The workings of a base

[NEW CASTLE HiTMEN]

I have researched and researched the net on how to tweek bases with alot of success. I have tweeked my fair share but recently I started thinking about the workings of a base. What are the front pegs for? What do the back pegs do? Which pegs controll the direction or do both? Is eight pegs better than four? Does the color and hardness of the pegs matter? If these questions could be answered it can maybe make me or anybody else a better tweeker of bases. Thanks!