Carom vs. Cannon — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
Carom refers to a shot in billiards where the cue ball hits two other balls, used in games like Carom billiards, while cannon in British English also describes a similar shot in billiards.
Difference Between Carom and Cannon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Carom in billiards is a technique where the cue ball is struck in a way that it makes contact with at least two other balls on the table. Whereas cannon, specifically in British usage, is essentially the same concept used in English billiards where the cue ball strikes both the object ball and another ball (usually the opponent's ball) in one shot.
The term carom originates from the French word "carambole," representing the red object ball used in many carom billiards games, symbolizing the target for such shots. On the other hand, cannon in British English derives its meaning from the idea of colliding or hitting with force, similar to the military term.
Carom games, such as three-cushion billiards, require the cue ball to not only hit two other balls but also to make contact with the cushions at least three times for a legal score. Whereas in games involving cannons, like English billiards, the focus might not necessarily include cushion contact but prioritizes the strategic touching of the balls to score points.
Carom is used widely in games played on pocketless tables, emphasizing precision and control. While cannon shots are part of a broader range of cue sports where pockets may or may not play a role in the gameplay.
Skill in carom reflects a player's ability to predict and execute complex ball paths and rebounds, which is crucial for scoring in carom-centric games. While skill in making cannon shots also requires strategic planning and precision, it integrates the tactical use of the opponent's balls to gain advantage or score.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A billiards shot where the cue ball hits two other balls.
Similar shot in English billiards, known as a cannon.
Origin of Term
From French "carambole," the red object ball.
Derived from the idea of colliding with force.
Game Type
Often played on pocketless tables.
Can be played on tables with or without pockets.
Skill Required
Precision in ball control and path prediction.
Strategic planning and precision in ball contact.
Common in Games
Three-cushion billiards, straight rail.
English billiards.
Compare with Definitions
Carom
Used in games emphasizing precision without pockets.
Carom billiards is popular in Europe and Asia.
Cannon
Common in English billiards, emphasizing tactical play.
Cannons are a strategic element in English billiards.
Carom
Requires skillful control of the cue ball’s path.
Mastering carom shots is key in professional billiards.
Cannon
Involves hitting the opponent's ball for strategic advantage.
The cannon allowed him to block his opponent’s next shot.
Carom
Focuses on angles and ball interactions.
Each carom shot involves careful calculation of angles.
Cannon
A cannon is a large-caliber gun classified as a type of artillery, and usually launches a projectile using explosive chemical propellant. Gunpowder ("black powder") was the primary propellant before the invention of smokeless powder during the late 19th century.
Carom
Associated with specific billiards games like three-cushion.
Three-cushion billiards is a challenging carom game.
Cannon
A large, heavy piece of artillery, typically mounted on wheels, formerly used in warfare
They would cross at the Town ford, under cover of the defending cannon
Carom
A collision followed by a rebound.
Cannon
A stroke in which the cue ball strikes two balls successively.
Carom
A shot in billiards in which the cue ball successively strikes two other balls. Also called billiard.
Cannon
A heavy cylinder or hollow drum that is able to rotate independently on a shaft.
Carom
A similar shot in a related game, such as pool.
Cannon
Collide with something forcefully or at an angle
His shot cannoned off the crossbar
The couple behind almost cannoned into us
Carom
To collide and rebound; glance
The car caromed off the guardrail into the ditch.
Cannon
Make a cannon shot.
Carom
To make a carom, as in billiards.
Cannon
A weapon, typically mounted, that fires heavy projectiles from a cylindrical barrel. Cannons include guns, howitzers, and mortars.
Carom
To cause to carom.
Cannon
The loop at the top of a bell by which it is hung.
Carom
A shot in which the ball struck with the cue comes in contact with two or more balls on the table; a hitting of two or more balls with the player's ball.
Cannon
A round bit for a horse.
Carom
(uncountable) A billiard-like Indian game in which players take turns flicking checker-like pieces into one of four goals on the corners of a board measuring one meter by one meter.
Cannon
(Zoology) The section of the lower leg in some hoofed mammals between the hock or knee and the fetlock, containing the cannon bone.
Carom
(spices) ajwain
Cannon
Chiefly British A carom made in billiards.
Carom
(intransitive) To make a carom shot in billiards.
Cannon
To bombard with cannon.
Carom
To strike and bounce back; to strike (something) and rebound.
Cannon
Chiefly British To cause to carom in billiards.
Carom
A shot in which the ball struck with the cue comes in contact with two or more balls on the table; a hitting of two or more balls with the player's ball. In England it is called cannon.
Cannon
To fire cannon.
