The natural: around the table
A natural sends the cue ball off the first object ball and around the table, cushion after adjacent cushion, with running english helping it all the way. It's the first shot to look for in any position, because it's the most predictable route there is.
What makes a natural
- Ball first. The cue ball hits the first object ball before any cushion.
- Adjacent cushions. It then goes around the table: a long rail, a short rail, a long rail (or short, long, short), turning the same way at every corner.
- Running english all the way. The sidespin turns with the ball at every cushion, so each rebound opens up a little and the ball keeps its pace.
Why it forgives errors
Three things work together. A natural is usually played with a half-ball hit, the thickness where the cue ball's direction changes least with small errors. Running english makes the rebounds consistent from one speed to the next. And going around the table, the route tends to end coming down a rail toward a corner, where the second ball is often a big ball.
Compare a route that changes direction against the spin, or crosses the table back and forth: every cushion with reverse english adds its own uncertainty, and the errors pile up.
How to play it
- Find the hit first: a comfortable half-ball to third-ball contact on the first ball that sends the cue ball toward the first cushion of the route.
- Use running english on the side the ball will turn. Moderate side is enough; maximum side makes the speed harder to judge.
- Use as little speed as gets the ball there. A natural that just reaches the second ball scores more often, and leaves better position, than one hammered round the table.