Billiard Atlas

ON

Systems & Techniques

Volume 1
Book A

Walter Harris
The Billiard Atlas
P.O.

Box 321426
Cocoa Beach, Florida 32932-1 426
http://www.billiardsatlas.com
e-mail: wharris@billiardsatlas.com

Copyright 1991 by Walt Harris

Printed in the United States
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, stored
in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or any means,
recording, electronic photocopying, mechanical of otherwise, without
the prior written permission of the author.
This sets forth U. S. copyright relations with other independent
nations of the world. Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil,
Czechoslovakia, Chile, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Croatia,
Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece,
Guatemala, Holland, Honduras, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Nicaragua,
Peru, Portugal, Philippines, Poland, Spain, Soviet Union, Thailand,
Turkey, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yugoslavia.
Published May 1991.

A-Il

Preface

The Pool Player can now learn

Three Cushion Billiards
easier from this
Primer
An Arsenal of New
Weapons for the
Three Cushion Player

A-Ill

A-IV

Table of Contents

Preface

Preface, etc

A-i

Chapter One

bead Ball System

A-i

Chapter Two

Tickles

A-23

Chapter Three

Long and Short Angle Systems

A-35

Chapter Four

Plus Systems

A-67

Chapter Five

biamond and Track Systems

A-85

Chapter Six

End Rail systems

A-119

Chapter Seven

Across The Table

A-139

Chapter Eight

Rail First System

A-149

Chapter Nine

Kisses, Position & Etc

A-i65

Glossary & Index

A-192 & 193

A-VI

Acknowledgment
My thanks to the many billiard players that helped create this book.
Not only those mentioned within these pages, but also to the
hundreds Ive bored to obtain, or validate information.
The United States Billiard Associations archives and the Billiard
Digests excerpts were important.
George Ashby
Sid Banner
Richard Bitalis

Bill Maloney
Ray Martin
Thomas Shaw
Billy Smith
Merle Smith
Carl Strassburger
Dallas West
Bernie Wishengrad
Joe Ventrelli

Past U.S. 3-Cushion Champion

Veteran Tournament Player
Top World Class 3-Cushion Player &
Past French Champion
Billiard Legend
Noted Billiard Room Proprietor
Veteran Tournament Player
U.S. Snooker Representative
Celebrated Pool and Billiard Write
Past U.S. Champion 3-Cushion
Top Chicago Billiard Player
U.S. Champion 3-Cushion
World Class Champion
Top U.S. Billiard Player
Past world Pool Champion
Noted Pool Writer
Top U.S. Billiard Player
Veteran Tournament Player
U.S.B.A. Secretary
Past U.S. Open Champion
Veteran Tournament Player
Veteran Billiard Player

Dennis Harris

Top Encourager

Welker Cochran
Chris Chrisman
Mike Donnelly
Don Feeney
George Fels
Carlos Hallon
Dick LaGongle
Sang Lee

A-VII

A-VIII

Introduction
When I started being interested in systems in 1988, becoming a
systems gatherer was the farthest thing from my mind. It was not
easy to find good players who had systems to pass on, and many
systems had little or no value.
The old diamond and plus systems soured me on the use of systems
during the past twenty years. there were so many good room
players with forty to fifty years experience that could not explain what
they were doing, since they had their own version of these systems.
Even the best players shied away from bank shots, since they were
considered low percentage shots. Maybe there was no easy solution,
only complicated variations.
.

Adjusting cue ball spin and speed to accommodate paths seemed

insane for the novice to absorb.
Why not try the experiment of standardizing speed and cue ball spin,
see what paths they produced and use these?
This study took a few of years, trying many tables and other players
strokes. Top players were quizzed on anything they could offer, and
eventually the Basic Track System was born. Rail points were
utilized and formed the values to take a new table. Most often, these
values changed slightly, depending on whether it was a long or short
table.
Originally I stumbled into some short angle and long angle path data,
which made my humble game much better Then I studied the dead
ball systems, and this increased my accuracy.

A-IX

A-X

This really got me started in being interested in systems. Many other

systems and techniques were gathered during the past few years, and
each seem to have it own numbers peculiar to that system. Different
cue all spin, bridges and strokes were also employed, so be prepared
to be illuminated in these areas.
Robert Byrnes contributions to cue sports are unequaled, and his
writings cover so much material that is difficult to find a billiard subject
he has not covered as described in Byrnes Standard Book of Pool
and Billiards.
I took the liberty of re-showing Byrnes short-angle tracks because of
its importance.
In some parts of the country, billiards players conversed about
systems, ideas, and techniques. In other parts of the USA, there was
little or no interest. Sometimes I wonder if this kind of apathy keeps
top players from passing their knowledge onto lesser players.
It appears the lesser player is more interested in instructing than
absorbing. or does not want to exert the effort to embrace new
information unless it can be done by osmosis.
.

A lot of good information is not passed on for other reasons. is it

posssibly to protect the status of the better player? Is not the student
of the game entitled to a loftier position? Why pass on digested
information to the apathetic person and make life easier? Whats to
gain if the game is upgraded?
.

All of the above has some merit, but what about the player that does
want information? How and where does he find it?
He finds this book, of course!

.A-XI

Table l.D.
The table has been given numbers and direction as shown. These
numbers have NO relation to any other system. Your cue ball
originates in the corner of 80 or 40*. Many other systems shown in
this book have different table numbers.

A-XII

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A-XIII

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A-XIV

Cue Ball Notations

Shown below are approximate cue tip locations.

The most important factor is to be consistent in stroking the ball, and

to arrive at the same point several cushions later.
Stroking the ball, not just hitting the ball, is required. Excessive wrist
action is undesirable.
Regarding the amount of cue ball english applied, the margin of error
is probably a half-cue tip of english (cue ball spin.) The path error is
large if the cueball is not correctly stroked, or if too much wrist action
was employed.
Note: This volume will often use the word track instead of path.
The word english is used instead of cue ball spin, or cue
ball effect.

~
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A-XV

3 cue

34

A-XVI

George
The late Luther Lassier one of the best money pool players who
ever lived, was quoted in the last year or so of his life as saying, Fifty
years around this game, and I finally learned how to break the balls.
So whats the secret? he was eagerly asked.
I cant tell you that.
The point is that most pool and billiards experts would rather surrender
the secrets of their sex lives than share a useful tip or system. This is
the book that coaxes many such tips and systems out of them, and
even though it advertises itself as a complication of billiards systems,
much of what youll learn here is immediately translatable to pool.
For instance, Lassiters best game, 9-Ball, frequently requires you to
pocket a ball frozen to a long rail and send your cueball across the
table someplace (and almost as often, back and forth across the
table). The mere pocketing of the object ball isnt that hard; in fact, its
relatively simple. What drives many, many players to distraction is the
unpredictability of the cue balls path of travel. This book will help you
solve that puzzle for good, whatever your cue balls point of origin.
The other pool games most commonly played seriously is OnePocket. Correctly played, One-Pocket is largely a matter of parking the
cue ball someplace safe (since open shots at ones pocket will come
up no more often than one inning in three, when good players engage
in combat.) Ever see a safe spot for the cue ball but find yourself
stymied as to how you get it there? Then this is the book you want to
read.
Quite simply, the game of billiards requires you to drive a ball
someplace; pool, in any form, mostly asks you to sto a ball
someplace. In either case, youll fare much belier when you
understand the how and why of a balls getting from one place to
another Read Walt Harriss ambitious book and prosper mightily.
A-XVII

A-XVIII

Balls & Rails

Small changes in the condition of the balls and rails change the path
of the cue ball. Hit points change with:
Siliconed balls
Waxed balls (not buffed properly)
New balls
Dirty balls
New rail cloth
Worn rail cloth
Rails not properly seated, especially the corners
An uneven slate
Humidity
Temperature
If somebody challenges you to a game for a peso or two and they
bring out a new set of German Balls and youre used to playing with
your usual well-worn balls, forget it 50 innings later you might get
adjusted to the difference.
The name brand of ball caroms off the first ball differently, draw and
follow especially.
I have seen a champion wipe the silicone off the ball before his match
started. On the other hand I have seen a different champion apply a
light coat of silicone every 60 points to get more use out of older
balls. My point is that this makes a difference.

A-XIX

Measuring Table Slide

Balls carom differently when the table has new cloth. New balls make
a difference also. In order to use systems or techniques properly,
certain equipment information is required, such as table slide and
table speed.
The drawing shows the cue ball path when the cue all is aimed from
the middle of the short rail to the middle of the opposite short rail.
Maximum cue ball side spin (often called english) is used along with a
full follow stroke and a level cue stick.
Using the nose of the cushion, measure the distance to the cue ball
travels on both short rails. This example uses 2 diamonds on rail 0
and 1.6 diamonds on rail P, making a total slide measurement of
3.6. Find the slide number for your table.
World-class table playing conditions have a table slide that varies
from 2.7 to 3.1. Its obvious that this makes a difference in estimating
everything. Extra table slide and a faster table are desirable features.
It is possible to increase slide on your table. Keep the balls very clean
with coat of recommended ball polish and also change the rail cloth
often. Heat the table too.
You will not regret doing the above because having extra table slide
will open scoring possibilities and retain cue ball spin longer. This
along with the faster table elevates the game to a higher level.

A-XX

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A-XXI

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A-XXII

Chapter I
Dead Ball System
Shown here are a few examples of dead ball systems that really
work.
The fun begins when the mechanics of stroking the ball is
accomplished.

The most popular system of angle in angle out is not shown here
because its so obvious.
-

Don Preacher Feeney reviewed this chapter and pointed out its
value to Pocket Billiards.

A-i

Dead Ball Tickie

A system has been devised to find the first rail hit point to score this

billiard.

The side of the cue ball needs to strike the second rail edge at point
30.
South Floridas Sid Banner donated this jewel for the world to enjoy.

A-2

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A-3

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System Sid
A system is designed to find the first rail hit spot to make this billiard.
NEW NUMBERS ARE GIVEN FOR THE 2nd RAIL (RAIL N). New
hit spot becomes 2.5 on the 2nd rail, not 30 as previously mentioned.
End rail diamonds, below the cue ball (rail 0), are used to calculate
the first rail hit spot and cue ball origin.
Each diamond on rail 0, away from point X, has a value of 2.5
(second rail hit spot value).
Therefore the cue ball origin of point A, point B and point C
determines the first rail hit spot as follows: point A is 2.5, point B is
5.0 and point C is 7.5.
The aim spot on the first rail, for this example on page 5, now
becomes 7.5.
If the cue ball origin is at point A, then the first rail hit spot would be
2.5.
Stroke is very important, so allow no side spin on the cue ball. ROLL
the CUE BALL SOFTLY, much like the lag for the break shot cue
stick hits up.
Don Preacher Feeney says the cue tip should hit about 12 mm
above cue ball center.
Check each table to see if a small adjustment is required. (4)

A-4

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Sid Variation
A variation of this system is to have the second rail hit point be an
end rail, so that the cue ball is going from end rail to end rail.
The cue ball originates at point D. To have the cue ball first hit an
end rail, then the opposite end rail, a point beyond 5.0 must be
calculated.
Utilizing the point of 5.5 (which is beyond 5.00) might make this
billiard.
Point D is four diamonds away from point X. therefore 4 x 5.5 is
22, making the first rail hit spot 22.

A-6

5.5 times four diamonds equals 22

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Sid Variation II
This variation should also make a few more billiards.
The cue ball origin is in a line through B and the second rail hit point
is guessed at 4.0.
Point B is 2 diamonds away from corner X, so 2 x 4.0
the first rail hit spot 8.

8, making

This full ball hit should deflect the cue ball at an angle of about 45
degrees. A thinner hit is about 30 degrees.
This is mentioned to better approximate what kind of hit is desired;
thereby adjusting the scond rail hit spot.

Note: Pocket billiard examples shown at back of book.

A-8

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Chicago End Rail System

This is exactly the same system as the SD SYSTEM, except that it is
along the end rail instead of the long rail but using the same
numbers.
It takes a bit of concentration to think in terms of half diamonds, but
with a little practice, this system will help you score.
Picture the end rail 0 as being the same as the long rail N in the
Sid system.
In this example the cue ball is at C. The desired second rail 0 hit
spot is 3.0, therefore point C is three HALF DIAMONDS away from
point X, thus 3 x 3.0 = 9.
Please note again that the first rail N is in half diamonds, making 9
the aim spot, or a shade below a half diamond.