Carom
To make a carom.
Cannon
Chiefly British To make a carom in billiards.
Carom
A glancing rebound
Cannon
A complete assembly, consisting of an artillery tube and a breech mechanism, firing mechanism or base cap, which is a component of a gun, howitzer or mortar. It may include muzzle appendages.
Carom
A shot in billiards in which the cue ball contacts one object ball and then the other
Cannon
Any similar device for shooting material out of a tube.
Water cannon
Glitter cannon
Carom
Rebound after hitting;
The car caromed off several lampposts
Cannon
An autocannon.
Carom
Make a carom
Cannon
A bone of a horse's leg, between the fetlock joint and the knee or hock.
Carom
A shot where the cue ball hits two other balls in billiards.
He executed a perfect carom, hitting both target balls.
Cannon
A cannon bit.
Cannon
(historical) A large muzzle-loading artillery piece.
Cannon
A carom.
In English billiards, a cannon is when one's cue ball strikes the other player's cue ball and the red ball on the same shot; and it is worth two points.
Cannon
The arm of a player who can throw well.
He's got a cannon out in right.
Cannon
(engineering) A hollow cylindrical piece carried by a revolving shaft, on which it may, however, revolve independently.
Cannon
(historical) A cylindrical item of plate armor protecting the arm, particularly one of a pair of such cylinders worn with a couter, the upper cannon protecting the upper arm and the lower cannon protecting the forearm.
Cannon
Alternative form of canon
Cannon
(Chinese chess) A piece which moves horizontally and vertically like a rook but captures another piece by jumping over a different piece in the line of attack.
Cannon
A pickpocket.
Cannon
To bombard with cannons.
Cannon
To play the carom billiard shot; to strike two balls with the cue ball.
The white cannoned off the red onto the pink.
Cannon
To fire something, especially spherical, rapidly.
Cannon
To collide or strike violently, especially so as to glance off or rebound.
Cannon
(fandom slang) canon
Cannon
A great gun; a piece of ordnance or artillery; a firearm for discharging heavy shot with great force.
Cannon
A hollow cylindrical piece carried by a revolving shaft, on which it may, however, revolve independently.
Cannon
A kind of type. See Canon.
Cannon
See Carom.
Cannon
To discharge cannon.
Cannon
To collide or strike violently, esp. so as to glance off or rebound; to strike and rebound.
He heard the right-hand goal post crack as a pony cannoned into it - crack, splinter, and fall like a mast.
Cannon
A large artillery gun that is usually on wheels
Cannon
Heavy gun fired from a tank
Cannon
(Middle Ages) a cylindrical piece of armor plate to protect the arm
Cannon
Heavy automatic gun fired from an airplane
Cannon
Lower part of the leg extending from the hock to the fetlock in hoofed mammals
Cannon
A shot in billiards in which the cue ball contacts one object ball and then the other
Cannon
Make a cannon
Cannon
Fire a cannon
Cannon
A billiard shot where the cue ball strikes two other balls.
His cannon shot earned him two points in English billiards.
Cannon
No specific requirement for cushions unless stated.
His successful cannon didn’t involve the cushions but was still effective.
Cannon
Requires understanding both force and direction.
Proper force application is crucial for a successful cannon.
Common Curiosities
How do you score in carom billiards?
Scoring in carom billiards typically involves the cue ball making contact with two object balls in one shot.
Can carom shots be used in pool games?
While not common, carom shots can be creatively used in pool games to achieve specific plays, although they're not typically scored.
What skills are needed for successful cannon shots?
Skills needed include precision in hitting, strategic planning of shots, and sometimes using the opponent's ball tactically.
Are carom or cannon shots more difficult?
Both shots require high skill levels, but the difficulty can vary depending on the game's specific rules and objectives.
Is there a championship for carom billiards?
Yes, there are several championships worldwide for various carom billiards disciplines, such as three-cushion billiards.
What is the main difference between carom and cannon in billiards?
The main difference is regional usage; "carom" is a general term in carom billiards, while "cannon" is specific to English billiards, though both involve the cue ball hitting two balls.
How do you improve accuracy in cannon and carom shots?
Improving accuracy involves practice, understanding ball dynamics, and mastering cue control.
What equipment is best for practicing carom shots?
A billiards table without pockets and standard billiards balls are ideal for practicing carom shots.
What is the historical origin of the cannon shot?
The cannon shot in billiards likely evolved from techniques developed in earlier cue sports, adapting military terminology for the impact of the shot.
Are there professional trainers for carom billiards?
Yes, there are professional trainers specializing in carom billiards who can help refine technique and strategy.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
