Now that you know the history and the general rules of carom games, it's time to actually learn how to play. Three-cushion is a good place to start in the world of pocketless pool since it is the most popular of the carom games.

There are several variations of pocketless games, but each one of them is a point-scoring game. When you become familiar with three-cushion, you will probably want to explore other versions, but for now let's just deal with the game you will most likely encounter when you find a pocketless table in your local pool room.

The Object and the Rules

In three-cushion billiards, the goal is to reach a predetermined point total before your opponent. To do so your cue ball must strike three cushions before striking either the object ball or your opponent's cue ball. If you accomplish this, you will receive 1 point. That's really the only rule.

Sound confusing? Here's an example of a legal three-cushion shot: You strike your cue ball into a cushion. After hitting the cushion it strikes the red ball on the table, then it strikes two more cushions before striking your opponent's cue ball.

It's not easy, that's for sure. It will take a lot of patience and precision before you can successfully make these shots, score a point, and always keep safety play tucked away in the wings for when you need it. You keep your turn at the table until you either shoot an illegal shot or do not score a point.

Scoring

On every stroke you have one of two choices: You can go for the count (the point) or you can choose to play a safety. Why wouldn't you just go for the count? Suppose your cue ball is in a precarious position on the table and you're not sure you can make the shot. If you're going to lose your turn, you might as well leave the table in such a way as to make it hard for your opponent to score a point. That's what safety play is all about. But it's a good thing that it's controlled in this game. Just imagine if everyone played a safety on every turn; you'd be asleep before the game reached its conclusion.

Your turn at the table automatically ends when you commit a foul. You don't lose a point, but you also don't score one for that stroke.