PART II.
PLATE XIII.
THE TABLE LAID OUT FOR THE SEVERAL GAMES.
The letters A, B, C, D, and E, on the diagram opposite, show the position of the spots on the billiard-table. In placing them a line is drawn down the centre of the bed, from and to the middle nails or sights in the head and lower cushions; another line is then drawn from the centre sights in the side cushions, across the table, and where the lines intersect the spots are placed.
The spot at A, being next the head of the table, is, in the American or four-ball game, the light red spot, and an imaginary line (G) across the table at this point is the string; the spot at B is the dark red spot; that at D is the white ball spot. The spot at C is the English spot, which is twelve and a half inches from the end or lower cushion, and is used in playing the English game, but in this country it is generally put about nine inches from the lower cushion.
The spot at D is used in two-ball pool, also, and is placed about five inches from the lower cushion.
E shows the pin-pool spots, that in the centre being numbered five; each of the others should be placed three inches from it, in position shown, and measuring from the centre of each spot.
F shows the position of the balls in playing fifteen-ball pool. The balls are placed in a triangular frame so as to insure exactness—the base of the triangle being parallel with the end or lower cushion of the table. The highest number, fifteen, should be placed on the deep red spot at B.
Figures 1 and 2 show the positions of the semicircles or playing points for the English and three-ball games.
In playing the English game, the semicircle is drawn from the white ball spot with a radius of ten and one-half to eleven and one-half inches. In England the spot is placed two feet four and one-half inches from the cushion on the English 6 × 12 table.
The semicircle for the three-ball game is drawn with a radius of six inches on the American table.
In playing the three-ball game, the spot A is occupied by the white ball, and the spot B by the red. The semicircle 1 is drawn six inches from A, and from within this limit the cue-ball must be delivered in opening the game.
PLATE XIV.
THE OPENING STROKE.
The object of a good player is to keep the balls before him in such manner that every stroke when completed shall leave another to follow.
Directions.—The cue-ball is placed about three inches from either side of the white spotted ball. In this diagram the left side is employed. When the stroke is perfectly made the course of the balls and position left, will approximate the dotted lines, and at the spots g, h, and d. With the ordinary player, perhaps, the success of the carom will alone be sufficient, regardless of which side the carom-ball is struck by the cue-ball. In this diagram at the finish of the stroke the object-balls are in front of the cue-ball for the succeeding stroke, whereas the result generally produced from this opening carom is to place the cue-ball between the others. When one perfects himself at the opening stroke, which can only be done with practice, the direction of the cue and object balls will be easily mastered. The strength of stroke must also be carefully considered and studied.
Cue-ball ¼ above, ⅛ right, object-ball ⅝ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a, b, effecting carom at point c, about ½ or ¾ on the carom-ball from direction of point b. The cue-ball after carom takes the direction of c, d, and rests at or near d; the carom-ball travels to h, there resting, and object-ball cushions at e, f, stopping finally at g.
PLATE XV.
SIMPLE CAROMS.
Illustrating the natural line of departure of the cue-ball from the object-ball to the carom-ball with different degrees of strength.
Diagram 1.—Cue-ball centre, object-ball ½ right; stroke, “medium.”
Diagram 2.—Cue-ball centre, object-ball ½ right; stroke, “medium.”
Diagram 3.—Cue-ball centre, object-ball ¾ right; stroke, “ordinary.” Caroming on ball 2.
Diagram 3.—Cue-ball centre, object-ball ¾ right; stroke, “hard.” Caroming on ball 3.
Particular attention must be given to the different degrees of strength of stroke.
It is necessary to learn these caroms thoroughly, as upon the principles involved in them depend, to a great extent, all the strokes likely to occur in a game of billiards.
PLATE XVI.
DRAW AND FOLLOW STROKES.
Illustrating the results attained by striking cue-ball above or below its centre.
