1 4 ■ by A' G Jackmam36W''Sorlt. ^^ ^-^ THE GAME OF BILLIARDS, BY MICHAEL PHELAN. THIRD edition: REVISED, ENLARGED, AND RICHLY EMBELISHED WITH ILLUSTRATIONS NEW YORK: D. APPLETON AND COMPA.NY, 346 & 348 BROADWAY. 1858. LC Control Number tmp96 026036 I>IiEF-A.OE rO THE THIRD EDITION The ready sale and general favor whicli two for- mer Editions of this work have met with, would seem to render any preface to this present issue unneces- sary, except for the purpose of allowing the Author to express his heart-felt thanks to his numerous friends and the public generally, for their kindness. Xevertheless^ he is well aware that some points in the book, as at first published, though clear enough to himself, or any others who were adepts in the game, must have seemed difl&cult of comprehension, both to beginners and players in other parts of the country, not acquainted with the technical terms made use of in the billiard-playing circles of our larger cities. These deficiencies are here remedied with the utmost care; and the whole text has been revised and enlarged where requisite, under the light of all suggestions made by critics or friends, and to supply such rules as letters of enquiry proved to be not clear enough in their original form. IV PKEFACE TO THIRD EDITION. Making no pretensions to literature — a practical man, merely jotting down the results and observa- tions of his own experience, the author deprecates any censure for the style of his performance ; but where a fault can be pointed out in any statement relating either to the theory or practice of the game to which his life has been devoted, — ^in that case he will not have one word to urge against the most summary con- demnation, but will feel grateful to the critic who has called attention to the error — ^if any such can be found. Some irrelevant matters which haste permitted a place in the two former issues, have been excised from this ; and in its present form the author again commits his venture to the public, assured that nothing has been neglected on his part to make the volume more worthy of the generous and cordial appreciation with which the two prior editions were received. Very gratefully, MICHAEL PHELAN, 786 AND 788 Broadway, New York, 1868. ORIGINAL PREFACE TO FIRST AND SECOND EDITIONS. Several years ago, the present author had prepared a collection of diagrams and notes, out of which it was his earnest desire to compile such an Essay on Billiards as might really promote the scientific development of the noble game. But being at the time too closely engaged to devote the necessary amount of labor to such a production, the work fell short, in every way, of his just expectations — though he has heard from many good authorities that, ^Svith all its imperfections on its head,'' it was nevertheless the most com- plete and thorough manual that had previously been issued on the subject. Apart from the friendly partiality of these critics, the author has since reviewed the work, with as little prejudice as the circumstances would permit ; and he has found that although a majority of the principles, and nearly all the examples therein laid down, are correct — still, as a whole, the treatise lacks that systematic arrangement, in the ab- sence of which it is impossible to arrive at scientific deduc- tions by legitimate means. The thread of the argument is correct enough, but it needs to be unravelled : there are nearly all the materials for a fine building there, but the Scientific Edifice is still unfinished and unfurnished. Now, at a time when kinder fortune has placed more leisure at his command, he has undertaken the present vol- ume, with a serious desire to correct the inaccuracies and inadvertencies which disfigure his former essay. Whether successfully or not, he has devoted his best care, and the VI ORIGINAL FKEFACE. whole teachings of liis experience, to make this book a prac- tical help and guide to every student of the game^ — whether that student be a mere novice, for the jBrst time handling his cue, or a player of high standing, who has won matches where the billiard-fame of his country was at stake. It is the property of every science to be infinite ; and the best of us are but students, who can learn fresh lessons every hour, if our eyes are not blinded by the idea that we have already arrived at perfection. In the diagrams which illustrate the text, he has confined himself to such positions as are best calculated to explain the essential principles of the game ; and has avoided those curious or ''fancy shots," as they are called, which, though of interest to the accomplished player, it is almost impossible to explain or render credible to the uninitiated, except by ocular demonstration. The code of rules drawn up for simplifying and giving uniformity to the various games of billiards, as played in the United States, will be found, the author confidently believes, the most ample and satisfactory ever laid before the public. Finally : in that portion of the treatise which is purely rudimentary — the quantities of motive power, the different kinds of stroke, and so forth — the present volume must necessarily have much in common with its predecessor ; but the similarity is rather superficial than exact, for even in these matters many points will now be found elucidated, which the haste and insufficiency of the former work left cither vaguely or erroneously accounted for. With these few remarks — made rather to anticipate attacks than to boast of what is here accomplished — the author would subscribe himself, The public's most obedient servant, MICHAEL PHELAN. CONTENTS. Preface. Chapter 1 13 Introductory and General — some account of the Origin of Billiards, and an Appeal to the Ladies of America in its favor, 13. Chapter II 29 On the Machinery of Billiards — the Table and its Appur- tenances — improvements in the Cue and Cushions — the Cue, 30. The Balls, 33. The Counters, Chalk, and Artificial Bridge, 34. A Billiard Room — its proper Dimensions — on the Arrangement of the Lights, 35. The Cushions, their Importance and Scientific Requirements, 36. Faultiness of India Rubber, and other Cushions — opinion of Edward Russell Mardon thereon, 38. Chapter III 42 The General Principles of the Game defined, with a view to their Practical Application — conditions of a Good Attitude, 43. How to make the Natural Bridge, 45. The Lady's Attitude in Playing Billiards, 46. The Cue, its Weight, &c., 49. The Cue Leather, on the Selection of, 51. VI 11 CONTENTS. Plate of Cue-Positions 62 The Centre, Follow, Jump, Perpendicular Force, and Force, 62. Principal Sections or Points, in which the Ball should be struck to produce Different Effects — illustrated by Plate, 67. Chapter IV 65 Definition of Technical Phrases employed in the Game of Billiards — Hazard, Carom, Kiss, Scratch, Force, Follow, Jump, Bank, Miss, Miscue, Burst, Privilege, Taking a Hazard, Killed or Dead Ball, Playing for Safety, Hug, Jaw, Doublet or Cross, Foul Stroke or Shot, Full Ball, Quarter Ball, Half, Fine or Cut-Ball, Own or Cue-Ball, and Object-Ball, Break, Stringing for Lead, Discount, Playing Spot-Ball, Billiard Sharp (a full description of the animal). Love Gamf Billiards. ing motion is tlius imparted on the same principle that a ball will rebound, if flung or dropped against any elastic surfece, or if possessed of any elasticity itself. The stroke (5) we may call the perpendicular FORCE, and is one of very diflS.cult accomplishment, and therefore seldom played, except in the French carom game, where no pushing strokes are allowed. Still, there may be cases — the player's ball, for in- stance, being placed between two other balls, and in such close proximity to both that a carom can be effec- ted by no other means^ — where it will be useful to understand it. Its principle is identical with — or rather the exact converse of — that on which the Force is made, and as No. 2 is the most common, we may allow its explanation to stand for both. . Stroke 2 is called the force, and is one of the most beautiful and useful in the game. By striking the ball below the centre, and with a quick, sharp force, two completely distinct and even antagonistic move- ments are imparted to the ball. The one urging it to advance in the direction of the impelling force — the other inclining it to rotate backwards on its individual axis. Let us imagine a wheel, for instance, with the rim taken off, and suspended on its axis in the air, and we shall then understand the principle in a * The reader will see, in one of the succeeding diagrams, a very curious instance of this necessity, which actually occurred to the author w^ien he was playing a match in San Francisco against M. Damon, who was then esteemed the ablest French billiard-player in California. Had he then failed to make the perpendicular force, the game would in all probability have gone against him. The Game of Billiards. 55 moment. The same principle will also apply to side and quarter strokes, and it is therefore the more im- portant to have it clearly understood from the com- mencement. If we strike the cart-wheel fair in the centre (No. 1), its only tendency, supposing it to be suspended in the air, will be to advance forward in the direction of the impelling force. If we strike it forward and above the centre (No. 3), two tendencies will be imparted ; the one to advance in the direction of the force — the other to rotate forward on its own axis. In the FOLLOWING STROKE, which is the same, when the force is imparted to the other ball, the rotatory motion still remains to carry the cue ball forward. If we strike it downward and forward (stroke 4), there will be a tendency to lump up from the concussion, and also to advance in a line with the impelling force. This can be under- stood better by striking an India-rubber ball down- ward and upon the side with a hammer, when the ball is at rest on any solid bed ; it will instantly spring up, and bound forward from the point at which it has been struck. If we strike one of the spokes of the 56 The G-ame of Billiards. cart wheel (No. 5), almost perpendicularly downward and from -above the centre of gravity, the tendency to rotate backward would be the only one communicated to the wheel. But with the ball — which is a wheel with an infinitude of spokes — this tendency may be paralyzed or held suspended for an indefinite period by the forward force, but will quickly re-assert itself, and cause a retrograde effect. If we hit the wheel below its centre of gravity (No. 2), the double tendency to move forward in the direction of the impelling force and rotate backward^ will be at once perceived; as soon, therefore, as the forward force has been either exhausted by the counteracting tendency of rotation, or imparted to another ball by striking it, the wheel or ball will tend to retrograde to the pomt from which it started. Let this double tendency of motion — this active and suspended force communicated to the balls, by the act and manner of striking — be attentively studied, and it will greatly assist the billiard-player to solve the other- wise inexplicable problems which will be presented in the very outset of the game. Quite similar, or rather, quite analogous to the ef- fects produced by striking a ball either above or below its centre, on a line drawn through the centre, and perpendicular to the bed of the table, will be the effects caused by striking the ball either to the right or left of the centre, on a line drawn horizontally through the centre, and therefore parallel with the table's bed. When the ball is thus struck, at a distance of one- quarter or one-half from the centre, it will have the The GrAME of Billiards. 57 double tendency to move forward in the direction of tlie impelling force, and rotate horizontally toward the side upon which it has been struck. Thus, when struck one- quarter or one-half above or below the centre on the perpendicular line, it will rotate perpen- dicularly either forward or backward. When struck in a similar way on the horizontal central line, it will rotate horizontally toward the side on which it is struck ; but when struck at one-quarter or one half, Perpendicular. Diagonal. Diagonal. Horizontal. on a line intermediate between the horizontal and per- pendicular, it will rotate diagonally, with a lateral and following tendency, if struck above the centre ; and with a lateral and retrograding motion if struck beloAV. The foregoing diagram may make our meaning clearer; and it is a point of such importance that, even at the risk of tediousness, we wish to impress it on the stu- dent's mind. 3* 58 The Game of Billiards. Witliin the circle which represents the full side of a billiard-ball turned toward us, are drawn five diame- ters on the following plan ; one perpendicular to the bed of the table ; one horizontal or parallel thereto ; and two diagonals, one drawn from the left to right, the other from right to left, and both equi-distant from the horizontal and perpendicular diameters. These diameters are intersected by concentric circles drawn respectively, with a radius of one-eighth and one-fourth of the whole diameter ; but, for simplicity's sake, we have marked these I and J-, meaning thereby the half and the fourth of the half diameter. We have also, on the horizontal, marked the points at which a concentric circle, with a radius of three-fourths of the half diameter (six-eighths of the whole) would intersect; and each reader, for himself, may mark this point upon the other lines, when told to strike f above, below, or to the right or left. Both upon the pei'pendicular and horizontal, we have dotted off subdivisions of eighths of the whole diameter, and the same may be applied by the reader to the diagonals, we only omitting them in order to avoid an appearance of complexity. Other authors, we know, have classified the billiard-ball into much minuter sections ; but the more important subdi- visions are here given, and, with the aid of the wrist in striking, these will be found to answer for all prac- tical purposes. There are finer touches to be sure; but for the present they would only confuse and per- plex the student, and lead him into attempting things which afe beyond his skill. The attempt, for instance, to strike the ball outside of the points marked ^ on the The Game of Billiards. 59 various diameters, generally leads tlie novice into a number of miscues ; whereas, by striking within the points so marked, with a slightly-increased force and quickness, the effects desired can be produced, without incurring any liability of the kind. To abbreviate as much as possible, we shall have recourse to initials only to illustrate our diagrams. A, standing for above the centre ; B, for below it ; E, to the right of it ; L, to the left ; and D, for diagonal. The points marked i, |, f , &c., &c., are those at which we suppose the ball to be struck. As the student advances, he will, of course, ex necessitate, devise new lines and measures for himself. As his mastery of the cue becomes more perfect, it will reveal to him the points at which his peculiar play requires that the ball should be touched, to produce a desired effect ; but this explanatory diagram was indispensable to a right understanding of our subsequent instructions — though we know well that it neither is, nor could any diagram possibly be, sufficiently explicit for all the exigencies of play. It would require the Newtonian Fluxions to calculate the variations of the ball, when struck at different distances from the centre : but the reader can readily bear in mind what A, B, D, E, and L, will hereafter stand for. The diagram preceding, (in which we suppose that we are looking down upon the balls) will explain the different motions imparted to the object-ball on being struck by the cue-ball, in the manners which are called, in billiard parlance, "Full," "Quarter," "Half,'^ and "Fine." 60 The Game of Billiards. The heavy lines mark the course in which the cue- ball advances to strike the object-ball. The dotted lines show the direction in which the object-ball will be driven by the contact. Let it be remarked as well, that in the quarter-ball, half-ball, and fine ball strokes, the part of the cue-ball which strikes the object-ball will exactly correspond to the part which is struck, provided the balls be of equal size. It is physically impossible with your own ball full, to strike the ob- ject-ball quarter. The lines drawn between the cue and object-balls, in the preceding diagram, show the exact relation which the parts coming in contact must bear each to the other. The principle exhibited in this diagram is the key to the hazard portion of the game. In hazards, we may remark, that the point to be gained is to be able to make the object-ball move in whatever direction you want it : while in the carom game, you care not how the object-ball may move after it has been touched — so far as that particular stroke is concerned — pro- vided you can command the curves and angles, force, speed, and retrogradation of your own ball. We say that the position which the object-ball may assume after being struck, m unimportant in the carom game, so far as that particular stroke is concerned ; but in the management of the balls, and the ability to leave them in a position favorable to the next play — or un- favorable to your opponent, if you think it impossible to count yourself — the grand strength and science of the game is found. Mere ^^ brilliant strokes" by no means constitute a first-class scientific billiard-player ; caution, 61 • »«1 The Game of Billiards. 63 coolness, foresiglit, and ability to leave tlie balls in a position from which a good run may be secured (if the player is sure of his stroke), are of infinitely more im- portance. The really scientific player will never per- mit himself to be led astray by the mere certainty and ease of making one successful stroke, into a posi- tion from which no further benefit can be expected ; he will either forego all present gain to himself, in order to diminish the chances of a greater gain to his adver- sary ; or even attempt a more difficult play, from which it is likely some more favorable break may ensue. The thorough master of the game is he who never makes a count without leaving the balls in a position from which another count may be reasonably expected ; or, should this be imposible, then in such a position as will ren- der the making of a count by his opponent extremely difficult. From a break which appears worthless to the novice, the scientific player may make a splendid run ; and he does so from attending to the proverb, which tells us all " to look before we leap. " When the player thoroughly understands the fore- going diagram, and is able to execute the necessary- strokes, we may call him a master of the hazard game. It is not our intention to give any regular instructions on this portion of the game, further than those already given as to the modes of striking the cue and object- balls ; for when the player has perfected himself in the execution of the theories herein laid down, he will only have to aim steadily at the exact part of the ball to be struck, to be certain of success. In doing so, he may assist himself by drawing an imaginary line from the 6-iz The Game of Billiards. centre of the pocket aimed at, ttrough. the centre of the object-ball; and where that diameter terminates, is the exact point at which you must strike, to accomplish the hazard. By attending to the principles already laid down, even the novice can become his own hazard-master, and it would be a waste of time and space to dilate any further upon a subject which is already ex- hausted. The next part of our subject proper, relates to the degree of strength with which it is necessary to strike for the accomplishment of various objects. But of this we shall treat hereafter, with diagrams to illustrate our meaning. Meantime, as we shall have to make increasing use of such technicalities as ^'hazard," ^' carom/' ^^kiss," and so forth — terms completely unintelligible to the novice — we had better devote a short chapter to an explanation of the phrases peculiar to the noble game. CHAPTER lY. DEFINITION OF TECHNICAL PHRASES EMPLOYED IN THE GAME OP BILLIARDS. Hazard. — You make a hazard when yon drive any of the balls into any of the pockets. A wmning hazard when yon hole or pocket either of the red balls or your adversary's ; a losing hazard when your own ball is pocketed by your own act. A double hazard is when you pocket two of the balls with the same stroke. Carom. — This word is derived from the French carambolage, and you carom when you hit more than one of the balls on the table with your own. In Eng- land this is called a '^cannon," being evidently a corrupt derivative. Kiss. — When the ball you play with strikes another ball more than once, they are said to kiss ; or when two balls not played with come in contact. Scratch. — When accident befriends you, and you win a stroke or count without either intending or de- serving it, you are said to have made- a scratch. Force. — ^When your own ball retrogrades after 66 The Game of Billiards. coming in contact with another. We have explained this in the preceding chapter. Follow. — When your own ball rolls on after another ball which it has impelled forward. (See last chapter.) Jump. — When you force your ball by a downward stroke (as previously explained) to ricochet or leap up from the table. Bank. — When you make your own ball hit any of the cushions before striking the object-ball. The mace is sometimes used, even by good players, to make this stroke. Miss. — When you fail to strike any of the balls upon the table. MiscuE. — ^When the cue, either from want of chalk or being badly handled, slips off the ball without ac- complishing the intended stroke. Burst. — A term chiefly used at pin pool to signify- that the player has exceeded the number which is placed as the common limit to the game, and has con- sequently either to retire from the game or take a privilege of another life. Privilege. — A word used in some games of Pool to express that the player, having lost the lives, or chances, which were given to his ball on its entry into the game, now wishes to purchase still another chance as a privilege from the other players. The Game of Billiards. 