Bohanon

work just as well for one or two tables. It would only take a minute to clean one table and balls.

If we were to wear both masks and gloves would it be necessary to clean the balls and tables between matches? What do you think?

If we could get a consensus on what would work, then we might be able to return to playing pool without causing problems for ourselves or for others. It is not that we don’t have ideas for solutions, it is that we haven’t yet talked about, or agreed upon what solutions would be acceptable for all concerned, or what safe pool playing would look like.

It doesn’t seem that if people are sitting and having drinks and conversation in a room, then adding two more people at a pool table in that same room is adding much risk at all. It is the bare-handed interaction with the balls and table that is causing the concerns.

It is really up to us to solve this problem because it is only we, as pool players, that feel a solution is even needed. But if we sit on our hands and wait for a solution from those with bigger problems to solve, we may be a very long time in getting that solution, because playing pool isn’t a problem that needs an immediate fix.

There is presently much to be done as the entire State of California is in a huge and confusing reopening phase — right? If we want to play pool any time soon, we may want to help solve some of the problems of a re- opening for pool playing.

CUE TIP » The backstroke should ALWAYS be slow and controlled. Your length of backstroke depends on how hard you want to hit the cue ball. If you are playing a soft shot, you need a soft short stroke. Your backstroke should equal the same distance your cue stick travels past the cue ball. You must change the position on where you hold the cue with your backhand too.

Harder hit balls need a longer stroke and your backhand should be moved rearward toward the butt end of your cue. Softly hit balls require a shorter stroke moving your backhand further up from the butt end of your cue. Your bridge hand is closer to the cue ball for soft shots and farther back for hard-hit balls.

Decide on your bridge distance, then stroking the cue, put the tip close to the cue ball, then move your backhand forward, or rearward on your cue stick until your arm is hanging straight down. You want to position your back arm to be hanging straight down from your elbow when you make contact with the cue ball with your cue tip.