Diagram 1.—Cue-ball ½ below, object-ball 15
16 left; stroke, “medium,” effecting carom on ball 2. Ball 1 will return to corner, gathering with ball 2. A wrist stroke. An easy, direct draw.
Diagram 2.—Cue-ball ⅝ below, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, “medium,” caroming on ball 2, gathering ball 1 in corner with ball 2. An easy quarter-spread draw.
Diagram 3.—Cue-ball ⅝ below, object-ball 15
16 left; stroke, “ordinary,” effecting carom on ball 2. Long draw stroke, somewhat difficult.
Diagram 4.—Cue-ball ¼ above, ⅛ left, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, “medium.” Ball 1 returns from end cushion, and gathers with ball 2. Follow gathering stroke.
Diagram 5.—Cue-ball ½ above, ⅛ left, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, “ordinary,” effecting carom on ball 2, ball 1 gathering with ball 2 in corner. A follow stroke, driving ball around the table.
PLATE XVII.
GATHERING STROKES FROM PLAIN CAROMS.
Illustrating the first step in gathering balls for a succeeding stroke.
Diagram 1.—Cue-ball ½ above, ¼ left, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, ¼ less than “slow,” effecting carom on ball 2 at point a. This stroke is played as a half follow, in order to gain the position, although the carom can be easily effected by playing on ball 1, ¼ right, but this would spread them beyond position for the succeeding stroke. The course and final resting-place of the different object-balls are indicated in all the diagrams by the dotted lines and spots, the heavy lines showing the course of the cue-ball.
Diagram 2.—Cue-ball ½ above, ⅛ left, object-ball 15
16 right; stroke, “medium,” caroming on ball 2. A follow stroke. To insure the cue-ball being held on its proper course, it is struck by the cue just enough left of the centre to prevent the opposite twist taking effect through carelessness; for if the cue-ball be struck at all to the right of centre, it will not follow the line laid out for it. Forearm and wrist motion only required in this stroke.
Diagram 3.—Cue-ball ½ below, exact, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, “slow.” Spread draw for position. Note in this diagram the curved line of the cue-ball as it leaves the object-ball, and allow for this curve in calculation.
Note.—That the balls may be placed exact upon the table according to the diagrams, the author suggests that the student follow the plan here given: First refer to the diagram desired for practice. If it be the one herewith (No. XVII.), in order to place ball 2 of diagram 1, draw the direct right lines a, b from the centre of ball 2 to the nearest cushion surface at c, d, or from the points c, d to centre of ball 2. On the point where the lines a, b intersect, place ball 2. In this manner the student may place any ball exact in position that may be found in either of the plates in this work. To calculate correctly the spot for the placing of a ball, note carefully the distance from the nearest diamond sights, at either nearest cushion, to the point where each line joins the cushion surface, which will be immediately opposite the exact centre of the ball which is to be placed.
PLATE XVIII.
EAST COMPOUND ANGLES.
Illustrating the angular gathering stroke—Effecting carom from the various positions of object-balls 1, 2, 3, and 4, on ball 5, and gathering all in corner near carom-ball.
From ball 1.—Cue-ball ¼ above, 1
16 left, object-ball ⅝ left; stroke, “ordinary.” The course of the cue-ball is marked by the heavy line, that of the object-ball by the dotted line.
From ball 2.—Cue-ball ¼ above, ⅛ left, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “ordinary.”
From ball 3.—Cue-ball ¼ above, ¼ left, object-ball ⅜ left; stroke, “ordinary.”
From ball 4.—Cue-ball ¼ above, ½ left, object-ball ¼ left; stroke, ½ greater than “medium.”
The natural line of departure from the object-ball, if the cue-ball be struck centre at a ⅝ ball as stated, would be on the first cushion, to the right of the heavy line indicated, or at spot c; this, of course, would govern the point of contact with the second cushion, and result in missing the carom. The use of the twist, however, gives it the direction calculated more or less acute than natural.
