The Diamond System in Billiards

Aiming is where every billiard game begins. But what is the key to successfully hitting your target? It's all about correctly determining the line of the shot and the point where the cue ball will strike. One way to achieve this is by mentally drawing a line to the object ball and trying to calculate the cue ball’s path based on that line. Billiards is undoubtedly an

intellectual game that develops imagination and keeps your mind sharp. However, professional players often simplify their tasks using proven techniques. One such popular strategy in the American pool is the Diamond System, a method widely adopted by advanced players. Newcomers may not always understand its purpose or how to use it effectively.

So, what is the Diamond System?

If you've played American pool, you might have noticed small marks on the wooden rails of the tables. These are the diamonds. The Diamond System refers to a marking method that allows players to precisely determine the object ball's strike point and trajectory, thus improving their game efficiency. This technique is not only used in pool but also snooker and some types of carom.

How the Diamond System Works

The markings on the rails serve as aiming guides. The diamonds form invisible lines on the billiard table, running from left to right. When you aim at one of these marks, the ball starts moving toward points located directly across the table. Understanding the system comes with experience. With a bit of practice, you’ll learn to calculate the optimal strike point, sending the cue ball or the object ball to the desired spot.

Where to start? After marking the rails, assign a sequential number to each marker. This will help you remember the points so you can easily calculate the ball’s direction later. First, number the points on the front short rail. Starting from the corner where two rails meet, assign each marker a number from 1 to 5. Then, move to the long rail and number the points similarly, giving you 9 points.

Now, mentally divide the table into sections. One section is the distance between two adjacent points. This way, the short rail is divided into 4 segments, and the long rail into 8. For convenience, you can also number the spaces between the markers. For example, a point located in the middle of the first segment would be numbered 1.5. This is important because, later on, you will assign numbers to the cue ball and the object ball.

Professional billiard players have developed a formula to calculate where exactly to direct the cue ball. It looks like this:

T = S – F

• T is your target.

• S is the position of the cue ball.

• F is the location of the object ball.

By remembering the nu

mbering of the markers, you’ll understand how to act in different situations.

Keep in mind: if you hit the cue ball off-center, the result might not meet your expectations. However, this doesn't mean the strategy is ineffective. There are many variations of the Diamond System—it’s a matter of personal preference. For beginners, we recommend starting with the method outlined here.

When Does the System Work?

Bank Shot: A useful technique that every advanced player should master. To make an accurate bank shot, it’s crucial to determine which marker will guide the object ball into the pocket. Here, the numbering system is especially helpful when the object ball is near the corner pocket and the cue ball is in the center of the table.

Kick Shot: In a kick shot, the cue ball bounces off the rail before hitting the intended object ball. This technique becomes essential when your target is blocked by your opponent's balls. In this situation, players recommend finding a point between the cue ball and the object ball and then drawing an imaginary line from that point to the opposite rail. This is your trajectory. Following this principle gives you a solid chance to master the trick shot, one of the most challenging moves in American billiards.

Shots off Two or More Rails: In this case, the segments into which you’ve mentally divided the table are more important than the rail numbers.

These are just a few examples of how to effectively apply the Diamond System. Its versatility and ability to combine with other methods make it adaptable to almost any game situation. All you need is practice and a basic understanding of geometry.

TSports offers a wide selection of American pool tables with markings designed for practicing the Diamond System. Already have a billiard table and want to make your practice sessions more effective?