67 Taking a Hazard. — A term used to express that a player is so confident of making a certain hazard that he will undertake to do it, under penalty of losing, in case he does not succeed, as many lives as he would have gained if successful. The phrase is most fre- quently employed in two-ball pool. Killed, or dead Ball. — When a ball in pool has lost its lives, and its chances are not renewed by privi- leges, it is said to be killed. Playing for Safety. — When you forego a possible advantage, in order to leave the balls in such a position that your opponent can make nothing out of them. Hug. — When any of the balls run close alongside of a particular cushion, they are said to hug it. Jaw. — When a ball is prevented from dropping into a pocket by the cushions which extend like jaws on either side. "Timber-lick," " Bowery Shot" and "German- towner" are synonymous terms, all applying when the balls played with and at, are jarred together — a pushing shot. Doublet or Cross. — When the ball to be pocketed is first made to rebound from the opposite cushion. Foul Stroke or Shot. — Any stroke made in vio- lation of the known rules of the game. Full Ball, Quarter Ball, Half Ball, Fine OR Cut Ball, Owk or Cue-Ball, akd Object- Ball. — For a correct definition of these, see the prece- 68 The Game of Billiakds. ding chapter^ wliicli *^ read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest." Beeak. — The position the balls are left in after a sliot has been made. STRiisraiNa for the Lead. — A preliminary to the game, by which it is decided who shall have the choice of lead and balls. See subsequent rules for the game on this point. Discount. — When one player is so much the supe- rior of another that he allows all the counts made by his opponent to be deducted from his own reckoning, he is said to ^' discount" his adversary's gains. Thus, if his opponent make a run of ten, ten is added to his connt, and ten deducted from the discounter's reckon- ing ; but the discounter cannot lose what he has not got. In other words, these deductions must only be made from the count he has at the time of the loss, and cannot be recovered out of counts he may after- wards make. In double and treble discount, twice and thrice the amount of his opponent's gains are de- ducted from the player's score. In no other game in the world are such immense odds possible as in bil- liards ; for the difference between players may be as infinite as the variety of geometrical and dynamic problems which the balls are capable of illustrating ; and a man of what is called a mathematic head, close observation, temperate habits, steady nerves, and large experience, may give almost any odds to an inferior player, and still have a fair chance of success. The Game of Billiards. 69 Playing Spot Ball.— Is wlieii the player is not limited to tlie number of times he may pocket the red ball from the. Spot. Billiard Sharp. — The billiard Sharp is a danger- ous species of animal, now happily almost extinct in these latitudes ; he is to be shunned wherever met, and the following are among the more prominent signs which nature has stamped upon him, as a caution to the un- wary : He is always either over-dressed or seedy ; after a ^'run of luck" he comes out in patterns of the ^'nois- iest" and loudest description ; his hair is always settled by a barber — in all probability his mustachios have been dyed ; and you may observe in him, whether his apparel be gaudily vulgar or seedily decayed, a con- stant effort to ape and '' put on the genteel." The very anxiety of the effort defeats the success of its execution; and the voice of the rooh betrays his nature, even though he has clothed himself in the feathers of some plundered pigeon. The Sharp, as a general thing, is a retired marker, who fancies it is no longer '^ respectable" to work for an honest living; and also fancies that he is ''smart" enough, and has "learned tricks enough" at his former business, to enable him to "win as much money as he wants" from the less experienced amateurs of the game, who figure in his vocabulary as "the flats." Let not our friends, the markers, think that we desire to cast a slur on their calling: there are "black sheep" in pulpits as well as in billiard saloons ; and the business cannot be held responsible for the evil-minded persons who are occa- 70 The Game of Bilt.iaiids. sionally admitted. Sometimes the Sharp is a reduced gentleman of loose morality and habits — one who is careful to assure you that '*he has seen better days" — a man, perhaps, who has been plucked in his youth by Sharps now dead and gone, and who endeavors to make the knowledge so bitterly acquired, support him in idleness and affluence, after his friends have been estranged by his vices, and his fortune (if he ever had any) been exhausted upon pimps and extrav- agance. These sharps are rarely seen in a respectable saloon : they rather patronize those peculiar establishments where a couple of billiard tables are made the '^ fence,'' behind which some less reputable occupation is carried on ; and here they are at home, and in their glory. They are familiar with the proprietors, and make them- selves useful in a large variety of characters, in return for which they are received as ^^dead-heads'' through the day, and sometimes given a sleeping place under the table when night comes on, and finds them unpro- vided with any other lodging. The natural excite- ment of the game is not sufficient for your Sharp ; indeed you may detect him at once by his eagerness after the first game — which he is generally careful to lose — ^^ to bet a dollar or so with you just to give the game an interest." He is the particular friend of any one who will ask him to ^Hake a drink," and his duties to the house embrace the offices of lounger, run- ner, talker, player, sponge, shoulder-hitter, and referee. This last-named character he is particularly proud of: refer to him any question, upon almost any subject, The Game of Billiards. 71 and lie will attempt an answer, totally regardless of whether he ever in his life heard a word about the matter before, or not ; and his peculiar hobby is to be called upon to decide disputed points in billiards — of which he considers himself the only recognized author- ity, and that his ipse dixit should be law. He is also very fond of urging others to make bets. He knows more about the game, he says, than any other living man, and if he only had a little capital to back him — with his experience, a fortune might be made in a few days I Not, however, that he is desti- tute—far from it : if you judge him by his present ap- pearance you will be most miserably sold : for he tells you that he has "been upon a spree," but is now (and has been for some years, to our certain knowl- edge), in expectation of a remittance of a few thousand dollars or so from the governor, which will make all right. Or, perhaps he is an Englishman (according to his own account), just come into possession of an enor- mous fortune by the death of a wealthy relative in India : the fortune "that was to have arroven, has not yet arriv," but the steamer is already some days over- due, and if you will just accommodate him in the mean- time with the loan of one dollar {five if you look green, fifty if you are tipsy), you may rely upon it that he will repay you with interest an hundred-fold as soon as " that cussed steamer" has come in, and the first moiety of his estate is lodged in the hands of his family banker. So strong is the delusion which constant habit has imposed upon these miserables, that they feel quite offended if refused, and will 72 The Game of Billiards. get angry if they see a cliance : whereas, if a party, to get rid of their importunity, or as a punishment to himself for having descended to talk to one of such a tribe, flings them a dollar, or fifty cents, they feel none of the gratitude that such an act would inspire in the bosom of the common beggar, but attribute the success, which is really the result of disgust or weari- ness, to their own superior '' smartness'' and the stran- ger's imbecility. ^' I guess I was more than a match for that fellow," thinks the Sharp ; '' I talked him out of it — he couldn't resist me nohow :" — and the dollar so acquired is dearer to his diseased imagination than would be fifty times that sum, if gained in any honest way. As we said before, he is fond of urging others to make bets — it being impossible for himself to do so, (though he would be sure to win,) until either the for- eign steamer, or the remittance from the governor arrives. He is a matchmaker — ^yes sir-ee ! and the best matchmaker to be found on the hither side of Jor- dan. Only let him tell you how to lay your wagers, and with whom, and you will be sure to win, for he is never mistaken. He tells A to bet against B, for that he can surely beat him ; he is so sure of it, that he will go halves with A in the bet, though the loss, if lost, would strip him of his last red cent. To B he re- peats the same story, and offers tlie same conditions. The match is made, we will suppose, and the Sharp is sure of his share, let Avho will come to the wall. When either party wins, he will slap him on the shoulder, and say — *^ There ! didn't I tell you you could beat him?" The Game of Billiards. 73 He coolly pockets his half of the winnings, and when the loser reminds him that he promised to share half the losses as well, he is suddenly seized with a great deafness, or remembers that he left his purse in the oyster shop below stairs, and must go look for it ; or perhaps, if his victim does not look like a fighting-man, he tells him to ^'sliut up," and that he will pay him either when the remittance comes to hand, or on the first Sunday that happens to fall in the middle of next week. Or perhaps he may condole with the loser : tell him the result has amazed him — that he never saw more beautiful play in his life than that made by his victim ; that nothing but the irregularity of the balls or the falseness of the table could have defeated such really splendid play: and if *Hhe flat" be verdant enough to accept this coin of flattery in lieu of the solid currency out of which he has been swindled, the Sharp will give him any quantity of it, and on the very lowest terms : " another drink" is all he charges for his half- hour's eulogy. To these sources of profit, the Sharp adds that of runner and peripatetic blower to disreputable houses engaged in the manufacture of billiard tables. They supply him with clothes, to enable the fellow to mingle in respectable society, and allow him an enormous percentage for every billiard table sold to a stranger through his agency. The Sharp, when engaged as *^ blower," has a double duty to perform ; he is not only to pufi* up such houses as may have hired him, or with which he is on terms of agency ; he must also pull down, as far as in him 4 74 The Game of Billiards. lies, the reputation of such manufacturers as have the honesty to despise and scorn the means by which he earns his wretched and dishonorable livelihood. Having said thus much of the genus — with the his- tory and peculiarities of which we could fill a volume were we so disposed — it can scarcely be necessary to add that their habits are migratory and uncertain to the last degree. As soon as they have made ^^ a hit" in one saloon, they dodge off to another, and thus go the rounds of the city until all the dens which harbor them are, in their own vernacular, *^ played out." They then spread their wings for *' fresh fields and pas- tures new," and thus come back, after a lapse of some years, to the city from which they started, having suf- fered various degrees of ignominy and want in the course of their wanderings through other towns. Avoid all such, ye novices ; and should a stranger in a strange room ask you to play with him for any sum ^^ just to give an interest to the game," compare him mentally with the sketch here furnished, and if you find any definite resemblance, be careful to refuse. Love Game. — ^Is a condition in which novices will be very apt to find themselves, if they commence by challenging an experienced player. Count. — Is the reckoning of the game. To make a count means, to make a stroke which will add some figures to your reckoning. The Game of Billiards. 75 A TABLE OF THE MOTIVE POWERS TO BE USED IN EXECUTING THE DIFFERENT PROBLEMS LAID DOWN IN THE SUCCEEDING DIAGRAMS. Previous to the author's former work on the game of billiards, no writer on the subject had ever attempted to lay down a scale of the different amounts of strength that would be required for the execution of the differ- ent strokes ; and yet without some such scale, all writ- ten instructions might be compared to the play of Hamlet, with the prince's character omitted. Of what use can it be to tell the direction in which the cue-ball should be driven, and the point at which the object- ball should be struck, unless we can place a definite limit to the strength to be employed in the execution of the problem? For the angles will vary, as the strength is increased or diminished ; and unless some graduated scale can be applied to every stroke, the in- structions, so far as practical utility to the student is concerned, might as well be omitted altogether. This subject was forced upon the author's notice when engaged in teaching the game, many years ago. His pupils used to complain, that though they made the force, or twist, or following strokes as directed, and struck the object-ball at the point laid down, the result did not answer their expectations, nor was it similar to the result of the same stroke when played by him. What, then, could the tutor do? If he told them to play "a little harder," '^a good deal harder," *' a 76 The Game of Billiards. groat deal harder," '' not quite so hard," "not half so hard," " twice as hard," '' extremely hard," — ^he found that these terms were indefinite, and that no two of them agreed in their interpretation. One of them, if told to play "a little harder," would drive his ball over the opposite cushion, and away to the far end of the room; while the same order, given to another, would not call forth the requisite amount of strength. Under these circumstances, he found that the first step in tuition must be, to afford the novice an accu- rate idea of the different quantities of strength re- quired for the execution of different strokes ; the table of motive powers, illustrated in the diagram on page 75, was constructed, and each pupil had to practice until he could very nearly approximate the different strokes, as laid down under their respective numbers. This exercise will be found very serviceable to the stu- dent, not only for giving him an idea of the quantities of motive power, but also imparting general steadiness and certitude to his aim. In this table the author has taken the amount of power requisite to propel a ball from the string to the opposite cushion, and thence back to the cushion be- hind the- string, as the unit of his calculation. This power is marked as Quantity of Power, Number One * or, for shortness sake, Q, P., JVo. 1. To propel it from the string to the opposite cushion, thence back to the cushion behind the string, and thence half way down the table, is marked as Q, P., . No. 2. To propel it from the string to the opposite cushion, 11 The Game of Billiards. 79 thence back to the cushion behind the string, and thence on to the cushion which it first struck, is Q. P., m. 3. To propel it from the string to the opposite cushion, thence back to the cushion behind the string, thence back to the cushion it first struck, and thence half-way down the table, is marked as Q. P., JVb. 4. These divisions will be found to answer the earliest requirements of the player. As he advances in the practice of the game, he will learn to graduate as far below Q. P., JYo. 1, as one-eighth of that power, which is ordinarily low enough for all practical purposes ; from thence he can ascend, in the proportion of eighths, to Q. P., JYo* 4, beyond which it is almost impossible to retain the command of the balls with any certainty of aim. Let it be borne in mind that great cue-strength is not produced by any violent muscular or bodily con- tortions; it depends far more on the looseness and quickness of the arm, and the jerk which is imparted by the wrist. The motion made, when striking with the cue, should be somewhat similar, in sudden quick- ness, to that made in throwing the lasso ; and refer- ence should here be made by the student to the in- structions in Chapter III on this point, under the heading ^' Conditions of a good attitude.'' 83 EXPLANATION OF DIAGEAM NO. I. This diagram exhibits the simple angles produced by playing a ball with the different quantities of power hereafter set forth. For example: play from the Spot at the head of the table at the middle nail or sight opposite, with Q. P. No. 1, or upwards, and the ball, if struck fairly in the centre, will return over its original course, and hit the corresponding nail behind the Spot. [In this proposition, and in all others, we suppose the cushions to be correct, and the tables level.] Again, play the ball from either of the points marked 2, with Q. P. 2^, and it will return over the correspond- ing line at an angle of reflection equal to that of inci- dence. Play from point 8, on a line between the centre of the lower corner pocket, and the nail at the bottom of the table, as marked, with Q. P. No. 3, and the ball will be returned at a similar angle into the opposite pocket. So also with point 4, played on a line between the middle pocket and nail with Q. P. No. 3^. It will be observed that the more obtuse the angle sought to be made, the greater quantity of power must be used to effect the object. The student who desires to succeed should study this diagram carefully, and familiarize both his eye and hand with its practical execution. Let him practice it 84 as here laid down, and pay particular attention to the quantities of power required for the formation of differ- ent angles. This is a matter in which each must buy his own experience. The diagram also exhibits the control which the player exercises over his ball by means of the twist or side stroke. Playing always from the spot at the middle nail of the lower cushion, the ball can be brought back over the lines marked 2, 3, and 4, at each side of the spot from which it is played, according as it has been twisted to the right or left. The amount of the twist will de- pend upon the distance from its centre at which the cue-ball is struck, and the ability of the player to im- part the peculiar motion necessary to effect such strokes. Considerable judgment is also required to graduate the proper quantity of strength. The rebound of the ball will incline to that side — whether left or right — on which the ball was struck. For example : to cause your ball to return over line 2 to the right, strike it with Q. P. 1^ a mere shade to the right of the centre. To cause it to return over line 3, strike it with the same Q. P. | E. Over line 4, strike with Q. P. 2^, ^ E, ^ B, or midway between the perpendicular and diagonal below. The tendency to rotate backward imparted by striking the ball below the centre, exhausts the progressive motion and favors the fall development of the twist. 87 DIAGRAM NO. 11. Exhibits tlie same principle as the preceding one, with double or compound angles made. There can be no better test of the correctness of the cushions than a trial of these strokes. If the cushions are true, the ball, no matter how often doubled, will repeat its original angle at each fresh rebound. Thus, if stroke 2 had been played with increased power, the ball would have been pocketed in the left hand upper corner pocket — supposing, for the sake of argument, that cushions absolutely perfect could be found. Of course, however, nothing human is perfect ; and the cushions most nearly approaching these requirements are the best. The stroke marked 1, though the ball has there to travel over a shorter distance, requires to the full as much power as stroke 3, which moves over thrice the space. This is caused by the greater obtuseness of the angle made by 1. If stroke 1 were played with less power, the angle would be more obtuse. No. 3. 91 DIAGRAM NO. III. Exhibits the diiferent angles which will result from the same stroke when played with different amounts of force. For example : play from the position marked with Q. P. No. 2, and the ball after taking three cushions, as shown in the line xnarked 1, will be delivered into the opposite corner pocket. Play the same stroke with Q. P. No. 3, and the in- creased strength will cause acuter angles, as shown in the lines marked 2. Increase the power still more, and the lines marked 3 will be given. To account for these changes we must bear in mind that a change of axis takes place from the moment of contact with the first cushion, and is repeated as often as the ball strikes. This change of axis has no effect, however, until the ball comes in contact with the second cushion. The change which inclines the ball from a horizontal to a perpendicular axis, will be strong in proportion to the quantity of power used in play. When the ball is struck violently against the cushion, the cushion, as it were, grips its side, and sends it spin- ning forward with a stronger inclination to the per- pendicular ; this change causes the ball to be thrown back from the second and third cushions at angles of reflection more obtuse than those of incidence. Supposing the ball to be struck fairly in its centre, its axis, up to the time of striking the first cushion, will be horizontal ; the effect of contact is to incline this motion to change for one on a perpendicular axis ; but the former impulse not having been .entirely de- stroyed, there is a sort of compromise made between the conflicting inclinations, and a diagonal axis, the mean between the two, is evolved. This diagonal will incline more closely to the perpendicular, in proportion to the increase of power employed. But its angles will again be modified by its subsequent contact with cush- ions 2 and 8 ; and finally, as the strength becomes ex- hausted, the ball will again resume its horizontal axis in obedience to the laws of gravity and the friction of the table. No. 4. 96 DIAGRAM NO. IV. This diagram serves to show the effect of the differ- ent degrees of strength when two balls come in contact. For instance, play the cue-ball with Q. P. i, at the ball in the centre of the circle, full enough to make the latter travel over the line drawn from it to the cushion, and a carom on the ball at the lower section of the circle will be effected ; increase that strength to Q. P. 2, and the carom on the ball next above it will be made ; then try Q. P. 3|, and a carom on the third ball will be effected. In playing these strokes, the cue-ball must be struck in the centre, and the object-ball each time in the particular place required to make it roll over the line which is continued to the lower cushion. 96 DIAGRAM NO. V. Now that we have endeavored to explain the effect of the different quantities of power, we will attempt to point out the principles of a "Follow," and a "Force." Figure 1, in this diagram is intended to exemplify "the Force." The intention of this stroke is to pocket ball 1, and carom upon ball 2. Play the cue-ball I B, Q. P. 2, and strike the object ball | E. For an explanation of the reason why the cue-ball rebounds to ball 2, see plate of cue -positions, stroke 2, marked "Force," wath the remarks thereon. Figure 2 show^s the "Following-stroke," ball 1 being driven into the corner pocket, while a carom is effected upon ball 2. Strike the cue-ball | A, with Q. P. 1|. For further explanations, see same plate, (cue-positions,) stroke 3, with its accompanying explanations. No. 5. No. 6. 