The twist given the cue-ball is imparted, to some extent, to the object-ball in impact, causing it to take the proper angles to gather as desired. By some writers and theorists this statement is disputed, but repeated experiments have shown it to be a fact beyond question.
The caroms illustrated could be effected by striking the cue-ball centre, and contacting the object-ball nearer full; but in order to bring this object-ball into position for next stroke, the twist is applied, and the natural angle is sacrificed for a false one, in order to control the object-ball.
PLATE XIX.
PLAIN AND ONE-CUSHION STROKES.
Further illustrating the cushion carom and twist stroke, gathering the balls in a corner.
Diagram 1.—Play on ball 1, cushion at a, carom on ball 2. Cue-ball ⅝ right, ¼ above, object-ball ½ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Object-ball cushions at b, c, gathering at d.
Diagram 2.—Cue-ball ⅝ right, ½ below, object-ball ¼ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at h, effecting carom on ball 3. Object-ball cushions at e, f, gathering at g.
Diagram 3.—Cue-ball ¼ above, ¼ right, object-ball ⅜ left; stroke, “medium.” A direct carom, gathering all the balls in the corner.
PLATE XX.
TWO-CUSHION ROUND-THE-TABLE STROKE.
In effecting this carom and gathering the balls, cue-ball ¼ left, ¼ above, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at a, b, effecting a carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at c, d, e, resting at f, near ball 2.
There are many strokes resembling this one, where the balls are in a somewhat similar position, and where the same cushions are used, from either side the table. The cue-ball may be in a more direct line in its bearing to the object-ball, or it may lie more away to the left. If the former is the case less twist is required, not exceeding ⅛; but if the latter, then it is increased, so as to perform the angle required.
In this stroke the value of thoroughly understanding the different shades of “twist” is appreciated, and if comprehended fully there will be no difficulty in executing these strokes from a mere glance at the position of the balls.
PLATE XXI.
VARIOUS CAROMS FROM ONE POSITION.
Illustrating one and two cushion caroms, effected with the cue-ball in one position, by delivering the cue at different parts of the cue-ball.
To carom on ball 2.—Cue-ball ¼ left, ⅛ above, object-ball ½ right; stroke, “medium.”
To carom on ball 3.—Cue-ball ½ left, ⅛ above, object-ball ½ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.”
To carom on ball 4.—Cue-ball ⅝ left, ⅛ above, object-ball ½ right; stroke, “ordinary;” effecting carom by reverse “English,” the cue-ball taking but one cushion and straight line back to ball 4.
To carom on ball 5.—Cue-ball ¼ right, ⅛ above, object-ball ½ right; stroke, “medium.”
To carom on ball 6.—Cue-ball ½ right, ⅛ above, object-ball ⅝ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.”
To carom on ball 7.—Cue-ball ⅝ right, ⅛ above, object-ball ½ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.”
To carom on ball 8.—Cue-ball ½ right, ½ below, object-ball ⅝ right; stroke, “ordinary.”
To carom on ball 9.—Cue-ball ⅝ right, ½ below, object-ball ⅝ right; stroke, “ordinary.”
PLATE XXII.
THE FOLLOW CUSHION—“ENGLISH” OR “TWIST.”
Illustrating caroms that are accomplished through the application of excessive “English” and “follow” stroke; the execution being effective, and from comparative safe position.
Diagram 1.—Cue-ball ⅝ left, ¼ above, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, “medium,” caroming on ball 2. The object-ball passes behind ball 2, taking the direction of dotted line b to c. The cue-ball accomplishes the angle from a to ball 2, through the excessive twist applied. The natural angle for the cue-ball, after meeting cushion at a, is in the direction of d, which it would take were the twist not imparted.
Diagram 2.—Cue-ball ⅝ right, ½ above, object-ball 15
16 left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a, effecting a carom on ball 2. The object-ball takes direction of arrow. The player is cautioned to take the cushion at or below a, otherwise the carom will not be effected.
PLATE XXIII.
