TL;DR: The Korean (5-and-Half) System divides cushion values by 5 instead of treating them as integers. Higher precision than European Plus 2; better for fast-tempo Korean style.
How it differs
Original Diamond System: integer values 1-7 per long rail. Korean: fractional values divided by 5 — diamond 5 becomes 1.0, diamond 4 becomes 0.8, etc. The math is more granular.
When it shines
- Fast-tempo play (typical Korean PBA style)
- Long-distance system shots needing high precision
- Calibration on consistent tournament tables
When NOT to use
- Inconsistent table conditions — fractions amplify error
- Beginner-level play — calculation overhead too high
- Soft stroke positions — Plus 2 still better for those
Pro practitioners
Cho Jae-Ho and Kang Dong-Koong both rely primarily on Korean 5-and-half. Kim Haeng-Jik mixes Korean + Plus 2 depending on shot type.
Try Korean mode in 3ball
Diamond Helper panel → toggle 'Korean mode' for fractional calculations.
Open 3ball →