Swerve Meaning in Billiards

Swerve is the curved path a cue ball takes across the table. It occurs when you hit the ball with a tilted cue stick. The ball initially moves straight but then begins to arc sideways. This happens because the downward force creates friction against the green cloth. It is a useful trick for getting around a blocking ball. You can use it to reach a target that is hidden. However, it is very difficult to predict the exact curve every time. Factors like cloth thickness and ball speed will change the result. For example, a player might use swerve to curve around a red ball. This allows them to hit the final black ball into the pocket. It is a high-level skill that adds flair to your game. Understanding the curve will help you solve difficult table layouts.