A-b

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Chicago Example
If the cue ball were point G, then 7 x 3 = 21 and the first rail-hit spot
would 21.
The actual numbers would be a bit harder to remember, so for
simplification, these are employed.

NOTE: Pool examples shown at back of book.

A-12

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A-13

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Bernies Dead Ball Tracks

Bernie Wishengrad has donated this gem, using no side spin on the
cue ball and a soft rolling ball. Notice that the table numbers have
changed.
With a few minutes of practice, the numbers will become easy to
remember.

The cue ball origin is estimated to be at 70. The third rail hit spot is
estimated at 40.
In this example, to find the first rail hit point, subtract the desired third
rail hit spot of 40 from the cue ball origin number of 70, making the
first rail hit spot 30.

NOTE: Pool examples shown at back of book.

A-b4

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LaGongles Short Bridge

DickL.aGongle donated this technique on very shallow short angle
shots.
Shorten the bridge so that your bridge hand is four or five inches
away from the cue ball. This short cue movement helps for accuracy
and controls cue ball english (cue ball spin.)
This technique is used on long angle drop-in shots where very little
english is required, and a thin hit is critical.
Mike Donnelly uses this method on all dead ball systems.

A-16

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A-i7

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Words From Above

The Billiard Atlas is a clear and concise explanation of shots
offered by the masters of the carom games.
Effectively dissects the diamond system, providing valuable
knowledge of kick shots and safety play.
Filled with precise diagrams illustrating techniques crucial to
any players advancement
The Billiard Library

A-18

Preacher On Pool
Don Preacher Feeneys knowledge of the various billiard games
certainly makes him an authority. After inspecting the first chapter, he
writes:
In the pocket games a player is less confronted with the need
to control the cue ball accurately through three or more rails and has
limited knowledge and experience to fall on when the need arises.
This is where a few memorized systems can be DEVASTATING.
I have worked only with the SID SYSTEM and the BERNIE
SYSTEM and find them to be AMAZINGLY ACCURATE on my
table.
A few minutes spent with just these two systems alone will
provide an EDGE over the competition that could mean the
DIFFERENCE between winning and losing.
As Walt Harrisknows, in the past I have never been a great
fan of systems as applied to carom billiards but I enjoyed studying the
aiming systems found in Chapter I and these dead ball systems have
a great application for the pocket games.
In respect to three cushion billiards, a player should build a
repertoire of knowledge sufficient to solve most of the problems he
faces through play and practice.
Don Feeney

A-19

A-20

Technique
(tek-neek) n.

A method of accomplishing a
desired aim.

A-21

A-22

Chapter II
Cocoa Beach Tickie Tracks
A tickie is able have a natural angle so it can be calculated. The
speed, stroke and object ball hit are key items that must be studied.
These natural tracks are shown for both a long table and a short
table.
You will be pleasantly surprised on how often a long tickie can be
made.
Bill Maloneys technique creates tickies that are wide of these
natural tracks.

A-23

Tickie Tracks
My game has this billiard missed for 30 years. It appears as if my cue
ball should come into the corner and score this billiard.
Knowing the tickie tracks not only makes more billiards, but it lets you
know if you are going to miss the shot. You can then adjust the hit
and cue ball english, accordingly.

A-24

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A-25

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Four separate tickie patterns are shown on this illustration. Both a
long and short table are used.
Shot A has the first object ball near the corner.
Shot B has the first object ball at 20.
Shot C has the first object ball at 40.
Shot D has the first object ball at 60.
A fifteen-degree cue ball angle or less is desirable.
For simplification, just the A and 0 tracks are shown for the fifth
rail hit points. Note how the Sogard differs.
The Sogards foutth rail hit points are a shade shorter.
This is one of my table test shots.

Note: The tracks will be longer on a table with extra slide.

A-26

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Maloneys Spread Tickie

As shown in the drawing, sometimes the second object ball is wide of
the basic tickie tracks, but Bill Maloney has a way of making this
billiard look easy.
He hits the cue ball softly with dead center cue ball english, and a
short quick stroke he also elevates the rear of his cue.
This resembles a bump shot.

A-28

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A-29

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Bitaliss Follow Tickie

This approach comes in handy when the first object ball is near
the rail and a tickie looks impossible.
The cue ball is followed through the first object ball, with a full hit.
Use either left hand cue ball english, or no english, with a followed
cue ball.

See also page 143, Byrnes Advanced Technique in Pool and Billiards.

A-30

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A-32

Systems
(sys-tems) n.

An organized set of ideas

To form a plan.

A-33

A-34

Chapter III
Long And Short Angle Systems
Knowing the third rail hit points will make a big difference in scoring
more billiards. You can now aim for an exact point.
I stumbled upon this long angle system when I was exploring the
diamond system. Not many players knew the hit points on the
second rail (short rail).
Also shown in this chapter, are Bernies umbrella tracks, Ashbys
and Bitaliss reverse-the-rail methods, and Sang Lees unique deadball-draw shot, which seems to turn 3-cushion into balkline.

NOTE: A short book could be written just on pages

46 thru 49.. theres lots of information packed in here.
.

A-35

Walts Long Angle Tracks

One of my favorite systems uses the third rail for an AIM SPOT. This
makes sense as you are behind the shot.
This is far superior to aiming at a first, or second, hit rail point.
Finding the aim spot on rail 0 is easy.

A-36

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A-37

lilt

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Walts Long Angle Track Example

When a cue ball originates from corner Z, using known basic tracks,
as shown, numbers are assigned to end rail 0.
These end rail numbers are in increments of SEVEN, so theres not
much to memorize.
Since rolling cue ball english is applicable here, its better to use the
three rail speed tracks.
Even diamond system paths are workable.
The actual numbers would be a bit harder to remember, so for
simplification, these are employed.

A-38

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A-39

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Long Angle Example

This example is designed to aim for an end rail hit spot.
This problem is approached by asking; What would be a basic track
from corner Z to score a three rail cushion billiard, if the fourth-rail hit
spot is 40?
The approximate path is 80 to 10 (first rail), then on to 7 (end rail),
then on to 40 (third rail).
After the cue ball hits the first object ball, the first rail hit spot is point
M, which is close enough to Z to use the approximate track above.
Now, feel your aim for 7 on the end rail, (third rail).
After you employ this aiming method, you will find its many
advantages.

A-40

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A-41

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Walts Long Angle Track Shift

The path of the cue ball, off the first object ball, is away from the

basic track, so an allowance is added to the basic track value to find

the new third rail hit point.
Track A is the normal track from corner Z.
In this example, the first rail hit is at mid-point of end rail 0, so a
new third rail hit point must be found since the angles have changed.
The Seattle Kid type of allowance method is used; heres how it
works. Notice that the first rail hit point is 50% away from corner Z
(along the short rail). An adjustment for the third rail hit point is
needed.
We adjust by using the 50% times 7, or 3.5. This 3.5 added to the 7,
which now becomes 10.5.
The new third rail feel, or aim point, is 10.5.

A-42

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A-43

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Long Angle Example Ill

This system is also helpful on five or six rail shots.
Please note that the path from the fourth to fifth rail always shortens a
bit.
A case can be made for Why are aim spots so specific and
confining?
If my calculated third rail hit spot is precise, it is more accurate than a
general direction.

A-44

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A-45

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30

Joeys Short Angles

Joe Ventrelli donated this jewel.
Two examples are shown.
A cue ball location of A, or 10, aimed at 0, returns to 22.5 and has
a spread of 12.5.
A cue ball location of B, or 35, aimed at 0, returns to 35 and has a
spread of 0.
Each half diamond has 2.5 tenths of a diamond difference in the
spreads.
EXAMPLE: A cue ball origin of 15, aimed at 0, spreads 10 and
proceeds to 25 on the third rail.
EXAMPLE: A cue ball origin of 30, aimed at 0, spreads 2.5 and
proceeds to 32.5 on the third rail.
TABLE CHECK: Sometimes a table will not return to 35, from 35.
Test your table and find the zero spread origin point. Use the
principles above.
POCKET BILLIARDS: Since the pocket is in the way, the first rail aim
point must be moved to 2.5 (a quarter of a diamond away from 0).
Now find the zero spread origin: maybe 30 will return to 30.

A-46

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A-47

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When the cue ball path to the first rail is a short angle, for example,
above line N N, the third to fourth rail return, is shorter.
-

Shown is a guide where a cue ball, striking at lOon the third rail,
returns to 30 on the fourth rail.
A cue ball striking 15 at the third rail, returns to 20 on the fourth rail.
A cue ball striking at 20 returns to 10.
A cue ball striking at 25 goes to the corner.
An important path for me is also the return from 30, which takes me
about a half diamond from the corner on the short rail.
Interpolate between these tracks and basic tracks (from corner Z)
when a longer angle presents itself.
Byrnes Standard Book of Pool and Billiards mentioned this as a Frank Torres donation

A-48

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A-49

Bernies Umbrella Tracks

The cue ball origin, or cue ball numbers as they are called, are
normal diamond system numbers.
The base of Bernie Wishengrads system has a cue ball number of
40.
When the third rail hit points of 10, 20 and 30 are hit from the cue ball
origination number of 40, these tracks are complete and form the
BASE of this system.
When the above takes place, the second rail (end rail) numbers of 4,
12 and 21 are implemented and complete the track to the third rail.
When the cue ball number is 45, then a pIus 1 must be added to the
second rail numbers and they become 5, 13 and 22.
When the cue ball number is 60, then a + 7 must be added to the
second rail numbers, and they become 11, 19 and 28. These connect
with 10, 20 and 30 on the third rail.
For me, umbrella shots are never easy.

A-SO

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Ashbys Reverse The Rail

George Ashby donated this Birdsell system using different tips of
cue ball english for each cue ball location.
A level cue and enough speed to make the shot are the two
requirements.
When the cue ball is at point A, its aimed at approximately 7 on rail
M. Use ONE TIP OF ENGLISH to arrive at corner X.
When cue ball is at C, then THREE TIPS OF ENGLISH are used.
NOTE: The cue ball can arrive at B, from A with three tips of cue
ball english. This is a long reverse-the-rail.
NOTE: When this method is used for a reverse-the-rail, the short
way, calculations are measured in half diamonds. The cue ball spin is
a bit different, so practice the above in order to accommodate this
system.

A-52

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A-53

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Richard Bitaliss approach to this shot is to hit the cue ball softly,
and AIM IT NEAR THE CORNER.
Roll the ball with reverse cue ball english, since it hugs the long rail
better.
This technique has much better control of the cue ball.

A-54

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A-55

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Sang Lees Manufactured Short Angle

Our champion makes this shot look easy. He keeps a level cue and
hits the cue ball low without drawing it. The goal of this attempt is to
make the cue ball hit the first two rails with reverse english.
Diagram A has the cue ball with a shade of reverse, with a thin hit on
the first object ball.
Diagram B has the cue ball with more low reverse, and the first object
ball is hit fuller.
Diagram C has the cue ball with much more low reverse, and the first
object ball hit yet more fully. The cue ball angle, off the first object
ball, is at least thirty degrees.
Hit this with authority

dont baby it.

This technique requires practice. Think nothing of hitting this shot 50

times.
Ira Sullivan likes to raise the cue butt a bit.

A-56

oa---1.
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To better find the first rail aim point,
refer to Billiard Atlas II, pages 40 to 47

A-57

Dead Draw Shot

Sang Lee has a variety of shots where dead draw is employed.
This example turns a difficult stroke shot into a soft, easy billiard. Just
learn the mechanics, and practice, practice, practice.
The first object ball is hit very thin. The cue ball english is a low dead
draw. Its stroked with a short follow-through stroke.

A-58

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A-59

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More Dead Draws

Sang Lee makes this dead draw look easy, but its not.
Sometimes a shade of side english is used to obtain some running
english. The first object ball is hit thin and driven into the corner. Hit
the cue ball with low dead draw and employ a quick stroke.
When the cue ball is at the far end of the table, he will still shoot this
shot, but with a different set of mechanics. It seems he has an infinite
array of shots using dead draw.

A-60

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A-61

4,

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Note:
A book could be written just on Chapters IV, V & VI. Theres much
information stored here.

