The games of billiards are divided into two types: the so-called carom, which is played on a table without holes, and whose goal is to bounce the snitch against other balls or against the pins on the table; and American billiards, which is played on a table with holes, and whose purpose is to make the various colored balls end up in the hole after hitting them with the snitch. This game mode is also called "pool". Here we will cover the basics of the starfruit - and its variants - as well as the necessary equipment and strategy. The carom implies great skills, which often include the banks and the so-called "trick shots". If you already know the pool, the next thing to do is learn the starfruit!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Mastering the Rules
Step 1. Get a friend and a pool table
The carom, in each of its variations, includes two players. There may also be a third player, but the basic carom is for two people. You will need a standard size "no hole" international pool table, 310cm x 168cm (external measurements). This "without holes" is very important. You "could" play on a pool table, but you would soon realize that those holes can get in the way and potentially ruin the game. Below is everything you should know (and some things you shouldn't) about the table:
- Those diamonds are made to be used! If you know how geometry works, you can use them to target your shot. We will see this topic later.
- The side from which the first player breaks (the first shot, or "split") is called the "head" or short side. The opposite side is called "foot", while the long sides are called lateral.
- The area behind which the split is done, behind the short side, is called the "kitchen".
- The pros play on heated tables. The heat allows the marbles to roll more smoothly.
- The table is green so that the eyes of the players can stare at it for a long time without problems. Apparently human eyes can handle green much better than other colors.
Step 2. Determine who starts lagging first
Basically, both players line up their snitch near the padded side (the end of the table from which you split), hit the ball, and see whose snitch comes back closest to the side, slowing to a stop. The game hasn't even started yet, and a fair amount of skill is already needed!
If you hit the other player's snitch, you miss your chance to decide who will go first. If, on the other hand, you win the lagging, it is a common rule that you go second. The player performing the split generally wastes his turn in arranging the marbles in play, and cannot make use of a strategic shot
Step 3. Prepare the game
Both of you will need a beginner cue (you used them for lagging, right?). Carom cues are actually shorter and lighter than their American pool counterparts, with a shorter tip - the white part on top - and a thicker handle. At this point you will need three marbles: a white snitch (which is also called "white"), a white snitch with a black dot on it (the "spot"), and a ball to hit, typically called "red". Sometimes a yellow snitch can be used instead of the spot.
-
The person who wins the lag decides which, between white and spot, will be their snitch. They are just personal preferences. The red ball is placed in the foot area. This is where the triangle would be placed in the pool, for the record. The opponent's snitch is placed in the head area, where the pool split is normally done. The first player's snitch is then placed close to the head board (in line with the head spot), at least 6 inches from the opponent's snitch.
It goes without saying that if your snitch is in line with your opponent's, it becomes very difficult to hit both marbles on the table. That's why if you win the lag, you should opt to get the other person to start
Step 4. Choose the rules you want to apply together with your partner
As in any centuries-old game, there are many variations in the carom. Some make it easier, others more difficult, and still others slow down or speed up the game. How much time do you have available? And what are your skills?
-
To begin with, each type of carom involves scoring a point by hitting both marbles on the table. It's the "how" to do it that changes:
- In classic carom, you score a point by hitting both marbles in any way. This is the simplest variant.
- In the single-sided carom, you must hit a bank before the second marble is moved.
- In the three-bank variant, you have to hit three banks before the marbles stop.
- The "balkline" carom eliminates the only flaw of this system. If you manage to place both marbles in a corner, you could, presumably, hit them repeatedly. In the balkline carom it is established that it is not possible to receive points from a shot made while the marbles are in the same area (often the table is divided into 8 sections).
- Once you have established how to get the scores, decide at what point you want to stop the game. In the one-sided carom, it usually stops at 8 points. But the three-sided carom is very difficult, and in this case you'd better stop at 2!
Step 5. Play your game
Move your arm back, then forward, following a swinging motion. The rest of your body should remain motionless as you hit the snitch, letting the cue stop naturally. These are the rules, all you have to do is hit both marbles with the snitch. Technically, each turn is referred to as a "cannon". There are also more specific rules:
- The starting player must hit the red ball (it would be strange to hit the other one anyway).
- If you score a point, you are entitled to another roll.
- Making a "slop" (scoring a point "by mistake") is generally considered an infraction.
- At all times you must always keep one foot on the ground.
- "Jumping" a marble is considered a foul, as is hitting a marble while it is still in motion.
Step 6. Check where the top of the cue should join the snitch
You can do this while practicing your shots. Line up the cue with where you would hit the ball if you could do it directly. So try to aim for that point.
