Cushions
As regards cushions, if a ball " jumps," that is, rebounds more or less off the surface of the table when a ball strikes the cushion while travelling at a good pace, those cushions are not fit to play billiards on.
Of course, by employing smashing strength at short range you can make a ball " jump " from the best cushion ever made ; you can even make it leap clean off the table if you strike it hard enough and high enough.
But this is not what I mean; I am talking about the cue ball " jumping " when you play to make a cannon all round the table, or the objectball " jumping " when you play a forcer off it.
When this sort of thing happens, the cushions are no good ; all the correct angles are spoiled, and it is not the least use trying to play real billiards on a table with such cushions.
I hope you have something vastly better to play upon, that you have a good cue, a true set of balls, and a cloth in fair condition.
Given these, you can follow my instructions with advantage, but I fear I cannot help you if they are lacking.
That is why I have commenced my book with a reference to playing conditions. The point is vital; no book, no teacher, can make a cueman of you if the playing conditions do not permit it.
Excerpt from "ALL ABOUT BILLIARDS" How to Improve Your Game By Arthur F. Peall.
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