CAROM BY CUSHION “ENGLISH” OR “TWIST.”
Illustrating one-cushion caroms with the application of strong and excessive twist to the cue-ball.
Diagram 1.—Cue-ball ½ right, ¼ below, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “slow.” Cue-ball cushions at a, twist carrying it to ball 2. The object-ball taking direction of dotted line resting at spot b. The natural angle from ball 1 to a is represented by dotted line a to c, but the ½ “English” imparted to cue-ball accomplishes the angle to ball 2 in excess of the natural.
Diagram 2.—Cue-ball ⅝ left, ½ below, object-ball ¼ right, stroke, “medium,” effecting carom on ball 2. The object-ball follows d, e, at which latter it stops. The dotted line a to b is the natural angle, and the line to c is the real excessive angle produced by ⅝ twist given cue-ball.
PLATE XXIV.
CAROMS BY ONE-CUSHION ENGLISH.
Illustrating the natural and false angle carom.
Cue-ball ⅝ left, ¼ below, object-ball ¼ right; stroke “medium.” The object-ball traverses c to e, where it rests. The cue-ball, twist excessive, cushions at a and thence along b to ball 2, where it effects carom. The natural angle is a to d.
The stroke is very effective and gathers the balls well.
PLATE XXV.
ONE-CUSHION REVERSE ENGLISH.
Cue-ball ⅛ above, ½ right, object-ball ½ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a, and by reverse twist effects carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at b, c, resting near or at d.
This stroke is a very effective one and may be played from various positions. It requires much attention to master it, and the value of the twist and strength must be familiar to the player. The skill is in the judgment displayed in estimating quantity of twist necessary to effect carom, as the cue-ball can be made to come away from the cushion at a on an acute angle nearly parallel with the side cushion.
PLATE XXVI.
SERIAL ONE-CUSHION STROKES.
Illustrating serial one-cushion caroms, with the application of either “twists.”
To carom on ball 1.—Cue-ball ⅝ left, ⅝ below, object-ball ⅝ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Object-ball cushions at e, f, g, resting at h. Cue-ball cushions at a, caroms on ball 1.
To carom on ball 2.—Cue-ball ½ left, ½ below, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “ordinary.”
To carom on ball 3.—Cue-ball ½ left, ½ below, object-ball ¼ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.”
To carom on ball 4.—Cue-ball ⅛ left, ⅛ above, object-ball ¼ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.”
To carom on ball 5.—Cue-ball ¼ right, object-ball ¼ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.”
To carom on ball 6.—Cue-ball ½ right, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.”
To carom on ball 7.—Cue-ball ⅝ right, ⅝ below, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.”
To carom on ball 8.—Cue-ball ½ right, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.”
To carom on ball 9.—Cue-ball ⅝ right, ¼ above, object-ball “full;” stroke, “ordinary.”
The practice of these single-cushion carom strokes is of vast importance, as the positions constantly present themselves during play. When the pupil becomes familiar with the “breaks,” the carom is of easy accomplishment.
PLATE XXVII.
SERIAL ONE-CUSHION STROKES.
Illustrating how a carom may be effected from various more or less difficult positions.
From ball 1.—Cue-ball ⅝ right, object-ball ½ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.”
From ball 2.—Cue-ball ½ right, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, “medium.”
From ball 3.—Cue ball ¼ right, object-ball ⅛ right; stroke, “medium.”
From ball 4.—Cue-ball ½ left, ¼ above, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at c, f, d, e effecting carom on ball 5. The object-ball 4 doubles the length of the table, resting at h. Ball 5 is placed the width of a ball from either cushion. Ball 4 is placed in this diagram just off the cushion that the pupil may avoid a kiss on account of it touching the cushion. The carom may be made with ball 4 touching the cushion.
PLATE XXVIII.
SLOWING CUE-BALL, DOUBLING OBJECT-BALL.
Illustrating a very important stroke for position play.
