Want to be a great billiards player? We’ve given you plenty of tips on how to improve your game.  Now, let’s talk about an equally important topic – what NOT to do at the table.  Here are our top five don’ts in no particular order:

1. You neglect the mental aspect of the game. So much goes into making a shot – from good old concentration to an understanding of the math of the game. If someone tells you billiards isn’t a mental sport, then they don’t know what they’re talking about.
2. You grab any old cue. Picking the wrong cue can doom your game before it begins. Try our handy tips to find the cue that’s right for you.
3. You stick to the same old, same old. Trying new games will give you a chance to acquire new skills and sharpen old ones.  Always be up for something a little different. Need ideas? Check our video archives for inspiration.
4. You’re a little wobbly all the way around. Maybe your bridge isn’t completely firm or your stroke isn’t quite level. Little things like these can have a big impact on your ability to win. Steady is the word to remember.
5. You’re self-taught. People who excel at any sport invest time in training, whether it’s in the form of face-to-face lessons, online instruction, or even how to books. Billiards is no exception.  Without some kind of expert insight, you won’t be able to take your game to the next level.

What billiards mistakes have you learned from and how have they made you a better player?