Three cushion pool is a game of billiards that can be played on a 5-by-10 foot table. The object is to have the cueball contact three rails, before it contacts the second object. For each successful carom, one point is given. If the shooter does not pocket any object balls, the opponent will not be awarded a point. The frame is won by the player with 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 align the shot, the players place silver dots on each side of the table. This requires precise calculations of angles as well as distances. Once the shot is complete, the object ball can be pocketed.
Three cushion billiards can be described as an evolved form straight rail billiards. Its origin is traced back to the 1870s, but it was popularized by Wayman Crow McCreery. McCreery was an Internal revenue collector from Port Saint Louis, Missouri. McCreery invented the game after he enjoyed it. In the 1950s, three cushion billiards became a favorite of many players.
Three cushion billiards are used for shots. The objective of the player is to get the object ball in contact with three rails and then the cueball. You can do this in any order but the goal is to hit both cushions.
Before hitting the object ball, the shooter must call for the bank shot. There are a variety of systems that can be used for this shot. The single rail shot is the most common.
A 3-rail shot is another type of bank shot. You can use a variety of methods, including the Magic Spot. The ball hits the rail in one side and the cushion on its opposite. Another option is a multi-rail bank shot, or a distant point.
In order to shoot a bank shot, the object must first hit the cushion. There are exceptions. You can also hit the object ball before bouncing on the rail, or after the cushion. Consider a single rail bank shot. As an example the object ball would bounce off of the rail before it entered the pocket.
These rules are based on Standard World rules. However, the player may use the bank shot to pocket any object ball. After the object balls are taken, the shooter is free to continue on to the next inning.
If the object is not kept in the designated spot, the inning is over. Italics are used to indicate any fouls or illegal breaks. The opponent can also take their turn.
Bank shot is the most common method to take possession of objects in pool. Bank Pool, unlike nine-ball or 8-ball, is a game where you outscore your opponent by taking bank shots.