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Pool glossary · Aiming & Physics

Diamond system

Also called: Kick system, Bank system, Mirror system

How does the diamond system work in pool?

A diamond system uses the numbered diamonds to calculate aim points for kicks and banks. The simplest is the mirror (reflection) method: aim at the point on the cushion where the target's mirror image lines up, so the angle in equals the angle out.

Step by step

  1. 1Locate the object ball's mirror image on the far side of the cushion.
  2. 2Aim the cue ball at that mirror image, crossing the cushion nose.
  3. 3Use medium speed and center ball for the closest match to the geometry.
  4. 4Adjust: harder or draw shortens, running english lengthens.

In more detail

Real cushions shorten angles at speed and spin changes them, so systems are a starting point you calibrate on each table. Two-rail systems such as corner-5 type systems use diamond numbers to predict where the ball lands after a second cushion.

People also ask

Do I need maths for diamond systems?

Only simple addition or halving. A calculator can show the lines while you learn them.

Train it at the table

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