Open Rail Bridge When you are in a situation where the cue ball is too close to the rail or on the rail, it is very hard to use a closed rail bridge, so we have to use an open rail bridge. Please notice that the word “rail” is part of the name of this type of bridge. So whenever you can, try to keep your shaft in contact with a rail while also in contact with the cue ball, and keep it in contact with the cue ball after contact in your follow-through. If you do this, you will