Side and Screw; Being Notes on the Theory and Practice of the Game of Billiards (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901 Excerpt: ...a red winner should still be made, special care being taken (1) to leave s due K of the spot, and (2) to leave p after each red winner a little lower down the table, so that the angle of the cannon may not become too wide. In this way the spot-white ball may be gradually driven to a point in contact with the cushion due north of the spot, p remaining about four inches south of its original position. This brings us to Eoberts's patent position shown on the next diagram. Fig. 19 Second Ideal Position. If the gentle half-ball cannon is played properly, p will rebound off s, leaving the latter absolutely unmoved by the kiss. A red winner should then bring p to the corresponding position on the other side of the table. Again there is not much fear of monotony. Alterations in the cannon angle may be got over to a certain extent by the use of side, or by striking E a little fuller or finer. When the stroke is played fuller the strength must be only just sufficient to cause p to reach s; otherwise R will be driven too far. On the other hand a finer cannon e.g. a quarter-ball) should be played rather freely so as to cause p to rebound off s to the extent of several inches. Otherwise, as R will be left lower down the table than usual, there will be no easy red winner suitable for regaining position. The use of side in these cannons should if possible be avoided, as it tends to disturb s. Inconvenient variations in the position of p may often be got over by potting the red off the spot in the hope of gaining better position. When s is disturbed, it may be possible with great care to drive it back to its original position. Failing this, the break must be continued by other methods; in most cases the three balls can be brought together. Fig. 20. Pot the red so as to lea...