A-62

Dallas On Numbers
In the history of U.S. Opens, Dallas West, who is an Open
Champion is the only player to be in all thirteen events. His
comments on Chapter III are as follows:
The Joeys & short angle tracks, stroked properly with maximum
english, will give the player an accurate set of short angle tracks to
use. Care must be taken not to stroke too hard since cue ball english
needs to work.
The technique of Sang Lees dead ball draw shots controls the cue
ball magnificently, thus avoiding scratches and providing better
position information. For the billiard player, these shots open up a
new world of control.
So often in 3-cushion, the tough question is of which shot to select;
the right shot, or the more comfortable shot? To maintain
composure and management, track information is helpful.
Ashbys technique is helpful in kicks since this type of shot appears
often
Walt Harrissbook will allow the pool player to make the transition
into 3-cushion billiards faster, better and easier. The player will have
more enjoyment using numbers (systems) and, coupled with feel,
can improve rapidly.

#63

A-64

The Billiard Atlas

(bil-yerd at-les) n.

A bound collection of billiard maps, or

charts, showing systems and techniques.
These work together, with natural ability
to fine tune a billiard shot.

A-65

A-66

Chapter IV
Walts Basic Plus System
This is an incredible system that will have you making many billiards
once you get accustomed to its back-ups.
This shot is ignored by most billiard players because of its unfamiliar
tracks.
This method was stumbled upon while working on the basic track
system and its end rail allowance.
I felt like Edison or Columbus when this was discovered.
The end rail diamonds WERE NOT USED in my calculations. Instead
the imaginary long rail was employed, and the plus system became
usable.
Please note that the first part of this plus system is to memorize the
basic spreads.
The second part is to memorize the backups to the basic system.
The third part is to be able to calculate the desired aim spot on the
first rail when the cue ball is located badly.

A-67

Plus Return Examples

Two examples are shown, and should be easy to understand.
A cue ball origin from 10, aimed at X, returns to 35 and has a spread
of 25.
A cue ball origin of 60, aimed at X, returns to 60, and has a spread
of 0. This is shown as path F.
Aim point X was selected to keep the cue ball away from a tight
corner hit. When cue originations are from 80, 70, 60, and 50, the
tight corner is hit is tricky. Speed and cue ball english are extremely
important from these locations, especially on a Sogard table.
TABLE CHECK: Sometimes a table will not behave like this.
The cue ball track of A might have a spread of 27. If so,
shift the system a quarter-diamond, or so.
POCKET BILLIARDS: The X aim point must be moved
an extra -diamond away from the table, then use the
above procedures.
Note: Pocket Billiard examples shown at back of book.

A-68

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A-69

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80

Walts Basic Plus System Returns

All cue ball origins from 10 to 80 are now shown.
The spread for each cue ball origin is shown in the left hand column
and must be memorized.
Please note the simplicity of memorizing the returns. Each diamond
has 5/10 OF A DIAMOND difference in the spreads.
Golden Plus Rule: The cue ball, when aimed at point X, will return
to the third rail halfway between the cue balls origin point and the
zero spread diamond point (path F).
EXAMPLE: A cue ball origin of 20, aimed at X, proceeds to 40 on
the third rail and has a spread of 20.
EXAMPLE: A cue ball origin of 30, aimed at X, proceeds to
45 on the third rail and has a spread of 15.
EXAMPLE: A cue ball origin of 60, aimed at X, has no spread, and
returns to 60. Refer to this path as the base line.
Another way of remembering the spreads, or returns, is to use 50% of
the distance between the cue ball origin on rail M and the base line.

A-70

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Plus Tracks and Returns

A-71

Plus Back-Ups
The spreads, coupled with back-up tracks, are a terrific combination.
Shown here are six helpful back-ups. Its important to check back-ups
when examining a table. Worn rail cloth, dirty balls, etc., make a big
difference. Some Sogards, or short tables, have different back-up
paths.
The back-up paths from the third rail to the fourth rail path should be
memorized.
EXAMPLES:

Track A has a cue ball origin of 10, and when

aimed at X, returns to 35. (It has a spread of 25.)
Notice the back-up path.
Track B has a cue ball origin of 20, and when
aimed at point X, returns to 40. (It has a spread of
20.) Notice the change in the back-up path

Note: The dashed lines indicate back-up paths.

Note: The backup tracks will be longer on a table that has extra slide

A-72

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A-73

Plus Problem Example

How do you solve this Plus problem when the cue ball is away from
the basic track?
Note that the desired third rail hit point is aimed at 50.

A-74

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A-75

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Plus Shift
To solve this problem, imagine a cue ball location that would be a
perfect basic track and when aimed at X, would arrive at 50 (on the
third rail).
The basic track of 40 to X, would return to 50.
Sight from 40 through X to a spot on the wall about ten feet beyond
table.
Aim cue ball at this spot on the wall.

NOTE: When desired hit point is between 60 & 80, then the desired basic track is beyond the
table, such as 90 or 100, thus the spread will be minus.

A-76

spot on the wall

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A-77

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A-78

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Hallons Isolated Track

A-79

A-80

Words From Above

At long last the age old

dreaded plus system is tamed.
Why this information was not
available 50 years ago, Will
remain a mystery.~
Joe Ventrelli

A-81

A-82

Words From Above

Knowing the tracks is required,
but if you cant hit the cue ball
consistently to arrive at a specific
point, then youre in trouble.

A-83

A-84

Chapter IV
Diamond and Track Systems
I hated the old Diamond System. Some experienced players do well
with it, but to attempt to teach it to a novice is ridiculous.
I know many players with forty to fifty years of experience that still
struggle with it.
This chapter reveals a different way of making a bank. Its quite
accurate with many numbers to remember. Please note that all basic
diamond systems are complicated.
With this innovation, you can go from table to table and make
adjustments quicker and easier.
The tournament tables at the championship level are quite different
and seldom seen by the average player. The balls are new, and of
course, the tables are heated, as well as covered with new cloth.
The cue ball paths are somewhat different since the amount of table
slide is unfamiliar to most players.

A-85

Diamond System Tracks

Shown here are the famous old Diamond System paths.
I first tried this system of tracks in 1947, and suffered for years trying
to make them work.
Notice the spreads for the third rail and fourth rail hit points.
The top players DO NOT use these tracks and if some do, the cue
ball english and speed are manipulated.
A U.S.A. champion once said his personal system of tracks were
private property and not available to anyone.
The average billiard player cant comprehend why somebody like
Hoppe,along with the books afterward, would lead them astray! After
all, we assumed cue ball english would be standard.
There are zillions of players that still believe in this system and DO
NOT use allowances or manipulate the cue ball.

A-86

i I i I

~ IIIIIIIIIIIIII

1111

A,,

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LongTable

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//

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20~o-
-

N N,

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30 ~o-

// /

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80

0~ltll

:60

v~S~* -0-

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10*

spread is 22

3)4

A-87

70

NN

80

til(IlllllIltlYillltllIllllt1llll;~

4,

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A

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.

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10

li~!J.0. 0

40*

tO
0

__

Diamond System, Problem A

Another error in the original Diamond System is the corner cue ball
origin.
The cue baIl is usually shown as coming out of the corner, when the
correct place should be from diamond 80.
When the cue ball is away from the corner, the player calculates the
proper path in terms of even diamonds.
As you can see from this drawing, coming out of the corner and
aiming for the opposite corner has a cue ball origin of 80 plus 4/10 of
a diamond.
The difference between the corner-to-corner track, and the corner-to
50 track, is 3/10 of a diamond.

WHY ARE ALL CALCULATIONS IN EVEN DIAMONDS EXCEPT

THE CORNER?
Note: The same principle applies when aiming into the corner. Care
must be taken with the extra distance beyond the imaginary corner
diamond.

A-88

I
/

-~: I

70

/
/
/
/

/1
/

I?

/I

80

o,-,_________
I lijill
c!~ii

______

0
-I-I

,.

1~
/

30*

-0

A-89

Two Diamond Tracks

Try to have your cue ball follow these two common tracks from the
existing old Diamond System.
This will reveal how cue ball english and speed have to be
MANIPULATED to have the cue ball follow these paths.
One good player once said Whavs wrong with manipulating cue ball
english and speed?
Why not simplify this system for the new players in his way:
1. Standardize speed
2. Standardize cue ball english
3. Then establish a set of paths based on this.
4. These values can be taken to any table and the
deviation can be adjusted.

Note: The tracks will be longer on a table with extra cloth slide.

A-90

.~~llll)1tIllll111llllIlll

ll~~o 0

N
4-

.NN

E.

10 :

0N~

10

20-o:

s,

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N
N

NN
N

N
N

40 -o-

NNNNNNNNNN

40

Htz:5O

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S.

//

70 -o~

~NN

//

-o30
N

/
/

N\
N
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80_O_illllIlJIIllllIlllll)(llIIlllltItlIItlll~0

/~~
0*

70

10*

~J*

Two Diamond Tracks

A-91

ui

80

80-to-30 Basic Track

Lets establish a standard for the cue ball english and cue ball speed,
then memorize the hit points on the various rails.
This particular shot was tried on all four corners on many tables.
Sometimes a particular corner was different, and sometimes a table
was different.
My search was to establish an AVERAGE SET OF NUMBERS for
this path as shown on the drawing.
This should be a players test shot when examining a table. Usually
the fourth rail hit point is the variable.
Much cue ball side english is required, so you can strike the cue ball
softer and know more about the destination of the object ball.
This is very important for position play and avoiding kisses.
NOTE: On a table with extra slide, these tracks will be 2/10, to 4/10
of a diamond longer.

A-92

\~

Long Table

N
N

10

20

.. ..~llllIllt1I1itIIItllllJ_llIItIlhIhuuhhlll~o.O
0

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//

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N

40 -o-

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N NNNNNN

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_______________________

7~

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4i

10*

A-93

40*

80 To 30
English and speed were only vague concepts when the old diamond
system was discussed.
This drawing shows five tracks on the 80-to-30 basic track.
Track A is the old diamond system path and the third rail hit point is
20.
Track B is the modified version of the diamond system and has the
ball edge touching the cushion at 20 (not through the diamond of 20.)
Track C is Walts Basic Track for a THREE RAIL SPEED and 2 tips
of english. The hit point is through point 23.
Track D is the same as track C except its FIVE RAIL SPEED and
the hit point is through 25.
Track E is the same as track C except its SEVEN RAIL SPEED
and the hit point is through 27.
Memorize the five rail speed hit points and subtract 2/10 for three rail
speed and add 2/10 for the seven rail speed. This method probably
could use some refining, but its fairly accurate.
I have often tried different english and speed on the A track so I
could go from the corner to 30 and then to 20. My experience showed
the cue ball had to be hit high, with not much english and slowly.
NOTE: The tracks will be 2,

to 4 tenths of a diamond longer, on a table with extra slide.

A-94

N,,.

~*.

4
20
0

25
0
0
0

30

1 3~rail

A-95

80-to-30 Returns
Using the same description as indicated on the previous page, notice
the fourth rail hit points.
These cue ball paths, from the third to fourth rail, are shown for a long
table, such as an old Brunswick or a well kept Wilhelmina.
The Sogard is shown here at five rail speed.
Sogard tables may have hit points like C and D (they vary a bit)
This is also one of my test shots.
NOTE: The cue ball paths will be 2/10 to 4/10 of a diamond longer
on a table with extra cloth slide.

A-96

7~*~

I,

.-

k4b

end rail

( th)
4

20*

3Q*

,)11I)AIIIIIIlllllIllIIIIII

10*
Basic Track 80 to 30

A-97

80-to-0 Returns
Another cue ball path that is examined, is the 80-to-O path. Notice the
fourh rail hit spots using the variations noted on page 98.
The Sogard track is shown at five rail speed.
I have often attempted various cue ball speeds and cue ball english
for the A path (the old Diamond System) in an effort to connect the
corner-to-corner, to 20*. My cue ball english bordered on a masse.
A siliconed ball, or new cloth slide could connect these tracks.
Cue ball english and speed couldnt possibly be standard on the old
Diamond System. The examples of corner-to-corner, and corner-to30 revealed this. In order to have the cue ball follow the tracks, cue
ball english and speed has to be a variable.
NOTE: The tracks will be 2/10, to 4/10 of a diamond longer, on a
table with extra slide.