Diagram 1.—Cue-ball ½ right, ⅛ above, object-ball full centre; stroke, “ordinary.” Object-ball cushions at a, b, c, resting at d. Cue-ball cushions at a, effecting carom on ball 2. The delivery ⅛ above gives a slow-follow motive power to cue-ball, while the ½ English, delivered on right of cue-ball, causes the latter to perform the obtuse angle from the cushion at a to the carom-ball. The object-ball is placed in line, so that it will clear the carom-ball and perform the angles shown by dotted lines.
Diagram 2.—Cue-ball ⅛ right, object-ball ⅛ right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium,” effecting carom on ball 2. Cue-ball cushions at a, b, c. Object-ball takes direction of the arrow e, the carom-ball being hit near full, takes direction of the arrow d.
PLATE XXIX.
SLOWING CUE-BALL, DOUBLING OBJECT-BALL.
Illustrating another fundamental stroke, that of doubling the object-ball with a “slowed” cue-ball.
Diagram 1.—To double the object-ball twice across the table by playing as full upon it as is possible. Cue-ball ⅜ below, ½ right, object-ball 15
16 left, effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at a, b, c, d, and joins ball 2 in corner. Cue-ball is slowed so it barely effects carom. Stroke, “very hard.”
Diagram 2.—Gathering stroke, to double object-ball and effect carom. Cue-ball ¼ below, 1
16 left, object-ball 15
16 right; stroke, “ordinary.” Object-ball cushions at a, b, gathering at c. The cue-ball travels very slowly to the carom-ball, speed merely sufficient to effect carom.
These strokes appear in all parts of the table, and the player should search for those he has practised, selecting always that which will give the best result in position. He who displays the best judgment in thus calculating will make the most successful player.
PLATE XXX.
SLOWING CUE-BALL DOUBLING OBJECT-BALL.
Illustrating a stroke that is of difficult accomplishment but very effective.
Cue-ball ¼ below, object-ball 15
16 left; stroke, “hard.” Object-ball cushions at a, b, c, d, and rests beyond d. The object-ball is struck nearly “dead” full to cross the table, as the lines indicate; the cue-ball is “slowed” through the ¼ below delivery, effecting carom on ball 2. This stroke requires much practice, as the compound doubling of the cue-ball is of difficult execution when combined with the “slowed” cue-ball.
Care should be used in the placing of the cue-ball for the execution of the stroke.
PLATE XXXI.
COMPOUND ANGLES.
A series of caroms with the object and cue-ball in same position, illustrating the player’s control over the cue-ball.
To carom on ball 1.—Cue-ball ¼ above, ¼ right, object-ball ⅝ left; stroke, “medium.” The cue-ball is struck ¼ above, in order to keep it from describing too great a curved line that it would do if hit ½ above, which latter delivery requires greater precision. If hit below ¼ above, the ball will come away more toward the open table. The cue-ball is also hit ¼ right, that it may be kept away from the cushion in its course toward the carom-ball; if struck on left side it would take cushion upon nearly every occasion. Put the twist on the side opposite the direction the cue-ball will take when it lies at this angle.
To carom on ball 2.—Cue-ball ¼ below, ½ right, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, “ordinary.”
To carom on ball 3.—Cue-ball ¼ below, ½ left, object-ball 1
16 right; stroke, “ordinary.”
To carom on ball 4.—Cue-ball ¼ right, ½ below, object-ball ¼ right; stroke, “ordinary.”
To carom on ball 5.—Cue-ball ½ below, ½ left, object-ball ½ left; stroke, “ordinary.”
To carom on ball 6.—Cue-ball ¼ above, ¼ left, object-ball ⅝ right; stroke, “medium.”
To carom on ball 7.—Cue-ball ⅝ right, object-ball ¾ right; stroke, “ordinary.”
Again on ball 3.—Cue-ball ½ left, object-ball ¾ left, stroke, “hard.”
PLATE XXXII.
