The follaein is a glossary of traditional English-language terms uised in the three overarching cue sports disciplines: carom (or carambole) billiards referring tae the various carom games played on a billiard table wioot pockets; pool, which denotes a host of games played on a table with six pockets; and snooker, played on a lairge pocket table, an which haes a sport cultur unto itself distinct frae pool. Thare are an aw hybrid pocket/carom games sic as English billiards.
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The term "billiards" is whiles uised tae refer tae all o the cue sports, tae a specific cless of them, or tae specific ones sic as English billiards; this article uses the term in its maist generic sense unless otherwise noted.
The labels "British" and "UK" as applee'd tae entries in this glossary refer tae terms originating in the UK and an aw uised in countries that war fairly recently pairt o the British Empire and/or are pairt o the Commonwealth of Nations, as opposed tae US (and, eften, Canadian) terminology. The terms "American" or "US" as applee'd here refer generally tae North American usage. Houiver, due tae the predominance of US-originating terminology in maist internationally competitive pool (as opposed tae snooker), US terms are an aw common in the pool context in ither countries in which English is at least a minority language, an US (and borrowed French) terms predominate in carom billiards. Similarly, British terms predominate in the Warld of snooker, English billiards and blackball, regairdless o the players' nationalities.
The term "blackball" is uised in this glossary tae refer tae baith blackball and eight-ball pool as played in the Commonwealth, as a shorthand. Blackball wis chosen acause it is less ambiguous ("eight-ball pool" is too easy confused with the relatit "eight-ball"), and blackball is globally standardized bi an International Olympic Committee-recognised governing body, the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA); meanwhile, its ancestor, eight-ball pool, is maistly a folk game, lik North American bar pool, and tae the extent that its rules hae been codified, thay hae been done sae bi competin authorities with different rulesets. (For the same reason, the glossary's information on eight-ball and nine-ball draws principally on the stable WPA rules, acause thare are mony competin amateur leagues and even professional tours with divergent rules for thir games.)
Foreign-language terms are generally nae within the scope of this leet, unless thay hae acome an integral pairt of billiards terminology in English (e.g. massé), or thay are crucial tae meaningful discussion o a game nae widely kent in the English-speakin Warld.
See the Five-pin billiards main article for the formerly Italian, now internationally standardized game, or Danish pin billiards for the five-pin traditional game of Denmark.
Uised in snooker in reference tae the poseetion o the cue ball. It is abuin the object ball if it is off-straight on the baulk cushion side o the imaginary line for a straight pot (e.g. "he'll want to finish above the blue in order to go into the pink and reds"). It is an aw common tae uise the term high insteid.[1]
Uised with an amount tae signify money added tae a toornament prize fund in addition tae the amount accumulated frae entry fees (e.g. "$500 added").[2]
ahead race
Also ahead session.
A match format in which a player haes tae establish a lead of an agreed nummer of frames (games) in order tae win (e.g. in a ten ahead race a player wins when she/he haes won ten mair racks than the opponent).[1]Contrast race [to].
aiming line
An imaginary line drawn frae the desired path an object ball is tae be sent (uisually the centre o a pocket) an the centre o the object ball.[3]
A teep of nurse shot uised in carom billiards games. With one object ball bein anchored (frozen, British: tight) tae a cushion an the seicont object ball juist slichtly away frae the cushion, the cue ball is gently grazed across the face of baith balls, freezing the away ball tae the rail and muivin the frozen ball away the same distance its pairtner wis previously, in an identical but reversed configuration, in poseetion tae be struck again bi the cue ball frae the opposite side tae repeat this pattern, back and forth.[1]:9Compare cradle cannon.
anchor space
A 7-inch (180 mm) square box drawn on the table in balkline billiards, frae the termination o a balkline with the cushion, sicweys defining a restricted space in which anly three points mey be scored afore one ball must be driven frae the aurie. It developit tae curtail the effectiveness o the chuck nurse, which in turn haed been invented tae thwart the effectiveness of Parker's box in stopping lang, repetitive runs uisin the anchor nurse.[1]
angle of incidence
The angle at which a ball approaches a cushion, as measured frae the perpendicular tae the cushion.[4]:120 The phrase haes been in uise syne as early as 1653.[1]
angle of reflection
The angle frae which a ball rebounds frae a cushion, as measured frae the perpendicular tae the cushion.[1][4]:120
Also apex ball, apex of the triangle, apex of the diamond or apex of the rack.
