How it works
From the System Library: the source's numbers, checked in this game's physics but not reviewed by a coach.
Four cushions before either ball — long, short, short, long — and the fourth decides the carom: Aim = Start − K × Fourth, with K = 5 − Start ÷ 10.
K comes from the start: 4 at 10, 3 at 20, 2 at 30, 1 at 40. The higher the start, the less each diamond of the fourth cushion costs.
Reading the numbers
Start On the short rail behind the cue ball, along its own line to the aim: 0 at its first diamond, 10 every half diamond to 40 at the third. K sits beside each: 5 − start ÷ 10.
Aim On the first cushion, the far long rail: 0 in the corner across from the start, 10 a diamond to 40 at the middle.
Arrival On the fourth cushion, the near long rail: 0 at the start rail's corner, 1 a diamond.
Step by step
- Choose the fourth cushion: where on the near long rail the cue ball must arrive to make the balls.
- Read the start: the cue ball's own line, traced back to the short rail behind it. K = 5 − start ÷ 10.
- Aim = Start − K × Fourth. Start 20 (K 3), fourth 4: 20 − 3 × 4 = 8.
- Re-read the start along the new line, work it once more, then add the table correction.
The stroke
No side, a high tip, some pace: the ball has four cushions to travel.