CTE stands for "center to edge." CTE aiming systems use a line from the center of the CB to the outer edge of the OB as a visual reference to help define an initial off-center cue alignment. Then the cue is pivoted to center ball to establish the final aiming line. Several popular versions of CTE are described here:
Beneath the descriptions is a thorough analysis of the limitations of the systems along with explanations of how they can be made to work over a wide range of shots.
Following the procedures exactly with a fixed bridge pivot will not create the necessary lines of aim for a wide range of shots. However, if you vary your "effective pivot length" (e.g., by "air pivoting" and/or by deforming your bridge during a fixed-bridge pivot), then the systems, with lots of practice, can be used effectively for all shots. Again, see the CTE resource page for illustrations and detailed explanations.
Are the systems exact, as described? IMO, hell no!!! (... except when one of the limited lines of aim happens to create the exact cut angle necessary for a particular shot.)
Can the systems be used to arrive at the exact line of aim required for every shot? Yes, but only if you can vary the initial bridge placement and/or effective pivot length the exact amounts required for each shot. This is not easy to do.
Regardless of the limitations of align-and-pivot aiming systems like CTE, they do offer some people significant benefits.
Regards,
Dave
