This stroke is very effective in gathering the balls, and may be readily played, with care. Similar strokes are played with the first object-ball lying well out toward the centre of the table, with the cue-ball occupying a similar position in its bearings toward the object-ball. The cue-ball leaves the cushion at _a_ sharp and in direct line to the carom-ball.
_In illustration of very effective gathering strokes, drawing with twist along a cushion._
_Diagram 1._—Cue-ball ⅝ below, ¼ right, object-ball 31/32 right; stroke, ¼ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at _a_, effecting carom on ball 2, the latter resting at _f_; cue-ball rests at _e_. Object-ball cushions at _f_, _b_, _c_, resting at _d_. The secret in this stroke is in getting off the object-ball sharp and clear to cushion at _a_. The cue-ball should travel slowly to carom-ball from being struck so nearly full on object-ball.
_Diagram 2._—Cue-ball ½ below, ¼ right, object-ball ⅞ right; stroke, ¼ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions slowly at _a_, effecting carom on ball 2, which rests at _f_, and the cue-ball at _g_. Object-ball cushions at _b_, _c_, _d_, resting at _e_.
“KISS” CAROM, ALSO ONE AND THREE CUSHION DRAWS.
_Illustrating excellent strokes for position play, through the kiss and acute draw._
_Diagram 1._—Cue-ball ½ below, ⅝ left, object-ball ½ left; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at _a_, _b_, _c_, effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at _d_, _e_, resting at _f_.
_Diagram 2._—_A kiss carom._—Cue-ball ⅛ above, object-ball 31/32 right; stroke, ¼ less than “slow.” Carom-ball cushions at _b_, where it meets cue-ball, and carom is effected.
_Diagram 3._—Cue-ball ¼ below, ⅛ left, object-ball ⅞ left; stroke, “ordinary.” Cue-ball cushions at a, effecting carom on ball 2, which rests at _b_. Object-ball cushions at _d_, _e_, _f_, _g_, stopping at _c_.
_In illustration of “bank” or cushion first effecting caroms which neatly gather the balls._
_Diagram 1._—Cue-ball ¼ right, ½ below, object-ball ½ right, calculated from point _a_; stroke, ½ in excess of “medium.” Cue-ball cushions at _a_, taking object-ball ½ full, effecting carom on ball 2. Object-ball cushions at _b_, _c_, resting at _d_. This is a bank stroke, cue-ball played on cushion first before striking any ball. Object-ball is at such a location in corner that the stroke shown is the only practicable one.