COMPOUND ANGLES.
In the stroke illustrated, a ⅝ full delivery of the cue-ball on object-ball 1 is absolutely necessary, with the cue-ball struck exactly ⅝ left centre.
Cue-ball ⅝ left, object-ball ⅝ left; stroke, “ordinary.”
If the cue is delivered below the centre of the cue-ball, with the object-ball 1 touching the cushion, the cue-ball will rebound at an acute angle that generally fails to effect the carom. The objective point is the cushion at b, which insures the stroke, and if the angle be always calculated from a point on the second cushion with the cue-ball so delivered as to reach that spot, the remainder of the stroke is assured and will take care of itself. That is to say, draw the angle required from the object-ball to the first cushion, then from that point to the second cushion.
PLATE XXXIII.
COMPOUND ANGLES.
Illustrating a peculiar two-cushion stroke with the application of twist and draw.
Cue-ball ¼ left, ⅝ below, object-ball ½ right; stroke, “medium.”
The purpose in striking cue-ball ⅝ below is to reach cushion at a by making no more than ½ on object-ball, driving it to c. The ¼ left is given the cue-ball that it may perform the angle a to b, which accomplishes the carom. Greater twist would perform a more obtuse angle to side cushion, striking at e.
PLATE XXXIV.
COMPOUND ANGLES.
Illustrating a difficult two-cushion carom with application of extreme draw and twist.
Cue-ball ½ below, ⅝ right, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, “ordinary.”
The twist is the principal force exerted in this stroke, though aided by the very full play upon the object-ball. A full ball on the object-ball is required for two reasons, to throw it into position at g, and also to reach the point a with cue-ball, without the excessive draw being applied, the twist performing the larger portion of the work.
The cue-ball cushions at a, b, effecting carom on ball 2, the latter resting at or near h. Object-ball cushions at c, d, e, f, resting at g.
The wrist and forearm are required for this stroke.
PLATE XXXV.
SLOWED AND TWISTED CUE-BALLS.
Illustrating compound angles of cue and object balls.
Diagram 1.—Cue-ball centre, object-ball 15
16 left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball, being slowed, effects carom on ball 2; the object-ball cushions at a, b, c, d, resting at e.
Diagram 2.—Cue-ball ⅝ right, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a, b, effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at c, resting at d.
PLATE XXXVI.
THE “TWICE-AROUND-THE-TABLE” STROKE.
Illustrating a fine cushion stroke with the balls in a straight line, resulting in the so-called “twice-around-the-table” carom.
This stroke is played on account of the balls occupying a position directly before each other, insuring a “kiss” should the “follow” be attempted.
Cue-ball ⅛ below, ½ left, object-ball 1
16 right; stroke, “hard.” The ⅛ below prevents cue-ball jumping at instant of delivery. Cue-ball cushions at a, b, c, d, e, effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball crosses the table twice, cushions at f, a, resting at g.
Bear in mind the twist on the cue-ball aids the player in imparting force after contact with the first cushion; so whilst great speed of cue-hand is necessary, it need not be conveyed by excess of muscle or violent action of the body. The object-ball must be struck very fine, about 1
16, so the resistance may be slight and not interfere with the free run of the cue-ball.
PLATE XXXVII.
FURTHER ILLUSTRATION OF THE “TWICE-AROUND” STROKE.
Balls in a line, that if a “follow” stroke were played a “kiss” between object and carom ball would result; therefore the play as directed:
Cue-ball ⅝ right, ⅛ below, object-ball ⅛ left; stroke, “hard.” Cue-ball cushions at a, b, c, d, e, effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball doubles the table, resting at g.
The object-ball must be struck but ⅛ in order to carry the cue-ball to cushion at a and to give proper direction to the former ball.
The quick movement of the cue insures speed to the cue-ball.
In order to reach the point a with the cue-ball, which also gives direction to ball 1, it is absolutely necessary to strike very fine on the latter.