How to Use the Diamonds on a Pool Table: A Beginner Guide
Quick answer: The diamonds on a pool table are markers set into the rails at even spaces. You use them as reference points to aim bank shots and kick shots, to judge where the cue ball will go after it hits a rail, and to describe positions on the table. The simplest way to start is the mirror idea: for a bank with no spin and medium speed, aim at a point on the rail halfway between the ball and the target, using the diamonds to find that halfway point.
Most players look at the diamonds every day and never use them. Learning a few simple ideas can make banks and kicks much less of a guess.
What Are the Diamonds?
On most tables there are three diamonds between each pair of pockets on the long rails, and three between the corner pockets on the short rails. They divide the table into equal parts. Some are shaped like diamonds, some are round dots.
| Rail | Spaces Between Pockets |
|---|---|
| Long rail (corner to side) | 4 equal spaces |
| Short rail (corner to corner) | 4 equal spaces |
Why the Diamonds Help
- Aiming banks and kicks with a repeatable method
- Judging cue ball paths after it hits a rail
- Talking about positions, like “the ball is one diamond off the rail”
- Setting up the same drill the same way each time
The Mirror Idea for Banks
Imagine the rail is a mirror. For a simple bank with medium speed and no sidespin:
- Find the object ball’s distance from the rail.
- Find the target pocket.
- Aim at the point on the rail that is halfway between them, measured along the rail.
The diamonds make it much easier to find that halfway point. Real tables are not perfect mirrors, so you adjust with practice.
Things That Change the Angle
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Speed | Hitting harder often makes the ball come off the rail at a shorter angle |
| Sidespin | Running or reverse English changes the rebound angle |
| Cloth and rails | Every table plays a little differently |
| Cut angle | Thin cuts on banks change things a lot |
This is why practice on the table you play on matters.
Using Diamonds for Kick Shots
A kick shot is when the cue ball hits a rail before the object ball. Use the same mirror idea with the cue ball. Picture where the object ball is, find the halfway point on the rail, and aim the cue ball there. Start with one rail kicks before you try two or three rails.
Diamond Systems
There are known diamond systems that use numbers for each diamond to plan multi rail kicks. They can be very useful, but they take study and practice. Learn the mirror idea first, then try a system once you are comfortable.
Practice Drills
- Mirror bank drill. Place a ball one diamond off the long rail and bank it to the opposite corner. Note where you aimed and where it went.
- One rail kick drill. Put an object ball near a pocket, block the straight path with another ball, and kick at it off one rail.
- Speed test. Shoot the same bank soft, medium, and hard. Watch how the angle changes.
Write down what you see. Patterns will show up.
Common Mistakes
- Aiming at the diamond itself. The ball really contacts the cushion, which is in front of the diamonds. Account for that.
- Hitting too hard. Hard shots change angles and make results less predictable.
- Using too much spin before learning the basic line.
The Bottom Line
The diamonds on a pool table are a free aiming guide. Start with the mirror idea for simple banks and kicks, use medium speed and no spin, and practice on your own table. Over time, banks and kicks will feel much less like guessing.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Stay Calm in a Pool Match: 9 Simple Tips
- Cheating the Pocket in Pool: What It Means and 5 Ways to Use It
- How to Use a Mechanical Bridge in Pool: 6 Simple Steps
- How to Stop Scratching in Pool: 7 Simple Fixes That Work
- Billiards Instructional Videos: 5 Tips to Learn Faster
- What Is Cue Ball Deflection? A Simple Guide to Squirt in Pool
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the diamonds on a pool table for?
They are reference markers used to aim bank and kick shots and to judge and describe positions.
How many diamonds are on a pool table?
Most tables have three diamonds between each pair of pockets on every rail.
How do you aim a bank shot with the diamonds?
Use the mirror idea: aim at the rail point halfway between the ball and the pocket, then adjust for speed and spin.
Does speed change a bank shot?
Yes. Harder shots often shorten the angle off the rail, so medium speed is easiest to learn.