Rules

The object of the game is to carom the cue ball off both object balls and contact the rail cushions at least three times before the last object ball. A point is scored for each successful carom. In most shots the cue ball hits the object balls one time each, although hitting them any number of times is allowed as long as both are hit. The contacts between the cue ball and the cushions may happen before and/or after hitting the first object ball. The cue ball does not have to contact three different cushions as long as they have been in contact at least three times in total. In modern three-cushion, the two players' cue balls are white and yellow, while the third ball is red. The introduction of the yellow ball is a relatively recent change to make it easier for spectators to follow the game; previously two white balls with small markings on one or both in order to distinguish them were used.