PLATE LXXVI.
CLOSE DRAW AND FOLLOW MASSÉ.
Illustrating two of the most difficult of these two strokes—draw and massé.
Diagram 1.—Cue-ball ½ below, ⅝ right, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at a, effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at b, resting at c.
This stroke is one-half draw with excessive twist, the latter actually effecting the carom.
Diagram 2.—Massé follow.—Cue-ball ½ forward, ½ left, object-ball 15
16 right; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Elevation of cue 78¾°.
Cue-ball describes curve, and effects carom on ball 2. As the balls lie in this diagram an ordinary plain massé is impossible, as the player will not be able to reach the cue-ball from either side the table, therefore the follow massé is resorted to. Through force of the massé, the cue-ball curves out as shown, but returns to proper line, governed by the excessive twist and massé.
CONDUCTING TOURNAMENTS.
Finding the Number of Games.—The first thing to know is the number of games imposed by differing numbers of entries. There are several ways of working this out. The quickest and simplest is a mental one. If the number of entries is even, say 10, multiply the second highest term (9) by one-half the highest—9 × 5 = 45. If odd, as 7, multiply that figure by one-half the next highest—7 × 3 = 21 games. But, if a pencil is handy, a quick enough way is to multiply the highest term, whether odd or even, by the next highest, and then divide the product by 2, which will show 253 games if there are 23 entries—23 × 22 506, halved. These are regular games. No amount of figuring can forecast ties.
Tie Games.—When competition is for a championship, any tie for it must be played off. Ties for other prizes may or may not be, as circumstances dictate.
Tie Games Separate.—Save when they involve a championship, tie games are no part of the tournament proper, which ordinarily ends when all the contestants have either played or forfeited an equal number of games. Yet, while tie games for else than the championship will not serve to determine other than special wagers, they are, nevertheless, records in themselves, although without being a part of the tournament.