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ON
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
A-Il
Preface
A-Ill
A-IV
Table of Contents
Preface
Preface, etc
A-i
Chapter One
A-i
Chapter Two
Tickles
A-23
Chapter Three
A-35
Chapter Four
Plus Systems
A-67
Chapter Five
A-85
Chapter Six
A-119
Chapter Seven
A-139
Chapter Eight
A-149
Chapter Nine
A-i65
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
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.
.
A-IX
A-X
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
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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
A-XIX
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
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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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
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A-7
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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.
A-8
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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.
A-12
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A-13
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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.
A-b4
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A-16
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A-i7
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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-29
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See also page 143, Byrnes Advanced Technique in Pool and Billiards.
A-30
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A-32
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(sys-tems) n.
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.
A-35
A-36
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A-37
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A-42
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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-56
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To better find the first rail aim point,
refer to Billiard Atlas II, pages 40 to 47
A-57
A-58
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A-61
4,
4,
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
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
A-68
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A-69
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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:
A-72
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A-73
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
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A-78
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A-79
A-80
A-81
A-82
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
A-86
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A-87
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A-88
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A-89
Note: The tracks will be longer on a table with extra cloth slide.
A-90
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A-91
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A-92
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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,
A-94
N,,.
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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
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end rail
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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
/////
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end rail
(4th)~
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A-99
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A-i 01
A-i02
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A-103
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a Sogard, the sixth rail hit spot is 20. This is another test shot.
A-104
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A-105
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A-106
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7 RAIL SPEED
3rd
4th
5th
6th
Rail
Rail
Rail
Rail
80to50
68
80to40
15
75
8Oto3OA
25
3*
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55
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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
A-109
A-lb
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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
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A-114
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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
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
A-120
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till
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A-i 21
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A-122
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N
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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
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7
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Z
is done right to left
Memorizing 8, 8, 8 & 5,
A-123
A-124
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A-126
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A-i 27
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A-i 28
onint 2
aim at 12.5
aim at 25
aim at 37.5
t r
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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
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4
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N CN
NNN N
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~
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1111
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A-129
1.
2.
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A-130
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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~~
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A-131
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A-i32
aim at 12.5
aim at 25
aim at 37.5
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
A-133
If
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
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
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
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Ill
t 111111111
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2 oclock
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A-141.
4,
A-i42
//
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A-143
4,
4,
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
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
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
A-iSO
corner P
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A-151
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A-152
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A-153
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A-154
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A-156
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A-157
4,
2cr
4,
33*
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
cue ball
Ic.
/
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A-159
A-160
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A-161
R. Ceulemans
A-162
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
A-i 65
\~
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A-169
111111
4,
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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
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A- 171
4,
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A-172
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rail
1111
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A-173
1111
4,
1111
Illl~0
yN
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
1t1
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ill II It1 1111111 It~liii Ill Itt 1111111 Ifl 1111 till
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A-175
1
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A-176
5.
6.
A-177
A-178
A-179
W C. Fields
A-180
fIB
mu iii
7.
7 7
c3-_....
Eight Ball
nine
bait
N
A-181
experts
claim
that
A-i 52
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Ii.
12.
A-i54
A-I 85
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
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
Interesting Book
debt of gratitude
will
Bandes.
improve
Harriss
books.
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 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:
Cushion:
The border surrounding the playing surface of the table, from which balls
rebound, and also known as the rail.
English:
Draw:
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:
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:
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:
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
A-193
Notes
A-194
Sids System
Reporter
z~t losely guarded secrets are
Q,
40*
.
3Q*
20*
10
/ 9.3 o
.4
~,
..v.
RAIL 0
:::
V:
:y
a:
2.0
.t.
25
3 1
:..
,,. 35
!.
~
I
-.-
:o
.j
RAILN.
42
::::::
:-:;
-:t-:
::Y
/
:~
0Q
RAIL I
__________________________________
______________________________________
~
50
.:..:..::.~.:~:.t:...:....~......:...::.. ..:::..
4
3
.
A-i95
PAD
,_-
~
-
10
*9
j~
:;
20
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
-,
...
..:~.:.:.:.:.:.:.:..\*:.:.:.;.:.:.;.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.w
N
introduced
:!-~
,,
//
Q//
/ /
/Q
to
20
.,
:~.
50
RAILN
RobertByrnelikedthissystem
::;::;
60
70
RAILM
80
:
--
A-197
r,j.~i
ei%4t
ost
40
30
21
t1,,.t ,,,,t.... T,
m.tuJA)
10
lit!1
SEC0NDSThP:Usethisllne(~)
9?
T~li
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
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
. .
-9.0.
i
I
0 C B A X
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...
::.
..
..
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
______