I used to play pool all the time, and my friends and I never used the bridge (or the ladies’ aid, as we sexist high-school brutes used to call it.) It was seen as unsporting, weak, feminine, gay, communist, French, and ultimately akin to doing a “girl pushup.” Yes, we were brutes back in those days. I always used to groan when my dad or grandpa (both extremely experienced pool players) would shamelessly use the bridge without batting an eye. “The Ladies’ Aid? Come on!” Then they would kick my ass.
But anyway, I still don’t use it on the rare occasions that I play pool, because I like the challenge of trying to make a tricky shot without it.
So, among those here who play pool, do you use the bridge or not?
There’s no shame in it. A lot of the bars around here seem to have put up the pool table as an afterthought. If my stick’s gonna hit the wall behind me, or knock someone off the bar stool, I’ll use the bridge. Doesn’t mean I’ll make the shot though.
Amazingly enough, I taught myself to shoot left handed to get out of a lot of the shots you’d need a bridge for since many places don’t even have a bridge. But if I’m in a pool hall that has one and it’ll help me, I’ll use it.
I’ve used it when I was younger and shorter, but not since I was 12 or so. I can shoot left-handed, or backwards, and I’ve found I don’t need it now. Yet I never knew it was considered a “girly” or “weak” thing. I wouldn’t look down on a player who did use it; I just shoot better without it.
I can shoot left handed,behind my back,one handed or with a broomstick…but using the bridge is generally the easiest and best shot choice there is when faced with one of those options. I don’t know why anyone would choose not to use it unless they think its for “sissies”.
When shooting league pool, the bridge is acceptable and encouraged, but when playing pool with the boys for drinks, it’s considered a bit girly. We tolerate it, but will give you a little bit of friendly shit.
I don’t recall it being called anything other than a “bridge” back in the US, but I never was a big pool player there. I’ll play occasionally over here, but there’s no negative or sexist connotations attached to the bridge. Even at 6’ 3", I find I must use it occasionally. I mean, what’s the alternative? Climb up on top of the table or make a worthless shot?
<minor hijack> Is being a leftie an adantage for pool playing, then? I can shoot with my right hand need be, but more than 90% of the time I use my left. </hijack>
