Game guide · Carom billiards
Three cushion: three rails, two balls, one legal route.
Before the second object ball, your cue ball must contact one or more cushions at least three times. The path may vary; sequence and contact count decide.
- 2.30 or 2.84 m
- Small and match table
- 61 mm
- Three carom balls
- At least three
- Cushion contacts before ball two
- 15 points
- Default game distance
Reading the rule precisely
You score when your cue ball contacts both object balls and has made at least three cushion contacts before reaching the second object ball. Those contacts may come before the first object ball, after it or on both parts of the route.
The cue ball does not have to contact three different cushions. Separate contacts with the same cushion can count, provided they are genuine individual contacts and the third contact occurs before ball two.
- Ball one → cushion → cushion → cushion → ball two is legal.
- Cushion → ball one → cushion → cushion → ball two is legal.
- Three cushions → ball one → ball two is legal.
- Ball one → two cushions → ball two → third cushion is illegal.
Small table versus match table
Carambole offers three cushion on a 2.30 × 1.15 metre small playing surface and on the international 2.84 × 1.42 metre match size. Both use the same ratio and 61 millimetre balls, but an identical-looking route does not play identically.
The cue ball travels farther on the match table, so small errors in contact thickness, first cushion or speed grow over distance. The small table produces earlier cushion contacts, while the balls occupy relatively more of the available space and can create more kiss traffic.
| Profile | Playing surface | Carambole target | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small three cushion | 2.30 × 1.15 m | 15 points | Shorter routes and earlier rail contact |
| Match three cushion | 2.84 × 1.42 m | 15 points | UMB match size and larger error growth |
Opening position, turns and score
The match begins from the acquit position. Carambole requires the opening player to contact red first. Each legal three-cushion carom adds one point and keeps the player at the table.
A miss, too few cushion contacts or a third cushion that occurs after the second object ball ends the turn. The default distance in both Carambole table modes is 15 points.
Common rule errors
- An object ball's cushion contact is counted; only the cue ball counts.
- The third cushion occurs after the second object ball.
- One cushion sound is interpreted as two contacts without a separated route.
- The opening stroke fails to contact red first.
- The route reaches three cushions but misses the second object ball.
From rule to route choice
The rule only defines legality. A playable route is selected for margin: how wide is the arrival zone at ball two, where can kisses occur and how much spin remains at the first and second cushion?
Diamond systems connect departure, first cushion and arrival. They are reference and calibration tools, not automatic aiming machines. Table heat, cloth, ball condition, speed, spin and contact thickness all require correction.
How Carambole implements three cushion
The simulator records every cue-ball cushion contact and checks the count when the second object ball is reached. Small and match-table modes share the rule but use their own physical table profiles.
Continue with the Three-Cushion Lesson for systems and recurring shot families including natural routes, Corner Five, Plus System, short angle, ticky and margin play.
Sources and verification
Content last verified on 8 August 2026. In official competition, the current governing rulebook takes precedence.
Put the theory on the table.
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