Billiards 3 min read
Updated March 11, 2026

How to Hold a Pool Cue: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Joe Joe
How to Hold a Pool Cue: A Simple Guide for Beginners
How to hold a pool cue correctly: a beginner's guide. Master your grip, bridge hand, and stance for consistent, accurate shots.

If you’ve ever paid attention at a pool hall or bar where people are shooting pool, chances are you’ve seen several different ways to hold a cue. This is because there is no one set way you should hold a pool cue. It’s different for each player and varies depending on skill level, technique, comfort level, dominant hand (left or right), style, arm length, height, along with how they learned to hold a cue.

But, while there’s no one right way to hold a cue, there are a couple of things new players should know. This is why I decided to write this article on how to hold a pool cue. Although this is a simple guide for beginners, it can also help those who have been playing pool for a while.

The Perfect Cue Grip

At the most basic level, holding a pool cue is all about what you do with each hand. Your dominant hand should be used to hold the cue butt. This is known as your grip hand. Your other hand should be used as your bridge hand, which gives the cue stability and aim.

The Perfect Bridge

It’s possible to be a decent pool player with a bad bridge or grip. However, it’s almost impossible to become a_great_pool player with poor technique in either hand. The good news is, it’s not hard to learn how to hold a pool cue.Let’s talk details. We’ll start with the grip hand.

Open Bridge

The Perfect Cue Grip

Closed Bridge

The heavy bottom part of the cue is called the butt. Sometimes there’s some sort of grip on the cue, like Irish linen, leather, or some other material. Other times the cue will be smooth at the but. Either way, the tactic is the same.

Rail Bridge

Determining the perfect cue grip for you will depend on your preferred stance, which in turn depends on how tall you are and how long your arms are. Here are the basics of a good grip:

Raised Bridge

  • Your grip hand should be loose and comfortable. You don’t need to strangle the cue.
  • Your grip should arrange your forearm perpendicular to the cue stick. This means that, when you’re getting ready to shoot, your forearm and wrist are positioned directly over the cue, not at an angle.
  • Your grip should also allow your upper arm and forearm to be at a right angle. Think of the grip hand as the bottom of a pendulum that swings from the elbow.
  • The cue needs to be allowed to pivot up and down in the grip hand during the shot. This is why a loose grip is essential.
  • To accomplish proper grip, only the thumb and index finger of the grip hand should be securing the cue. The rest of the fingers should be loose, providing support but not interfering with the cue’s movement during a shot. Some players prefer to use their middle finger and thumb instead of their index finger. Either way works, as long as the rest of the fingers are relaxed and allowed to gently “cradle” the cue.

    • The Importance of Body Position and Alignment

    The Perfect Bridge

    Stance and Foot Placement

    Now, let’s take a look at the bridge hand. There are two bridge styles that are commonly used. One is the open bridge and the other is the closed bridge. I would advise that you experiment with each one to determine which one is more comfortable for you.

    Head and Eye Position

    Most people start with the open bridge and then progress to the closed bridge as they become better players. Some people also get comfortable with both and use them as needed in different situations.

    Body Alignment

    Open Bridge

    The Final Stroke

  • Place your non-dominant hand on the pool table (or another flat surface— for practice). Spread your fingers out comfortably.
  • Bend your hand at the knuckles, keeping your fingers straight and creating a sort of tent with your hand.
  • Bring your thumb up to rest against the first knuckle of your index finger.
  • Bend your thumb up and away from your hand, creating a V between your thumb and the base of your index finger.
  • Place the cue stick in that V.

    • Additional Tips for Practice

    That’s it! When you combine the open bridge with the grip tips above, you should have a solid foundation for shooting pool. You can pivot your hand in different directions, fanning or closing your fingers depending on the shot you’re trying to make. For the most stability, your fingers should be spaced apart during your shot.

    Closed Bridge

    Now let’s talk about the more advanced closed bridge.

  • Make a loose fist with your non-dominant hand and place it on the table.
  • Free your pinkie, ring, along with middle finger from the fist and spread them out on the table. Leave your index finger how it is.
  • Pick your index finger up and move the side of your thumb up against the side of your middle finger. They should meet at about the knuckle in the middle of your middle finger. This should create a small V shape between thumb and middle finger.
  • Loop your index finger over the top of the thumb, creating a hole large enough for the cue to fit through.
  • Put the cue through the loop made by your index finger, allowing the cue to rest in the V you made with your thumb and middle finger.

    • That’s it! For many new players, the closed bridge feels strange. That’s okay. Practice with it and it will get comfortable over time.

    The closed bridge is a little more accurate once you get the hang of it, and is better than the open bridge for certain shots. The looped index finger keeps the cue from moving around, providing accuracy that is hard to master with an open bridge.Now there are some other bridge techniques you should know. These are only used in special situations, but they can be lifesavers if you know when to employ them.

    Rail Bridge

    Worth checking out: For a reliable starter cue, take a look at the CUESOUL 58-Inch Pool Cue Set on Amazon.

    FAQ

    What’s the difference between an open and closed bridge?

    An open bridge is formed with your thumb and index finger making a V shape. A closed bridge loops your index finger over your thumb for greater stability and accuracy, though it feels awkward at first for new players.

    How should my grip hand hold the cue?

    Your grip should be loose and comfortable using mainly your thumb and index finger to hold the cue. Your forearm should stay perpendicular to the cue, allowing it to pivot freely like a pendulum from your elbow.

    Why is a tight grip bad in pool?

    A tight grip prevents the cue from pivoting properly during your shot and causes tension that reduces accuracy. The cue needs to move freely in your hand for consistent, smooth strokes.

    Can I use the closed bridge as a beginner?

    While many beginners start with the open bridge, the closed bridge is more accurate once you practice it. Experiment with both to find what’s comfortable for you.

    What are rail bridges used for?

    Rail bridges are specialized techniques used in special situations when you need to shoot over or along the side of the table in unusual shot positions.

    For a full breakdown of what to buy, check out our how to aim.

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    For more on this topic, check out English in pool, beginner’s guide, pool table reviews, pool cue reviews, and billiard game types.

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