You've seen it happen: You're playing in a poolroom; someone leans down to aim at the cue ball, strikes, and bam! The cue stick drops from the player's hands and hits the cloth. It's not the most common sight in a poolroom, but it can definitely happen if you're using a house cue. If it happens to you, you'll probably want to hide your head first, and then vow never to use another house cue.

The Butt and the Wrap

The shape of the butt of the material that wraps the butt is important to your grip and ultimately your game. You will find butts made of the following materials.

• Rubber: You'll find a rubber grip on good-quality carom cues and on cheap pool cues. It will help anyone who tends to lose the cue stick during play with its nonslip quality. Some players like to grip the cue loosely in the back. They may find this wrap the best for them.

• Nylon: You will also find this material used on cheaper cues. It is long wearing but not the most comfortable on the hand.

• Leather: You won't find leather used too often, but it is an absorbent material and comfortable to hold.

• Cork: You won't find cork used too often, but, again, it is very absorbent. It's not very long-wearing, however.

• Irish Linen: Many consider this to be the best-quality material to use on the butt of the cue. It's nice looking, comfortable in the hand, and highly absorbent (for those sweaty-palm days).

Balance

You might be thinking, “What do you mean by balance? It's just a big long stick.” Remember, the cue is tapered from shaft to butt, which might make you think that all sticks are bottom heavy. Well, get out your physics books, because there is a point between the shaft and the butt that is referred to as the “balance point.” It's important to have balance in the cue in order to get a solid, straight stroke. A good balance will also tell you how well the cue stick was made.

To find the balance point of your cue stick, lay it horizontally across one finger. Move it along your finger until you find the point where the weight is equal so that the cue lies without seesawing back and forth. The balance point on most cues is about 18 inches from the rubber bumper at the bottom of the cue stick. As you get to know your preferences over time, you'll decide whether you prefer a higher or lower balance point on your cue.