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.
_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.”
_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.