Most often, you will want to hit the snitch directly in the center. Sometimes, you will want to hit it on one side or the other to give it a spin effect, also called "English", so that the ball travels to one side. Occasionally, you may want to hit the snitch below the center, to make it jump over a marble you don't want to hit and instead hit one you want to move
Method 2 of 3: Mastering the Cue and Posture
Step 1. Grasp the cue correctly
The hand you use to strike should grasp the cue handle in a relaxed and light manner, with the thumb supporting and the index, middle and ring fingers supporting the grip. Your wrist should be pointing down so that it doesn't move sideways as you take the shot.
The hand taking the blow should usually grab the cue approximately 6 inches from the back of the cue's center of gravity. If you are short, it may be more comfortable to move your grip further forward than that point; if you are tall, the reverse is true
Step 2. Put the fingers of your free hand around the toe to form a bridge
This will prevent the cue from moving sideways when you hit. There are three main types of bridges: closed, open and "railway bridge".
For a closed bridge, put your index finger around the cue and use your other fingers to hold your hand steady. This grip gives you more control over the cue, especially when you shoot very hard
Step 3. For an open bridge, make a kind of V with your thumb and forefinger
The cue will slide through it and you can use your other fingers to keep it from moving sideways. The open deck is best suited for softer shots and is preferred by players who find it difficult to use the closed deck. A variation of the open bridge is the elevated bridge, where you have to raise your hand to pass the cue over a marble that hinders the direct shot at the snitch.
Use the rail bridge when the snitch is too close to the ledge to put your hand behind it. Place the splint over the rail and hold the tip steady with your free hand
Step 4. Line up your body with the shot, then with the snitch and ball you intend to hit
The foot that corresponds to the shooting hand (the right if you are right handed, the left if you are left handed) should touch this imaginary line at a 45 degree angle. The other foot should be at a comfortable distance from this angle, and forward of the first.
Step 5. Position yourself at a comfortable distance
This depends on three factors: the height, reach, and position of the snitch. The farther the snitch is from your side of the table, the more you'll have to stretch.
Most billiards require you to keep at least one foot on the floor while shooting. If you can't do this comfortably, you may need to try a different shot, or use a mechanical bridge to hold the tip of the cue steady as you take the shot
Step 6. Position yourself vertically to the shot
The chin should be slightly above the table, so that you can observe the cue as horizontally as possible. If you are tall, you will need to bend your knee in front, or both, to get into position. You will also need to bow forward at your hips.
- The center of the head, or your dominant eye, should line up with the center of the splint without tilting. Some professional players tilt their heads anyway.
- Many American pool players keep their heads 2 to 6 inches above the cue, while some snooker players can almost touch the cue with their head. The closer you move your head, the greater the accuracy, at the expense of the range of motion to swing back and forth.
Method 3 of 3: Experiment with Strategy and Game Variations
Step 1. Always look for the best shot
This depends on the position of the marbles on the table. In the carom games that allow it, you can try shots that group the marbles together, in order to score as many points as possible by making them bounce against each other (obviously not in the balkline variant). Look at the angles and how they are arranged. Also consider the banks, if they can help you!
- In some cases, the best shot is not what it takes to score points (offensive shot), but the one that manages to place the snitch in a spot where it becomes difficult for the opponent to make a winning shot (i.e. a defensive shot.).
- Try a few warm-up hits if you need them. This will prepare your arm for the actual shot.
Step 2. Learn about the "diamond system"
It is mathematics, of course, but once you understand it, the mechanism becomes very simple. Each diamond has a number. Take the number of the diamond that the snitch would hit in the beginning (called the snitch position), then subtract the natural angle (the number of the diamond on the short side). The result is the number of the diamond you should aim for!
Step 3. Play "art pool"
In this specialty, players try to complete 76 different variations of the starting lineup, according to different difficulty levels. When you've got the table set up, get ready with your friend to do some trick shots. Who can complete the most difficult?
If the one-sided carom is simple, try switching to the two-sided one. The three-way carom is almost impossible, even for professionals! If you can handle the two-sided one, you should start playing for money
Step 4. Hit the snitch in different ways
How the snitch hits the other marbles determines how they move. This effect is called "throw" and can be determined by the angle at which the snitch hits the other ball, the amount of English imparted to the snitch, or both. Carom players who have practiced and studied the effects of their shots use this knowledge when playing pool.
Take some time to experiment! The more you will be able to see the different options in front of you, the better you will become and the more you will have fun playing. Use your carom skills to start playing pool, 9-ball, 8-ball or even snooker
Advice
- Keep the arm you strike with parallel to the line of fire and perpendicular to the table as you strike. Some pro players don't, but they've found other ways to compensate for their angle of attack.
- More experienced players use kick shots and bank shots to bounce the snitch, or another ball hit by it, out of the bank rails, so as to hit more balls or pocket them. Some pool tables are marked with diamond symbols on the sides, which serve as guides for targeting these types of shots.