A-98

/////

00

end rail

(4th)~

II

L~

lilA
0

Al
0

II

10*

15*

A-99

20*

Basic Tracks For Four Rails

More paths, or also called tracks, were established in my search for a
list of basic values (rail hit points).
These numbers will be shown on a separate schedule so they will be
easier to remember.
Please note these tracks are for five rail speeds and a long table.
Notice the spreads on the third and fourth rail hit points, between the
80-to-30 and the 80-to-0 tracks
The spreads on the old Diamond System are at LEAST 50%
LARGER. The only way you would know this is to learn the old
Diamond System.
The third rail hit point numbers and the fourth rail hit point numbers,
formed the values I was looking for.
Any table that would tested in the future should be adjusted using
these values.

A-i 00

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N

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N

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___________________________________________
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spread is 12 for a long table

.~

_________________
A-i 01

spread is 13 br a short table

More Basic Rail Tracks

Three more cue ball origins are added to the previously-shown basic
tracks.
The third and fourth rail hit points must be remembered. This is at
five rail speeds. Three rail speed and seven rail speed must be
adjusted as shown on the previous pages.
A worthwhile test shot is from an origin of 10*, with a seven rail cue
ball speed, to find the sixth rail hit point.

A-i02

____________________________________________________________________________________________
9

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A-103

~( /1
\i~~ ~//

1&

50

:070

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4tiP~ till

liii

80

Seven Rail Speed Track

This drawing indicates the fifth and sixth rail hit points.
Starting from 80 and going to 30, the fifth rail hit spot is 75 with the
sixth rail hit spot at ii. This is for a long table. For a well-kept
Wilhelmina, the sixth rail-hit spot is shorter, and may hit between 16
to 18.
On

a Sogard, the sixth rail hit spot is 20. This is another test shot.

Again, this all must be memorized.

A-104

\~
0

A,,

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I
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10*

A-105

sH~ 80

4,

4,

20*

3)*

40*

5th-to-6th Rail Tracks

Seven tracks are shown which include the fifth and sixth rail hit
points. They range between 80-to-30, and 1 0*~to~0.
A is 80 to 30, with a fifth rail hit point of 75 on rail N and a sixth hit
point of ii on rail M.
B is 80 to 20, with hit points to 70 (fifth rail) and 7 (sixth rail)
C and D are as shown.
E is 3Q* to 0, F is from 20* to 0, etc.
See the following table for a summary of hit points.
The long rail fifth rail hit points are in increments of 5/10 of a diamond
(except for G).
The long rail sixth rail hit points are in increments of 4/10 of a
-diamond.
The short rail sixth rail hit points are in increments of 3/10.
Sogards sixth rail hit spots are shorter.

A-106

raiV0~

\S-

~ i,,tI,,ltI,lt,I,,,IIl,l,ItIt,Ilf,ihtAI
LongTable
/ /

10

~/

~/

Y
/

(~~

/./

,,/

4
/4

~/

~/

: ~ 10

.,~

rai,

__

.
-

0/ V

20 -o-

t/~o 20

~
30

-o-~
.-

-o-30

~o 40

~N
N
N

N
N
N

50

N5

N
N

_NQ
~

N
-

N
~\

NN~

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N~.\

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F

Ii t~iIt Ijil

A-I 07

-0-

N N

cc

0
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H.
70

vN:

ti 1,11,1

I~I

60

till t U l~

80

Walts Basic Track System

Remembering the basic tracks:
5 RAIL SPEED

7 RAIL SPEED

3rd

4th

5th

6th

Rail

Rail

Rail

Rail

80to50

68

80to40

15

75

8Oto3OA

25

3*

75

ii

8Oto2OB

33

7*

70

8OtolOC

40

11*

65

8OtoO D

45

15*

60

30*too E

50

19*

55

1*

20*too F

55

24*

50

3*

i0*toOG

65

29*

47

7*

The 3rd rail sequence is easy, since its in a 5 series except for 33.
The end rail is simple since its in increments of 4, thus 3, 7, ii, 15
& 19. Most of the 5th rail numbers are in sequence of Ss.
Memorizing these track locations will enable you to find where you
need the ball to arrive.
Note: The tracks will be longer on a table with extra slide.

A-lOB

Words From Above

Check each table to see how it

varies from your known values, or
hit points. If it varies, move your hit
points to accommodate the table.

A-109

80-to-lO, Sight Line

As shown from the drawing on basic tracks, the track hit point on the
third rail is 40, and the track hit point on the fourth rail, is 11*.
The sight line from the third to the fourth rail is not 40 to 11*. It is
about 8/10 of a diamond BEHIND 40, or 32 to 11*.
Please note the sight line from second rail. Its important in umbrellas
shots.

A-lb

-4r44

0*1

110*

20*

3(7

I t I I

\~J~/
~

10

illi

A,,
ilii

::

\N

:020

N
N

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4...

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-

70

ec~

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60
4.

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1111

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20-0--

30

43*

60

N~
-

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~/7

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0*

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o,O

I
/0*

4,
20

A-Ill

.4

4,
33*

1
43*

Sighting
This drawing indicates how to sight from the third rail to the fourth rail.
The basic tracks are shown giving the sight line for each from the
third rail. Please note that adjustments are needed as shown.
Since most of the adjustments are between 7/10 and 9/10 of a
diamond, try to memorize, and use 8/10 of a diamond, except for the
long angles.

A-112

\A

~,1

~~0, ______-

r~

o
0~II,,l,,,IIttltl,tiilitiiIiitilIi,~o*~~
0
N
N %
4
-

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4--

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8
ojlltilltitlllitllitilliitlliilliliililri-0 O

~,

A-ll3

~ + ~

Connecting Paths, Allowance, and Shift

This page is quite important. When the cue ball is away from the
corner, and a new path is desired, heres the procedure. Shown are
two cue ball positions, 5 and 1.
Assume you want to hit point 25 on the third rail and have decided
the basic track of 80-to-30 will do it. You are away from the corner
and need an adjustment. The new alignment uses two diamonds on
rail M, for every one diamond on rail N to find my new aim spot. In
position 5, aim at point 20. For position T, aim at point 10 (for
third rail hit points only)
From the third rail to fourth rail, the track changes and SHORTENS.
When this occurs, an allowance must be used to arrive at desired
fourth rail hit. The Seattle Kids allowance is employed and easy to
understand. Whatever percentage the cue ball location is on rail M,
is the percentage of a diamond adjustment on rail N.
For example, a cue ball position T (on rail M) is away from corner
P, as shown. This cue ball is half way from the corner or uses 50 %
of the long rail. Then 50% of a diamond must be added to 10 on rail
N. This is the new aim spot for the cue ball so as to anive at 3* on
the fourth rail. Position 5 has a 25% adjustment.
In the case of position 1, a 1/2 diamond difference on the first rail
creates a half-diamond difference on the third rail, so the track shifts
on the third rail to the desired hit point on the fourth rail. Thus a new
track of 30 to 3* is created.
The new path is important, so go over the entire shot and recalculate.
Once you get the hang of it, its simple.
Brynes Standard Book of Pool and Billiard wrote about this allowance also.

A-114

0*

10*

\~

20*

43*

_0_~tlitliitliililiiiililiilIiitlitiIliiti~.0.0

r __railN

railM

10-0-

010
N

N
N

N.
NN N

o20

3Q~:

20-a-..
N

4/

~h,N

~
N%

N.
-

N
N

N
N

5-

60

:b40
-

N.

N
N~
N
N.
N~
N
N,

N,
N

N
N

N~

N
N.

50

..
N

N.

-o 50

N.
N,

--4

A--

(p
0

t_,

I_,

70-c--

cornerP
U

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-4

80_o_ilIfrltiiiIiiitlitiIlitiiliiiiIiiiuIiIit~~80

7,dI

+
10~

-25

:~ 30

400:

4,

33*

A-I 15

4,
33*

y\NN

43*

Short Cut
For a three-rail billiard, there is an easy way to find where to aim no
matter where the cue ball is. Again, this is only for a third rail hit point.
Sight along the needed basic track to hit into point 25 on the third rail,
and that would be a 80-to-30 path. Then find a point along this 80-to30 line to a point about ten feet beyond the table. We call this point a
spot on the wall.
Aim the cue ball at this spot.
Note: The fourth rail spot is calculated as shown on the previous
page.

A-il 6

Words From Above

Robert Bryne says Hoppes

Diamond System has confused
hordes of students and has driven
them into bowling. See page 330
of Byrnes Standard Book of Pool
and Billiards.
Robert Byrne

A-1b7

A-1b8

Chapter VI
Walts New End Rail Alignment And
Allowances
Here is a new way to align and employ allowances when the cue ball
is away from the corner and along the short rail.
This seems too easy not to be known by tons of players, but in my
fifty years of playing, I have never seen it.
The numbers used here are difficult to remember, especially the
allowance numbers. But thats life.
Ah, the end rail calculations! Located on the following pages is an
arduous analysis of how to find the exact cue ball path when the cue
ball origin is from a short rail.

A-i 19

Existing Diamond System End Rail

Allowances
When the cue ball is away from the corner and along the end rail, a
similar principle is applied to determine the new aim spot, except one
diamond on rail 0 for every diamond on rail N is the new
alignment. Note that this alignment is long when trying to hit fourth
rail hit spots.
When allowances for the fourth rail hit spots (rail 0) were
discussed, or printed, I found many theories on this subject. A few of
them are:
1. Use Seattle Kids Allowance.
2. No allowance.

3. The European six ball allowance.

4. Zones of no allowance and zones of increasing allowance as
a cue ball is further away from the corner.
5. Hoppenever mentioned allowances, and this was a set back
billiards. Since there were few places to find study material, the
student soon found great problems as the reward for his efforts.
Its possible that many very high level players do not have good data
regarding fourth rail-hit points.

A-120

\~
0

_0.~rtiiIiiitItiiiIitiltiitlIliii tiiitiiit2-_,3_

radUN

:
10

20

-o--

-o

30~:
N

N
N

40

NNNNN

70

0-

80

0 ~

/~,

t Ii

NNN
N
N

till

rail 0

A-i 21

4till
~ ill

NNNNN

IhNi

liii! lit it

~*

80

Walts Basic Track End Rail System

It was 1988, and I was in Cocoa Beach, Florida without a billiard table,
and I decided to read everything I could on this subject. I was trying to
make some sense out of the diamond system.
This was when I stumbled on a different approach to the end rail
diamonds. I knew a cue ball located away from the corner and on THE
LONG RAIL made the diamond system okay if the Seattle Kids
allowance was used.
What if these principles were applied to an imaginary table below and
beyond the existing table, and the imaginary long rail was used for
calculations?
This was the birth of my end-rail system. There are many numbers to
remember, more time is required to calculate a billiard, but the results
are MORE ACCURATE.
For example, this drawing reveals the basic track of 80-to-i 0 and the
first alignment is 8 (on rail 0) to 20 (on rail M). This alignment
uses 2 diamonds on rail N to one Diamond on rail M.
The large number is used for three rail shots. The small number, next
to the large number, is the allowance needed for the fourth rail hit spot.
The Seattle Kids Allowance is used, except the originating allowance
point is NOT the short rail, but the imaginary long rail.
So point F is 25% away from point X (on the imaginary long rail,)
then 25% of a diamond is added to rail M. Thus the new aim spot is
from point F to 22.5. This crossed rail 0 at 8, thus no allowance is
used.

A-122

1,1, ,tl ,F,,,

1,1,,?,,,,
N
-

I
SE II
-Ut

io

-~

,t, , ,

~~

11
For a three rail shot:
UneAgoes from 8to 20
UneBgoes from 16 (0 plus8) toSO
Une C goes from 24 (8 plus 8 plus 8) to 40
Une D goes from 29 (8 plus 8 plus 8 plus 5) to 50

20

020
N
N

..

-raHN

30~

\
N

030

N
N

ra,l M
40-c

70-0

;
~

060

~N

N
N

t~
c- ~
A

0
N

0,
-

; ~

050

_9,

N
-

040

-6

so

%
\~

50-c

60

io

N
N

railO

N
N

-~

I\NN;~

4, ~

~,\

I,

~20
point F

N
N
N

G3Q
N

,-

~N

The cue bell will be long for a 4 rail shot

40
so an allowance must be added:
Une A add .25 of a diamond (.25% of the imaginary rail) ...alm at 22.5
Une B add .50 of a diamond (.50% ot the ImagInary rail) aim at 35
Uno C add .75 of a diamond (.75% of the Imaginary rail) ---aim at 47.5
50
Une 0 add 1.0 of a diamond (100% of the imaginary rail) aim at 60
NOTE: An error occurs here. an additional allowance Is needed on rail ~P
when you sight from point Z, notice that this line does not cross
rail P at 29, but at 32.. estimate this by sighting from point 1
60
to 60 to a spot on the wall about 12 feet beyond the ta~e.