101 DIAGRAM NO. YI. This plate is intended to further illustrate the "force" and "follow." The cue-ball is that at which the cue is pointed ; the object-ball is that in the centre of the table ; the balls marked 1, 2, 3, 4, are the ones to be caromed on; the lines marked 1, 2, 8, 4, show the course the object-ball will take when struck so as to make such caroms as represented on the balls of cor- responding numbers. For example: to plaj so as to cause the cue-ball to follow on in a direct line after the object-ball; strike the object-ball dead full, the cue- ball to be struck exactly in the perpendicular central line, I A, with Q. P. 1, or more, at the player's option. To effect a force in a straight line backwards to the place from whence the cue-ball started, strike the object-ball dead full, and the cue-ball ^ to -J^ B, with Q. P. 2i; giving it at the same time the peculiar motion referred to in the diagram of cue-positions, describing the "force." To carom on ball 1 in the lower circle, strike the cue-ball ^ A, with Q. P. 3, and the object-ball will take the direction of the line 1. To effect a carom by a force on ball 1, of the upper circle, strike the cue-ball i- B, ^ L, Q. P. 3, the object- 102 ball taking the same direction as in the preceding stroke. To carom on balls 8 or 4 on the opposite side of the same semicircle, the same Q. P. is to be used as in mak- ing the foregoing caroms, and the object-ball is to be struck in the same manner, only of course on the oppo- site side — which will cause it to pursue the lines marked 3 and 4. The lines marked 1, 2, 3, and 4, should claim the attention of the reader. It will be seen that these lines are but slightly apart, compared to the balls thus numbered, which fact goes to show that to effect a " spread" it is not necessary to hit the object-ball so far off from the centre as would appear at the first glance ; and here we might as well remark, that this is a danger- ous error which beginners are liable to fall into at first, both as regards the object-ball, and striking the cue- ball. By getting too far away from the centre of the object-ball the consequence is a failure to effect the stroke played for, and striking the cue-ball in like manner is productive of ^'miscues," and other mis- haps equally fatal. This diagram serves to show also, the almost absolute control a skilfal player can exercise over the cue-ball by being possessed of the knowledge and ability to strike it in the proper place, and to apply that peculiar strength and motion to it which are requisite to accom- plish the various strokes attempted. Thanks to Mingaud for giving us the leather on the point of the cue, for without the aid of that, our efforts would be vain ; but with it, and the knowledge and 103 ability to use it, tlie result is as we see. Some of tlie very simplest shots are at variance with, all the known rules of dynamics, and it would puzzle the most pro- found mathematician to account in theory for the effects which are practically illustrated by men not pretend- ing to any scientific education whatsoever. With these remarks we pass from the *' following" and ** forcing" shots, and speak of the effect of the '^ twist," or side-stroke, on the course of the cue-ball before striking a cushion. No. 7. 107 DIAGRAM NO. YII. The circle in tlie centre represents a hat, a plate, or any object of similar magnitude placed there as an ob- stacle which the player's art is required to overcome. The propositions — to play the ball from either side or corner pocket around the hat, and hole it in the corresponding pocket opposite — are identical in prin- ciple, though requiring a different elevation of the cue, and different varieties of power. To effect the stroke from corner to Corner, the cue must be elevated at an angle of at least 45 degrees, as shown in the position described as a Perpendicular Force (marked 5), on the diagram of cue-positions, in an earlier portion of this work. To make the ball curve round the hat, passing outside it to the right, from corner to corner, — strike it with the Perpendic- ular Force ^ L, with Q. P. 2 to 3. Pay particular attention to the necessity for a quick, impulsive, lasso- throwing movement, as set forth in the instructions which are appended to the *' force" (marked 2) in the aforesaid diagram. To make the ball curve round the object to the left, strike with the same elevation and power, but change the I L, to ^ E. To effect the stroke from the side-pocket, an eleva- 108 tion of five degrees more will be required; tlie Q. P. may- be reduced to 2^, or even a little less ; but in proportion, as the strength and elevation are diminished, it becomes necessary to increase that peculiar lasso-motion to which we have before made reference. In playing these and all other twisting shots, due allowance must be made for the curve before the player aims ; or his ball will inevitably go wide of its mark, either to right or left. K the length of the shot is such that the curve will amount to a foot, then the player must aim a foot to the right or left of the point at which he really desires his ball to touch. No. 8. Ill DIAGRAM NO YIII. The purpose of this diagram is to show the effect the side-stroke will have on the cue-ball after contact with the cushion. Although the object-ball may be struck in the same place, the ciie-ball can be made to take widely-different courses, as represented. The ob- ject in figure 1, is to pocket ball 1 in the corner pocket, and carom on ball 2 or 3. To effect the carom on ball 2, hit the object-ball where the line from the pocket would terminate were it continued directly through the centre of the ball. Strike the cue-ball ^ E, on the horizontal central line, with Q. P. 1^, To carom on ball 8, strike the cue-ball ^ L, i B, with Q. P. 2 J-. Figure 2. — To carom on ball 2^ strike the object- ball fine, as represented in diagram, and the cue-ball ^ L, } B, with Q. P. 2|-. The object in striking the cue- ball below the centre in this stroke, is to communicate to it a motion similar to that in the forcing shot ; such motion will have the effect of contracting the angle produced by the ball rebounding from the cushion. To carom on ball 8, the object-ball is to be hit as in the preceding stroke. The cue-ball to be struck ^ E, with Q. P. 1. 112 DIAGRAM NO. IX. EFFECT OF THE SIDE STROKE AND TWIST CONTINUED. Figure 1. — To play on ball 1, pocket it in corner, and carom on ball 2 or 3. To carom on ball 2, hit the ob- ject-ball so as to hole it, strike the cue-ball J- E, } A, with Q. P. 2. To carom on ball 8, strike the object-ball I L, yV A, with Q. P. 2h Fig. 2. — To play on the ball on the spot, and pocket it in corner-pocket, and carom on balls 1, 2, 8, or 4 : To effect the carom on ball 1, strike the cue-ball | A, yV L, with Q. P. 8. To carom on ball 2, strike the cue- ball i A, I E, with Q. P. 21. To carom on ball 8, strike the cue-ball i B, | L, with Q. P. 8. To carom on ball 4, strike cue-ball i B, j\ L, with Q. P. 8. No. 9. No. 10. 117 DIAGEAM NO. X. FURTHER ILLUSTRATION OF THE SIDE STROKE. To play with the cue-ball and pocket the object-ball in the side pocket, and carom on balls 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. To carom on ball 1, strike the cue-ball I A, with Q. P. 1. To carom on ball 2, strike the cue-ball i B, i E, with Q. P. 2^. To carom on ball 3, strike the cue-ball i E, on horizontal line, with Q. P. 2^. To carom on ball 4, strike the cue-ball j A^ i L, with Q. P. 3. To carom on ball 5, strike the cue-ball ^ E, \ B, with Q. P. 3^. Thus, it may be perceived, that with the aid of the side-stroke and force, the cue-ball can be made to take almost any course the player de- sires. The object-ball is to be hit so as to hole it in the side-pocket, in each of these caroms. 118 DIAGRAM NO, XI. ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE KISS AND SIDE STROKE. To play on ball 1, and carom on balls 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. To carom on ball 2 by a kiss, strike the cue- ball i A, 1 L, with Q. P. 21 the object-ball to be hit I E. To carom on ball 3, strike with same strength the object and cue-ball, hitting as above, only on the opposite side. To carom on ball 4, strike the cue-ball i E, I B, Q. P. 2|, the object-ball to be hit fine on the left. To carom on ball 5, strike the cue-ball i L, |- B, with Q. P. 3, the object-ball to be hit f L. To carom on ball 6, strike the cue-ball i E on the horizontal line with Q. P. 2, the object-ball fine to the right. To carom on ball 7, strike the cue-ball ^ B, ^ L, with Q. P. 3^, the object-ball to be hit a half ball to the left. No. 11. No. 12. 123 DIAGRAM NO. XII. FURTHER ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE KISS AND SIDE STROKE. ExPLAN'ATiON' OF FiG. 1. — The three balls num- bered 1, 2, and 3 in this figure, are intended to be the cue-balls, ball A the object-ball, and ball B the one to be caromed on; the lines marked 1, 2, and 3 the course the cue-balls will take, according to their respective numbers. For example, play with ball 1, from position as represented, with Q. P. 2|-, strike it ^ A, the object- ball to be hit i to the right, and the carom will be effected by the "kiss." Then again play with ball 2 with the same strength, strike it I- A, J R, the object- ball to be hit I R, and the carom will be effected by the cue-ball describing curves similar to those marked by line 2. Again, play with ball 3, strike it^'R,^ A, with Q. P. 3i, and the carom on ball B will be effected by a sort of hugging tendency of the cue-ball, after forming curves similar to those represented by line 3. The student should pay particular attention to this Figure, as there are certain principles represented by it, which will be very essential for him to have a knowledge of. In all of these strokes the cue-ball has a following tendency, caused by the cue striking it above the centre, consequently it hugs the cushion. In No. 1 124 this tendency is eflfected by the simple stroke above the centre, but in Nos. 2 and 3 the cue-ball also re- quires striking to the right, as well as above the centre, owing to its relative position to the object-ball. In No. 2, I E is sufficient to effect this purpose, but in No. 3 the cue-ball must be struck -J E, in conse- quence of the greater acuteness of the angle formed by the lines drawn from it to the object-ball, and from the latter to ball B. If, in these two strokes, the cue-ball were struck to the left, it would either stop under the cushion, or take a direction to the left, the very oppo- site to that which the striker intended. Fig. 2. — To play on ball C, and carom on ball D, strike the cue-ball I L, with Q. P. 1, the object-ball to be hit dead full. To carom on ball B, hit the object- ball dead full; strike the cue-ball J A, with Q. P. 2|. No. 13. 127 DIAGRAM NO. Xm. FURTHER ILLUSTRATION OP THE KISS AND FORCE. Fig. 1. — To play on ball 1, kiss on ball 2, and carom on ball 3. Hit the object-ball ^ E, strike the cue-ball i A, i L, with Q. P. 2. Fig. 2. — To play on ball 1, carom on ball 3, and, by a force, carom on ball 2. Strike the cue-ball ^ B, j E, with Q. P. 3^, the object-ball to be hit fine on the left, as represented in diagram. 128 DIAGRAM NO. XIY. MORE OP THE KISS. To play on ball 1, and, by a kiss, carom on ball 2. Strike the cue-ball -I B, |- L, with Q. P. 3^, the object- ball to be hit yV E. The object of this diagram is to show the effect of a twist on the cushion. When played as represented, the cue-ball will be thrown off in a direction opposite to that it would have taken, had it hit the cushion where ball 1 is situated. The dotted line is intended to show the course the ball would have taken, had it been played without the ^' twist" or side-stroke. No. 14. No. 15. i ^^ \ I \ , ^ i 183 DIAGRAM NO. XV. FORMING CURVES BY A FOLLOW AND A FORCE. Fig-. 1. — To place a ball Tipon each spot, and carom upon them by means of a follow, the cue-ball trans- cribing a curve around a hat, which occupies the posi- tion of the circle. Strike the cue-ball i A, -J L, with Q. P. 8, the object-ball to be hit ^ E, so that it shall take the direction of the dotted line. Fig. 2. — To effect a carom with a force, the cue-ball transcribing a curve around a hat occupying the posi- tion of the circle. Strike the cue-ball -J- B, i L, with Q. P. 3i, and the object-ball i E. In effecting this stroke, the bridge and cue require to be somewhat ele- vated, to give a slight hop to the cue-ball. 134 DIAGEAM NO. XYI. MANAGING THE BALLS SO AS TO LEAVE GOOD " BREAKS." A perfect mastery of this art is probably tbe most important to the player, of all other branches of the science. After he has mastered the follow, the force and the twist, shill^ science^ and judgment combined ai*e the three essentials for the student to acquire. For instance, the player may have a simple stroke, either a hazard or a carom, which, when effected, will leave the balls in a position where even an adept would find it dif&cult to count. There may, at the same time, be other strokes on the table less easy to effect, but which, if made, would leave the balls in a position 'favorable for a run ; in such a case judgment would decide that the player should attempt the more difficult stroke, to avail himself of the prospective advantages which prob- ably will result from it. Judgment makes the great difference between players — one exercising it frequently contending successfully against an opponent who is his superior in execution. Strike the cue-ball i B, | L, with Q. P. 2|, the ob- ject-ball to be hit so as to make it roll over the lines, as represented, and the player will have a break of balls, which, with judicious management, will enable him to effect a long run. No. 16. No. 17. 189 DIAGEAM NO. XYII. ANOTHER ILLUSTRATION ON MANAGING OR NURSING THE BALLS. Fia. 1. — To play on ball 1, and effect a carom, leav- ing a good break : strike tlie cue-ball -J- B, -J- L, with Q. P. 1^, tlie object-ball to be hit so as to make it roll over the line, as marked, and the balls will approxi- mate the positions designated by the black spots. Fia. 2. — To effect a carom, and leave a break similar to that designated by the black spots : play the cue-ball, as represented, against the cushion, striking it ^ L, with Q. P. U. 140 DIAGRAM NO. XYIII. FURTHER ILLUSTRATIONS ON NURSING OR MANAGING THE BALLS. We will suppose tlie cue-ball to be in hand, and one of the balls a trifle out of the string, the other two in po- sitions as designated. Here are three different positions represented by Nos. 1, 2, and 3, in either of which the cue-ball may be placed. To play from position marked 1, and force back as represented : strike the cue-ball f B, I L, with Q. P. 1|, hitting the object-ball so that it rolls over and returns by line 1. Again, from po- sition 2 : strike the cue-ball f B, f L, with Q. P. 3, the object-ball to be hit so as to roll over line 2. From position 3 : strike the cue-ball I E, with Q. P. 2, the object-ball to be hit | E, so as to make it roll over line 4 ; and the presumption is, that good breaks will be the result of each stroke. No. 18. No. 19. 145 DIAGRAM NO. XIX. TAKING ADVANTAGE OP THE CHANCES FOR MAKING POINTS. In playing billiards we frequently find the balls in a position where a count can be effected in several dif- ferent ways. In such cases, it is advisable for the player to take into consideration the probabilities of effecting the stroke, and the position of the balls there- after. If the stroke be at all doubtful, he should play where he would have the greatest prospect of success, or, in other words, 'Hake the chances." We will again suppose the cue-ball to be in hand, and the player wishing to secure a good break. If he is playing the usual game, it would be advisable for him to play on the object-ball, so as to pocket it and return over line 1, in this way taking three chances to make a count. If he is playing caroms alone, it would be better for him to play on the left of the object-ball, so as to draw it back in the string, as near the other balls as possible. To make the first stroke : strike the cue-ball ^ A, ^ E, with Q. P. 2|-, and if the object-ball be pocketed in the corner, as represented, the carom will be made on one of the balls numbered 2 and 3. To make the second stroke : strike the cue-ball { A, i E, with Q. P. 2|-, the object-ball to be hit f L. 7 No. 20, 149 DIAGRAM NO. XX. SOME FANCY SHOTS IN COMMON USE. "We have hitherto confined our attention to the illus- tration of what may be called the regular game, and the explanation of those principles which are essential even to common proficiency ; we did so, lest the student should embarrass his first efforts with attempting strokes beyond his skill. In the above diagram we have set forth a few of the fancy shots, now in very general use, and proposed among good players as a test of peculiar skill. In car-. tain positions of the game, the adept will find them do good service ; but we must still caution the novice that the penalty, should he attempt them, will very likely be a rupture of the cloth. It is almost impossible to give an exact verbal description of these strokes ; and players who aspire to make them, should put them- selves, for a day at least, under the tuition of a com- petent instructor ; it would be cheaper to pay him five dollars for an hour's instruction, and then be master of the art, than have to pay thirty dollars for a new cloth, and still remain ignorant of what had caused the mistake. Fig. 1. — To play on ball 1, and, by a perpendicular force, bring back the cue-ball so as to carom on ball 2 : the cue-ball is the central one in this figure. The cue should be elevated, as marked in the plate of cue po- 150 sitions, to an angle of at least forty-five degrees; the cue-ball should be struck as marked and described in said plate, with Q. P. 2 — the object-ball to be struck dead full. Fig. 2 — Is another perpendicular force, the object being to carom onballs i and 2, as represented. Ele- vate the cue, as before, and take aim for that part of the indented line where the curve first begins to act ; strike the cue-ball } E, with Q. P. 2^. These strokes are particularly needed in playing the French carom game, and are much practiced by the ^eminent players of France. Their usual game having no hazards in it, they excel in caroms, on the principle that makes a blind man's sense of touch so much more exquisite than the same sense in persons who can both see and feel ; — so masterly is their execution of these particular forces, that w^ere w^e to delineate some of the shots wdiich we have seen them make, and made our- selves under their instructions, the reader would be in- clined to suspect us of pushing his credulity too far. For our own part, we profess no peculiar expert ness in these strokes — at least none that M. Berger would consider w^onderful ; for the nature of our game does not so frequently call for them. The novice must be careful to arrest his cue after the stroke is delivered, for otherwise the cloth may suffer ; this is all the more difficult from the quickness, vigor, and vivacity which the stroke imperatively demands. The remaining problems are less difficult. 151 Fig. 8. — To play on ball 1, and by a curve to clear ball 2, and carom on ball 3. Strike the cue-ball ^ A, i E, with. Q. P. 3| ; the object-ball must be struck tV r- Fig. 4 — Is to play on ball 1, and, by a curve which shall clear ball 2, to carom back on ball 3 : to do this, strike the cue-ball |- B, j L, with Q. P. 3|, the cue to be elevated at an angle of not more than thirty degrees. This degree of elevation w^ill give a combination of the ^'jump" and ^'perpendicular force" strokes^ marked in the plate of cue positions, without which the sti'oke could not be made. The jump will cause the cue-ball to advance beyond ball 2, because its retrograding motion cannot comxC into play, until after its contact with the table ; as soon as the friction begins to act against the retrograding tendency {{, e., after it has jumped beyond*ball 2), it will then recede, in a carve, as marked, and strike ball 3. Mr. J. N. White, of Philadelphia, particularly excels in this shot. ♦ Fig-. 5 — Is intended to show the effect of the side- stroke and force, on the angle which the cue-ball will ^make after coming in contact with the cushion, the object-ball being previously struck. Strike the cue- balll B, ^ L, with Q. P. 3f, so as to strike the object- ball dead full. The cue-ball will return to the cushion, and fly off at the angle marked ; which angle wdll be obtuser, and made on the opposite side to what it would have been, had not the cue-ball touched the object- ball but continued on to the end cushion opposite. Xo. 21. 155 DIAGRAM NO. XXI. This diagram is introduced to show the advantage which may inure to the player, by possessing the ability to execute perpendicular strokes. This posi- tion of the balls actually occurred in a match played in San Francisco, between the author and a celebrated French player, where the reputation of both players was at stake. The game was the French three-ball carom game, in which no pushing shots are permitted. The parties were playing 100 points up, the French- man having but three points to make, while the writer required twenty-one to win the game. Such were the conditions of the game when the position of the balls, as shown in the diagram, presented itself; and the au- thor, playing a perpendicular stroke, effected a carom, from which he secured a run of nine, and eventually won the game. A represents the striker's ball, that of his opponent, and B the red ball. The small dots show the relative positions of the balls, after the stroke was effected — No. 1 being the striker's ball, 3 the red, and 2 the opponent's ball. 156 DIAGEAM NO. XXII. The diagram is intended to illustrate botli execution and judgment. This position of the balls also occurred in the match referred to in the description of the pre- ceding diagram, and was the game-shot of th.e rubber. It would have been a much, simpler method of making the stroke for the author to have played upon No. 2, than taken the side-cushion and caromed directly npon No. 3. But, in case the stroke had been nnsuccessful, tke balls would have been left in a favorable position for the opponent. It must be recollected that tlie French three-ball carom game is as much a game of defence as attack ; hence, safety is an essential element, to which the player must direct his attention. No. 1 represents the striker's ball. No. 2 that of his opponent, and 3 the red ball ; kence, it will be readily seen that the striker, by playing the shot as represented in the diagram, would have left the balls in a muck safer po- sition had ke proved unsuccessful, than would have been tke case had ke failed in making the simpler carom. No. 22. No. 23. 161 DIAGEALI NO. XXIII. The shot, as represented in the diagram, is to play with ball No. 1, effecting a carom on balls 2 and 3, and pocketing balls 2 and 3 in the corner where ball 3 is represented. To effect this shot play on ball 2 dead full, with strength enough to make it travel over the space covered by the line, as laid down in the diagram.. Strike the cue-ball about |- A, |- E, with Q. P. 3|- to 4, and it will hug the cushion as represented, and carom on ball 3 and pocket it. The twist communicated to the cue-ball will then act on the side-cushion, and cause it to roll out of the way ere ball 2 reaches its place of destination. This proposition will not be new to any readers of the Billiard Cue^ to which paper it was originally con- tributed by the writer. It seems simple now, when the lines are drawn which illustrate it ; but as the proposition first appeared — the position of the balls being only indicated, and not the method of effecting the shot — many attempts were made, before the stroke was finally accomplished by one of our most distin- guished amateurs. 162 DIAGRAM NO. XXIY. This diagram shows a favorite stroke of Mr. C. Bird, of Pliiladelpliia, wlio is frequently requested by his friends to make it. The object is to take six cush- ions, and effect the carom on balls 1 and 2, as repre- sented. Strike the cue-ball f L, with Q. P. 8|- to 4, the ob- ject-ball to be hit fine on the right. No. 25. 