A cut shot is when the cue ball strikes the object ball off-center, sending it at an angle into the pocket. Instead of a head-on collision, it's about precise partial contact. The most effective way to aim is the "Ghost Ball" method: imagine a second cue ball where your real cue ball needs to be at impact to pocket the object ball, then aim to hit the center of this imaginary ball. Cut shots vary by their "thinness" – from a half-ball hit (common, about 30 degrees deflection) to a thin cut (barely grazing the object ball for wider angles). Mastering these different cuts also means understanding "throw," where friction slightly alters the object ball's path, sometimes requiring subtle aiming adjustments or the use of "english" to compensate. A key tip for cut shots: Always aim for the contact point on the object ball, not necessarily where you want the cue ball to go immediately after the hit.