The ball placed at the front o a group of rackedobject balls (i.e., toward the breaker and furthest frae the racker), an in maist games situated over the table's foot spot.[5]:32
around the table
In carom games, a shot in which in attemptin tae score, the cue ball contacts three or mair cushions, uisually includin baith short rails.[5]
around the houses
Uised in snooker tae describe the path that the cue ball must tak intae and out of baulk as a result of poor position play, specifically coming aroond the baulk colours off 3 or mair cushions, normally on a shot on the blue tae finish on a red as a result of finishing low on the blue.
A cut shot in which if a line war drawn frae the cue ball tae the rail behind the targeted object ball, perpendicular tae that rail, the object ball wad lie beyond the line with respect tae the pocket bein targeted.[6]
A coarse ooen cloth uised tae kiver billiard tables, uisually green in colour. Whiles cried felt, based on a similarity in appearance, tho very different in makeup.[1]
balance point
The pynt, uisually aroond 18 in. frae the bottom o a cue, at which the cue will balance when restin on one haund.[1][5]:32
balk
Also balk space.
1. An area defined on a billiard table by one or more balklines. In the eponymous game of balkline billiards, there are eight balks defined by perpendicular balklines, in which only a set number of caroms may be scored before at least one ball must leave the area.[1]:15 In the earlier (and short-lived) "champions' game", there were four triangular balks, one at each corner, defined by single diagonal balklines. Not to be confused with baulk, but see second definition.
2. An area defined on a billiard table, in games such as pool, snooker, English billiards and bagatelle, by a single balkline (drawn or imaginary) that runs across the table near the head (bottom) end; exactly where depends upon table type and size. This balk is where the cue ball is placed in lagging for lead, for making the opening break shot, and sometimes for other purposes, depending upon the game. This usage of "balk" is strictly technical, and rarely used in practice. In pool, this area is called the kitchen and is divided from the rest of the table by the head string, while in snooker, English billiards and blackball it is the somewhat differently sized and delimited baulk, defined by the baulk line. On baulk tables, which have a "D" inside baulk, and on pool tables with a break box in the kitchen, the actual area from which to shoot is even smaller than the baulk or kitchen, respectively – a balk within the balk.
balkline
Also balk line.
1. A line drawn horizontally from a point on a billiard table's rail to the corresponding point on the opposite rail, thus defining a region (a balk). In the eponymous balkline billiards there are four balklines, drawn parallel to and typically 14 or 18 inches from the cushions of the table, dividing it into nine compartments or divisions, of which the outside eight are the balks. in which only a set number of caroms may be scored before at least one ball must leave the area.[1]:15Not to be confused with baulk line, though the concepts and etymologies are related. See balk, second definition.
Also cue ball in-hand.
The option of placin the cue ball anywhere on the table prior tae shooting, in a game of pool. Uisually anly available tae a player when the opposing player haes committed some teep of foul unner a parteecular game's rules[1][5]:32, 36 (cf. the free throw in basketball bi wey of comparison). See also in-hand for the snooker definition. A common variation, uised in games sic as straight pool and eften in bar pool, is ball-in-haund "behind the head string", an aw "behind the line" or "from the kitchen", meanin the ball-in-haund option is restricted tae placement anywhere behind the head string, i.e., in the aurie of the table kent as the kitchen.
ball-on
Not always hyphenated. Plural: balls-on.[7] Also on[-]ball.
Ony legally strikeable ball on the table in snooker and generally British terminology.[5] For ensaumple, in blackball,[7] if a player is playin yellows, ony yellae ball (or ony solit, frae 1 tae 7, if uisin a solids-and-stripes ball set) can be the ball-on until thay are all potted, in which case the 8 ball is the ball-on. In snooker, at the beginnin o a player's turn, unless all are already potted, ony red ball can be the ball-on.[1]Compare object ball.
3. A wall rack designed exclusively for storing balls
ball return
A collection bin mounted ablo the fit end o a table, tae which balls potted in ony pocket will return bi means of gravity-assisted gutters or troughs running frae each pocket openin tae the bin; thir are the ball-return mechanism, which mey be internal tae the table or an external gutter seestem. Ball returns hae been in uise syne at least the 1700s. Pockets which simply collect balls are kent as drop pockets.[1] A table wioot a ball return mey be cried a "drop pocket table", while a table featurin a ball return mey be cried a "gully table".[5]:37, 39 Coin-operated bar tables hae ball-return mechanisms that separate the cue ball frae the object balls sae that the object balls are captured when pocketed until the game ends, then released when peyed for again, while the cue ball is continually returned for continued play efter scratches. This teep of table can uise a variety of methods tae distinguish the cue ball frae object balls includin the Magnetic cue ball, the dense ceramic "rock" an the oversized "grapefruit" ball. Ball return mechanisms hae an aw been devised that uise a smawer, lighter cue ball, insteid o a magnetic or heavier one. Thare are tables that uise optical sensors tae distinguish a standard cue ball frae object balls.[8] Some of them are an aw setup tae return the 8 ball as well, sae that pocketing it on the brak daes nae end the game.
