Abstract: An elongated friction-reducing sleeve for a billiard cue shaft. The sleeve has an internal diameter and internal surface that together provide a close but freely slidable fit with the cue shaft. The sleeve has an external surface that the player's guide hand can firmly, comfortably and immovably contact as the player slides the cue shaft longitudinally through the sleeve to make a shot. Suitable, improved and preferred lengths for the friction-reducing sleeve are disclosed. The sleeve is constructed of a braided material formed from resilient monofilaments of a strong plastic polymeric material.