Three cushion billiards refers to a billiards game that is played at a five by ten foot table. The object of the game is to make the cue ball contact three rails before contacting the second object ball. One point is awarded for each successful carom. If the shooter pockets any of the object balls, the opponent does not receive a point. The frame goes to the player who has the most objects.
Three cushion billiards can be played on a table that is larger than the regular pool table. On one side of the table, a cue ball is placed and a red ball on the other. To line up a shot, players use the silver dots found on the table. This requires accurate calculations of angles and distances. The object ball is then pocketed after the shot has been completed.
Three cushion pool is an evolved version straight rail billiards. Although it can be traced back to 1870s, Wayman Crow McCreery popularized it. McCreery was an IRS Collector from Port Saint Louis. McCreery played the game to his own pleasure and eventually patent the idea. In the 1950s, three cushion billiards became a favorite of many players.
When a shot is made in three cushion billiards, the object of the player is to make the object ball contact three rails before contacting the cue ball. It can be done any way you want, but in most cases it is important to hit both cushions.
Before hitting the object ball, the shooter must call for the bank shot. There are several options available for this shot. The single rail shot is the most common.
A 3-rail shot is another type of bank shot. Several different ways can be employed, such as the Magic Spot, which is when the ball hits the rail in one corner of the table and the cushion on the opposite side. There are also options for distant points or multi-rail bank shots.
In order to shoot a bank shot, the object must first hit the cushion. However, there are exceptions to the rule. You can hit the object ball either before or after it bounces off the rail. Consider a single rail bank shot. As an example the object ball would bounce off of the rail before it entered the pocket.
The rules of this game are based on the Standard World rules. However, the player may use the bank shot to pocket any object ball. After the object is taken out, the shooter will be able to move on to the next in the game.
In the event that the object ball is pocketed contrary to the shooter's called shot, the inning is finished. Follures and illegal breaks will also be noted in italics. The opponent can also take their turn.
Bank shot is the most common method to take possession of objects in pool. Unlike in nine-ball or eight-ball, the object of Bank Pool is to outscore the opponent(s) in pocketing the balls by using bank shots.