banger
A derogatory term for a recreational or beginnin player who "bangs" the balls wioot ony thocht for position nor attempt tae control the cue ball; an aw a reference tae the predilection of beginners tae eften hit the cue ball far harder than necessar.[9]Compare British potter.
Also bank. Shot in which an object ball is driven tae one or mair rails prior tae bein pocketed (or in some contexts, prior tae reachin its intendit target; nae necessarily a pocket). Whiles "bank" is conflated tae refer tae kick shots as well, an in the UK it is eften cried a double.[1][5]:32
bank-the-8
A rule variant common in bar pool versions of eight-ball, in which the 8-ball must be pocketed on a bank shot (generally this wad aither be accomplished via a bank shot proper or a kick shot); shooting the 8 straight in is a loss of game. Players mey agree afore the game begins tae invoke this rule, or one player mey challenge anither player (who might accept or refuse) tae conclude the game in this manner efter it is already unner wey. Playin bank-the-8 can be considered rude if mony ither players are waiting tae uise the table, syne it eften maks the game last considerably langer. Eften on bar tables three scratches determines a loss. The same with last-pocket.
bar player
Also bar league player.
A player that predominantly plays in bars/pubs, or is in a bar-based pool league. Eften uised pejoratively bi pool hall players tae refer tae a perceived lesser skill level of sic players. See also bar pool, bar table.
bar pool
Also bar rules, pub pool, tavern pool.
Pool, awmaist ayeweys a variant of eight-ball, that is played bi bar players on a bar table. Bar pool haes rules that vary frae region tae region, whiles even frae venue tae venue in the same ceety, especially in the U.S. Wise players sicweys ensure understanding of and agreement tae the rules afore engaging in a money game unner bar rules. teepical differences atween bar pool and toornament eight-ball are the lack of ball-in-hand efter a foul, the elimination o a nummer of fouls, an (with numbered ball sets) the requirement that maist aspects o a shot be called (includin cushions and ither object balls tae be contacted) nae juist the target ball and pocket. Bar pool haes evolved intae this "nitpicky" version principally tae mak the games last langer, syne bar pool is teepically played on coin-operated tables that cost money per-game rather than per-oor. Competitive league pool played on bar tables, houiver, uisually uses international, national or local/regional league rules, an is nae what is uisually meant bi "bar pool". Not to be confused with the game of bar billiards.
bar table
Also bar box, pub table, tavern table, coin-operated table, coin-op table.
A distinctive size of pool table foond in bars/pubs/taverns as well as various ither venues sic as family entertainment centers and arcade rooms at bowling alleys. Thir are smawer than the full-size tables foond in pool halls. While teepical professional and competeetion tables are 9 ft × 41⁄2 ft (2.7 m × 1.4 m) or 8 ft × 4 ft (2.4 m × 1.2 m), bar tables are teepically 7 ft × 31⁄2 ft (2.1 m × 1.1 m) In bars thay are awmaist ayeweys coin-operated. Anither distinguishing factor is the cue ball; thir tables captur pocketed object balls tae remove them frae play, but selectively return a scratched cue ball. The cue balls are teepically oversized or extra-dense sae thay can be mechanically separated. Because thir cue balls dae nae play as competeetion cue balls (especially with regaird tae cut (due tae thair lairger size) and stop/draw shots (due tae thair lairger mass) respectively, thay chynge the characteristics o the cue ball and are therefore deprecated bi aficionados. smash-through). Houiver, modren bar tables mak uise o a magnetic core with a regulation or near-regulation size and wecht paired with a magnet mechanism within the table's ball return seestem that separates out the cue ball wioot requirin cue ball characteristics that affect play.[10] Pool hall players complain an aw that the cloth uised on bar tables is eften greatly inferior (in parteecular that it is "slow" and that english daes nae "take" eneuch), and eften find that the cushions are nae as responsive as thay are uised tae.[1]
Also baulk-line.[12]:10
A straight line drawn 29 inches (73.66 cm) frae the face o the baulk cushion on a standard 6 × 12 fit snookertable.[1] Its poseetionin varies on ither sizes of tables. Baulk lines mey an aw be drawn on English billiards tables, an even British-style pool tables. The baulk line is an integral pairt of the "D". The baulk line's poseetion is ayeweys determined bi measurement frae the baulk cushion, in contrast tae the seemilar but different head string, the poseetion of which is determined bi the diamonds. Not to be confused with balkline.
