The cues on the left have square flattened tips, while the cues on the right have tips which have been shaped into a dome.

Notice how the lefthand cue moves across the ball, but only contacts the centre; and how the righthand cue is able to strike the cue-ball at any point within the same range.

These striking positions give experienced players far more control, and are used to great effect in both the 'stun' and long distance power shots.

The cues at the top of the diagram again illustrate why the flattened tip should not be used. The domed tip of the righthand cue allows more of the surface area to contact the ball; but as the lefthand cue moves away from the centre, only the edge of the tip can make contact, making a miss-cue far more likely.

Although the cue-ball can be struck almost anywhere on the surface that is facing the player, striking towards the centre of the ball (in the white area) will always give greater control. Moving away from the centre (towards the red area) increases the amount of spin that can be applied, but also increases the chance of a miss-cue. Extreme side-spin can be of occasional use, but should rarely be used. The difficulty of allowing for spin when aiming can be a problem even to experienced players.

Striking anywhere on the vertical line A E will cause the cue-ball to travel in a straight line directly to the object-ball.

Striking left or right of centre causes the cue-ball to take a curved path both before and after it contacts the object-ball.

Allowing for this deviation is never easy - so side is more safely used when potting if the object-ball is close to a pocket; and in safety play when a less precise direction can be given to the object-ball.