How does the cue-ball-control clock system work?

The clock system handout (and diagram below) illustrating the basics. A one-hour clock-face change in tip position roughly changes the CB direction by one diamond on the 2nd rail.

sidespin or english clock system

Buddy Hall does a good job of explaining and demonstrating the clock system in the following video: Buddy Hall’s clock system. And here’s another:

This system is a good reference for known shots like this. For other shots at different angles and distances to the rails, things will vary some. Cloth and cushion conditions also affect how well the system applies.


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