167 DIAGRAM NO. XXY. The letters A, B, C, and D, on the diagram opposite, show the position of the Spots on the billiard table. In placing them^ a line is drawn down the centre of the table, from the centre nails or sights in the head and lower cushions ; another line is then drawn from the centre sights in the side cushions, across the table, and where the lines intersect, the spots are placed. The spot at A, being next the head of the table, is the light red spot, and an imaginary line across the table at this point is the string ; the spot at B is the dark red spot. The spot at C is the English spot, which is to be thirteen inches from the end or lower cushion, and is used in playing the English game, but in this country it is generally put about nine inches from the lower cushion. The spot at D is for two ball pool, and is placed about five inches from the lower cushion. E shows the Pin Pool spots, that in the centre being number five ; each of the others should be placed about 2^ inches from it, in the position represented on diagram. F shows the position of the balls in playing fifteen ball pool. The balls are placed in a triangular frame, 168 . . so as to insure exactness — the base of the triangle being parallel with the end, or lower cushion of the table. The highest number, fifteen, should be placed on the deep red spot, at B. Figures 1 and 2 show the positions of the semicircles, or playing points, for the English and French games. In playing the English game, the semicircle is drawn from the light red spot, with a radius of ten inches. In England the spot is placed two feet six inches from the cushion. The semicircle for the French game is drawn with a radius of four and a half inches on the French table, but on the American full-sized table, it should have p radius of five inches. CHAPTER V. A CODE TO EEGULATE Al^D EEI>UCE TO UNIFORMITY THE DIFFERENT GAMES OF BILLIARDS, AS PLAYED IN THE UNITED STATES AND ELSET\^HERE. To establisli sucli a billiard-code as would meet witli the general a,pprobation and consent of billiard-players in all parts of tbe Union, would indeed be ^'a consum- mation most devoutly to be wished " — a consummation, also, more to be prayed for than expected. In things the most trivial, as in things the most grave, it is difl&cult to make any large majority of men view any matter in precisely the same light. Some are prejudiced to this side, and others have their early convictions inclining them to that. All may deplore the disagreement — all may sigh for a uniformity of system ; but few are prepared to abandon their peculiar ideas, without the sacrifice of which no uniformity can be attained. In the rules laid down for playing the various games of billiards, this evil has been further aggravated by the petty jealousies of those engaged in the billiard business. Each one establishes a code of regulations for himself — a code in which it would appear to be his object to differ as much as possible from the codes 8 \ 170 The Gamk of Billiards. (5 A Mi: or-;gu:- ado})tod by the other brethren of his profession. Cer- tain manufacturers of quasi ])illiard tables, not knowing anything of the game themselves, and therefore not be- ing competent to decide which of these conflicting codes is correct, pick out whichever one comes readiest to hand, and accompany the sale of everything they call a table with a framed and printed copy of this *' code." In this way the country is flooded with con- flicting rules, which frequently cause disputes that might otherwise be avoided. '^ Let the cobbler stick to his last," is a maxim of* great wisdom and antiquity ; and one would really think, according to recent developments, that these *' manufacturers" might find employment for some time further in attempting to improve the cushions and other parts of their table gear, which are notoriously defective and condemned. As a general rule, they are ignorant of the game, and opposed to any innovation in its mechanical appliances, even though the innovation contains the most important improvement. Their ignorance we account for on the same principle that is said to make 'Hhe confectioner less fond of sweet- meats than any man in the parish." From the hour of their apprenticeship they look upon the table as the object of their labor and the means of obtaining bread. They never associate the board with any sensations of amusement ; and when in search of pleas- ure, they will seek it in whatever game can least remind them of their toil. That they should be op- posed to innovations is extremely natural, therefore —seeing that they take no individual interest in the The Game of Billiakds. M71,, science of the game, and that every alteration requires so much more time and trouble, and throws them so much out from the mill-horse round in which thej have been accustomed to proceed Y^ithowi progressing. In drawing up the following rules, the author hopes they are such as may meet with general adoption. He has practiced what he preaches in the forepart of this article, and sacrificed such of his private opinions as he found to be at variaDce with the customs most in vogue. He has seen differences arise and lead to angry words, in cases where both players were correct, according to the codes in use in the different sections from which each came. They met perhaps on *' neutral ground" — in a city where the code was entirely different from that professed by either; and who could then deter- mine from which side the concession should be made ? In the sincere hope of obviating these difficulties for the future, the author has compiled this code, with a view to its general adoption as the standard law; and to prove that he is actuated by a sincere desire for uniformity, and not by any vain conceit that his stand- ing as a billiard-player is such as to make his ipse dixit be received as incontrovertible, he hereby promises to be governed by any other code which a convention of billiard-players, from the different sections of the Union, may be induced to agree upon. He flatters himself that he has already done enough for the game of billiards, to guarantee that he has the development of its scientific principles sincerely at heart : his improvements in the tables and cushions, more especially, were not made without the sacrifice 172 ' The Game of Billiards. of mucli time and money. The latter lias been amply, and more than amply repaid to him by the generous appreciation which the billiard-playing public have bestowed on the result of his labors: but it would re- quire something more than money to compensate either himself or his friends for the bitterness of calumny with which those who are naturally opposed to all in- novations, as afore-mentioned, have since pursued both the inventions and inventor. It would, indeed, be a much desired result, should these rules be universally adopted. A CODE TO KEGULATE THE AMEEICAN, OR FOUR BALL GAME. RULE I. ON STRINGING FOR THE LEAD. Whoever, playing from within the string against the lower cushion, can bring his ball nearest to the cush- ion at which he stands, is entitled to the choice of lead and balls. Provided, 1st. That the player's ball, in stringing, has not touched any other ball upon the table ; 2d. Nor fallen into any of the pockets ; in either case he loses the choice. The Game of Billiards. 178 EULE II. ON LEADING. 1st. In leading, the player's ball must be played with, sufficient strength, to pass below the deep-red ball, or he loses his choice. 2d. It must not be played with so much strength as to repass the deep-red ball a second time, after having rebounded from the foot of the table. In this latter case, it is optional with the adversary to make the player spot his ball on the pool spot^ play it over again, or take the lead himself. EULE III. ON THE OPENING OF THE GAME. Once the lead is made, the game is considered as commenced, and neither player can withdraw except under the circumstances hereafter specified. But no count or forfeiture can be made until each player has played one stroke. EULE lY. ON FOUL STROKES. The penalty for a foul stroke is this: that the player cannot count any points he may have made by 174 The Game of Billiards. such stroke, and that his adversary is entitled to the next play. The following are among the strokes called foul : 1st. If either player use his opponent's ball to play with, the stroke is foul ; and, if successful, he cannot count, provided the error is found out before a second shot is made. But, 2d. Should two or more strokes have been made previous to the discovery, the reckoning cannot be disturbed, and the player may continue his game with tJie same ball. And, 3d. If it be found that the players have changed balls during the game, and if the change can be brought home to neither in particular, each must keep the ball he has, and let the game proceed. 4th. Should both the white balls be off the table to- gether, and should either player, by mistake, pick up the wrong one and play with it, the stroke must stand, and he can count whatever he has made. [The reason of this is obvious ; for both balls being in hand and having alike to play from any point within the string, no possible advantage could arise from using the other's ball. Whereas, when the balls are on the table, the case is totally different; for your opponent's ball might be advantageously placed, while your own was directly the reverse.] 5th. K the striker aim at a ball before it is fully at The Game of Billiards. 175 rest, or while any other ball is rolling on tlie table, tlie stroke is foul and no count can be effected. 6tli. If, wlien in the act of taking aim, a player should touch the ball more than once with his cue, the stroke is considered foul. 7th. If the player, when pushing his own ball for- ward with the butt of his cue, does not withdraw the butt before the cue-ball touches the object-ball, the stroke is foul. 8th. If, when a red ball is holed, or forced off the table, the striker, before playing, does not see that said red ball is replaced upon its proper spot — supposing such spot to be unoccupied — the stroke he may make, while the red is not in its proper place, is foul. But should the spot be covered by any other ball, when the red is pocketed or forced off, the red must remain off the table until its proper position is vacant, and all the balls cease rolling. 9th.' If, when the player's ball is in hand, he does not cause it to pass outside the string, before touching any of the object-balls or cushion (except in a case mentioned in the following rule), the stroke is foul, and his opponent may choose whether he will play with the balls as they are, have them replaced in their original positions, or cause the stroke to be played over a second time ; or, should the player make a losing hazard under such circumstances, the penalty may be enforced. 176 The Game of Billiards. lOth. Playing at a ball whose base, or point of con- tact with the table, is outside of the string, is con- sidered playing out of the string ; and the stroke is a fair one, even though the side which the cue-ball strikes is hanging over, and therefore within the string. 11th. If, after making a successful stroke, the player obstructs the free course of the balls upon the table, he becomes subject to the penalties of a foul stroke, and cannot score his points. 12th. If the player, with his ball in hand, play at an object-ball that is exactly on the string, the stroke is foul ; for a ball on the string must be treated as if within it. 13th. If the striker, through stretching forward or otherwise, has not at least one foot on the floor while striking, the shot is foul, and no points can be reckoned. 14th. K a player shall alter the stroke he is about to make, at the suggestion of any party in the room — even if it be at the suggestion of his partner in a double match, except where a special agreement is made that partners may advise — the altered stroke which he plays is foul, and he cannot count any points that may be won thereby. The Game of Bili^iards. 177 EULE Y. ON FORFEITURES. 1st. If the player fails to hit snaj of the balls upon the table with his own.ball, he forfeits onej which must be added to his adversary's count. 2d. The player forfeits two when his own ball is pocketed, after having touched a white one, and this totally irrespective of its having touched one or both of the reds. But there is one case connected with the lead, in which a person can lose three even after touching the white — to wit : when he first strikes the red, and then pockets himself off his opponents ball. In all other cases, he can only lose two, when his own ball shall have touched his opponent's before going into the pocket. The additional penalty of one in this case is exacted for having first touched the red. 8d. He forfeits two to his opponent, also, when he causes his ball to jump off the table or lodge on the top of the cushion, after having touched his opponent's ball. 4th. When his own ball is pocketed, or jumps off the table, or lodges on the cushion, as before descri- bed, without either having touched any ball at all, or having only touched one or more red ones, the player forfeits three. 8* 178 The Game of Billiards, [In and around New York, three is the highest number that a player can be mulcted in for any single stroke; but, in some other parts of the Union, they add to this forfeiture any number of points which he may otherwise have made by the stroke. Surely the penalty of three, and to lose his count and hand, ought to be enough to satisfy a Shylock.] 5th. If the player cause any ball to jump off the table, and should it, by striking against any of the by-standers, be flung back upon the board, it must still be looked upon and treated as if it had fallen to the floor. If a red ball, it must be spotted ; if a white one, held in hand; and if it be the cue-ball, the player shall forfeit two or three to his opponent, conforma- bly to the terms laid down in the two preceding paragraphs. 6th. Though the striker, when playing with the wrong ball, cannot count what points he may make, except in those cases mentioned in the second, third and fourth paragraphs of Eule IV. ; nevertheless, whatever forfeitures he may incur while playing with the wrong ball, he is bound to pay, as if he had been playing with his own. 7th. Any player who has commenced a game, as specified in Eule II., must either finish or forfeit it, except under the circumstances particularly set forth in Eule VII. The Game of Billiards. 179 RULE YI. ON CASES WHERE THE BALLS ARE IN CONTACT According to tlie old rule observed in New York, if the cue ball were in actual contact with any other, no count could be made by the player under any cir- cumstances, though he would be obliged to strike and separate the balls at least one inch. This rule was manifestly unjust, and its injustice heightened by the fact that while the player could not win, he could lose as in common cases, should he either pocket his own ball, cause it to jump off the table or lodge on the cushion. Unjust in itself and different from the practice in most other places, it was further aggravated by the difficulty recently experienced of finding balls, of well-seasoned ivory, — almost all new balls being incorrect from shrinkage after a little use, and there- fore apt .to fall together from no want of skill on the player's part. For these considerations therefore, and in obedience to the wish repeatedly expressed by players in this city and from all parts of the country, we think it would be better to make the rule on the subject read thus: 1st. AVhen the cue-ball is in contact with any other, the player can make no count unless he first plays against some other ball with which his own was not in contact. But a count can be made on the ball with 180 The Game of Billiards. wMch. his own was in contact, provided lie shall have fii^st played on any other ball on the board. 2d. This stipulation observed, the play can then be pursued entirely as if the balls had not been in contact. EULE YII. ON WITHDRAWING FROM, WITHOUT FINISHING A GAME. 1st. The player may protest against his adversary's standing in front of him, or in such close proximity as to disarrange his aim. 2d. Also, against loud talking, or any other annoy- ance by his opponent, while he is making his play. 3d. Also, against being refused the use of the bridge, or any other of the instruments used in that room in playing, except where a special stipulation to the contrary was made before commencing the game. 4th. Or in case his adversary shall refuse to abide by the marker's, or company's decision, on a disputed point, which it was agreed between them to submit to the marker, or company, for arbitration ; in any one, or all of the foregoing cases, if the discourtesy be per- The Game of Billiakds. 181 sisted in, the party aggrieved is at liberty to withdraw, and the game shall be considered as drawn, and any stakes which may have been depending on such, must be returned. 5th. Should the interruption or annoyance have been accidental, the marker, if so requested by the player, who is entitled to repeat his stroke, must re- place the balls as near as possible in the position they occupied before the player made the stroke in which he was interrupted. KULE YIII. ON CASES IN WHICH THE MARKER MUST REPLACE THE BALLS, IP CALLED ON, AS NEARLY AS POSSIBLE IN THEIR FORMER POSITION. 1st. In the case mentioned in the 5th paragraph of preceding rule. 2d. Where any of the balls when at rest are moved by accident. 3d. Where any of the balls while rolling, are sud- denly obstructed, either by accident or design. In this case the marker, if so requested by the players, shall place the interrupted ball as nearly as possible in the situation which it would apparently have occupied had it not been stopped. 4th. Where the cue-ball, resting on the edge of a 1S2 The Game of Billiards. pocket, drops into it, before the striker lias time to play. 5tli. Where the object-ball, in a similar position, is rolled back into the pocket by any of the ordinary vibrations of the table or atmosphere. 6th. In all cases aforementioned, where it is speci- fied that in consequence of a foul stroke, the player's opponent shall have the option, either of playing at balls as they are, or causing them to be replaced by the marker. 7th. When either or both of the red balls are pocketed, or forced off the table, it is the marker's duty to spot them before another stroke is played — except the spot appropriate to either be occupied by one of the playing balls, in which case the red one must be kept in hand until its position is un- corered. 8th. If, after playing a ball, the player should at- tempt to obstruct or accelerate its progress by striking it again, blowing at it, or any other means, his oppo- nent may either play at the balls as they stand, or call upon the marker to replace them in the position they would otherwise have occupied. 9th. K the striker, in the act of taking aim, or other- wise, move his ball ever so little, it is a stroke ; and should he strike the ball again, his opponent has the same option as in the preceding paragraph. The Game of Billiards. 183 EULE IX. ON THE DUTY OF PLAYERS TO EACH OTHER. 1st. Each plaj^er must look after his o^^n interest, and exercise his own discretion. His opponent can not be called on to answer such questions as *^ Is the ball outside or inside the string?" '^ Are the balls in contact?" and so forth. These are questions for the player's own judgment to decide. 2d. Each player should attend strictly to his own game, and never interfere with his adversary's, except when a foul stroke or some other violation of these rules may call for forfeiture. EULE X. ON THE DUTY OF THS MARKER, AND THE SPECTATORS, TO THE PLAYERS. 1st. In a single game, no one, not even the marker, has a right to interfere with the play, or point out an error w^hich either has been or is about to be commit- ted. The player to whose prejudice the foul stroke is made, must find that out for himself. 2d. Even after a stroke has been made, no one in the room has any right to comment on it, either for praise or blame ; for the same stroke may occur again in the course of the game, and the player's play be 184 The Game of Billiards. materially altered by the criticism to whicli he has just been listening. 3d. Let marker and spectators keep their places as much as possible, for if they crowd or move around the table, they are liable to interfere with the players, and certain to distract their attention. 4th. When the spectators are appealed to by the marker, for their opinion on a point which he has been asked, but finds himself unable to decide, such of them as are well acquainted with the game should answer according to the best of their knowledge and belief. Those who know little or nothing of the game would oblige themselves and others by at once confessing their incompetency. Either they may not have seen the disputed stroke, or seeing it, they may not have been familiar with its merits. EULE XI. ON THE marker's DUTIES IN PARTICULAR. The marker's duties may be thus summed up : 1st. To proclaim each count in a voice that can be heard by the player at his own table. 2d. To post the total run made by each player before the next begins to strike. The Game of Billiakds. 185 3d. To spot tlie balls when necessary. 4tli. To furmsh. the bridge and other implements of he game, when called for. 5th. To see that the player be not obstructed in his stroke by being crowded by the spectators. 6th. To decide without fear or fayor all questions of order and fairness which shall be officially laid be- fore him for his opinion. But, 7th. Let him never volunteer a remark upon any portion of the game. 8th. Let him never touch a ball himself, nor allow any other person except the players to touch one, except when officially called upon to replace the balls, as specified in Eule VII., or when asked to decide as to which is the ball that properly belongs to the player. In this case, should the spot be turned down on the table, he may lift the ball to ascertain the fact — ^but never let him touch them voluntarily. 9th. Finally, when called upon to decide a disputed point, of which he has no personal knowledge — ^the fairness of a shot which was made when he was look- ing elsewhere, for instance — let him proclaim silence, and take the opinion of such of the company as avow themselves competent to judge. The voice of the ma- jority should be allowed to settle all debate; but should their decision be flagrantly in conflict with any 186 The Game of Billiards. of tlie well-known and admitted rules liereinbefore laid down, the party who fancies himself aggrieved may give notice of appeal to lay the question before what the lawyers would call ^'a jury of experts" — the marker, meanwhile, or some other responsible party, holding the bets, if any, which depend on the decision. This appeal is final ; and must be made before another stroke is played. FUETHEE EULES FOE THE FOEEGOING GAME, WHEN PLAYED AS A FOUR-HANDED MATCH. In a four-handed match — ^two playing in partnership against two — the foregoing rules of the single game must be substantially observed, with the following additions : 1st, Each winning hazard made by the player puts the opponent who preceded him out of play. Conse- quently, the partner of the party so put out, steps in and takes his place. 2d. But if the pLiyer makes a losing hazard (pockets his own ball), or makes two misses in succession, or causes his ball to jump off the table, or lodge on the cushion, he loses his hand, and must resign it to his partner. 3d. In this double match the player's partner is af The Game of Billiakds. 