How it works
From the System Library: the source's numbers, checked in this game's physics but not reviewed by a coach.
Geometry rather than a numbering system: imagine the red reflected in the cushion, as in a mirror, and aim at that image. The line from the cue ball to the image crosses the cushion at the aim.
In numbers, everything in diamonds: Aim = (Red out × Cue along + Cue out × Red along) ÷ (Cue out + Red out). When the two balls stand equally far from the cushion, the aim is simply halfway between them.
Reading the numbers
Start The cue ball: how far along the rail it stands, read on the diamonds (0 in one corner to 8 in the other), and how far out from the cushion, in diamonds too.
Aim The aim, on the same rail: the point on the cushion the cue ball must touch, in diamonds along it, to tenths.
Arrival The red: how far along the rail it stands, and how far out from the cushion — the two numbers the mirror reflects.
Step by step
- Read how far along and how far out each ball stands, in diamonds.
- Equal distances out: aim halfway between the two along-numbers. Otherwise the aim leans towards the ball nearer the cushion.
- Aim = (Red out × Cue along + Cue out × Red along) ÷ (Cue out + Red out). Cue 1 along and 2 out, red 5 along and 2 out: (2 × 1 + 2 × 5) ÷ 4 = 3.
- Add the table correction, then play it with no side.
The stroke
No side, a touch of follow, a soft, smooth stroke.