The cue ball is in the corner pocket and the ball I shoot at, the object ball, is in the opposite corner pocket on the same short rail. There are several other pool balls in between, so a three cushion shot is necessary to make the object ball into the corner pocket.

Let’s say the end of the table where I’m standing (where the cue ball and object ball are) is the head, the other end is the foot. I’ll be counting diamonds and pockets from head to toe. I’ll show you how to find the spot on the other side of the table (where to hit the first rail) by subtracting the number of the diamond that connects to the object ball, from the position number of the cue ball.

First, to find the cue ball position number, count from the corner pocket at the foot to the cue ball in the corner pocket at the head. When counting for the cue ball, count 1½, 2, 2½, 3, and so on. The first diamond would be 1½ and end at 5 for the corner pocket. So the position number of the cue ball is 5.

Second, find the number of the diamond that connects the corner pocket where the object ball is located. When you count for the object ball, or find connected diamonds, count in whole numbers. The connecting diamond for diamond #1 is diamond #7 on the opposite rail. The object ball is in the corner pocket, which is #8, so the connecting diamond is therefore #2 on the opposite rail. Subtract 2 from 5 and you get 3. So, counting from the foot of the table at the rail you’re shooting at, you come to diamond #3.

because it is a long rail, Shooting via the diamond. This means drawing an imaginary line through diamond #3 and shooting to that point on the edge of the rail that is along the imaginary line to the diamond. Remember, on long rails, shoot via the diamond, on short rails shoots us the diamond.

Lastly, he throws hard because he has to hit three rails and have enough momentum to make contact with the object ball (be careful not to make a mistake). Use a little English high on the left because the shot goes to the left and because hitting more than one rail tends to put English, or a little spin, on the cue ball.

When you try this shot you will see that you are shooting across the table and hit the spot near diamond #3, the cue ball then hits the short rail at the foot of the table, then hits the other long rail at diamond #2, and finally travels to the corner, pocketing the object ball. Ready! This method is virtually foolproof and easy to remember.

Happy shooting everyone!
Patti Aragon aka 8 Ball Outlaw