187 liberty to warn him against playing with the wrong ball, or playing, when his ball is in hand, at an object- ball within the string ; but he must not give him any advice as to the most advantageous mode of play, &c., &c., except it has been otherwise agreed before the opening of the game. FURTHER RULES FOR THE SAME GAME, WHEN PLAYED BY THREE INDEPENDENT PLAYERS. Rule XIL The rules of the single American game are substan- tially binding on the three-handed game, with the fol- lowing additions, to meet the increase of players : 1st. The players commence by stringing for the lead, and he who brings his ball nearest to the cushion (as in the single game) wins the choice of lead, balls and play ; and he who brings his ball next nearest to the cushion has the next choice of play. The third player cannot enter into the game until the first hazard is made, or until one of the players pockets his own ball, or makes two misses in succession, or causes his own ball to jump off the table or lodge on the cushion. 2d. All forfeitures in this game count for both of the opponents, at the same rate as in the single-handed game. 188 The Game of Billiards. 3d. If a plaj^er makes two misses in succession, or pockets his own ball, or causes his ball to jump from the table, his hand is out. 4th. He who can first make sixty-six points is out ; the other two continue until one reaches the hun- dred. 5th. When he who has first made sixty-six retires from the game, the player whose hand is out adopts his ball, as that ball is entitled to its run, and also to the next play. 6th. If the player should cause both his opponents to become sixty-six by a forfeiture, neither of the par- ties can claim game thereon, but must win it by their next count. But if only one of the opponents be in a position to become sixty-six by a forfeiture, then the forfeiture reckons as usual, and that opponent wins the game when such forfeiture is made. So much for the American, or four-ball game. FIFTEEN BALL POOL. This is an excellent game for the novice — full of pleasant excitement, and offering better opportunities for hazard practice than almost any other on the board. As its name imports, there must be fifteen object balls employed in playing it — balls made expressly for the game, and numbered from 1 to 15. These The Game of Billiards. 189 balls are placed in the form of a triangle upon the table — a wooden frame being employed to save trouble and insure correctness. The deep red ball^ inscribed with the highest number, occupies its usual place upon the board, and forms the apex of the tri- angle, pointing upwards towards the string. Each player is to pocket as many balls as he can, the number on each ball pocketed being scored to his credit ; so that not he who pockets the largest number of balls, but he whose hazards when added up yield the largest total, will win the game. Thus, A. might pocket all the balls numbered from 1 to 7, and his total would be but 28 ; while B., with a better eye to the main chance, would walk away from him by pock- eting the two balls marked 14 and 15, giving a total of 29. There is only one cue-ball (the white) used, each player playing with it as he finds it on the table, or from behind the string, if it be in hand. The follow- ing are the rules : 1st. The order of playing may be settled as for two-ball pool. The player plays from behind the string, as in the ordinary game, and may miss if he likes — but the miss, and all misses at this game, will score three against him. The other players follow him in their order of rotation. 2d. The player, if it pleases him, may use either the butt of the cue or the mace; and jam his own ball against the others, not being obliged to withdraw the 190 The Game of Billiards. mace or cue before the cue-ball comes in contact with the object-ball. 3d. As the sum total of the figures on the 15 balls amounts only to 120, of which 61 is more than half, whoever makes the latter number first is winner, and may claim the stakes. 4th. Three points are deducted from a player's score, for making a miss or a losing hazard, or forcing his own ball off the table. 5th. If the player pockets one or more of the object- balls and his own ball at the same time, he cannot score for the numbered balls, which must be placed on the spot, or in a line behind it, if the spot be occupied, and he forfeits three for his losing hazard. 'A 6th. A hazard is good in this game, even when the cue and object-balls are in contact. 7th. As in the ordinary game, the player, when the cue-ball is in hand, may play from any place within the string at any object-ball outside it. 8th. And should none of the object-balls be outside, he may spot that which is nearest out of the string on the deep red spot, and play accordingly. 9th. Should there be a tie between two or more of the highest players, its decision may be referred to the The Game of Billiards. 191 succeeding game ; and whoever counts highest in that, shall be declared the victor of the former one, totally independent of the game that is then on hand. A man might thus win an undecided game of fifteen-ball pool by scoring one in the succeeding game, provided neither of his adversaries scored anything at all. 10th. Should they again be tied in the second game, it may be referred to a third. 11th. This game is sometimes played for small stakes, but more frequently the only issue to be de- cided is — who shall pay for the use of the table ? This charge must be met by the player who has the lowest count, and it is quite possible in this game for a play- er's count (owing to forfeitures of various kinds) to be half a dozen or a dozen worse than nothing. Thus, if A. had neither won nor forfeited anything, while B. had pocketed balls 5 and 3, but had also made three forfeitures — B. would have to pay, as his forfeitures amounting to 9 and his assets only to 8, would leave him worse off by one than A., who stood at simple zero, while B. was zero minus one. EULES FOR THE DOUBLET, OR FRENCH GAME. This game is played with one red ball and two white — one for each of the players. The red ball is spotted on the deep red spot, and the white balls must be played from within what is called the string. This string differs from ours, inas- 192 The Game of Billiards. much as it is not a line drawn across the table from any place behind which a player may play. The string is a semi-circle drawn with a radius of four and a half inches, having the spot on the ordinary string line for its centre, and the string line itself for its base. From within this semi- circle the balls must be played on the opening of the game, or when they are in hand ; and while so playing, the striker is confined to the end cushion at which he stands, not being allowed to pass outside or in advance of either corner pocket. To make a count the player must make the object- ball strike a cushion, and cross the board before falling into the pocket — this is called a doublet or cross ; or force one ball to kiss the other into the pocket; or make a carom, or receive the count as a forfeiture from his opponent. The game commences by stringing for the lead as in the ordinary American game, and he who brings his ball back nearest to the head cushion at which he stands, is the winner, and can play first or make his adversary do so, at discretion. For making a miss he forfeits one. For pocketing his own ball after it has hit the white, — or for causing his own ball to jump off the table or lodge on the cushion after it has hit the white, he forfeits two^ and this irrespective of whether it may, or may not have touched a red ball. If he pockets his own ball after it has touched the red ball only, or causes it to jump off the table, or lodge on the cushion after it has touched the red only, or pockets it without having touched any ball at all, he forfeits three. The Game of Billiakds. 193 If he Holes the red ball direct, without crossing or kissing]^ in, he forfeits three; and for pocketing the white in the same way, loses two. For pocketing the red ball, either by a cross or kiss, he gains three. For holing his opponent's ball in the same way, he gains two. For an ordinary carom he gains two. For a carom off the red on the white, and pocketing the white, he gdin^four. For a carom off the white on the red, the red being pocketed, he g^msfive. [It, of course, must be under- stood in all these cases, that the ball pocketed has been previously crossed, kissed, or caromed in ; for if it was holed directly, without the doublet, kiss, or carom, he would lose in an inverse ratio to the gains here set down. Thus, if he caromed on the white and red, and pocketed the red directly^ he would lose five. For pocketing both under similar circumstances, seven; and should he pocket his own ball along with the two others, he would lose nine, under any circum- stances.] No pushing, or what we call '^ foul shots," are allow- ed in this game. The player must withdraw his cue or mace from his own ball, before it comes in contact with the object-ball, otherwise he forfeits the stroke, and can count no points he may have made by it. 9 194 The Gtame of Billiards. RULES FOR THE THREE-BALL, OR FRENCH CAROM GAME. This game is generally played on a table without pockets, made especially for the carom game; it is here more frequently, however, played upon the com- mon table. The players string for the lead as in the preceding game, but the winner is entitled to have his opponent's ball spotted Avithin the semicircular string. Hazards do not count in this game. No pushing strokes are allowed. Each carom, fairly made, counts one for the player. When the game is played on a common table, each time the red is pocketed, it must be replaced on the deep red spot: and each time the player holes his ad- versary's ball, at the same time making a carom, the ball pocketed must be spotted on the spot within the semicircular string. Should the player pocket his own ball after mak- ing a carom, he is entitled to his count, and the next play, as if no such accident had occurred ; the only penalty is, that he must play from within the semicircle, at a ball outside the string. But should none of the balls be outside, in this case he may call upon the marker to spot the red on the deep red spot, and play at it. Each time a ball is forced off the table, it must be spotted, or played as above ; but should both spots be occupied, the ball must be placed on the centre of the The Game of Billiards. 195 ta.ble. K no carom was made by it before jumping off, it must be spotted ; if a carom was made by it, it must be played from within the semi-circle, as is laid down in the preceding paragraph. The following additional rules for this game were adopted in a match which the writer recently played. Their substance was as follows, but the wording has been slightly varied for the sake of greater clearness to the general reader. 1st. The parties shall string fol' lead, the winner being entitled to have his opponent's ball spotted, on the spot within the semi-circles, or to spot his own ball as he may choose. 2d. Whenever at the commencement, or in conse- quence of having being pocketed or jumped off, the player's ball shall have been spotted within the semi- circle, it shall be considered as if in hand (having been only put there to give the adversary a chance of caroming,) and may be played from any point within the semi-circle. 3d. When the player's ball is in hand, he must keep his body in playing, within line of the two end pockets at the head of the table. 4th. If, when the playing ball is in hand, the two other balls should be within the string, the player can have the red ball spotted on the deep red spot. 5th. Should the player's ball be held, not having 196 The Game of Billiards. counted, and the other white ball be on its spot, not having rolled there, it must be taken off, and the white ball held, be placed on the spot. 6th. K the upper spot be occupied either by the red ball, or by a white ball having rolled there, and the other be held, it must go on the centre spot. 7th. The red ball having been held and its spot being occupied it must go the centre spot — should two of the spots be occupied, it mast go on the third. 8th. All shots shall be fair, no pushing being al- lowed. 9th. If the player touches in any manner, any of the balls, it shall be considered a shot, and any second touch shall be considered foul. Should the player touch his or any other ball before making his stroke, his opponent may have the balls replaced — but should the player touch a ball after his stroke has been made, his adversary may have only the ball so touched, placed where it ought to have rested had it not been touched. 10th. If the player's ball touch another he cannot count, but he may play his ball. Should he touch the other ball with his, the balls must be spotted, and his opponent play in hand. 11th. Each carom fairly made shall count one. No penalty shall attach to a miss, nor to the pocketing of the player's ball. The Game of Billiards. 197 12 til. No mace shall be permitted in the game, but each player shall have the privilege of using the bridge. In this game the writer made some interesting shots, a few of which are illustrated in the following dia- grams. 198 DIAGEAM NO. XXYI. DIRECTIONS FOR PLAYING NO. 26. Strike the cue-ball i above the centre, i left ; the object-ball to be hit i right. Play hard enough to make the object-ball return, as far back from the lower cushion as its original position. There are several modes of effecting a carom on the balls as represented in diagram No. 26, for instance, by forcing back direct on the ball, or with a strong twist the reverse of the one indicated on diagram, causing the cue-ball to take the upper cushion, or by playing on the left of the object-bal], and taking two cushions — ^but in this, above all other games played on the billiard table, the greatest foresight and calculation are necessary, as it is not only a game of attack, but also of defence. By playing in. the manner represented on diagram, if a count was not made, the balls would be '^ safe," as the cue-ball would have gone below the opponent's ball, and the object -ball would have rolled back again above it, thus leaving the opponent's ball between the two, which is the strong defensive part of the game. No. 26. No. 27. 203 DIAGRAM NO. XXYIL HOW TO PLAY NO. 27. Strike tlie cue-ball | above, I left, play bard — ^tbe object-ball to be bit ^ right, as indicated in diagram. This shot was made by Mr. Phelan in the fifth game. 204 DIAGKAM NO. XXYITI. HOW TO PLAY NO. 28. Strike .the cue-ball | left of centre, play hard — tlie object-ball to be hit | right, as indicated in diagram. This is rather a risky shot to play, as if it missed, the chances were that a fair prospect of a count would have been left to the opponent — ^but as a general rule it is best to play for such shots, especially if the player be ahead, as was the case in this instance. No. 28. The G-ame of Billiabds. 207 KULES FOR THE RUSSIAN GAME. This is a very agreeable variety of the game, and ought to be more popular in this country than it is. Five balls are required to play it ; two white ones for the players, and a red, a blue, and a yellow ball for the board. The blue must be placed on the light red spot, the yellow on the spot between the pockets, and the red on the deep red spot. In this country it is most usually played one hun- dred points up ; although in Germany and Eussia the game is forty. The peculiarity of the Eussian game is, that certain balls are confined to certain pockets, and that a differ- ent count is attached to each color, both in the hazards and the caroms made oflf it, and the forfeitures lost from it. The following are the rules : 1st. The player may pocket his opponent's ball in any pocket, and will count two, 2d. The same rule applies to the red, and counts three, 3d. The same also to the blue, and counts /owr. 4th. But the yellow, or Caroline ball, as it is termed, when holed in either of the side pockets, counts six for 208 The Game of Billiards. the player, — ^but if pocketed in any of the corner pockets, the player forfeits six. 5th. K the striker pocket his own ball without hitting any of the balls upon the table, he forfeits three — after hitting the white, two ; after hitting the red, three ; after hitting the blue, four; and after touching the yellow or Caroline, six. 6th. Thus, again, in caroms : A carom on the white and red scores two ; on the red and blue, or blue and red, three ; a carom off or on the white and yellow, three ; and a carom on or off a yellow with a red or blue, counts four. 7th. The same penalties attach to the player who has caused his ball to jump off or lodge on the cushion as if he had pocketed his own ball. 8th. The striker, when leading off, or having his ball in hand, may play from any point within the string, at any ball outside of it. 9th. In addition to the penalties specified in Eule 5, for a losing hazard, the player also loses whatever points he may have otherwise made by the stroke. 10th. After the striker has pocketed any of the ob- ject-balls, he can play next at any ball on the table. 11th. But after a carom stroke, where no ball has been holed, he must play next on the yellow, no matter what be its position. The Game of Billiards. 209 12th. To continue play there must be a hazard after every carom ; otherwise the second carom counts for the player, but he loses his hand. 13th. Carom points will not count to win the game. The winning stroke must be a hazard. 14th. For eyery ball he touches in giving the lead, the player loses one point ; and should his ball occupy the spot of any of the three balls he may have displaced, he must take it up and lead over again. He cannot score any points made on the leading stroke KULES FOR THE SPANISH GAME. This game is seldom seen in the Northern States, but is very common in some parts of the South, as also in Mexico and California. It introduces a new element into the game of billiards, in the shape of five wooden pins ; diminutive little things, which are set up in a diamond pattern between the two side pockets, each pin being about two and a half inches from the other, as in pin pool. Nine pins are sometimes use^ instead of five, but the manner of playing remains the same. The game is generally played thirty-one up, and is scored by hazards, caroms and knocking down the pins. The rules are extremely simple : 1st For every pin the player knocks down after first striking a ball with his own ball, he gains two points. 210 The Game of Billiards, 2d. If he knock down the middle pin alone, he gains five. 8d. For pocketing his opponent's ball the player gains two, and two for each pin he may have knocked down by the same stroke. 4th. If he pocket the red ball he gets three, and two for each pin, &c. 5th. If the player pocket his own ball, cause it to jump over the side, or lodge on the cushion, without having touched any of the other balls, he loses three. 6th. But if he does any of the aforementioned things after having touched any of the balls, he loses in addition to the three, whatever points he would other- wise have made by his play, at the regular rate of counting. In other respects — as regards foul strokes, and so forth — the rules of the ordinary American game may all be applied to the Spanish, with such additions as are hereinbefore set down. EULES FOR THE ENGLISH GAME. This game is the only one much played in this coun- try, in which the player pocketing his own ball — ^or making a losing hazard, as it is termed — ^is allowed to count for it. For this reason it is sometimes called the ''Winning and losing Carambole game," to sig- The GtAme of Billiards. 211 nify the three kinds of strokes for which the player is permitted to score. In stringing for the lead, the same semicircular baulk is used at the string line, which we have already described, in giving the rules of the French doublet game. In England the red ball is spotted thirteen inches from the lower cushion ; but is here generally placed at nine. The string is a semicircle at the head of the table, drawn with a radius of ten inches, from which the cue- ball is always played when in hand. Otherwise, the game is commenced as with us. The following are the distinctive rules of the English game — in other respects, where it is not specified to the contrary, the rules of the American four-ball game are binding : 1st. Where odds are given in the game, the player receiving them must break the balls either by striking the red, or giving a miss, for which he forfeits one. 2d. If he chooses to miss, the stroke must be play- ed with the point, not the butt, of his cue. 3d. The game, as played in England at present, is commonly fifty up ; but in this country sixty-three is the more usual rule. 4:th. If a player forces the object-ball off the table, he cannot score any counts he may have otherwise made by the shot, 5th. Forcing your own ball off the table after it has struck another, involves no.forfeiture. 212 The Game of Billiards. 6th. But if your own ball jumps off without having touched either of the object-balls, it is called a ^^coup/^ and you lose three points. 7th. In the score of the game, a hazard made either with your opponent's ball, or by pocketing your own, counts two. 8th. Either to pocket the red or to pocket your own off the red, counts three, 9th. For pocketing your own and adversary's ball, four. 10th. For a carom and hazard, made with either of the whites, four. 11th. For holeing a red ball and either of the whites, five. 12th. For a carom and a hazard, either made with or off the red ball, five. 13th. For pocketing your own and the red ball, six. 14th. For making a carom where the white ball is first struck, and for pocketing your own and oppo- nent's balls, six. 15th. For pocketing the two whites, and making a carom off the red, seven. 16th. For pocketing all the balls, where the white is first struck, seven. 17th. For doing the same, where the red is first struck, eight. The GrAME of Billiabds. 213 IStla. For pocketing your own, the red, and mak- ing a carom, eight 19th. For pocketing all the balls and caroming where the white is first struck, nine, 20th. For the same where the red is first struck, ten^ which is the highest that can be made by any single shot" in this game. 21st. The player may continue to play so long as he makes a count each stroke, except when his hand is forfeited for a foul shot. 22d. It is entirely at the option of the opponent whether he will enforce the penalty for a foul stroke, or play with the balls as they are left. But if he neglects or is disinclined to claim the forfeiture, the player may count all the points made by the foul stroke, and continue his game as if no error had occurred. 23d. When the white ball stands on the deep red spot, while the red ball has been either pocketed or forced off the table, the red must be placed on the string-line spot. Should this also be occupied, the red must then be placed on the spot between the side- pockets. 24th. For a miss, the player loses one to his adver- sary. For a miss when he pockets his own ball as well, or causes it to jump off or lodge on the cushion, three. 214 The Game of Billiards. 25th. Where a carom or hazard is made by a striker playing with the wrong ball, the player cannot count, and his opponent may have the balls broken ; but if nothing be made, then the opponent may play with whichever ball he likes, but must continue to play therewith to the end of the game. [Note. — To have ^'the balls broken," is a technical phrase, which means to have them replaced as they stood at the opening of the game.] 26th. When the two object-balls are within the string and the player's ball in hand, he cannot play at them except from a cushion outside of baulk. 