Plate LXXIII. — Close Draw
Illustrating a fair stroke where the balls are near a “freeze,” effecting a “draw” and “English,” the cue-ball performing a concave curve on its course to cushion.
Cue-ball ⅝ below, ⅝ right, object-ball ¾ left; stroke, “hard.” Cue-ball describes curve, cushions at a, b, c, effecting carom on ball 2, which rests at h, with cue-ball at i. Object-ball doubles the width of table, cushions at d, e, f, resting at g.
The carom could be made with a massé, but position would be sacrificed. The close draw is played in order to gather the balls.
The stroke is an acute wrist and arm delivery, and should be given with confidence.