BILLIARDS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1129, 30 November 1911, Page 9

BILLIARDS.

SOME NOVEL HANDICAPS. For those who tire of the ordinary games of billiards, and hanker after the change so dear to the summer tripper to the seaside, or the city man who takes his vocation in the i Is, the following suggestions taken from “The Billiard Times” for diversions in billiards may be of interest: —

In ’a handicap the better player may be compelled to play every stroke off the red ball. In this case the difference between the players must be as great as the handicap is severe- If, however, the expert develops the Gray touch on the red, then he should be requested to turn his attention to the white.

A second form of handicap is that the superior player should commence each break with a cannon. The strokes he has to go out for should provide considerable entertainment. “All cannons” by way of a handicap, is sometimes played, but it is not to be recommended, as the usual form of English table is not adapted for it. It is far better to try something which enables a man who can play to show his ability as an all-round performer.

Another handicap is that there should be no baulk for the inferior player. He should be permitted to play from hand as in pool games. The advantage this confers is not so great as may be imagined, as it is simple to arrange the balls behind the baulk-line in such a way that a score requires more than 'a little ingenuity.

The French ‘ method . of compelling the good player to strike at least one

cushion ’ before making the opening stroke. of . each break, will at least increase the striker’s knowledge of the angles of the table, as well ‘as giving his opponent' a greatly enhanced opportunity of winning the game.