgaria.
I am the biggest autograph collector in my country and for
me will be honour to get an autograph from you. I know this
is first letter from my beautiful country. Unfortunately I've
never had the chance of meeting you personally and I will
be very happy if you send to me photo with autograph and personal
wishes to me.
I know you are very busy but
please answer my request. I want to thank you and wish to
you every success. You excuse me for my not so perfect English.
With the kindest regards: Ivan Shopov |
A.
Hi Ivan It was nice to hear from
you, yes you are the first from Bulgaria to contact us. I
will send over what you ask very soon. Regards JV |
Q.
There is a picture of Marcus Owens
hanging in our snooker room due to the fact he originally
came from my home village of Tumble nr LLanelli. a couple
of the old boys down the club remember him playing but not
many. I read that he passed away a few years ago and it seems
a shame that none of the snooker mad youngsters{ and Iinclude
myself at 33} know very little about him. I have had a list
of his acheivments off the internet but would love to get
some video footage of him playing.Any ideas? Ants
|
A.
Unfortunately, when Marcus Owen was in
his prime there was hardly any T.V coverage, the only possibility
is if you were to contact snooker historian Roger Lee. You
can contact him at, rogerlee@bsarchive.freeserve.co.uk.
Good Luck JV
|
| Q.
Hi John, I was interseted to know what
you do to take care of your cue, because I have noticed that
the top half of my cue is slightly greener than the bottom
half, is there anything I could do to stop this. Daniel
|
A.
The only thing I did to my cue, was to
wipe it down with a damp cloth, and of course, never leave
it in a damp place.
With regards to the colour of your cue, if you find you cant
clean it up then maybe you should try a cue manufacturer,ie
John Parries cues. Regards JV
|
Q.
Although I am a hundred breaker
in practice, when it comes to playing in my local league matches
I struggle to make a twenty break.I have tried varying my
playing speed, changed my grip on the cue but I can never
bring my practise game into a match. It's doing my head in.
Am I a twitcher or a bottler maybe? can you help me John?
|
A.
Thanks for your e mail, taking your
practice game into a match is what every sportsman is trying
to achieve. The problem is, most league matches are Played
over a short number of frames, that in its self puts you under
pressure. You have to try to relax and enjoy, changing things
during the game will Not help, you have your way of playing
in practice you must stick to that. One tip I can give you,
is try and play yourself in during the first frame by playing
A little more safety, take a little pressure of yourself and
don’t go for to many big shots early on. Best
of luck JV |
Q. Hi John,
I have a couple of questions to ask you.Firstly, about 6
months ago I started playing with my cue held with the splice
of the butt facing upwards into the palm of my hand.This
was suggested by Ronnie O'Sullivan as a way of keeping consistancy,
but I also found it very useful acting as an anchor to remind
me that I'm capable of the shot I'm about to take on.
The problem I'm finding is that the
cue tip quickly becomes odd shaped andmore domed and compressed
to the "base" of the tip. This is becuase I practice
the line up at least 20 times a day, and screw the ball
often. What do you think about this? I was concerned when
a team-mate asked me what was up with my tip.
The other problem is that I have to
change the tip frequently due to hitting it in the same
areas more often. Secondly, I get centuries basically every
day from the line-up, but find in the single frame matches
of our local league I never manage more than about a 35.
In fact this season I've only made 2 breaks over 30 in 22
frames. I'm still winning the vast majority, 18 of the 22
so far, but it's really starting to stress me out that I'm
not achieving the same levels of breaks in matches as in
the line-up. Is there any practice routine you could recommend
or suggestions?
p.s. The web site's great. I worked
with you a couple of years ago writing and recording commentary
for the computer game World Championship Snooker in Manchester.It
remains a fond memory, and an inspiration to me in my snooker
matches. Andy Seymour
|
A.
Hi Andy, I always held my cue in the same
place, as do lots of other pros. Your tip will need a little
more attention to keep its shape, don’t worry about
it.
