Four-ball billiards

Four-ball billiards, also known as "four-ball," is a cue sport that is played with a cue stick and four balls, usually colored white, yellow, red, and black. The objective of the game is to score points by making carom shots, which occur when the cue ball strikes two object balls in succession. There are several techniques that are used in four-ball billiards to achieve successful carom shots. Here are some of the most important ones: The Follow Shot: The follow shot is a technique used to increase the speed of the cue ball after it makes contact with the first object ball. To perform a follow shot, the cue ball must be struck above center, causing it to spin forward and follow the path of the first object ball. This technique is useful for setting up subsequent shots and maintaining control of the table. The Draw Shot: The draw shot is the opposite of the follow shot, in that it causes the cue ball to spin backward after contact with the first object ball. To execute a draw shot, the cue ball must be struck below center, causing it to spin in the opposite direction of its initial motion. This technique is useful for making shots that require the cue ball to stop or reverse direction after contact with the object balls. The Bank Shot: A bank shot occurs when the cue ball strikes a cushion or rail before making contact with the object balls. Bank shots are useful for making shots that are difficult to achieve directly, or for repositioning the cue ball on the table. The angle of the bank shot can be adjusted by varying the speed and spin of the cue ball. The Massé Shot: The Massé shot is a difficult and advanced technique that involves striking the cue ball with extreme spin to create a curved trajectory. The Massé shot is typically used to avoid obstacles or to make shots that are otherwise impossible. This shot requires a great deal of practice and skill to master. The Jump Shot: The jump shot is a technique used to make shots over obstructing balls or other obstacles. To perform a jump shot, the cue ball is struck with a downward force, causing it to jump off the table and over the obstacle. This shot requires a specialized cue and a great deal of skill to execute successfully. Overall, these techniques are essential to master for successful play in four-ball billiards. However, as with any sport, practice and experience are the most important factors in becoming a skilled player.