Also middle spot in baulk, baulk line spot, middle of the baulk-line spot, etc.[11]:23–24[12]:10
The Spot, uisually unmarked acause of its obviousness at the intersection o the baulk line and long string. As sic, it is an aw the middle o the flat side of the "D". In snooker, same as brown spot.[11]:23–24, 38[12]:10Compare head spot.
bed
The flat surface o a table, exclusive o the cushions.[1][5]:33 The bed is covered with billiard cloth lik the cushions. The playing area o the table consists o the bed except whaur the cushion overhangs the bed, i.e. it is all o the bed atween the cushion noses. Quality beds are made of smooth-ground slate, tho very cheap tables mey uise particle board or plywood. The earliest beds war simply the surfaces o the widden tables on which the game wis played.
Uised in snooker in reference tae the poseetion o the cue ball. It is "below" the object ball if it is off-straight on the top cushion side o the imaginary line for a straight pot (e.g. he will want tae finish ablo the black in order tae gang intae the reds). This mey seem counterintuitive, see above for an explanation.
big
Also bigs, big balls, big ones.
In eight-ball, tae be shooting the striped suit (group) of balls (9 throu 15); "you're big, remember", "you're big balls" or "I've got the big ones".[1]Compare stripes, yellows, high, overs; contrast little.Not to be confused with the carom billiards concept of a big ball.
big ball
A carom billiards metaphor, it refers tae an object ball poseetioned and bein approached in sic a manner that a near miss will rebound off a cushion and still score. It is as if the ball war lairger than normal, makin it easier tae contact. Normally a ball a couple inches frae a rail is a big ball, but anly if bein approached frae an angle and if all the prerequisite rails hae already been contacted. A ball near a corner can effectively be a fit wide.
Not tae be confused with the eight-ball term "the big balls". In aulder British usage the concept wis referred tae as "large ball".[1]See also "big pocket".
big pocket
A pool and occasionally snooker term (inherited frae carom billiards bi wey of "big ball", abuin), it is a metaphor for a shot that is very difficult tae miss pocketing for ony o a nummer of reasons, maist commonly aither acause the object ball is poseetioned sic that a near miss on one side of it will likely cause the cue ball tae rebound intae the object ball off the rail and pocket it anyway, or anither ball is poseetioned sic that if the target ball daes nae gang straight in, it is still likely tae gang in off the ither ball in a kiss. It is as if the pocket, for this one shot, haed acome lairger. The term can an aw refer tae the angle of shot toward a pocket, especially a side pocket; the pocket is said tae be "bigger", for ensaumple, on a shot that is anly a 5-degree angle away frae straight on, than on a 45-degree angle shot which is much mair likely tae hit one o the cushion pynts and bounce away.
billiard
Also billiard shot.
1. Any shot in which the cue ball is caromed off an object ball to strike another object ball (with or without contacting cushions in the interim).[1]
2. In certain carom billiards games such as three-cushion, a successful attempt at making a scoring billiard shot under the rules for that game (such as contacting three cushions with the cue ball while executing the billiard). A failed attempt at scoring would, in this context, not be called "a billiard" by players of such games even if it satisfied the first, more general definition.[5]
billiards
1. In the US, Canada and in many different countries and languages (under various spellings) as well as historically, generally refers to all cue sports;
2. Sometimes refers to just carom games as opposed to pool (especially in the US and Canada);
3. In British terminology, chiefly refers to the game known in the rest of the world as English billiards.
billiards glasses
Billiards glassesAlso pool spectacles, snooker specs, etc.Eyeglasses specially made for cue sports, with taw lenses, set unusually heich, sae that when the heid is lowered over the cue stick for aiming, with the neb pyntin downward, the een can still leuk throu the lenses insteid of over them. Thay are especially popular amang snooker players (notably, 1985 Warld Champion Dennis Taylor).
black ball
Also the black.
1. In snooker, the highest-value colour ball on the table, being worth seven points.[1] It is placed on the black spot.[12]:9 In some (especially American) snooker ball sets, it is numbered "7" on its surface.