27th. A player whose ball is in hand cannot play at a cushion within the string in order to strike a ball that is outside of it. Under such circumstances, he must send his ball outside of baulk before it touches any- thing, or can be acknowledged as in play. 28th. If a player chooses to give a miss within the baulk line, it is at the option of his adversary to com- pel him to play outside. 29th. If a player, after making a hazard or carom, takes up his own ball or any other ball, under the idea that the game is over, his opponent can either demand that the balls shall be broken, or have them replaced exactly where they were. 30th. If, after a miss or coup, the player take up^any of the balls, under the idea that the game is over, he loses the game. The GtAMe of Billiards. 215 81st. When a player has made a foul stroke, it is always at the option of his opponent to have the balls broken, or replaced by the marker. In cases not specifically provided for by any of the foregoing rules, let it be understood that the rules of the ordinary American game are binding. EULES FOE THE GAME OF TWO-BALL POOL. This game is not much, in use at present, thougb about a dozen years ago it was universally in vogue. It is opened in the following way, and any number of players from 2 to 20 may be engaged in it at once. A number of little balls (as many balls as there are players) are dropped into a pocket, from which, after having been shaken, they are drawn at random by the marker and presented to the different players. These little balls are numbered one, two, three, &c., up to the number of players ; and the number engraved on the ball which the marker hands to the player decides his position in the game, and the order of rotation. This game, as its name implies, is generally played for a small pool, into which each player contributes the price of his ball. At present these stakes are generally limited to an amount which, in the aggregate, will suffice to pay for the use of the tables ; but the disuse into which the game has generally fallen arises, in all probability, from the dislike which the modern school of billiard-players feel, to the principle of a bet, how- ever small. 216 The Game of Billiards. Wlien a professional player plays against a profes- sional player, a bet is sometimes made, as a matter of necessity, to pay each, player for his time ; but such bets are of a purely business character, and can in no- wise be associated with gambling. It is a very rare thing indeed in these days, and growing rarer every day, to see an amateur stake money on his skill; the only money question depending on the game in ninety- nine cases out of every hundred, is — Who shall pay for the table? Sometimes they add to this a couple of cigars, or refreshments; but the practice of betting money is growing obsolete, and hence the decline of the billiard sharps, who have had to seek "green fields and pastures new" for the exercise of their dis- reputable ingenuity. There are only two balls used in this game — a red and a white ; consequently there can be no caroms. The players are called Numbers One, Two, Three, &c., according to the figures on the balls drawn from the pocket, and the player must always make his cue-ball of the ball which was object-ball in the preceding stroke, except when a ball has been pocketed. In this case there must be a new lead — ^the next player leading with the red ball, and being followed with the white ball from the string. Subjoined we give the specific rules for two-ball pool : 1st. Player Number One must lead with the red, but has the privilege of spotting his ball, in case the lead does not please him. But if, in a pushing lead, he does not withdraw his mace or cue from the ball before The Game of Billiards 217 it passes the middle pockets, the stroke is foul, and player Number Two has the option of playing at the ball as it is left, having the lead played over again, or causing the red to be spotted on the pool spot. 2d. Each player has one, two or more lives, as may be agreed on. When he forfeits these he is said to be dead, except when he obtains what is called a ^^privi- lege," meaning one chance more. 3d. This privilege, except where ail the players con- sent to its remaining open, must be taken by the first man ^^ killed ;" and the person so killed must determine whether he will accept it or not at once, before another stroke is played. [This is the strict rule of the game, and as such may be enforced; but as a general practice, the privilege remains open until taken up by some one of the players.] 4th. After a game has been commenced, no one can take a ball, except with the consent of all who are already in the game ; and after the privilege is gone, no stranger can be admitted to the game under any circumstances. 5th. Any person in the pool whose lives are not exhausted, and who thinks a hazard may be made in a certain position, can claim the stroke, or ^Hake the hazard," as it is technically called, in case the striker does not choose to risk that particular stroke himself Should the person who takes the hazard fail to execute it, he loses a life. 10 218 The Game of Billiards. 6tli. The player has the best right to take a hazard, and must be marked if he fails to pocket the ball, in case any other player in the pool has offered to take it. 7th. In playing out of his turn, the player loses a life, unless he pockets the object-ball, in which case the ball pocketed loses a life, and the next in rotation to the person who ought to have played, plays. 8th. But if one player misdirect another by calling on him to play, when it is not his turn, the misdirector, and not the misdirected, loses a life, and the next in turn must lead with the red as usual. 9th. Whoever touches any of the balls while run- ning, forfeits a life. This rule is invariable, and can only be relaxed by the consent of all the players. 10th. No player can own or have an interest in more than one ball at a time ; nor can he buy another ball, nor own an interest in another ball, while his own ball is either alive or privileged. 11th. After the number which he drew is dead, he may buy that of another player, and take his place ; but if the seller only dispose of an interest in his ball, he must either continue to play it himself or sell out his ball in toto^ in which latter case any member of the original pool may buy and jfinish out the game. 12th. But no person not included in the original pool can be permitted to buy in and play ; though out- The Game of Billiakds. 219 siders may purchase an interest in a ball^ still permit- ting the original member of the pool to play it. 13th. If the leader sells his number upon the lead, the purchaser must either allow the lead made to stand, or the ball may be spotted at his option. 14th. A lead once made cannot be changed, even when the next player sells his ball to a third party ; but the leader has, at all times, the option of having his baU spotted. 15th. No player can strike twice in succession, under any circumstances, except when there are only two players left, and one of them has holed his opponent's bal]^ In that case, the person who has pocketed the ball must lead for his adversary to play on. 16th. When only two players are left, and either of them wishes to divide or sell, his opponent shall have the first right of buying, provided that he offers as much as is offered by any of the others who are en- titled (by having been in the original pool) to purchase. But should he not offer as much, then the ball may be sold to the highest duly-qualified bidder. 17th. If a player, playing on the lead, places his ball outside of the string, and has his attention called to the fact by the leader before the time of striking his ball, it is optional with the leader either to compel him to play the stroke over again or let the balls remain as they are. 220 The Game oy Billiards. 18tb. If it be found that the marker has not thrown out balls enough for the number of players at the com- mencement of the game, his mistake will not alter the conditions of any bets which may have been made amongst those to whom balls were actually distributed ; these stand irrespective of his error. The balls must be again shaken up, and thrown over, and then the game commences. With the foregoing exceptions, the rules of the ordi- nary American game as to striking with both feet off the floor, interrupting your adversary when in the act of striking, &c., &c., may be applied to two-ball pool. EULES FOR THE GAME OF PIN POOL AS PLAYED IN NEW YORK. This game is a very amusing one, and seems to have ^ been made up out of the odds and ends of half a dozen others : it has pins in it like the Spanish game, small numbered balls, like two-ball pool, and reminds us of Vingt-un at cards, by the player's liability to ^' burst" if he exceeds a certain number. Pin pool might in- deed be called Trente-un, as thirty-one is the winning number. The following rules are for the game, as played in New York and its vicinity, and may be adapted in the important matter of counts, forfeitures, &c., to the game as played in all other parts of the Union. In Philadelphia, and other places, four balls are used in playing it. We shall therefore lay down rules for the regular game as played here ; for to enter The Game of Billiakds. * 221 iuto all the varieties would be an endless task ; and when once the general rules are understood, the different variations may be readily brought within its operation. The game of pin pool, then, is played with two white balls and one red, together with five small wooden pins, which are set up in the middle of the table, diamond-fashion, as in the Spanish game. But in the latter game, each pin had the value of two points ; while in this, each pin has a value to accord with the position it occupies. 4^ 3* &^ 2* The pin nearest the string line is called No. 1 ; the pin to the right of it. No. 2 ; to the left, No. 3 ; the pin farthest from the string line. No. 4 ; and the cen- tral pin is No. 5 ; these numbers are generally chalked on the table in front of each particular pin. Neither caroms nor hazards count; for pocketing your own ball, or causing it to jump oJEf the table, or lodge on the cushion, or for missing altogether, you lose nothing. The only penalty is, that the ball so offending shall be spotted about five inches from the lower cushion, midway between the corner pockets. When the pins are arranged, the rotation of the play- ers is determined in like manner as in two-ball pool. After which, each player receives from the marker a little number-ball, which is termed his private ball, the num- ber of which is not known to any of his opponents. 222 The Game of Billiakds. The object of the players is to knock down as many pins as will count thirty-one, when the number on the private ball is added to their aggregate: thus, if a player's private ball be No. 9, he will have to gain twenty -two points on the pins before calling ^^Trentc-un," and whoever first gets thirty-one points in this manner, wins the pool. When the rotation of the plaj^ers is decided, the red ball is spotted about five inches from the 'bottom of the table, and midway between the pockets, on a line drawn down the centre. The game is then commenced. Eule 1st. Player No. 1 must play with either of the white balls at the red, or place his own ball on the deep-red spot. 2d. Player No. 2 must play at either ball, or spot his own ball on the light-red spot. 3d. Players No. 1 and No. 2 may play from any part within the string. No. 2 can play on any ball outside the string, and should none be so situated, he may have the red ball placed on its appropriate spot 4th. After the second stroke has been played, the players in their order may play with or at any ball upon the board. 5th. Unless the player has touched some ball upon the board before knocking down a pin, the stroke, under all circumstances, goes for nothing, and the pin or pins must be replaced. But should two balls be in con- act, the player can play with either of the balls so The Game of Billiards. 228 toncliing, direct at the pins, and any count so made is good. 6t]i. If a player, with one stroke, knocks down the four outside pins and leaves the central one untouched, under any and all circumstances he wins the game. 7th. But if the player has knocked down pins, whose aggregate number, when added to the number on his private ball, exceeds a total of thirty one, he is then ^' burst," and must then drop out of the game, unless he claims the "privilege." K he wishes to claim this, he must do so before another stroke is made, as other* wise he can only reenter the game by the consent of all the players. 8th. Players having bursted, can claim "privilege" as often as they burst ; and when privilege is granted, the player draws a new private ball from the marker, and has then the option either of keeping that which he originally drew, or adopting the new one then drawn : but one or other he must return, or else he cannot, under any circumstances, be entitled to the pool. 9th. Every privilege taken succeeds the last number of the players in the order of its play. Thus, if there are ten players, and No. 2 bursts, he appears again under privilege, as No. 11, and follows No. 10 ; and all the players that are burst after him, will have to follow No. 11, in the order of their reentry into play. So that if it be the highest number in the pool that bursts, he will follow on immediately after choosing his private ball. 224 The Game of Billiards. lOtli. If a player make a miss, or pocket his own ball, or cause it to jump oS the table or lodge on the cushion ; or if, after j umping off it should be thrown back upon the table by any of the bystanders — under any of these circumstances, the ball must be placed on the spot five inches from the bottom cushion on the central line — or should that be occupied, then on the deep-red spot — or should that also be occupied, then upon the light-red spot. 11th. Should the spot appropriated to any of the pins which have been knocked 4own, be occupied by any of the balls, said pin musl remain off until said spot is again uncovered. 12th. K a player has made thirty-one, he must pro- claim it before the next stroke is made — ^for which pur- pose a reasonable delay must be made between each play, more especially in the latter portion of the game. But if a player has made thirty-one, and fails to an- nounce it before next play (a reasonable time having passed), then he cannot proclaim the fact until the rotation of play again comes round to him. In the meanwhile, if any other player makes the number and proclaims it properly, he is entitled to the pool, wholly irrespective of the fact that the number was made, though not proclaimed before. 13th. Merely touching a pin or shaking it, goes for nothing, and the pin must be replaced on its spot. To count a pin, it must be either knocked down or remov- ed two full inches from the spot on which it stood, in The Game of BilliaiIds. 225 which case it shall be counted, eyen though it main- tains the perpendicular. 14th. A player cannot use any count he may have made by playing out of his turn : but if he has made pins enough to burst him by such stroke, the loss is established, unless in cases where he was called on to play by some other of the players, who either believed or pretended it was his turn. In such case he cannot be burst by his stroke, and he whose turn it was to play, plays next in order. 15th. Pins which have been knocked down by a ball whose course has in anywise been illegitimately interfered with, do not count ; nor can pins knocked down by any other ball set in motion by the same play, be reckoned. 16th. If a ball jump off the table and be thrown back by any of the bystanders in such a way as to knock down pins, such pins do not count, and the ball naust be spotted as aforementioned, and the pins re- placed. But if any other ball set in motion by the same stroke gets pins, the pins so made by the other ball must be reckoned. 17th. If the marker finds that there are any of the private balls missing, it is then h.is duty to announce the number of the missing ball ; as in no case can a player having that ball, or more than one private ball in his possession, win the pool. His other duties con- sist of keeping and calling the game at each stroke, 10* 226 The Game of Billiards. and seeing that the pins and balls be spotted when and as required. 18th. A player taking a privilege is entitled to a strike, to secure his stake to the pool. RULES OBSERVED IN PLAYING PIN POOL, AT Michael's billiard rooms, san francisco. IiT San Francisco, from the mixed character of its population, a new set of rules became absolutely ne- cessary, to reduce into something like settled order the innovations which players from different nations made in the established usages of the game. The following rules were drawn up by the author, while residing in San Francisco, and are still the regular law of the game as it is there played : 1st. Two balls must be placed upon the spots at the foot of the table. 2d. The person drawing the No. 1 ball must play from the string at the head of the table. 8d. When a player makes a miss, or hits a pin before hitting a ball, the ball played with shall be spotted at the foot of the table. In case of there being a ball upon the spot at the foot of the table, the ball shall be spotted upon the spot nearest the same. 4th. Should a player make more than thirty-one^ he shall declare himself burstedj before another stroke be made, for the safety of the rest of the players. The Game of Billiards. 227 5th. If a player make a stroke and make pins, and wish to plant, he must, on so making pins, declare that he plants, before another stroke is made. 6th. If any other player should wish to plant, he can do so, on making pins. 7th. And if those who plant have the same number, counting their ball and the board, the player planting first shall still be good, and the last planter shall be bursted; but if the last planter is nearer thirty-one than the first, the first planter shall be bursted. 8th. K a player in the game should burst, he can pur- chase any ball still in the game, by consent of the player owning such ball. 9th. No player can play the planter's ball but himself. 10th. When a player is absent, and his number is called three times, the gamekeeper shall play the ball, at the risk of the player owning such ball. 11th. Any number scored wrong upon the board, shall be corrected before the player, whose score is wrong, shall have played. If he neglect to correct such mistake before he plays, it shall stand as scored upon the board. 12th. No player can purchase a ball until his own be dead. 13th. No player can purchase a ball after having seen more than one, without the consent of the rest of the players. 228 The Game of Billiaeds. 14tli. If a player, at one stroke, should knock down tlie four outside pins, and leave the centre pin standing, it shall be counted as thirty-one, and the player mak- ing the stroke, wins the pool. 15th. If the planter should make the four outside pins, as in Eule 14, or should make thirty-one for the player planted upon, it is pool for the player planted upon. 16th. The planter plants upon the preceding player. 17th. The player preceding the planter, shall be en- titled to a stroke before the planter's play counts on him. 18th. After a stroke is made, sufficient time must be allowed the player to add up his game, and to proclaim pool, if he makes it, or to plant, if he wishes to, before , the next play. If he neglect to claim the pool before the next play, he must wait until his turn to play comes again, when he may declare pool, but if another makes pool in the meantime, that other is entitled to it, and not he who first made it. 19th. Should a ball stop on any of the spots intended for the pins, such pins are to remain off the table until those spots so occupied become vacant. Provided, such pin or pins be down. 20th. Should a ball roll against a pin, and cause it to lean over, or move it off the spot, without knocking it down, the player cannot claim such pin, as nothing counts but knocking the pins down. But when the The Game of Billiards. 229 pins are moved two inches from the spots, they are con- sidered down, whether down or standing. 21st. Should a player play out of his turn, he cannot count the pins made by such stroke, but if he make pins enough to burst him, it is his own loss — ^provided he was not called on to play ; in such case he cannot lose by it, and any count made by such stroke is null. He whose turn it was to play, when the other played out of turn, plays next in order. 22d. But one privilege is allowed in the game, (the first player bursted,) unless by consent of all the players. 23d. In taking a privilege, the player has the right to draw a second private ball, and to choose between that and his original ball ; but he must decide quickly which ball he will keep, before the next stroke be made. 24th. Each privilege follows the la^t number, in rota- tion, the first privilege playing immediately after the last player in the original game, the second privilege follows the first, and so on. If the last player burst ► and take a privilege, he plays on, immediately after choosing his private ball. 25th. If the balls are touching each other, the player can play with either of the balls so touching, straight at the pins, without touching another ball, and any count so made is good except when the play conflicts with Eules 26, 27 and 31. 280 The Game of Billiards. 26tli. Any pin knocked down by jarring tlie table, blowing upon the ball, or altering or intercepting its course in running, does not count, nor is the player entitled to any pin or pins that may be made by any ball (though not interfered with), during the same play. 27th. Should a ball jump off the table, and come in contact with a player, or any other person, and fall back on the table and knock down pins, such pin or pins so knocked down shall not count, and the ball must be spotted; but if another ball gets pins by the same stroke, the pins so made are counted. 28th. Should a player, in the act of striking his ball or playing, knock down pins otherwise than with the ball played with or at, he is not entitled to such pins, or any others he may make by the same stroke. 29th. Should a player, in the act of playing, touch the ball with his cue before the stroke is made, it shall be declared a miss, and the ball be spotted. 30th. The gamekeeper is not responsible to the winner of a pool for more than the actual amount of stakes ii received from the players in such pool. 31st. The player is not entitled to any pins knocked down unless his private ball be placed in its proper place in the board. 82d. The players themselves are to see that all pins The Game of Billiards. 231 properly knocked down, be placed to their respective credit. 83d. The player in this game, as in billiards, has the sole right of looking after his own interests, and neither the gamekeeper nor any of the bystanders have any right to dictate to or advise him, unless by the consent of all the players. 84th. The gamekeeper shall collect the stakes, and jnake up the pool ; deal out the small balls to the play- ers ; see that the balls and pins are properly spotted ; that there are no more private balls out than there are players in the pool ; and if any balls are missing, pro- claim its number to the players — as the pool cannot be won by such ball ; — call out each number in its turn to the players, and proclaim, loud enough for them to hear it, the number they already count, from pins knocked down. 35th. No person is considered in the game unless his stakes be paid in. 36th. All other contingencies not herein provided for, are to be referred to the gamekeeper, whose decision shall be final. 