I_________
i.
NOTE:

7
~point
80
Z
is done right to left

ltIl tIIl~,IllI lIIl ,IIII(lIII IIIt III

1
1
4
1
1

Memorizing 8, 8, 8 & 5,

A-123

End Rail System Example

The basic track of 80-to-0 has certain hit points on the third rail as
described in the BASIC SYSTEM (page 101). When the cue ball is
located elsewhere, you must realign to reach the desired third rail hit
point.
When the cue ball is away from the corner and along the short rail,
the first alignment is from 7 (the cue ball origin) to 10 (the first rail
aimed at). The second alignment is from 14 (7+7) to 20.
The next alignment is from 21(7+7+7) to 30.
The next alignment is from 27 (7+7+7+6) to 40.
These numbers are for THREE RAIL SHOTS ONLY, and strike the
third rail as shown in the basic track system.
To strike an exact fourth rail hit spot an allowance must be added.
The first alignment is from 7 with no allowance, so aim at 12.5 on the
1st rail. Why? Line A uses of the imaginary long rail, thus a
diamond adjustment is needed. First rail point is 10. Add 2.5=12.5
The second alignment is from 14 (line B) to 20 with an allowance of
diamond, so aim from 15(7+7+1) to 25. Thus 20 + 5 (half diamond) =
25 etc.
Everything is detailed clearly in the diagram.
Think of it this way: its just a long phone number to remember.

A-124

,t, , ,It,, ,1~.

~: i,, ~,,~

10

For a three rail shot:

UneAgoesfrom 7 to 10
Une B goes from 14 (7 plus 7) to2O
UneCgoesfrom2l (7 plus 7 plus 7) toSO
UneOgoesfrom27 (7 plus 7 plus 7 plus 6) to4O

N,,
N
N
N

20

20

N
N

N
N
N

30~-

N
N

t
N

N
N

030

%.

NNN
N
N

40

N
N

040

N
N

9.

50

~ \ \\\ \ C %,
~

NN

60

G,

.o

N
\

NNN

I II lit
,~

0 70
N
-

U 1W I

~ ~ +V

~ 80
.

67,f.7j,7

:10

. N,,,,,,

N
N
N
N

I I ~fl

rarP~

NNN

60

NN

N
N
N

N
N

N
N

NN
N
NN

N. N

050

70

~ a

-0

20

30

The cue ball wf II be long for a 4 rail shot

so an allowance must be added:
Une A add .25 of a dIamond (.25% of the Imaginary rail) aim at 12.5
-0
Une B add .50 of a diamond (.50% of the Imaginary rail) aim at 25
Une C add .75 of a dIamond (.75% of the imaginary rail) aim at 37.5
Une 0 add 1.0 of a diamond (100% of the imaginary rail) aim at 50
NOTE: An error occurs hare...an additional allowance Is needed on rail V
when you sight from point K. notice that this line does not cross 0
rail Vat 27, but at 29....estlmate this by sighting from pointK
to 50.

\[70

(Ill ~

A-125

~ ~

ft- 1pointz

i,,,

~fl~
so

10

111,1

1t~,,,i,,, ,t, 1,11 t~ii,, ,~T0

I

For a three rail shot:

Une Agoes from I& to 60
Une B goes from 32 (18 plus 14) to 70

200

20

300

030

40

040

TN
N

50

050
N

N
N

60

N.4

~
-

70

0/

o,~

7.

80

N
N

1~lT~
I lhhhhthhlhl!111
,,.4

~
~

70
NN

-:

rail P-

c 80

N,

~~pointX

40

The cue bell will be long for a 4 rail shot

so an allowance must be added:
Une A add .25 of a diamond (.25% of the Imaginary rail) ---aim at 62.5
Une B add .50 of a diamond (.50% of the imaginary rail) aim at 75
NOTE: An error occurs here,.,an additional allowance Is needed on rail V
when you sight from point K, notice that this tine does not cross
rail Vat 32, but at 36,.,estimate this by sighting from point K
to 60 to a spot on the wall about 12 feel beyond the table-

70

I~~L

j~~ ~

A-126

80

1t,~i,,Ut,1,, I,

10

20

1~h,,

For a three rail shot:

UneAgoesfromlotoSO
Une B goes from 20 (10 plus 10) to 40
Une C goes from 28 (10 plus IC plus 8) 1o50

N
N

lilt,

Une 0 goes from 34 (10 plus 10 plus 8 plus 6) to 60

N

30

30

NNN

40-~
-

60

040

N
N
Nc

50k

NN

c-

C-

3~

N
N
N

\N

N
N

80
raltP

070

N
N

N
N

060

NN

70*

N
N

1.~11y411I11111L1~1111I11n~

~4\I I
N

10

80
N

10

010

:20
0

030

The cue ball will be long tor a 4 rail shot

so an allowance must be added:
Line A add .25 of a dIamond (.25% of the Imaginary rail) aim et 32.5
Line B add .50 of a diamond (.50% of the ImagInary rail) aim at 45
Line C add .75 of a dIamond (.75% of the Imaginary rail) aim at 57.5
Line D add 1.0 of a diamond (100% of the Imaginary rail) aim at 70
NOTE: An error occurs here. an additional allowance is needed on rail P
when you sight from point X, notice that this line does not cross
rail P at 34, but at 37....estimate this by sighting from point K
to 70.

IlIjIli 14,1111(1114,111111111

A-i 27

60

o
-

70
80pointX
1

10

,,,,l,i,

t1~ t~ : ~
~

IC

Uneegoesfrom22(lO plus6 pius6)to2O

C goes from 26 (IC plus 6 plus 6 pius 4) to
\ \ Line
30
\ \

-,

For a three rail shot:

UneAgoesfroml6tolO

20

1111

,~1

030

40

o.
N

~
N
N

~
N

NN
N
N

\ \ \ j

so

80

NN
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N

50

,,

9.-

C.

60

5-

-p

700

80
ra~P

9 \
N

07Q

11fl 11 UhIINIQI\~IcINI~IIINl UI,rIIl

1
4

6 ,]~\io

80

10

o
0

030

a40

so

60

07C

The cue ball will b-a long for a 4 rail shot

so an allowance must be added:
Line A add .25 of a diamond (.25% of the Imaginary rail)
Line B add .50 of a diamond (.50% of the imaginary rail)
Line C add .75 of a diamond (75% of the imaginary rail)

A-i 28

onint 2
aim at 12.5
aim at 25
aim at 37.5

t r

\s

,,.,lI,itIllllIIllIlIIlIIIllIlIIIllliiI

00

10

20

10
For a three rail shot:
UneAgoes from 12 to 40
Line B goes from 22 (12 pIus 10) to 50
Line C goes from 30 (12 pius 10 pIus B) to

0
-

60

30~

030

N
N

040

N~

50

N
-

60

70

N
NN

S~
4

o-

N CN

NNN N

N
N~

N
N

80

~
t~~i I ~,

/_t

l~ ti I
N

II

70

N
~~

~,

60

NN

.k~ c

railP-

1111

N
1111

80

~,

10

12

040

N
N
N
N

050

,,.pointX
S60

The cue ball will be long for a 4 rail shot

so an allowance must be added:
Line A add .25 of a dIamond (.25% of the Imaginary rail) aim at 42.5
Line B add .50 of a diamond (.50% of the imaginary rail) aim at 55
Line C add .75 of a dIamond (.75% of the Imaginary rail) aim at 67.5
Nolt: An error occurs hera..en additional allowance is needed on rail V
when you sight from point K, notice that this line does not cross
rail V at 30, but at 34...estimate this by sighting from point K
to 67.5 to a spot on the wall about 12 feet beyond the lable.

A-129

More End Rail

I found the allowance numbers difficult to remember so I developed a
technique to find this cue ball path.

1.

My cue stick is marked with four diamond distances so

that I can measure one to four diamonds on the imaginary
table.

2.

In the case of the 80-to-40 path, when the second

alignment is 26 (14+12) to 60, I put a piece of chalk on

the end rail at 26.
3.

With my cue stick as a ruler, I move to point A and sight

to 65, then move this piece of chalk to this new a point on
the end rail. By sighting, the line has been changed to
reach a fourth rail-hit point.

1.

The Seattle Kids allowance method was used for the

fourth rail-hit spot.
Note:
Note:

Allowances are not used for calculating a third

rail-hit point.
Once the track is found, and the allowances
employed, then sight along this line to a spot on
the wall about 10 feet beyond the table. If the
cue ball is between tracks use two tracks and br
two spots on the wall, and interpolate.

A-130

~ :

N
0

10

rtrtitr
,,,,l,,,.Ii,,,l,,,,lii.,l.,,,l,,,il,i,,

20

30

10

20

Forathreerallshot
Line A goes from 14 to 50
Line B goes from 26 (14 plus 12) to 60

40

40
-

50

*
NNN

60

70

~N

70

111111111

~iir~i~i~~

~t~ +

80

____

U.N

60

1IIII1II 111)1

ral,r

<~%,

V\

80

050

,12

14

N
N

020

N
-N

010

30

\,~I

Q40

pointA
0

050

060

The cue ball will be long for a 4 rail shot

-
so an allowance must be added:
Line A add .2501 a dIamond (.25% of the imaginary rail) -..aim at 52.5
Line B add .50 of a dIamond (.50% of the imaginary raIl) ...aim at 65
NOTE: An error occurs hore...an addilional allowance is needed on rail P
when you sight from point A, notice that this line does not cross
rail V at 26, but at 28.

A-131

a
0,
CO

,r~1t,,,,i,,, t1

,~,

For a three rail shot:

Line A goes from 24 (20 pius 4) to 10
Une B goes from 28 (20 plus 4 plus 4) to 20
Line C goes from 32 (20 plus 4 plus 4 pius 3) to 30

\
\

201

20

N
N

\ \

30

40

030
N

NtN
N

NN
N

040

-~

N
N

N
N

Nt

\ \ ~

So-

050

C,
-

600

60

,
C70

C)

ON
N

70

2O~

IllI[lliQ~i~ttI~ctIvv(IIII/ItrI1lIir
~ 80

80

j,3j,4j. 4 J)\

io

030

04~

9-

5Q

0~Q

07Q

The cue bail will be long for a 4 raIl shot

so an allowance must be added:
Line A add .25 of a dIamond (.25% of the imaginary rail)
Line B add .50 of a diamond (.50% of the imaginary rail)
Une C add .75 of a diamond (.75% of the imaginary rail)

A-i32

aim at 12.5
aim at 25
aim at 37.5

End Rail Track Numbers & Allowances

Basic Tracks
1st alignment

80to50
80to40
80to30
80to20
SOtolO
8Oto 0
BOto 0
8Oto 0

18
14
12
10
8
7
6
4

2nd alignment

14
12
10
10
8
7
6
4

next alignment

9
8
8
8
7
4
3

next alignment

6
5
6

There are many numbers to memorize above. More time is needed in

finding the correct path, but this method is certainly more accurate.

A-133

Words From Above

Spend

some time with each

system. Get to know it and

evaluate your stroke against it.
When youre comfortable with one
system, move on to the next.

If

you have trouble with one, let it

rest awhile and concentrate on
another before going back and
looking at it a second time.
Tom Shaw

A-i 34

Proprietors View
Chris Crisman is a veteran billiard room operator in Chicago. His
years of watching world class players, champions, top players, top
hustlers and play in general gives him a unique insight into the billiard
world. He writes:
I have witnessed over 2000 pool and 3-cushion tournaments
during my 40 years of billiard participation and room ownership.
During pool tournaments its obvious who has carom billiard
knowledge and who doesnt and many very good players cannot
control the cue ball or solve simple carom problems. This lack of
knowledge separates them from the top players, many who play 3cushion well.
There has never been anything written like this. These systems
and techniques open the door of possibilities for the pool or 3-cushion
player like never before. The serious player, seeking information, now
can proceed beyond his current level of play.
A player knowing rail hit point systems can make multi-rail banks or
kick shots and can snooker with more confidence and aplomb.
Strategy is very important in all pocket games so if a player knows
his inning average of pocketed balls, then he can better plan his
proper percentage toward safety play.
Having carom knowledge builds confidence and makes a big
difference when a pressure situation arises. Lacking this knowledge
can be devastating when a crucial situation arises.
Chris Crisman

A-i 35

A-i36

Words From Above

The desired cue ball location is not

so easy to find. The desired cue

ball path must be mapped out in

advance.