With regards to your performances in league
matches, that’s the problem with one frame, no time to
settle in and get any cue action going. Try to be a little more
patient, play a bit cautious, and try to enjoy the challenge.
Regards JV
|
| Q.
During a game, one player had started to
make a break but the green and yellow were on the wrong spots.
This was noticed during the break. Does the break stand? What
happens after the break had finished? Thanks Linda
Riley
|
| A.
Hi Linda. The onus for making sure the balls are on the correct
spots is on the referee, a few years ago it was up to the
player. Therefore the break would stand, and no penalty would
be imposed. Regards JV |
Q. Hello
JV, Where can I go for coaching lessons in London. I've
only started playing snooker recently after years of playing
pool and my maximum break is only 16. I really enjoy playing
but want to improve my game so my friends don't keep beating
me all the time. I live in South London. Thanks Miranda
|
A. This
would be where the snooker directory would be handy, she needs
to find a local club and enquire if they have a coach. JV |
Q.
Hi John, Do you have any idea of where there is a comprehensive
list of coaches? I am looking for one in Durham but web resources
seem to be limited. Thanks for your help. Paul
|
| A. Dear Paul,
Contact world snooker Regards, JV |
Q.
Hi John, I'm a novice snooker player and would like to learn
how to best look after my cue. Could you tell me what's the
best way to remove an old glued on tip, what is the best way
to shape my new tip and is it a dome shape what i'm aiming
for or something a bit flatter? Kind Regards, Nick
Roche |
| A.
Hi Nick The best way to remove a tip is with a Stanley knife,
once you have got the tip of you then clean the surface with
sandpaper. Most players dome a new tip, You will find as you
play with it, the tip will flatten automatically, then you
can decide weather to dome it again, or leave the tip alone,
I chose the latter. Regards JV
|
Q.Hi
John. My question is. I have 14 points on the board with
13 remaining. The pink and the black balls are left. My opponent
plays and I'm thinking he will attempt to snooker me on the
pink, but no he makes it and I tell him the frame is over.
He says no, he will try a corner hook or maybe I could scratch
on the black. I try to explain to him that if there isn't
enough points available on the table to whatever points I
have on the board, by sinking the pink the frame is over.
Am I right John? Thanks. Andre from Canada
|
| A.
Hi Andre. You are correct in your explanation of the rule.Thank
goodness he wasn't right it could have been the longest frame
in history. Regards JV |
Q. Hi John,
Just found your site and am impressed (but not surprised)
by the advice you have given.I have one question for you
- I have played for 18 years now - when at my peak I had
many "tons" and was considered one of the most
talented in my county. However I sensibly forged a career
elsewhere as I knew the standard required to be successful
was not attainable by me (lack of consistency).. I stopped
playing for 8 years due to work/family commitments - and
really missed it (hated playing without practise!!).I have
since been tempted back (2 years ago) to play in the local
leagues.Although I get no real practise ( 1 hour a week
!!) I have found ways of enjoying the game without being
at my old standard.I still win but do not make the breaks
I know I can make.The thing I was always well known for
(and still am) was my cue power -I can consistently screw
the cue ball back easily over 12ft of the table (much to
the amazement of other players).
Tonight I played a league match - the
ball ball was 5 inches from the left hand black ball pocket
and the pink was on the baulk cushion, the cue ball was
in the "D" - I potted the blue and screwed the
cue ball back to the baulk cushion perfectly for the pink
- there were many gasps when I did this - I am used to doing
this so was amazed by the excited comments - this is something
I do regularly (when required). I had many comments about
how unusual this was and that today on TV it was mentioned
how few pros can do this - I believe John Parrot was one
of the few that has that kind of power!!Could you tell me
if this is the norm with pro players or do I have something
different - I am not kidding - I can really do this without
any real effort!! ( My furthest recorded was similar to
that one I explained but it bounced off the baulk cushion
and finished near the blue spot).Is this really that extraordinary?
