Quoted from markmon:Im going to completely disagree with aligning with the toothpicks. It will not result in the same alignment as using a straight edge with the lane guides - the recommended method.
I'm surprised there is still a debate about the right method even between two veterans of the hobby. It's so important to shot making and how the designer intended the game to play. I've read a good bit and still am not certain which is right. I go with aligning the bat, not the rubber, with the hole based on my experience that it makes the game harder and all the shots are still accessible. Is there anything published by the manufacturers on the right approach?
Petaluma, CA