A-i 37

A-i 38

Chapter VII
Across The Table
Most across-he-able shots are played with a certain technique.
Richard Bitalis, Billy Smith and Carl Strassburger contributed to
this section.
Bitaliss video film on the subject has the first object ball driven to the
short rail, parallel to the long rail, which provides position or safety.
Strassburger says if you wish to avoid a cue ball arc, dont follow
throughh your stroke. This creates a hard to control arc. As you
improve, you can master the arc.
Billy Smith says the cue tip hits the cue ball in a clock-like fashion
with the cue tip aimed at the edge of the first object ball.
When all of the above is considerd, the variable is where the cue tip
hits the cue ball, thus the player has less to remember.

A-i39

More Billy
Billy Smith has a complete system for across-the-table shots, and it
works.
I swore an oath not to reveal it since he gives lessons, but since I
paid for the lesson, I feel it can be passed on.
A BASE TRIANGLE is used and the end rail is numbered to
coincide with the cue-tip-hit clock numbers.
If your angle is on the basic triangle, then

two oclock cue ball english

will hit point two on the end rail as shown in the drawing.
With three oclock cue ball english, the cue ball will hit point three on
the end rail.
This will give you an idea of how to stroke the cue ball and a basis to
determine narrower or wider angles.
If you wish more precise information, phone Billy.

A-140

12

\~

Ill

t 111111111
T

11111 ii

3
I

1111111111111111111

0~

:~
I

.--

base triangle

:
-

.%

4-~

-0-

..~.

:~ B
~..,

.
.
.

a.

Cl)

0:
-

12 oclock
2 oclock

4 oclock

4,

-S

llllIlliljlllIllIlljllIllllllltllllllll

A-141.

4,

Hallons Across The Table

Carlos Hallonhits the cue ball low and elevates the rear of his cue.
He raises his bridge a bit and drives the ball (this is not a draw shot.)
His hit point on the first rail is about one ball width below the first

object ball, as shown on the drawing.

The VARIABLE IN THIS SHOT is the amount of right-hand english.
The further the object balls are apart, the more right hand english is
required (two tips maximum).
The two examples demonstrate 1/2 tip to 2 tips of right-hand cue ball
english.
A maximum of one diamond spread between the object balls is
desired.
The angles are so shallow that a three rail, or a four rail billiard is
available at the five rail speed.
Learn to hit your cue ball low without drawing it.

A-i42

//

Maximum of

._

onediamond

:j

~--~

0~

lIll~lllljIluIJllll~llll~ltltjllllpluS0

4,

A-143

4,

4,

Words From Above

The first obligation is to

make the billiard.

Richard Bitalis

A-146

George Fels
Our Poet Laureate his humor and wit add so much to our Billiard
World. His Damon Runyon characters give our game the romance it
-

needs.

George also gathers information that can help your game. His 101
Tips in the Billiard Digest magazine was first-class.
Here are several tips that really apply to 3-cushion:

The only other sport that demands pools and billiards level of
concentration is golf because, once again, youre attacking an
-

inert ball and have no opponent to interfere with except the game

itself. Bear down.

Always come to a complete stop after the last practice stroke and
check you aim. If it looks and feels perfect, pull the trigger. If not,
stand erect and adjust. Helps establish a consistent stroke and
playing rhythm.

Do not adjust your aim while still in your shooting stance. Youre
odds on to miss.

Most good players begin sighting the shot while still erect, rather
than waiting until theyre in their stance.
Three to five practice strokes are plenty. More than that and you

force your self out of rhythm, and begin to put unnecessary

pressure on yourself.
Forget the old saw about no more than a cue-tips worth of
english. With todays equipment, youll never get the cue-ball

control or position you want that way. Use no english whenever

possible but that will be possible less than you think and learn to
apply all the english you can control.
-

A-147

A-148

Chapter VIII
Chicago First Rail Tracks
This rail first billiard pattern has natural angles and paths.

Cue ball speed, english, and stroke are all standard. A cue ball path
is established for each cue ball origin.
This method will help in removing the mystery that surrounds this
type of billiard pattern.

A-149

Rail First Track

Is there a way of calculating this rail-first billiard so the cue ball can
come out of corner P and reach the third rail near point 48.5?
The answer is yes. Please note that cue ball english and cue ball
speed are fixed. The object ball hit is also.
When the cue ball is along line A, the first object ball should be
located at 32.5 for the cue ball to come out of the corner with spinning
english and hit the fourth rail approximately 16/10 of a diamond away
from 32.5 to 48.5.
This is the cue ball path when the cue ball origin is from the first
diamond on the short rail.
This is to be memorized along with the approximate backup as
shown.
The first object ball MUST BE HIT RATHER FULL with cue ball
english as shown.

A-iSO

corner P

III 1111111111111111111111111111! iii 1111

~0

:.~. 10

I-

_\

-o. 20

:,,,.

cJ.

Co

30

1~

:~ ___
.

C!

-0--

0-

0~)

~4

/ H
/

-o 60

a
/

o70
.4

211111111 l~lI lIJI II l~IIlIj

A-151

Ill l~IIlIjI

illS

80

Six Rail First Tracks

Six specific cue ball locations are shown here, A thru F.
Six object ball locations are set up for each cue ball location. We
want to have cue ball come out of corner P with ample cue ball spin.
Memorizing these tracks is easy. The first object ball locations are
between 32.5 and 7.5.
Please note that these locations are a half a diamond apart.
Remember A at 32.5... .B at 27.5... .C at 22.5... .etc.
The E and F tracks become a bit tricky, since a full object ball hit
is not desired. Employ a thinner hit, especially in the F track.

A-152

corner V

~/

.. ..~!IlllllIllllllIllllIulIlIlIlllllllllIla. .
0
0
S.-

-7

NN

~~-~-O!
7
/

7/

,/

lOu
01

____

____

-~

01

3O~

.F

:
~32.5
fl-o- 40

E
/

E-

I/ L

___

-.

0:

//

75
-

:~.

//O!

:0-

4
.

/E

50

,1

D
:

~ Yl 111111 I

/y

U1 11111111/11111111
4,
1
4, 1 4,

I
/

11111111 ~ -o

First object ball locations

A-153

80

Rail First 3rd Rail Returns

The third rail returns to the fourth rail have an easy pattern to
memorize.
Previously, the A track was shown with a third-to-fourth rail return of
1.6 diamonds, This 16, when added to 32.5, has a fourth rail spot of
48.5.
The B track is 27.5 to the corner, then to 45.5, and has a spread of
18.
The spreads change basically by 2/10 of a diamond for each cue ball
location. Memorize A as 16/10 and B as 18/10, and C as 20/10,
with each new position changing by 2/10 of diamond.
Its like remembering two phone numbers.
Since hit, cue ball spin, and speed are a bit tricky, the returns can

vary somewhat. However, this but can be used a general guide.

A-154

\A

~/

IlIlllIIlIlllIlllIIllllllIIlltlllllllll

__~

?.,~.

y
.-

~,-._

-S

~O

1iL.
4-c~i E~fll

1w

:030

:1
.!Q~~l

aNF

-S

rf

A
S.

Qj.

//
//

~1lll 1111

/~ I

-o 70

//

11111111

A-155

1111

1111

4,

1111 1111j

80

Rail First Track Shift

Unfortunately, the cue ball is seldom where you wish it to be. When
this happens, a parallel method is to be used.
If the cue ball a cue ball is lying at an A origin, but the first object
ball is at 22.5... .how do you find this new cue ball path?
Find the normal basic track for cue ball location A, which is 32.5 to
corner, then to 48.5.
Now parallel a line thru 22.5 to track A, and estimate the distance
between tracks.
Parallel a line to track A from the corner to the fourth rail using the
distance estimated. This is the new cue ball path.

A-156

\A

1lllhllllllllllllllIldllll?. ..
0

0~

//

//

//

//

:
-

-S

/P..

//

/?

//

/
/

//

: Q//

//

/
//

//

200:

%&/
t
/
#/

:
-

~o///

225-

//

10

~/

A/

4f

30 -p-

7
-

32.5

/7

k:

-S

40 ~: p

48.5~ 5-:\kh

PS

50tY~\
5--

-.4

:~

60-o-

\\

normal track for

is to 32.5

147

-~
S2111111111\JlllllIllllIlIlllllllllIllllIlS

0*

to*

A-157

4,

2cr

4,

33*

Rail First Hit Method

rail first thin hit on the object ball is sometimes required. Ive used
this method of finding a first rail aim point many times around Chriss
Billiards in Chicago.

Distance X is the space from the outside edge of the first object ball
to the rail (perhaps a millimeter less).
Draw a line perpendicular to the rail and through the center of the first
object ball. Along this line, use distance X from the rail edge and
away from the table (point A).
This is the aim point for the cue ball.
NOTE: Tickies are also measured like this, except X is the distance
between the rail and the inside edge of the first object ball.

A-158

first object ball

cue ball

Ic.

/
<

-0-

A-159

Donnellys Kiss Back

Mike Donnelly offered this old balkline technique for the kiss back
shot.
Draw an imaginary line from the center of the cue ball into the center
of the first object ball.
Next, draw a line thru the center of the first object ball to the desired
cue ball path (to the first-rail hit point).
Mark both of these center lines on the outside of the first object ball
(points A & B).
Find the halfway point between A & B on the outside of the object
ball. This is the aim point for the cue ball (point C).

A-160

\~

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cue ball

first object ball

-0--

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A-161

Words From Above

Your theory of tracks must be
accurate and you must be able to
calculate the new adjustments
correctly. Technique enters as a
most important factor.

R. Ceulemans

A-162

Ray On Rail First

Ray Martin, a three-time world champion straight pool player,
examined this rail first system.
His stroke fit this system perfectly and his cue ball paths were
identical to the text. Ray stated:
Many useful variations can be employed by paralleling this rail
first method. A ball in hand situation is now made easier.
Ray also checked out the SID AND BERNIE SYSTEM in Chapter I
and commented:
These will be put to use immediately.

A-163

A-i 64

Chapter IX
Kisses and Position
Top players get fewer kisses and better position. World class players
hardly ever get a kiss. This makes a tremendous difference in billiard
production. The best players obtain position also.
We monitored the kisses, miscues, whiffs and fouls on four players in
the Eastern Classic in May 1991. Raymond Ceulemans takes great
care of his cue tip before each inning and seldom miscues.
Based on 100 point games, these good players would have raised
their average about 20 points, if the above errors were eliminated.
This chapter is brief, since position information is available in other
writings.
Cochrans article on kisses is short and sweet. Together with the
bump shot, Merle Smiths follow technique and Sang Lees
contributions, the player will now have more tools to use.

A-165

Avoiding Kisses
There is nothing more exasperating in three-cushion billiards than to
see a well-executed shot, on the verge of completion, spoiled by
accidental contact with one of the object balls rolling around the table.
In billiard parlance, this is a kiss. This costs the average player many
a point.
No set routine can be mapped out to eliminate kisses in three cushion
play, but certain procedures may be outlined which will help you.
One of the most common causes of kisses is the cue balls striking the
first object ball exactly half full. Both object ball and cue ball then will
travel at the same speed in opposite directions, and after striking the
various cushions are likely to meet again in the center of the table. I
dont mean that you are never to hit the object ball half full, because
there are many shots where this must be done. But I mention this to
give you some idea of how to make your calculations.
Kisses can sometimes be avoided by adding a little additional speed
to the shot, also by striking the cue ball low and getting a draw action
off the first cushion.
When playing ordinary naturals, where the kiss is so common, you
should make up your mind in advance whether you will try to make
your cue ball go ahead of the object ball or will instead drive the object
ball ahead and make the cue ball come after it.
In the first case, it is necessary to strike the first ball thin; in the other,
more than half full. If there is doubt in your mind as to whether the
kiss can be avoided, go off the other edge of the first object ball to the
end rail, instead of to the side rail, as is usually done.

