PLATE V.
Illustrating the various angles resulting from the application of different degrees of strength when played at the same point on the cushion.
Having explained the methods of the direct caroms, the cushion play is illustrated:
To perform the angle a to b strike the centre of the cue-ball, the line of aim being at the point a. The natural angle from the cushion through a medium stroke is that of line from a to b, b, bearing in mind that with the medium strength the angle of reflection is always equal to the angle of incidence—that is to say, the line of angle from a to b is the exact counterpart of the original direction of the cue-ball to point a.
An “ordinary” stroke will effect angle from a to c, and the “hard” stroke will produce the angle a to d.
As the strength of stroke is increased the ball necessarily imbeds itself more firmly in the cushion, and the sudden rebound, together with the resistance from the rubber through indentation, throws it off with greater velocity and produces a more acute angle.
PLATE VI.
DIVISION OF ANGLES.
Diagram 1.—The angle from c, a, to ball 2 represents the angles of incidence and reflection, and it is drawn mentally before considering the ball 1. If a ball is banked from c at the centre diamond at b on the end cushion, it will take its angle of reflection directly on ball 2. Therefore, with ball 1 placed as per diagram, with its edge surface at the line running from c to a, and the centre stroke on cue-ball on ½ right of ball 1, with strength of stroke “slow,” the cue-ball will follow same angle found in the bank and will carom on ball 2.
Regarding diagrams 2, 3, 4, and 5, follow the same directions as in diagram 1, excepting, of course, in the necessary change of impingement, owing to the difference in position toward the diamond sight b, increasing the strength of stroke to cover the lines of the diagram.