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Cueing Academy

Pool glossary · Table & Equipment

Diamonds

Also called: Sights, Diamond markers

What are the diamonds on a pool table for?

Diamonds are the 18 inlaid markers on the rails, spaced evenly so each long rail splits into eight equal sections and each short rail into four. Players use them as reference points for bank and kick systems, position targets and speed control.

Step by step

  1. 1Number the diamonds along each rail (0 at the corner, 4 at the side pocket on a long rail).
  2. 2For a simple kick, find the diamond halfway between the cue ball's and object ball's projections onto the rail.
  3. 3Aim the cue ball at that point on the cushion nose, using medium speed and center ball.
  4. 4Adjust for speed and spin after each attempt — note how far long or short you finish.

In more detail

On a 9-ft table the diamonds are 12.5 inches apart. Diamond systems use these numbers to calculate where to aim — for example, the mirror method aims at the point where the object ball's reflection lines up through the cushion.

Diamonds are measured from the cushion nose, not the rail edge, so learn to project a line from each diamond down to the nose when you aim.

People also ask

How far apart are diamonds on a 9-ft table?

12.5 inches (about 31.75 cm) between diamonds, because the 100-inch long rail is divided into eight sections.

Do diamond systems work on every table?

They give a strong starting point, but cushion condition, cloth and speed change results. Calibrate each system with a few test shots on the table you are playing.

Train it at the table

More guides on diamonds