A-166

Also remember that there are several ways of making the same shot.
Avoid the one where the kiss is likely, even though another choice
may be slightly more difficult to execute.
Another thought that is not amiss here is that, all things being equal, it
is usually good policy to shoot at the ball nearest you. You will be
more accurate in your aim and more effective in your stroke.
Billiard fans marvel at the way experts avoid kisses. You may rest
assured that these players make up their minds thoroughly just what
they want to do to avoid the kiss. In this respect they differ greatly
from the average player.
If you are constantly getting kissed off on the same type of shots, try
striking the object ball fuller, driving it ahead of the cue ball. In the
event this fails, try striking the object ball thinner. If both fail, I should
certainly look for an entirely different method of playing the shot.
Our thanks to the ABA for the above: Taken from Welker Cochrans
Scientific Billiards; Copy donated by R. L. Sutton

A-167

The Champs Unique Variation

This diagram has Sang Lee using a thin object ball hit with very little
cue ball spin. The third rail aim point is generous, and the target is
enormous.
This is a terrific example of finding another way to play a shot to avoid
a kiss.

A-i 65

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A-169

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Five-Rail Kiss
Sang Lee reveals the path of the first object ball to minimize getting a
kiss.
Cue ball english and hit vary to accomplish this.

A-170

I I ~

0
0~

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IIlljllllIllllIllllIilllIllllllllllIllI

A- 171

4,

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4,

Merle Smiths Follow System

This is a unique system that gives you a good idea where the cue ball
is going on many follow shots.
Rail M is given numbers as shown, and the cue ball is given
numbers much like a clock.
If diamond 2 is a desired hit point on rail M, then 2 oclock (or 10
oclock) is struck on the cue ball and the cue tip is aimed THROUGH
THE CENTER of the first object ball.
When the cue ball and first object ball are close to rail 0, then the
cue stick rear needs to be raised.
This system can have the cue ball and first object ball almost any
place on the table but a decent follow shot must be available.
Full ball hits, to miss a kiss, are used often and this system is quite
workable
-

A-172

\A
raflM

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//

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S
/

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A-173

1111

4,

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Bump Shot
This diagram examines the use of a Jab Shot, or Stun Shot This
technique usually hits the first object ball in the following manner.
Use slight 9 or 3 oclock cue ball english, or slightly below.
Raise the butt of cue a little.
Employ a jab stroke, which means strike the cue ball without a follow
through stroke. (a quick short stroke.)
This billiard pattern emerges often. I prefer this method over a deep
draw, as it works miracles in avoiding kisses.
When watching billiard videos, it apears that Sang Lee, along with
other world-class players, use this stroke constantly. Yet the average
room player has not discovered this technique.

A-i74

lii Ill

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A-175

1
JIll

Words From Above

Between a choice of shots, the draw is more difficult.
R. Bitalls

A-176

Concentration, Care and Execution

Bob Daniels, an observer of the billiard scene, has an interesting
insight into the difference between A players and B players.
In a 25 point game, the B player:
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

Makes more miscues and fouls.

Gets about a half-dozen more kisses.
Selects six less position-shots.
Hastily shoots ten shots without proper thought and
concentration.
Is unable to shoot left-handed.
Shoots too hard. Loses control of the balls, which offers
too many easy shots for his opponent.

This scenario is theoretical, but it points out what the B player is

doing differently. Much care is required; so dont let opponents goad
you into shooting hastily. Once you employ new information, your
game will speed up.
Carlos Hallonconnects all his hit points, determines his cue ball
paths, looks for position, safety, and takes a kiss into consideration.
He does all of this quickly, almost like he is shooting from the seat of
his pants.

A-177

Diamonds Are A Billiard

Players Best Friend

A-178

The Dallas West Hand Release

When confronted with a power shot, which includes a power-draw or
power-follow, to obtain maximum results, the bridge fingers and some
butt-hand fingers should release the cue.
When the cue tip is in the follow-through stage, this release takes
place. Miscues and skipping are minimized and maximum cue ball
action takes place.
Practice releasing the fingers on your bridge hand when the cue shaft
starts binding. Then release all but the little fingers (and palm) on the
cue butt hand. This creates a shift to the back of the hand for stroke
freedom in the follow-through.

A-179

Words From Above

Every moment I hold a cue in my

hand I consider golden.

W C. Fields

A-180

Rays Unique Dead Stop

The eight ball has to be driven ten to twelve feet, while the cue ball
stops immediately behind the nine ball. Ray Martin executes this with
ease.
This technique creates a possible game-winning situation, especially if
the cue ball freezes behind the nine ball.
Hit the cue ball with a center-ball hit and the cue slightly downstroked.
The eight ball is hit full with a quick stroke.
The technique hits the first object ball firmly with little cue ball
movement.

fIB
mu iii

7.

7 7

c3-_....

Eight Ball

nine

bait
N

Finat position of the eight ba

A-181

Words From Above

Billiards

experts

claim

that

systems are available for a much

large percentage of shots than you
think.

Find yourself a qualified

teacher and explore this.

George Fels

A-i 52

The Florida Fan Shot

This common shot appears often and is not attempted by most room
players. This technique does wonders for EXTENDING ANGLES and
avoiding kisses.
Carlos Hallonand Bill Maloney explain the details of this wonderful
technique; as described below.
i.

The first object ball is fanned.

2.

Use a very quick stroke.

3.

considerable wrist movement is required.

4.

Warm-up practice strokes are rapid machine-gun-like

movements.

5.

The cue stick is slightly down stroked.

6.

Maximum 4-oclock cue ball spin is used, possibly with

more side spin.

7.

The cue ball is not drawn, but driven.

8.

This shot is a mini-masse, curving ever so slightly around

a fan hit.

9.

The cue ball is hit soft for maximum spin.

10.

A Low bridge is used.

Ii.

Stand sideways to obtain the fewest obstructions.

12.

Practice this method to get the feel for this all-important

stroke.
A-i83

A-i54

Shaw On Three Cushion & Pool

Tom Shaw, writer and senior associate editor of Pool and Billiard
magazine is also a profound collector of pool and billiard books and
videos. He globe trots in this pursuit. He has an intense interest in
our sport,and this quality makes him billiards great friend.
He writes:
In America, pool has always been the accessible sport and 3cushion billiards has been the imposing sport.
There are a number of reasons for those images. Pool can be
scaled down and played on a game-size table of 8 ft. or less. Pool
has enough variations to appeal to every personality: for action
players, theres 9-ball; for purists, we have 14.1; for strategist,
theres one-pocket; for tyros, theres 9-ball; and for a little hocuspocus, we have bank pool.
Pool also has a visual ending. When the balls are gone, the game
is over.
The number of reasons could be easily expanded, but most of them
whittle down to the fact that 3-cushion is more formidable than pool.
Geometry was never as popular as gym.
Yet the sports are closer than cousins- A knowledge of 3-cushion
has pulled the fat out of the fire for many a pool player. Its just that
far fewer people have the knowledge.
One reason is the immediate discouragement they feel when they
attempt to learn 3-cushion. The core of the game--hilling three
cushion-- would seem to be a simple combination of geometry and
physics. But the geometry doesnt work.

A-I 85

The beginning player, of course, thinks hes doing something wrong

and that somehow the game is just too hard. The real problem is the
system.
A pool player of any serviceable level looks askance at 3-cushion
players. He knows enough about angles to know that systems are too
unreliable and assumes that 3-cushion players are adjusting for
experience, that is, that theyre really shooting by instinct; an instinct
gained by repeatedly moving the balls around. The diamond
system, they know, is a rough guide at best.
What the experienced pool player knew turned out to be true. The
standard Hoppediamond system was unreliable and players were
adjusting from experience and feel.
If the system were accurate, then any competent 3-cushion player
would have been making virtually every point.
Walt Harrishas tried to make that a reality. With a workable,
reliable basic set of systems, the only variable remaining is the skill of
the player.
A workable system has myriad uses in pool, too, especially at the

professional level.
When the top players on the Pro Tour congregate, theres no
thought of missing a shot. But there is the possibility of not having a
shot and having to play a safety. Safety play, at this level of the game,
has become increasingly important. No longer does a player try to
leave this opponent with a one-rail kick, or even a two rail kick. The
requirement now is to tie him up so firmly that it will take three or more
cushions to hit the object ball. A reliable system would be very useful
and it wouldnt be surprising to see it being put to use as the key shot
in a televised match.

A-i 86

The system would find application in amateur play when balls are
more likely to get tied up and in one-pocket where balls are often
driven three cushions toward the players pocket.
Best of all, a reliable diamond system would open the sport of 3cushion to all those players who find it too quirky or too erratic. As
soon as a pro player faces a national television camera and explains
that they used a reliable diamond system to get out of a safety and
that their knowledge of billiards enabled them to do it, a whole raft of
9-ball players will be investigating 3-cushion.
Just as seasoned pros have advised would-be 9-ball stars to get a
broad background by playing 14.1 and the other pocket sports, so do
they advise them to develop a firm base in 3-cushion.
The problem was always the old diamond system. It looked like the
key and turned out to be a wall.
Now that youve read and presumably studied the systems in this
book youve got to try them on a table. Spend some time with each
system. Get to know it and evaluate your stroke against it. When
youre comfortable with one system, move on to the next. If you have
trouble with one, let it rest a while and concentrate on another before
going back and looking at it a second time.
If you play the pocket games, you may find that the systems in this
book not only help you gain an edge, but that they make 3-cushion
itself more attractive.
In years gone by, all systems, real or imagined, were closely
guarded secrets
and a book like this would never have been
published.
.

Thomas Shaw

A-i87

A-i85

Authors Note
Im not sure which of these systems will improve your game more
quickly, but the short-and long-angle tracks produce immediate
results.
The plus system ranks right along with the above, not so much on
bank shots, but when calculating plus angles.
Safety play requires a player being accurate on bank shots. This
makes the basic track system mandatory.
Embracing this entire work will take time, but once its accomplished,
your accuracy will delight you.

A-189

Your first book has been of great help to my three-cushion game. I have even
striking effect at my local
room
Michael lam Shamos
Ph. D., J. D., curator of the Billliard Archive

adapted some of the carom techniques to pool, with

We frequently receive very positive comments about the quality of the content
book
congratulations on a job well done.
na Baskin
The Billiard Library.

in your

Richard Bitalis, Champion de France aux 3

Interesting Book

If 3cushion billiards survives in this country. it

efforts. Every player that

debt of gratitude

I know who wants to

will

Bandes.

be largely due to your

their game, owes you a

improve

dont ever stop

Joe Dymit

Glen Ellyn, Illinois

If you wish to learn more about 3cushion billiards, study Walt

George Ashby

Harriss

books.

Eight times National Three Cushion Champion

I used two Ideas, from the Atlas II, in a USBA tournament, and came in first
field of 16, which included several top players from Northern California
and the Pacific Northwest.
Darrell Stutesman
Tacoma, Washington.

against a

Books like yours are what give me the most enjoyment from billiards .,..,sure, Its
nice to win games and all that, but what I really enjoy Is learning how the game
works
this is where you have helped me.
Time for a little bragging
after getting your book, my persona; high run went
from an 8 to a 12
I dont credit you with all of this improvment, but you sure
did help
Ron Seitz
West Point, Cornwall, N. V.
It offers really valuable information
pocket billiards, instead of 3cushion.

I have applied what I have learned to

John G. Bills Jr

I appreciate what you are doing for billiards

Darrell Martineau
Both of these Billiard Books are great
Carlos Hallon

San Diego, California

Elk Grove, California.

Three times USA 3cushion Champion.

I have been a billiards and pool player for some 30 odd years, and have read
all of the books, old, antique, you name it
the Atlas is by far the most
exciting
I only wish it were ten times the size.
Leathian Prince
Sheridan, Oregon
The book really has a ton of useful stuff in it, and I cant wait for Atlas III.
Frank Lipniski
D.O.S., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A-i 90

Authors Request
This effort represents only a small portion of the amount of system
information used in the billiard world.
My concentration was on rail systems rather than ball systems, as they
appeared to be more attractive to the non-system player.
I invite suggestions, corrections, and comments for future writings.
Please write to me in care of The Billiard Atlas, P0. Box 321426,
Cocoa Beach, Florida 32932-1 426.

A-I 91

Glossary
Average:

Number of points per inning, achieved by a player.

