In Jimmy Caras’ book on trick shots as well as the tape, ‘The Ultimate Trick Shot’, he shows a number of tricks that can be done on an average billiard table with amazing results. A couple of these trick combo shots and kiss shots can be practiced and done by an average billiard player. One of them involves having 4 balls, say ball number 1, 2, 3 and 4 all set in one straight row on the side rail from the midpoint diamond. The number one ball is used to keep the other three adjacent to the rail in order for them to stay frozen. The top point of the cue is then positioned in such a way that the butt of the stick is against the number 1 ball on the left side of the pocket.

Place the number nine ball adjacent to the cue’s butt but leaving a space of one inch between the numbers 1 and number 9 balls. Carefully remove the cue stick after tapping the number 9 ball into place. The audience should expect that a hit on number 1 would pocket number 9 on the right side pocket. Hit ball number 1 without touching number 9 to pocket it. A hard strike will make number 9 run short while a soft stroke will move it a long way. This shot is impressive and should be tried to understand truly how it works.

Another impressive trick is the fifteen-ball combo done with the eight ball. To do this trick, the eight balls are frozen right at the front of number 1. The number one and two balls should be midway connecting the fifth and sixth diamonds while leaving half an inch space between the two of them. The 5-8 balls should be lined to the corner pocket’s tip while the rest of the balls are arranged in a just right arc. A space big enough for one ball should be left between each of these balls. Strike the shot to make number 8 fall on one side. If it does not drop inside the pocket, move the number 2 ball on the table up or down slightly to correct the path. This is one of the best shots ever in billiard. Everyone who has tried it seems to think so as well.