232 The Game of Billiards. RULES FOR THE GAME OF ENGLISH POOL. There are several ways of playing pool, — namely, with as many balls as there are players; or with two balls only, the players playing in turns, and with the alternate balls ; playing at the nearest ball ; playing at the last player ; or the player playing at whichever ball he chooses. But the most popular mode is that in which the player plays at the last player. This is likewise the fairest way of playing the game. The following are the rules for the game according to this last method : RULES FOR POOL PLAYIKG AT THE LAST PLAYER. 1st. When colored balls are used in playing this game, the players must play progressively as the colors are placed on the marking-board, the top color being No. 1. 2d. Each player has three lives at starting. No. 1 places his ball on the winning and losing spot — No. 2 plays at No. 1 — No. 3 at No. 2, and so on, each person playing at the last ball : unless it should be in hand, then the player plays at the nearest ball. 3d. If a striker should lose a life in any way, the The Game of Billiards. 238 next player plays at the nearest ball to his own ; but if his (the player's) ball be in hand, he plays at the nearest ball to the centre of the baulk line, whether in or out of the baulk. 4th. Should a doubt arise respecting the distance of balls, it must (if at the commencement of the game, or if the player's ball be in hand) be measured from the centre spot in the circle ; but if the striker's ball be not in hand, the measurement must be made from his ball to the others ; and in both cases it must be decided by the marker, or by the majority of the company ; but should the distances be equal, then the parties must draw lots. 5th. The baulk is no protection at Pool under any circumstances. 6th. The player may lose a life by any one of the following means : — by pocketing his own ball ; by running a coup ; by missing the ball ; by forcing his ball off the table ; by playing with the wrong ball ; by playing at the wrong ball; or by playing out of his turn. N.B. A life is lost by a ball being pocketed, or forced off the table by the adversary. 7th. Should the striker pocket the ball he plays at, and by the same stroke pocket his own, or force it over the table, he loses the life, and not the person whose ball he pocketed. 234 The Game of Billiards. 8th. Should the player strike the wrong ball, he pays the same forfeit to the person whose ball he should have played at, as he would have done if he had pocketed it. 9th. If the striker miss the ball he ought to play at, and strike another ball, and pocket it, he loses a life, and not the person whose ball he pocketed ; in which case, the striker's ball must be taken off the table, and both balls should remain in hand, until it be their turn to play. 10th. If the striker, whilst taking his aim, inquire which of the balls he ought to play at, and should be misinformed by any one of the players, or by the marker, he does not lose a life ; the ball must, in this case, be replaced, and the stroke played again. 11th. If information is required by the player, as to which is his ball, or when it is his turn to play, he has a right to an answer from the marker, or from the players. 12th. When a ball or balls touch the striker's ball, or are in a line between it and the ball he has to play at, so that it will prevent him hitting any part of the object-ball, they must be taken up until the stroke be played, and after the balls have ceased running they must be replaced. 18th. If a ball or balls are in the way of a striker's cue, so that he cannot play at his ball, he can have them taken up. The Game of Billiards. 285 14tli. When the striker takes a life, he may con- tinue to play on as long as he can make a hazard, or until the balls are all off the table, in which latter case he plays from the baulk, or places his ball on the spot as at the commencement. 15th. The first person who loses his three lives is entitled to purchase, or, as it is called, to star (that be- ing the mark placed against his lives on the board to denote that he has purchased), by paying into the pool the same sum as at the commencement, for which he receives lives equal in number to the lowest number of lives on the board. 16th. If the first person out refuse to star, the second person may do it ; but if the second refuse, the third may do it, and so on, until only two persons are left in the pool, in which case the privilege of starring ceases. 17th. Only one star is allowed in a pool. 18th. If the striker should move another ball whilst in the act of striking his own ball, the stroke is con- sidered foul ; and if by the same stroke he pocket a ball, or force it off the table, the owner of that ball does not lose a life, and the ball must be placed on its original spot ; but if by that stroke he should pocket his own ball, or force it off the table, he loses a life. 19th. If the striker's ball touch the ball he has to play at, he is then at liberty either to play at it or at any other ball on the table, and it is not to be consid- 236 The Game of Billiards. ered a foul stroke : in this case, however, the striker is liable to lose a life, by going into a pocket or over the table. 20th. After making a hazard, if the striker should take up his ball, or stop it before it has done running, he cannot claim the life, or the hazard, from the person whose ball was pocketed; it being possible that his own ball might have gone into a pocket if he had not stopped it. 21st. If, before a star, two or more balls are pocketed by the same stroke, including the ball played at, each having one life, the owner of the ball first struck has the option of starring ; but should he refuse, and more than one remain, the persons to whom they belong must draw lots for the star. 2 2d. Should the striker's ball stop on the spot of a ball removed, the ball which has been removed must remain in hand until the spot is unoccupied, and then be replaced. 23d. K the striker should have his next player's ball removed, and stop on the spot it occupied, the next player must give a miss from the baulk to any part of the table he thinks proper, for which miss he does not lose a life. 24th. If the striker has a ball removed, and any other than the next player's ball should stop on the spot it occupied, the ball removed must remain in hand till the one on its place be played, unless it should happen to The Game of Billiards. 287 be tlie turn of the one removed to play before the one on its place, in whicli case that ball must give place to the one originally taken up ; after which it may be re- placed. 25th. If the corner of the cushion should prevent the striker from playing in a direct line, he can have any ball removed for the purpose of playing at a cushion drst. 26th. The two last players cannot star or purchase ; but they may divide, if they are left with an equal number of lives each ; the striker, however, is entitled to his stroke before the division. 27th. All disputes to be decided by a majority of the players. 28th. The charge for the play to be taken out of the pool before it is delivered up to the winner. THE NEAREST BALL POOL. In this Pool the players always play at the nearest ball out of the baulk ; for in this Pool the baulk is a protection. 1st. If all the balls be in the baulk, and the striker's ball in hand, he must lead to the top cushion, or place the ball on the winning and losing spot. 2d. If the striker's ball be within the baulk line, and 238 The Game of Billtards. he has to play at a ball out of the baulk, he is allowed to have any ball taken up that may chance to Ik in his way. 3d. If all the balls be within the baulk, and the striker's ball not in hand, he plays at the nearest ball. All the other rules of the former pool are to be ob- served at this. The Game of Billiards. 239 INSTEUOTIONS TO THE MARKER, FOR KEEPING COUNT OF THE AMERICAN, OR FOUR BALL GAME. 1st. Give tlie striker two for pocketing his oppo- nent's ball, or for caroming on a white and red. 2d. Give him three for each red ball pocketed, or for a carom on the two red balls. 8d. Give him four for caroming on a red and white, and pocketing his opponent's ball. 4th. Give him five for caroming on all the balls, no matter in what order they are touched ; also, five for holeing a red ball and caroming on his opponent's, and five for caroming on the two red balls and pocket- ing his opponent's. 5th. Give him six when he caroms on the two red balls, and pockets one of them. 6th. Let him have seven when he caroms on a white and red ball, and pockets both ; the same when he caroms on all the balls, and pockets the white. 7th. For pocketing one of the red balls, and carom- ing on all the others, let him have eight ; also for caroming on the two reds, pocketing one of them, and also his opponent's ball. 240 The Game of Billiards. Stli. Give him nine for caroming on the two reds, and pocketing them. 9th. For caroming on all the balls and pocketing a red ball and his opponetft's, give him ten. 10th. For caroming on all the balls and pocketing the two reds, let him have eleven. 11th. Let him have thirteen (the highest figure that can be won by one stroke in this game) when he caroms on all, and pockets all the balls, except his own. 12th. Give his adversary one when the player makes a miss, or fails to hit any of the balls on the table with his own. 13th. Give his opponent TWO when the player's ball jumps over the side of the table, or lodges on the top of the cushion after it has struck a white ball ; two, also, if the player pockets his own ball after touching his opponent's. 14th. The opponent takes three when the striker pockets his own ball, without touching any other on the table, or after it has touched a red ; or causes it to jump off the table or lodge on the cushion, under the same circumstances. The Game of Billiaeds. 241 CHAPTEE VL GENERAL SUMMARY OP INSTRUCTIONS. In the foregoing pages our sole object has been to assist the student by such simple and practical instruc- tions as, with the assistance of the diagrams, would facilitate his acquirement of the true principles and execution of the game. We might have given accom- plished players a higher estimate of our individual proficiency, had we entered into the minutiae of prob- lems which are possible, but most difficult of attain- ment. But, in order to secure simplicity and useful- ness, it became necessary to sacrifice whatever personal advantage this latter course might have produced. Our book is designed as an aid to amateurs, and not as a test for the capacities and expertness of professional or first-class players. These latter must be well aware, from experience, that there are delicacies and mysteries of execution which they accomplish daily, but could no more be described in words, than the last finishing touches with which the painter gives life and indivi- duality to the dead features of his portrait. We have before said, and again repeat, if possible more emphati- cally, that the novice, to profit by our labors, must either put himself at first under the tuition of a com- petent master, or study our problems with the cue in one hand and the book on the table before him. 11 242 The Game of Billiards. Let the quantities of power be practiced with pa- tience, until they are thoroughly acquired; every hour devoted to obtaining mastery of the strength and direc- tion of the cue, will save months of miserable failure in the different experiments of the game. Let the student, also, practice the different kinds of strokes — force, follow, jump, and so forth, separately, devoting a certain time to each, and not passing on to the next until he has mastered the preceding one, and taken good note of the varieties of angles which, under dif- ferent circumstances, it will produce from the cushion. By trying them one after another, instead of each by itself, the results become as inextricably confounded as the different flavors of a French ragout. The cush- ions are to billiards what the chords are to music ; until their properties are understood, no equable and harmonious play can be established. These remarks are specially applicable to any player who aspires to a knowledge of " nursing," in its bil- liard and not babyish sense. By mastering the Quan- tities of Power, and making such deductions as expe- rience will shortly teach for the loss of strength im- parted to the object-ball, the player will eventually be enabled to manage and foretell precisely in what posi- tions the balls will be left at the end of a contemplated stroke. If that position be one from which no further advantage to him can be hoped ; or one which — should he fail in his immediate object — would leave the balls so arranged that his adversary might reasonably ex- pect a fine opening ; or should any other, even more difficult mode of play occur to him, in which, if sue- The Game of Billiards. 243 cessful, a mTicli finer disposition of the balls would be left, or a disposition much less favorable to his adver- sary ; in any one or all of these contingencies, dis- cretion will be found the better part of valor, and in the end it will appear that, not the brilliancy, but the persistent good judgment of the shots will carry off the palm. This art of nursing the balls is indeed the most difficult attainment and crowning glory of the game : to discover when the balls are separated to the four corners of the table, some device or series of devices which, with good execution, will gradually bring them nearer and nearer, finally bringing them within one corner or against a cushion, where the least touches of the cue will make a succession of caroms ; or where a vigorous stroke will make some one of them travel over a great space, and yet come back to its cluster as infallibly as the young birds to the nest ; or where this is impossible — ^no further run to be made and the count exhausted — then to scatter them over the table in worse than Siberian exile one from another, so that the player who succeeds may inherit only a barren kingdom ;— in these things consists the highest excel- lence of the judicious player, and he who can do these things best is certain of success in the course of con- tinuous play. The danger of this art, however, un- less the player feel very sure of his own skill, is serious and not lightly to be incurred. Should he bring the balls together and then, by a miss, so leave them for his opponent — he may look out for a run which will slightly damage his chances of the game. "Wherever 244 The Game of Billiakds. tliere is danger of his missing the next shot, it would be prudent rather to separate the balls in the worst position possible for the succeeding player, and wait patiently for another chance. It should always be borne in mind that the game will not be decided by the player's capacity to perform any particular stroke ; the most brilliant shot is a mis- take, if it does not leave the balls in a position from which another count can be effected. Let the student, while he plays for the stroke before him, keep an eye on the ensuing stroke, of which that stroke will be the father ; let him see to it, that this offspring shall not be a disgrace and expense to him. When the balls are so placed that no count can be reasonably expected, then play for safety, and divide the balls in the way least likely to turn to your opponent's profit. The student, moreover, should avoid the dangerous temptation of playing hard for a ^^ scratch." Let him invariably play for some definite object, and then, should he fail, he will have learned something that may insure success another time ; but the scratch game does away with all ideas of scientific proficiency, and every count so acquired is a positive obstacle in the path of any future and permanent progress. The fable of the hare and the tortoise is an old one, but it will receive new confirmation if two novices commence — the one playing as we direct, and the other playing wildly for the chances. After a few months' steady practice of the different kinds of stroke, and quantities of power, our pupil would then commence the actual game, with advantages which would quickly place him The Game of Billiards. 245 in tlie front rank of scientific players ; wliile the other would be years before attaining the average proficiency, and never could hope for a higher rank, until he un- learned the absurdities of his own teaching, and had gone back to the point from which the other started. Eemember, always, that a game is never lost until the last point has been strung off: if your adversary be a long way ahead of you, it is all the more your duty to take advantage of those careless strokes, into which his apparent superiority will be likely to betray him. Deal tenderly with your opponent's ball ; do not pocket it, if any other play will serve your pur- pose; if it be tucked under the cushion, reflect on the stroke that is to follow, before you disturb its dreams ; and bear in mind that it is better to play for two and win, than for thirteen, which you will be likely to miss. It is easier, also, — or if not, it is at least much better — to chalk your cue and strike, than to make a miscue and then chalk. Our final advice to the learner is, to take sufiicient time and care to insure success to his stroke. The author would indeed be ungrateful, did he fail to acknowledge the kind and valuable help which has been given him, both by amateurs and professional friends, in the compilation of this treatise. He would gladly acknowledge his indebtedness to each by name, were it not that he knows they are of the class who " Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame." Let them, therefore, take the will for the deed ; and believe us, that for their friendly help and many gener- 246 The Game of Billiards ous favors, not only in this, but in all other matters wherewith we have been professionally connected, we thank them with a sincerity which is too deep and fervent to be expressed in such words as are ours to offer. To conclude — for the writer makes no pretence to the refinements of authorship, and his language, here and there, may be open to unfriendly criticism — he would say that the theories and principles laid down in the foregoing pages have been those he himself has followed, during a career which, in its own humble way, has not been unattended with distinction ; and if any professional litterateur — or professional player, for the matter of that — should take exception to any of the matters which he has here laid down, as the result of his own experience, he can only say that he will be happy to meet them in his own, or any other billiard saloon where the tables are correct, and decide the question in dispute by a direct appeal to the balls. However insignificant he may be with a pen in his hand, he flatters himself that with a cue he would be able to teach a majority of his critics a lesson it would profit them to know. They might teach him ^' the whole duty of man," upon paper; but, on the tables, he could teach them the whole duty of a billiard- player. APPENDIX. This article, it will be observed, was written previous to the granting of Mr. Phelan's patent ; and for the generous apprecia- tion of his improvements here exhibited, the author takes this public opportunity of returning his heartfelt thanks to the disinter- ested editors of that eminent and justly popular journal. He con- fesses he is vain enough to think that his improvements, from their palpable and intrinsic merit, and from the general dissatisfaction with which the old style of billiard-tables and cushions were re- garded, must eventually have won their way to public approbation and adoption : but he is equally, if not more confident, that the re- commendation given from so high a source, did much to facilitate their adoption and secure them that honest trial which was all he asked, and which — as the event has proved — was all he needed for success. "IMPKOYED BILLIARD-TABLES AND CUSHIONS." {From the Scientific American, December 23d, 1855.) " The accompanying engravings illustrate an improvement in Billiard Tables, invented by Michael Phelan, 39 Chambers street, this city, who has taken measures to secure a patent. " Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the model table and combina- tion cushions, partly showing the improvements — their construction and the shape of the pocket-irons — " jaws " — and sights, and the inventor would take this opportunity of calling the attention of all disciples of the beautiful and scientific game of billiards to the in- spection of these diagrams and the brief explanations accompany- ing them. He feels confident that he has accomplished that which 24S Appendix. has occupied the attention of biHiard-table manufacturers, on the one hand and all scientific players on the other— an improved moael tor the table, with cushions possessing the requisite elasticity to produce correct an.rrles when played on. " Fig 2 is a diagram, showing a top view of the bed, cushions, and pockets of a billiard table ; this diagram illustrates the angles Ai^rENDix. 249 produced by a " stroke " of equal strength when played on the " combmation " cloth and India-rubber cushions. The example is, a ball played from the centre of the side pocket over line a to the point on the opposite cushion with sufficient strength to make it rebound to the side from which it started, and back again. On the combination cushions it will describe the angles marked A A A, on the diagram, which evidently are correct angles, the base of both being equal. But on the India-rubber cushions, the ball, if played 11* 250 Appendix with the same force, produces angles to correspond with the dotted lines marked B B, and if played with an increased force, it will finally return in a direct line parallel with the end cushions, when, if correct angles had been produced, the ball would have returned to the corner pocket opposite to the ball marked a at the termina- tion of the line A. " The second example is intended to illustrate the difierence of the angles produced by a stroke on the cloth, combination and India-rubber cushions ; play ball a against the cushion as repre- sented in diagram, with a moderate degree of strength, and the angles produced on the different cushions named will correspond with those lines marked " cloth," " combination," and " India rub- ber ;" the cloth cushion will produce an angle too obtuse, the India rubber an angle too acute, while the combination cushion will pro- duce a correct right angle ; this can be proved by actual demon- stration on the different tables. For the purpose of illustrating the cause of this, the reader is referred to figs, 4, 5 and 6, which are sectional views of the different cushions named. " Fig. 3 is a view of one corner of the model table, showing the improvements introduced in the shape of pockets, pocket-irons, and '' sights " or " nails " by which the great inconvenience of the " old school tables " are entirely obviated ; also the improvements in the shape of cushions, a shows the shape of the jaws, h is the cue in a horizontal position, and c shows the shape of the jaws in old style. In fig. 4, a shows the manner the cue has to be elevated on the old style of cushions ; h is the sight ; c the India-rubber tube, and d the ball, a, fig. 5, is the cue in a horizontal position, h is the sight inserted level with the cushion, c exhibits the manner in which the cushion is secured ; e is the ball. Fia.3 " Figures 5 and 6. The combination cushions are half an inch lower than the old style cushions ; this is of the greatest importance, for when the ball is at rest close to it, it can be struck and played with almost the same facility as if it were at any other part of the table, Appendix. 