Cushion:

The border surrounding the playing surface of the table, from which balls
rebound, and also known as the rail.

English:

The spin applied to a cue ball by striking it off center.

Draw:

Spin applied by striking the cue ball below center.

Follow:

Cue ball english that causes the cue ball to roll forward after contact with the

Kiss:

object ball.
An accidental contact between two balls that causes the shot to fail or score.

Masse:

A shot in which the butt of the cue is raised at a high angle and strikes the cue
ball from above.

Miss:

Failure to score a billiard.

Position:

A placement of the cue ball and object balls allowing the next shot to be
uncomplicated.

Reverse English:

Cue ball spin that is contrary to its natural motion after striking a cushion.

Reverse-the-raIl:

A shot in which a cue ball makes contact with a rail, then a second rail, then the
first rail again, to score a three rail billiard.

Running English:

Cue ball spin that favors a balls progress after it strikes a rail.

Safety:

When a player misses scoring and leaves his opponent a difficult shot pattern.

Short Rail:

An end rail, so called because it is half the length of a side, or long rail.

Shot:

An attempt at scoring a billiard

Skid:

Low cue ball spin which stops a rolling motion for a designed distance.

SlIde:

Where balls rebound at a wider angle due to new cloth or new balls.

Ticky:

A shot that where the cue ball strikes the same rail twice, then a third rail or
more, to score a billiard.

Track:

A predictable cue ball path.

Umbrella:

A shot where the cue ball strikes two or more cushions before hitting the first
object ball.

The illustrated Encyclopedia of Billiards has been the source of much of the above information. Mike
Shamos is

the author of this wonderful reference book. This is a must for your library.

A-i 92

Index

volume

Accoss the Table 139 thru 145

Allowance 42, 114,115, 120 thru 133
Ashby, George VII , 35, 52, 53, 63

LaGongle, Dick VII, 16, 17, 145

Lee, Sang
see Sang Lee
Long Angle System 35 thru 45

Backups 72, 73, 78

Ball ID XV
Banner, Sid VII, 2 thru 11, 19, 163
Basic Tracks 92 thru 111, 114,115,120,
185
Bernies
See Wishengrad
Bitalis, Richard VII, 30, 31, 35, 54, 55,
139, 146, 176
Bump Shot 28, 174, 175
Byrne, Robert 117, 193

Maloney, Bill VII, 23, 28, 29, 183

Martin, Ray VII, 163, 181

Chicago End Rail Systems 10 thru 13

Chicago Rail First Systems 149 thru 159,
163

Chris Crisman VII, 135

Chriss Billiards 158
Cocoa Beach Tickie Tracks (See Tickies)
Cochran, Welker VII, 165, 166, 167
Dallas West
See West
Daniels, Bob VII, 177
Diamond System IX, 85 thru 133
Dead Ball Systems I thru 15, 19
Dead Draw Shots 58 thru 61,63,79
Donnelly, Mike VII, 16, 160, 161
Draw Shots 179
End Rail Diamond System 119, 120
End Rail Track System 119 thru 133
Feeney, Don VII, 1, 19
Fels, George VII, XVII, 147, 182
Florida Fan Shot 183
Follow Shots 172, 173, 179

Nine Ball XVII, 185, 186, 187,

197,199,201,203
One Pocket XVII
PIus System 67 thru 78, 81
Position 165, 166, 167, 177
Power Shots 179
Rail First System 149 thru 159, 163
Reverse the Rail 52 thru 55
Robin, Eddie 165
Sang Lee VII, 35,56 thru 61, 165,
168 thru 171, 174
Seattle Kid 42, 114, 115, 120 thru 133
Shaw, Thomas VII, 134, 185,186, 187
Short Angle Systems 35,46 thru 49, 56,
57, 60, 61, 63
Sid Systems
See Banner
Sighting 110 thru 113
Slide XX, XXI
Smith, Billy VII, 139, 140, 141
Smith, Merle VII, 165, 172, 173
Strassburger, Carl VII, 139
Sullivan, Ira VII, 56
Table I. D. XII, XIII
Tickies 2 thru 5, 10 thru 13, 23
thru 31, 156

HaIlon, Carlos VII, 79, 142, 143, 177, 183

Harris End Rail System 121 thru 133
Hoppe 86 thru 94, 117, 120, 186

Umbrella System 50, 51

Ventrelli, Joe VII, 46,47,63,81
Walts Basic Tracks 92 thru 108, 114,
115, 116, 120, 185
Walts Plus System 67 thru 78, 81
Walts Long Angle Track 35 thru 45
West, Dallas VII, 63, 179
Wishengrad, Bernie VII, 14, 15, 18,
19, 35, 50, 51

Joeys Short Angle ,....See Ventrelli

Kiss Back 160, 161
Kisses 165 thru 178

A-193

Notes

A-194

Sids System

Reporter
z~t losely guarded secrets are

Q,

now being revealed and heres

another gem for winning nine
ball. These were pried from some of
thetopplayersinthecountry.
In this example lets assume the
ball you must hit is difficult to getto and
ishunginthesidepocket...ifyou
miss a ball-in-hand situation arises.
This simple system solves the probem and learning this pays oft in many
ways to numerous to list.
FIRST STEP: Imagine the cue ball
path if you bank to sink the ball in the
side pocket.
SECONDSTEP:Usethisline(track)
andmarkthepointsonraivQandrail
~ where this line crosses.
THIRD STEP: From rail 0 (approx. 10) sight where the SIDE of
the cue must hit rail N to sink this
ball. Here it looks like its somewhere
between 3.0 and 3.3 and I used 3.1.
Notice the unusual numbers for rail
N. This 3.1 is now used in the
calculations.
FOURTH STEP:The cue ball trackline crosses rail P0 at point C (estimate). Each diamond awayfrom point
X (on rail P) is worth 3.1.
FIFTH STEP: Point C is 3 diamonds
away from X so. . 3 tImes 3.1 9.3.
ANSWER: Now aim for 9.3 on the
first rail (rail 0). Notice that this rail
has numbers from 0 to 40.

40*
.

3Q*

20*

10

/ 9.3 o

.4

~,

..v.

RAIL 0

:::

V:

:y

a:

2.0

.t.

25

3 1

:..

,,. 35

!.

NOTE: If cue ball line originated

through point B then the side of the
cue ball hit point on rail N would
have been estimated at about 3.5.
Point B is two diamonds away from X
so first rail hit point is 2 times 3.5 or7.O.
Now aim for 7.0 on rail 0.
Stroke is very important ... absolute dead ball english and ROLL
BALL softly, much like a lag .. short
bridge, cue stick hits up.
.

Don Feeney says this is

where a few memorized systems can be devastatlngl
Sn page 1 ofWall Harris, BiUiarti Adaj

~
I
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RAILN.

42

::::::

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RAIL I
__________________________________
______________________________________
~

50

.:..:..::.~.:~:.t:...:....~......:...::.. ..:::..
4

3
.

A-i95

Walts Basic Plus

The Systems Reporter

nother pro players secret systhese and memorize them ...

you will have taken a step towards
toplevelplay.
A cue ball aimed at X from diamond 10 (on rail M) will spread 35
andreturnto45(onrail M)

PAD

,_-

~
-

10

*9

j~

:;

20

IF your cue ball is near to 10 (rail

M) then a spot on the wall system is

40

- -

30

,~t

J7

,~

,~?

1f ~

,/~

,/~

-,

IE
i.
~
: 12

.-~

EXAMPLE:lfyouwishtogofromlo
(rail N) to 60 (rail M), you know
that 40 to X will give you this return

-,

Guess at point)C unless you wish

to memorize 5 (rail 0) for 40 to X
and 10 (rail 0) for 20 to X.

...

..:~.:.:.:.:.:.:.:..\*:.:.:.;.:.:.;.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.w
N

Acue baD aimed at Xfrom diamond4o(onraiVM)willspread2oand

returnto6O(onrafliK).

introduced

:!-~

,,

//
Q//
/ /
/Q

to

20

.,

Sight a lIne from 40 to

X and find a spot on a wall, chair

etc., that is about 10 feet away from
the table . this is the new aim point
forthecueballfrorn 10(onrailM).
..

:~.

50

RAILN

RobertByrnelikedthissystem

and made it part of his game.

::;::;

60

Page 78 Billiard Digest Book Revi.w 1w,. 1992

70

RAILM
80

:
--

A-197

r,j.~i

Chicago End Rail System

The Systems Reporter

by Walt Harris

ei%4t

ost

40

pool and billiards experts

k114 would rather surrender the

I secrets of their sex fives than

30

share a use~IUp or system. This is

another jewel for winning at nine ball.
These were pried from some of the
top players in the country.

21

t1,,.t ,,,,t.... T,

m.tuJA)

10

This simple system solves the probways to numerous to list.

Iemandlearningthispaysofflnmany
FIRST STEP: Imagine the cue balI
pathifyoubanksotheaiebaflcaroms
offyourlstobjectball&headsforthe
nine ball.

lit!1

toarid ~youmiss a bail-in-handsituadon

SEC0NDSThP:Usethisllne(~)

9?

T~li

In this example lets assume youre

down to the last 3 bails but you have a
slim chance to sink the9 balI. However,
the bail you must hit is awkward to get

RaiL 0

1.0

oZO

2.5

cP?

3.0

I ~~
A

Q
/

<1
--

40

45

ll~IIIjiIIl~liIl/IIiI~I

III

andmailcthepolntsonrallNThndraJI
Mwhere this line crosses.

t. RMLM

THIRD STEP: From rail N (apthecuemusthaiI~.Hereftlooke

prox.
10) sIght where the SIDE of
like its somewhere about 3.0. Notice
the unusual numbers for the rails. This
3.0 is now used In the calculations,

FOURTH STEP: The we ball traccline crosses rail Nt at point C (astimate). Each half diamond away from
point X (on rail M) is worth 3.0.
FIFTH STEP: Point C Is 3 half diamonds away from X so. 3 tImes 3.0

ANSWER: Now aim for 9.0 on the

first rail (rail N). Not~that this rail
has numbers from 0 to 40.

NOTE: If the cue ball was at point

0 then 7 (half diamonds) x 3 Is 21
and the first rail hIt spot would be 21
It takes a bit of concentration to think
In terms of hail diamonds, bot with a
little practice, this system Is a winner.

dead ball en9llsh and ROLL BALL

softly, much like a fag. . short bridge.
aie stldc hits up.
.

George Fele says, What

drIves many, many players to

dIstraction Is the unpredictability
of the cuebafls path of travel.
This will help you solve that
punle.
10.11. 12 & 13 of
Wail HanidBhhIani Silos
See page.

. .

-9.0.

i
I
0 C B A X

Stroke is very Important absolute

A-199

Notes

A-200

Bernies System

Reporter
ystem secrets are
guarded by an inner
top players and each
probably has 25 to 30

memorized

closely
circle of
of them
systems

RAILO\

30~

60

..v..v....v...

::.

..

This information makes for winning

nine-ball,one-pocket,etc.,etc
and
of course carom billiards.
If you begin by making this Bernie
System part of your game and later
add a few more it will make the difference between winning and losing.
In this example lets assume the ball
you must hit is difficult to get to and is
frozen to the nine ball. .if you miss, a
ball in hand situation arises.
This simple system solves the
problem. After a few minutes spent
trying this, the numbers become easy
to remember.
In this example, to find the first rail.
hit spot (rail 0), subtract the desired
thirdhitspotof3o(railP)fromthecue
ball origin number of 60 (rail M).
The cue ball origin is found by putting your finger on 70 (rail M), subtracting 30 which makes 40 and then
sight from 70 to 40 (rail 0) and see if
the cue baIl is nearthis line, if not. .tiy
your finger on 60 and repeat this procedure untIl the exact cueball origin is
found.
Stroke is very important
absolute dead ball english and ROLL BALL
SOFTLY, much like a lag. . .cue stick
hits up with a short bridge.
NOTE: The corner which the cue baIl
is coming out of, is always 80
andO.

..

v.
~

!.

4:

:-:~:
.C3_

1:.

::~:

:::

50

cue

40
I

4:

/
/

YY

60

...

AMAZINGLY ACCURATE is
Don Feeneys description of this
littlegem.
See page 14, 15

ofW 11 Hwn..
0

70

:::

,
0

BiUiwd Silas

A-201

p,~n~p
N

20

30

40

60

60

______