Reference will be made in the diagrams to this method of play.
In conclusion, one word of warning. On arrival at the top of the table do not straightway become a player with one idea—to stop there.
Remember that a little exercise ‘in the country’ is often required, and often more profitable than a risky attempt to prolong the stay ‘at home.’ The return home is by no means hopeless. Not only is there every chance of it if a man is in good form, but under any circumstances no undue hurry should be shown to get position either for the spot or for play at the top of the table. It is better to plod along quietly with long losers and ordinary strokes till a favourable conjunction of the balls presents itself than to risk failure by attempting to get immediate position by means of complicated strokes full of compensations. No doubt if they come off successfully the triumph is great, but the method is unsound, and will not bear the test of time; it will fail far oftener than the less ambitious mode, which waits a bit on fortune, instead of trying to force her favours. It is usually the comparative novice who is in the greatest hurry—‘Chi va piano va sano, e chi va sano va lontano.′
Probably the most favourable open position for commencing the top-of-the-table game is when the red is on the spot, the striker’s ball in position for an easy spot hazard, and the opponent’s ball in close proximity to the red, above or below it, and more or less in the central line of the table. We may borrow a French expression and call this position the position mère. This position in the hands of an expert is most prolific, admitting as it does of a system of play consisting ideally of alternate winning hazards and cannons, but varied by ‘nurseries’ and incidental play. The great feature of the modern game is to obtain and regain this position mère.
The diagrams that follow are given with a view of illustrating some of the commonest methods of leading up to this position and suggesting others.
In supplementing previous remarks the student’s attention is invited to the importance of being constantly on the look out for an opportunity of playing the opponent’s ball spotwards when there is a probability of the succeeding stroke being a red winner. Even in the event of a red loser being left—instead of the winner as intended—the opponent’s ball can hardly occupy a more favourable position, as the balls probably can be gathered at the top of the table in the course of a stroke or two.
It will be noticed that in the examples given the play recommended is of the simplest and most natural description, calling for a little forethought, but for little or no execution. They also in nearly every case represent the simplest way of leaving a break even to a player who is not a proficient at the top of the table.
Diagram II.
Remember to be full on ball 3 with the view of stopping your own ball.
Compare also Diagram p. [177].