Or do the players of my area not really see the real snooker
scene?? David M Frost
|
A. Hi David
That is certainly a lot of cue power, screw shots like the
one you describe are not so much about how hard you can
hit the ball, but more about timing.
The best exponent at deep screws I have
seen is Jimmy White, I have seen Jimmy place the cue ball
in the jaws of the green pocket, and the object Ball in
the jaws of the black pocket, diagonally across the table,
I have seen Jimmy pot the object ball, and screw back into
the pocket were the Cueball was. Now that is timing, if
you could emulate that I would be impressed. Good Luck.
JV
|
Q.
Hello John! I have been playing snooker now for about 25 years.
My highest break is 93. My problem is no matter how often
I play I can't seem to find any consistency. Ii feel that
the problem lies with my set up as I don't always feel comfortable.
I have found it difficult to find any info on snooker coaches
in my area(Bournemouth) - can you please help!! thanks,Steve
|
| A.
Hello Alistair. Try contacting W.P.B.S.A. Regards JV |
Q.Hello
John. I get coaching by the former world champion Joe Johnson
and when I ask him if I have a chance of making it pro, he
never says yes or no to me. I am 16 I have an 80 break do
you, like I, still have a chance of making it pro Hope you
reply. Your biggest fan. Alistair
Hall
|
| A.
Hello Alistair. Joe Johnson knows what it takes to be a professional
as you know, but at the end it is up to you. You must enter
every tournament you can and test Yourself against other players,
if you get good results then I am sure Joe will be the first
one to encourage you. Good Luck
JV |
Q.Hi
John, I have been playing snooker for over 10 years, I'm 24
and started very young. My potting has developed to a good
level, however it is my positional play that lets me down.
I find that after a red and a colour, I lose the ability to
find any other red. Any tips? Mohammed,
Coventry. |
A.Hi
Mohammed. We have mentioned before on the site regarding practice
routines, the line up to my mind is still the best. Do that
as often as you can and your game will improve. Regards JV |
Q.Hi
John, Please could you help me. First, I am having a bit of
a problem getting through the cue ball, especially on power
shots. My grip is not too tight and my stance is good it is
not too square to the table so please could you help me. Second,
On long pots like half the length of the table, I can 6/10
times pot them and sometimes as I am feathering it looks as
it is going to be a spectacular pot, It looks like it is going
right in and when I take the shot it goes astray. So please
could you help me keep the cue in a straight line. I have
got the basics right, Stance, Still body, Bridge hand etc
So please could you help me. Last two things. I have done
the sighting test to find out which is my Master eye and my
left is my master eye, but I always prefer to play even sighted.
If I played left eyed would that be better of shall I stay
even sighted. Last of all, could you please help me keep the
cue on the bridge hand on power shots! Thank you so so much.
I like you commentating on TV and of course love your website.
This will hopefully get the last few cobwebs out of my game.
Thanks You. From Chris (Plymouth) |
A.Hi
Chris. You seem to have all the attributes to becoming a good
player, snooker like most ball games is about consist ant
striking. Before you start playing Try placing the cueball
on the brown spot, and sending it up and down over the spots,
if your accurate the ball should come back to your cue tip.
You can try all the shots you mention and build up your confidence.
Good Luck. JV |
Q.Hi
John, Having used a 2 piece Peradon and Fletcher match cue
for the last 14 years I am looking at buying a good quality
3 piece cue but am having difficulty finding a supplier and
wondered if you might know anywhere worth trying. I live in
Plymouth so anywhere in Devon or Cornwall would be great.
I can't even find telescopic extensions locally! One final
question --- are you planning any exhibitions down this way
as I would love to see you perform again...esp the impressions
you do of other players which cracks me up every time!! Thanks
for a great site. Paul Huntley |
