You can be practicing three-cushion in your browser within 60 seconds. No download. No account. Here's the fastest path from "I want to try this" to "I just made my first carom in the simulator."
Step 1 — Open the trainer (10 seconds)
- Click here to open 3ball.app — the table loads in 1-2 seconds even on slow connections.
- The simulator opens in Free Play mode with default ball positions.
- You see: green table, three balls (white cue, yellow cue, red object), zoom slider on right, mobile tab bar at bottom.
Optional: install as PWA so it opens like a native app — see install guide.
Step 2 — Take your first shot (1 minute)
- Tap the Aim tab (mobile) or click Aim panel (desktop).
- Drag the aim handle on the cue ball to set direction.
- Tap Spin — leave at center to start.
- Tap Power — set to medium.
- Tap the Shoot button.
- Watch the cue ball travel. Did it touch all three cushions before reaching the second object ball? If yes — congrats, that's a carom.
Don't worry about hitting it perfectly — the simulator is for learning. Take 10 random shots to get the feel.
Step 3 — Pick a learning path (1 minute decision)
Now pick what to learn next based on your background:
- Total beginner: Read What is Carom Billiards? (5 min) → then 7 Drills for Beginners (your 30-day plan).
- Pool player wanting to try carom: Read Three-Cushion vs Pool (5 min) — covers exactly how to translate your existing skills.
- Already play carom IRL: Read Diamond Systems Mastery (15 min) — sharpens your geometric intuition.
- Want to build a serious skill ladder: Read Three-Cushion Complete Guide (the 3,300-word foundation).
Step 4 — Use Drill Mode for repetition
Free Play is great for exploration; Drill Mode is where skill is built. Each drill is a fixed position you replay 30 times, tracking your hit rate.
- Tap the Position tab → Drill Library.
- Pick a position (start with Ticky).
- Hit it 10 times. Note how many you make.
- Move to the next position.
Recommended starter drill set: Ticky, Umbrella, Around-the-Table, Double Rail. 10 reps each = ~10 min daily.
What to do when stuck
- Position seems impossible? Try Brute-force solver — it shows the cue path that scores.
- Aim feels random? You need to learn the Diamond System — geometric aiming.
- Cue ball doesn't go where expected? You're missing english. Read Reverse English Technique.
- Want personal feedback? Use the in-app feedback button to send a screenshot — the team reviews these.
Frequently asked
Q: Is it really free? Yes. No login, no time limit, no payment.
Q: Does it work offline? No — 3ball is ad-supported and requires an active internet connection. If you go offline, you'll see a "Connection lost" overlay; play resumes automatically when the network returns.
Q: Can I play against another person? Not yet. Single-player practice only. Multiplayer is on the roadmap.
Q: What devices? Any 2018+ smartphone, tablet, laptop. WebGL2 required.
Q: Where is the source code? Closed source; the team is small.