🎱 Missed Something? Here's A Recap

The best of Stroke of Confidence in September.

Author

Madison Gazda
September 30, 2025

Welcome to another edition of Stroke of Confidence!

Today we’re back with September’s monthly recap! This is your place to go for the most popular post of the month, a full list of issues in case you missed one, and a few extras we’ve added to keep things interesting. September is behind us, and whether you read every issue or missed a few, this recap has you covered.

Let’s dive in:

You Ask, I Answer

Every month I pull a few of your best questions from emails, comments, and DMs — here are a few that I thought were important:

❓️ Q: I have a new cue case that someone gave me. What should I fill it with? - Michael J.

đź’¬ A: Thanks for the question, Michael. There are definitely a few things that you should keep in your cue case at all times. If you're playing league, showing up to tournaments, or even just practicing seriously, you want to be prepared.

Here’s what every pool player should keep in their case:

  • Playing Cue — Invest in a quality cue. No need to break the bank, but most anything is better than rolling the dice and relying on whatever lousy bar cues are available.

  • Break Cue & Jump Cue — Using a break cue takes pressure off your playing shaft. Jump cues can get you out of a jam once you learn to use them.

  • Chalk You Trust — I always keep Taom V10 in my bag. I have the one I’m currently using and a backup.

  • Tip Tool — Have something to shape, scuff, or tap your tip. A tip shaper or tip pick can help you get more grip on the cue ball and hold the chalk better.

  • Glove (if you use one) — If you wear one, keep it clean and pack a spare. Sweat, chalk dust, and repeated wear add up fast.

  • Cue Cleaning Microfiber Cloth — Keep your shaft clean so it moves smoothly in your bridge hand.

  • Joint Protectors — Keeps the ends of your cue safe. Worth the few bucks to avoid damage and increase the longevity of your investment. The exact type will depend on your brand of cue and the joint type.

  • Bridge Head and/or Extension — A simple slide-on bridge head or cue extension is good to have when you need to reach on a shot. Some places don’t have a bridge or they’re wobbly and unreliable.

  • Magic Rack or Template Rack — Most of these do not fit in a bag but I bring mine in a folder. If you play 9-ball or 10-ball, this helps you get a tight rack every time. Bring your own and avoid the usual triangle arguments.

  • Quarters or Small Bills — Still useful if you play in bars or on coin-op tables. Also can be used for a small bet on a game to test how you play under pressure.

  • Miscellaneous items — Earbuds to tune out noise, phone charger, Cue Caddie, Advil, small snacks or candy, and other random things that you might need for a long day at the pool hall.

Being the most prepared won’t always win you the game, but being unprepared can definitely lose it for you. If there's something you always pack that’s not on this list, let me know. I’d love to hear it.

❓️ Q: New to playing officially. Suggestions on rule books or online ones would be awesome. - Josh

đź’¬ A: This is a great question, Josh. If you’re starting out in pool and want to play by the book, it’s crucial to know the official rules. Different leagues have slightly different rules, so it’s smart to know which league you're playing in.

For most U.S. players, APA and BCA/USAPL are the two most common leagues. APA uses a handicap system that levels the playing field, making it ideal for players of all skill levels. BCA/USAPL use CueSports International (CSI) rules and are often used in national tournaments and larger events. If you're watching pro matches, they’re usually played under World Standardized Rules, which align closely with CSI rules. VNEA is another strong option, especially in bar and rec leagues, and NAPA continues to grow thanks to its detailed stat tracking and online match tools.

Here’s where you can find the rulebooks for each:

Knowing the rules is just part of playing the game the right way. Take a few minutes to read through the rules for the league you’re in. It’ll help you avoid mistakes and play with confidence.

🤔 Want your question featured next month?
Hit reply to this email or click here → Submit a question

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The Pointer Brothers play pool

If you haven’t seen The Pointer Brothers yet, you’re in for a laugh. Their pool videos are pure comedy and totally relatable for anyone who’s ever played pool. Check out the short videos below and try not to laugh along.

🏆 Top Tip of the Month

This video about finding your ideal stance from Dr. Dave was our most clicked tip of September!

Your stance is the foundation of everything—balance, aim, stroke. But here’s the key: there’s no one-size-fits-all. The best stance is the one that fits your body. Height, flexibility, strength—it all plays a role. The video breaks it down simply and shows how small adjustments can lead to big improvements. If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s worth a few minutes.

Here’s everything we covered in September so you can catch up or read your favorites again:

09/04 - Fix Your Stance, Fix Your Game
🧍 Stance fundamentals, pool as a science, and Josh Filler shows his skills
đź”— Read it here

09/11 - The Reason You Miss Easy Shots
🤦 The hidden key to aiming, the real rewards of pool, & bank shot varieties
đź”— Read it here

09/18 - Speed Control 101
đź’¨ Speed control, your performance vs identity, and Chezka Centeno
đź”— Read it here

09/25 - How To Win 8-Ball
🎱 8-ball strategy, why you miss the money ball, and patterns with Chris Melling
đź”— Read it here

🔎 Got a question about pool?
Submit it here
We’ll feature it in a future newsletter.

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That’s it for this month of Stroke of Confidence. Appreciate you being part of this growing group of players who want to think sharper, play better, and keep learning.

Got a tip, question, or idea for next month’s issue? I’m all ears. Just reply to this email—I read everything that comes in. See you in our next issue!

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