261 enabling the player to play with his cue in nearly a horizontal posi- tion, (fig. 5) and not be obliged to elevate it as the cue is represented by a in fig. 4. Another improvement is the nails or sights marked b b. In the old style (fig. 4) they project above the cushion and in- terfere with many strokes during the play. In fig. 5 they are in- serted in, and level with the surface of the cushion ; the pocket- irons, also, are level with the surface of the combination cushions, thus allowing the player to strike the ball when in the position represented in fig. 3, with the cue b perfectly horizontal. These improvements will be obvious to all good billiard-players. The most important, perhaps of all, is the difference in the shape of the pockets. The dotted lines, c c, at each side of the pocket, fig. 3, are intended to show the difierence between the shape on the old style and those on the model table. By constructing the " jaws " of the pockets in this style there is an additional surface of some thirty inches more of correct cushions added to the space to be played on, over and above that on the old style tables, and many strokes can be made that would be impossible on the old ones. Again, there is no deceptive appearance presented to the player when playing a ball at a pocket as there is on the old, wide gaping "jaws," which do not " take " a ball as easily as those on the model tables, c c, fig. 3, therefore shows the old style shape of the pocket, and a the new style on the combination cushion. There is at least five inches more cushion on each pocket of the new, or thirty inches on the whole. Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the India-rubber cushion, known amongst the billiard-table makers as the " pipe " or " tube " cushion. It is composed of a long round strip of rubber, sometimes hollow and sometimes solid, as they wish to increase or diminish the degree of elasticity. The ball, d, is represented in contact with it. When the ball comes in contact with the rubber it sinks in, or is embedded in it more or less, according to the degree of force with which it may be impelled ; the greater the force the more the rubber is compressed, and the more the ball is embedded, and this sinking in or embedding of the ball, together with the extreme elasticity of the rubber, is the cause of the angle produced by the rebound, being acute, and so much at variance with correct angles. Fig. 5 is a sectional view, representing the new " combination " cushion, in which the inventor, after a series of experiments, has succeeded in producing an article in which the objections referred to in the old table are entirely obviated, and in which other important improve- ments are introduced. The " com'bination '' cushion, that is, the portion of it which causes the rebound of the ball after contact with it, is composed of three different materials (not including the cloths for covers) by which a cushion elastic at its back and comparatively solid, yet pliable at its face, is produced, thus preventing the ball 252 Appendix. sinking in, and yet retaining the elasticity of the substance marked d. These three substances are of different degrees of elasticity, and are so combined and graduated as to produce angles in accordance with scientific principles. " Fig. 6 is a sectional view of another India-rubber cushion called the " English pattern." d is the ball, c the India rubber, and b the sight. Some persons engaged in the manufacture of what they call billiard tables are using it, and talk about correct angles, without well knowing what they mean. This cushion is simply a strip of rubber of the shape represented ; and the same objections exist in this as in the " pipe " or ^' tube " cushion, viz., nn embedding of the ball, and too much elasticity ; at all events, Appendix. 253 the test is the angles, and they are found to give angles at variance with all known geometrical principles. This figure also serves to illustrate the shape of the old-fashioned cloth cushion, composed of long strips or layers of cloth stretched parallel with the cushion rail ; they are now nearly out of use, as the " pipe," " tube," and English pattern will be, as soon as the advantages of the " combi- nation cushions" become generally known. " It is a well-known fact among scientific billiard-players, that speed and truth cannot be obtained in a cushion. Beyond a certain degree of elasticity in a cushion, the more incorrect it becomes. When we say speed, we mean the ridiculous railroad pace lately brought into use in public billiard-rooms, and which meet the ap- proval of those only who are advocates for chance hazards or caroms ; while to the player who calculates upon, and who is accus- tomed to geometrical demonstration, it is painful to see the beauti- ful and scientific properties of the flame disgraced. " The ' Combination Cushions' are fast enough for every purpose of scientific play ; and by playing on a table constructed as just described, a knowledge of the game would be more easily acquired, whilst a greater number of points could be made from the balls ; by using them, the proprietors of billiard-rooms would, we think, find players of merit more anxious to contend and test the strength of their games." The following, from the same paper are descriptive of the im- provements in these tables, for which patents have recently been granted. COMBINATION BILLIAED CUSHION. " The patent granted this week to M.- Phelan and H. W. Col- lender, of this city, is for an improved mode of carrying out a principle in billiard cushions covered by a former patent, secured in 1856, by Mr. Phelan, and illustrated in the Scientific American, vol. xi. page 116. " The present improvement consists simply in the combination of two rubbers of different degrees of density, the hardest rubber being the face, and the softest the foundation of the cushion. The ad- vantage of using a denser rubber as a facing, instead of a cork, steel, or whalebone facing, is this : It possesses within itself a prop- erty whereby it and the rubber foundation can readily be united. It is also superior to a steel strip or whalebone, because it presents a denser surface of such a nature as will avoid the disagreeable 254 Appendix. bang of the steel or whalebone strip, and which will " grip" the ball so as not to injure its correct reflection, and yet give a greater effect to the '' twisting shots." It likewise prevents the ball sliding off at an incorrect angle, when played at a very obtuse angle against the cushion. "As Mr. Phelan has the reputation of being the best billiard player in the United States, and understands the requirements of the table, his improvement must commend itself to those of the public, who play this almost national game." — Scientific American, Dec. 19, 1857. " H. W. Collender, of 53 Ann Street, this city, has patented an improvement in Billiard Cushions, which consists in uniting the comparatively solid strip of rubber, gutta percha, steel or whale- bone, to the elastic or spring foundation, by placing the compara- tively solid substance in a mould, and allowing the melted rubber to flow against, or the plastic rubber to be pressed around, or in con- tact with the same, so that it shall surround the edges, back, and ends of the same, and thus securely confine it, without the necessity of using cement, nails, hinges, or any cloth covering to retain it. We regard this as a very valuable improvement in the manufacture of the cushion, and like former inventions of Mr. Collander, in this branch of the arts, it commends itself to the public." — Scientific American, Jan, 23, 1858. The principle discovered and propounded in Mr. Phelan's earliest patent, to wit, that a billiard cushion, to combine speed with correctness, should have a comparatively solid facing, and the springs or elasticity in its back, has been admitted by all manufacturers, and they have unsuccessfully endeavored to pirate that discovery by using strips of gutta percha, whalebone, leather, steel, &c.; but the concussion of the ball has displaced all these, and it has been found impossible to keep such tables in order. Tables so made, moreover, gave out an unpleasant sound or bang whenever struck. The new combination gives the simplest and most perfect embod- iment of this principle in a form that can never be pu •nt of order, and which obviates (if it ever existed) the only solitary objection ever heretofore urged against the first combination of cork, rubber and leather, by which Mr. Phelan carried out his discovery into practi- cal utility. Appendix. 255 This new invention, too, has the advantage of forming one homo- geneous whole — a cushion, in which the parts, though of different consistencies, are the same and inseparable. A mere hard face could be obtained by strips of steel or whalebone, but these become separated by the constant shocks of the balls ; and even those manufacturers who adopted them — thus, hoping to pirate Mr. Phelan's principle, while avoiding the penalties for infringement of his patent, have been forced to abandon them, after finding that a few weeks, or sometimes hours, would set their " machinery" out of order. 256 PHELAN'S IMPROVED BILLIARD CUSHIONS Appendix. 257 Our illustration represents a great improvement in the form of billiard cushions, which is intended to overcome two great evils that attend the ordinary construction. Figure 3 is the old form of cushion and pocket. A is the table, B the side, and C the cushion ; D the pocket, and E the pocket-iron, covered as usual with leather. In this form of cushion, it will be seen that it is gradu- ally sloped off' from its proper width to the pocket, and the player, when his ball strikes any portion of the sloped part, can never be exactly certain of the angle at which the ball will re-bound ; by this means, a great quantity of accurate reflecting surface is lost to the player. Again, when a ball enters a pocket, it is almost sure to strike the pocket-iron at one of the points marked c, and in practice, it is found that the leather covering of the pocket-iron quickly wears away from those points, leaving the metal bare against which the ball strikes, and becomes in consequence, quickly worn out and injured, so as to be unfit for playing. Figure 2 shows a side pocket on the new principle, the same let- ters referring to the same parts as in figure 3, in which it will be seen that the cushions, C, are extended perfectly even in their width, close to the pocket-hole (as will also be observed in figure 1, which is a corner pocket on this plan) , so that a greater amount of reflecting surface is obtained ; for the Game of Billiards is not one of chance, but one of mathematical precision and accuracy. The cushions turn off" abruptly at a slight angle to the pocket, just enough to give a clear entrance to the ball, and of such a shape from the corner of c, that should the ball once strike these, it can- not fail entering the pocket ; and they also project about one-eighth of an inch in front of the pocket-iron. The shape of the pocket- iron has also undergone a material change in shape ; it is, as will be seen, perfectly concave, and there is no part which can possibly be touched by the ball, but the moment it enters the space between the cushions, it is sure to fall into the pocket without touching the iron at all. We regard this as a great and important improvement in the billiard table, and will, no doubt, be thoroughly appreciated by the numbers who take delight in this popular and almost universal game. It is the invention of Michael Phelan, of New York. A patent was secured January 12, 1858, for the shape of pocket-irons and angular cushions, combined or separate. Appendix. 259 To this Poem we have made due refiference in the text, at its appropriate place. The verses originally appeared in the Billiard Cue. "ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING." In very slight things a man^s idiosyncracy Slyly peeps out, and we havn't a doubt That many a man whom his neighbors may thinls crazy, Only displays in more notable ways Some peculiar distinguishing characteristic. Which, were it at all like our own, we should praise. But severely condemn when 'tis antagonistic. These distinguishing traits are most forcibly shown In a game, which of late, has most popular grown ; A very correct psychological steelyards For character weighing — of course, we mean billiards. E'en attitude, sometimes, may give us a cue To a man's inner life ; so, dear reader, if you Havn't any objections, we'll hazard a few Illustrations, by which we'll endeavor to prove The truth of the statements we've ventured above. The first we select from th' incongruous mass, Is a strongly marked type of a numerous class : 260 Appendix. The young man, who, his exquisite elegance shows By the studious grace of his delicate pose, And who handles his cue with so dainty an air, That you're forced to agree with his friends, who declare His games '' very pretty to look at," although In the matter of counting, His only so so. As a contrast, we next your attention will claim For the athletic player, whose vigorous frame Makes him play what is commonly called a ''strong game ;" "Who always declares that *' there's six on the balls ;" Sends them all round the table 'till one of them falls Into one of the pockets — he doesn't much care Into which ; for, as every one's fully aware, In love, war, and billiards, all chances are fair ; And as to his caroms, you safely may swear If there's one on the table, he's sure to be "there ;" For his ball goes so fast, that, unless it should drop In a pocket, it's very safe never to stop Until one of the others, (fulfilling the laws Of physics, which show each phenomenon's cause,) By assuming its motion, compels it to pause. The third we advance to the threshold of fame Is the young man, que void, who '' plays his own game :" Who displays at his scratches no kind of remorse, And eternally tries some impossible ^'force,^'' Which results in a jump and a follow combined ; While his cue, at a '' forty-five" angle inclined, Appendix. 261 As if conscious of sad disgrace, seems nothing loth To hide half its length through a hole in the cloth. Turn we next to the youth whose deliberate game Is displayed in the pause that he makes ere his aim Is finally taken : — His cue raised in air, He scans ev'ry angle and cushion with care ; Studies all of his shots in their smallest details, Then, preceding to execute, — commonly fails ! We pass to a player who's quite the reverse Of the last, and, if such a thing's possible, worse : We allude to him, who — after striking his ball. Finds it requisite over the the table to sprawl ; And makes with his cue little comets of chalk On the cloth as he follows his shot : — Then he'll walk 262 Appendix. Up to some of his friends, and, extending his hand, Proclaims loudly that '' Really, he can't understand How so simple a carom he failed to do right, For he saw Phelan make the shot, only last night !" Then, again, there's the man, from whom Heaven preserve us, Whose careful aim makes his antagonist nervous ; Who saws with his cue, until really you wonder He don't saw his thumb and fore-finger asunder ; If you watch him, you'll find, ere it comes to your chance, You're performing a sort of St. Vitus's dance. There's the player, too, who, when he misses a count, Of profanity utters a startling amount : His toe cocked in air with an exquisite grace. And the greatest anxiety marked on his face, Appekdix. 263 He looks half way between a '' young man about town,*' And George Christy about to commence a break-down ; And he swears — ^how he swears ! — when to count he's not able- At leather, chalk, cue, cushions, cloth, balls, and table : And if his opponent should happen to '' scratch it," Perhaps he's not morally certain to '' catch it." Who's this? who distorts all his human proportions By the wildest of wild calisthenic contortions ? Is't a maniac ? No, gentle reader, not so : 'Tis the man who points out where his ball ought to go, By twisting bis head, arms, and body about ; And who startles your ears with a lunatic shout As he screams at the balls, to '' go in" or " keep out ;" 264 Appendix. When one of his efforts successfully ends, he Howls, dances, and raves in a regular frenzy. But if his attempts chance to finish in failure, Groans, dismal as dirges, and deep growls assail your Auricular organs, as, sunk in despair, He writhes himself into the nearest arm-chair. And now, reader dear, if you'll lend us your ear, We'll tell you, in confidence, how to keep clear Of all of the errors we've held up to view. And, without absurd habits, to manage your cue. If you think it worth while To play billiards in style. And make ^^running^^ that's only surpassed by the Croton, As Cuttle would say, In his forcible way, " Overhaul Phelan's book, and when found, make a note on!" Appendix. 266 The following little jeu d'espi'it from the pen of a distinguished dramatist and fictor, which originally appeared in the Billiard Cue, we feel tempted to reproduce here — assured that its ingenuity cannot tail to amuse the reader. HAKSPEARE A BILLIARD PLAYER. We have stumbled on a most important discovery ; or rather a most important discovery has at length been made by our critical and protracted investigations. We have found beyond controversy that the ^' sweet Swan of Avon^^ was a most devoted billiard player; and that nearly every term em- ployed in the game is a direct quo- tation from the writings of that immortal bard. In every play of his, there are allusions to the game, and in every allusion he proves himself its master 5 not one of its intricacies has escaped his all-seeing eye. " Let us to hilliards,^^ he exclaims, in Antony and Cleopatra, (Act IL, scene 5.) *' My cue is villainous,'' he complains in King Lear, (Act I. scene 1.) '' Why these balls hound,'''' or ''jump,'' he indignantly cries in All's Well that Ends Well, (Act II. scene 3.) ''I did present him with those 'Paris balls,''^ he announces in Henry the Fifth, (Act I. scene 2.) thereby proving that French balls and cues were then thought better than English. ''When my cue comes, call me," he orders in the Mid- summer Night's Dream, (Act IV. scene 1.) from which we may judge that he had sent it to whoever was then the "King of the Billiard Leatherers" for a new top. "Every one according to his ewe," he adds in the same play, (Act III. scene 1.) meaning, doubtless, that a man should proportion his " strength" to the weight of the cue with which he plays. "Remember you your ewe.?" he inquires in the Merry Wives of Windsor, (Act III. scene 3.) thereby insinuating that 12 266 Appendix. every first-class player should have a private or peculiar cue, the weight and force of which he might remember. Speaking of the old style of cushions, he denounces them in Coriolanus, (Act Y. scene 3.) as '' cushions no softer than the flint," and then turning prophet- ically towards Michael Phelan, he begs in his most solemn manner, (same play, Act. III. scene 1.) ^^Let them have cushions hy you !^' He is familiar with such terms as ''hazard,'^ ''lead," ''scratch," "light spot," " Billiard sharp," and so forth ; in fact, we may say with truth that he is "fully posted." "Take your hazard back again,'- he says to some brother player in the Merchant of Venice, (Act I. scene 1.) "Your hazard shall be made," he again exclaims in the same play, (Act II. scene 1.) as if to encourage a hesitating partner. "Nor hazard aught for lead,^- he continues in the 7th scene of the same act — showing clearly enough, (what indeed we would expect from his wisdom,) that he did not consider the mere " lead," per $e, worth " stringing" for. That he was partial to " hazards," we may infer from what he says in King John, (Act Y. scene 6.) " I will upon all hazards well believe;" and we account for the preference when we remember that, as " cushions" had not then been much improved — being in fact " no softer than flint," as he himself says — the more delicate beauties of " the carom game" could not possibly have been known to him. In Timon of Athens, (Act Y. scene 5.) there occurs a word which we believe our readers will agree with us in regarding as [a printer's error, (and it is confessed that there are thousands of such, even in the most careful editions of Knight and Collier.) It ought to read, "and by the hazard of the spotted hall;^^ but for " ball" the word "die" has been falsely inter- polated in a majority of the editions. "I understand kisses,^^ Shaks- peare proudly asserts in the first part of Henry the Fourth, (Act III. scene 2.) and that he knew the French Doublet or Cross-game is evin- ced by the phrase "the last of many doubled kisses,^^ which we find in Antony and Cleopatra, (Act I. scene 5.) When some disappointed player cries " ay, ay, a scratch, a scratch,''^ perhaps he is not aware that he is quoting Romeo and Juliet, (Act III. scene 1.) or should he vary the phrase, by saying, " that is but scratched,'^'' he may possibly not know that these words are taken from Hamlet, (Act lY. scene 7.) " You cannot see the white sjwt,^^ is a phrase in common use, but trace it back, and you will find it in the Merry Wives of Windsor, (Act lY. scene 5.) When the balls run along the cushion, we often Appekdix. 267 say, ''when they do hug,^'' and going back to Titus Andronicus, we find the same description in Act III. scene 1. " Would thou wouldst burst,^^ yells Timon of Athens, (Act IV. scene 2.) and Timon, we know, was a ''flat" who had probably got "cleaned out" by some " sharp" at " pool ;" and this conjecture is strengthened by the con- fession in the Tempest, (Act IV. scene 1.) "but to lose our bottles in the jpoo/," from which we may reasonably infer that the party had been playing for champagne. That they had been playing for some- thing, we have proof in the same play, (Act 1. scene 2.) where the poet says, "I pray thee mark,^^ indicating that the marker was par- ticularly requested to attend to his duties, as the " bottles" were depending on the issue. " I have banked,^^ he says in King John, (Act V. scene 2.) and in King Lear, (Act V. scene 3.) he makes use of another term only appropriate to " pool," where he cries, " It is m J privilege. '^^ In Romeo and Juliet, (Act III. scene 5.) he desig- nates Billiard-Sharps as "unpleasing sharps j^ ^ dmd in Henry VIII., (Act I. scene 3.) he speaks of " honorable points," as if in contra- distinction to the "points" made by them. The cushions, as we have hinted, were poor, and not reliable in his time ; and thus we see that in Winter's Tale, (Act IV. scene 1.) he confesses, " I fear the angle''' —meaning doubtless, the incorrectness of the angle of reflection on the board. How triumphantly does he shout in Julius Caesar, (Act IV. scene 3.) "I put it in the pocket ;" and if the foregoing extracts are not enough to convince the most incredulous that Shakspeare was a billiard player, and played a pretty strong game in his time, then we can only promise that another sbeaf of extracts and quota- tions shall be given in our succeeding issue. Vive la bagatelle! which, in English, means three cheers for Bil- liards ! ^77-2 I mill Hill mil mil mil mil mil Hill mil Hill mil nil nil 019 953 615 1 :tx"