1. An unfinished bottom half of a two piece cue (the butt section) with the splice completed, but the cue not yet turned on a lathe to produce the final shape, and certain features having not yet been added such as a wrap, joint mechanism, butt cap, bumper and inlays.[1]:29
2. An unsuccessful inning at the table. Also known as a duck egg, goose egg, cipher or naught.[1]:29
blood test
Ony very difficult shot that must be made unner pressure.[13]
blue ball
Also the blue(s).
1. In snooker, the colour ball worth five points,[1] placed on the blue spot in the centre of the table.[12]:9 In some (especially American) snooker ball sets, it is numbered "5" on its surface.
2. In the eight-ball game variant blackball, also known as eight-ball pool, a differently colored but otherwise identical replacement for the redgroup (i.e., what would be the solids in an American-style pool ball set).[14]
blue spot
The merked spot on a snooker table at which the blue ball is placed. Regairdless of table size, it is at the lengthwise and widthwise centre o the table (i.e. it is the same as the centre spot.[12]:9
body english
The useless but common practice of contorting one's body while a shot is in play, uisually in the direction one wishes a ball or balls tae traivel, as if in the vain hope that this will influence the balls' trajectories; the term is considered humorous.[1]See also English.
bottle
Also shake bottle, pea bottle, pill bottle, tally bottle, kelly bottle.
The bottle uised in various games tae haud numbered peas, it is employed tae assign random spots tae players in a roster (sic as in a toornament), or tae assign random balls tae players o a game (sic as in kelly pool and bottle pool).[1][5]
bottom
1. Chiefly British: The half of the table from which the break shot is taken. This usage is conceptually opposite that in North America, where this end of the table is called the head. Contrast top.See also baulk.
2. Chiefly American: Exactly the opposite of the above – the foot end of the table. No longer in common usage.
Chiefly British: The short rail at the bottom o the table. Tradeetionally this is the rail on which the table manufacturer's logo appears. An aw kent as the baulk rail, especially in snooker. Compare head rail (U.S.); contrast top rail.
A teep of bridge formed atween the thumb and forefinger, creautin a loop for the cue tae pass throu. Principally uised in carom billiards, the term is French for 'curled'.[15]
break
1. Also break shot or break off, as a noun. Typically describes the first shot in most types of billiards games. In carom games it describes the first point attempt, as shot from an unvarying cue ball and object balls placement; in many pool games it describes the first shot, which is used to separate the object balls which have been racked together;[1]
2. A series of consecutive pots by a player during a single inning. Most often applied in snooker and English billiards, e.g., "The player had a break of 89 points".[1][5] (chiefly British; compare US run). See also Maximum break.
Also break and run out.Chiefly American: In pool games, when a player breaks the rackedobject balls, pockets at least one ball on the brak, an commences tae run out the remainin object balls wioot the opponent getting a visit at the table. Hyphenated when uised as an adjective or compound noun insteid o a verbal phrase. See also run the table, rack and run.
break ball
In straight pool, the last object ball left on a table before the remaining fourteen balls must be racked so the player at the table may continue their run. It is called the "break ball" because it is common for players to try to leave this ball in such a position that they may easily pot it and billiard off of it to break open the rack of fourteen balls and continue their run.
break box
Diagram shawin the break box and its relation tae the kitchen aurie and head string.
In European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) nine-ball, the brak box is a zone in the "kitchen" o the head (British: bottom) o the table, frae which the break shot must be taken with the cue ball,[16][17] nae unlik the "D" zone uised in snooker, English billiards and blackball. The brak box consists o the middle 50% o the kitchen aurie, delimited latitudinally bi the head rail (British: bottom rail) and head string (nae the baulk line), and longitudinally bi two parallel lines drawn (on the cloth, or mair eften imaginarily) frae the heid rail diamonds that are closest tae the headcorner pockets, out tae the heid string (see illustration to the right) on aither side. This departure frae WPA Warld Standardised Rules defeats the common brak-frae-the-side-rail technique for pocketing the 9 ball tae win the game on the brak; while 9 ball braks are still possible, thay are much mair difficult unner this rule.[16] This EPBF Euro-Tour requirement wis added in 2008 tae the Europe vs. US all-star team event, the Mosconi Cup, but haes nae otherwise been seen much bi non-Europeans as o 2011.[update]
break down one's cue
Tae tak one's two-piece cue stick apart. When done afore a game's conclusion, it mey indicate that the game is conceded.[1] Different leagues hae different rules on this matter.
bridge
Aither the player's haund or a mechanical bridge uised tae support the shaft end o the cue stick during a shot. An aw the parteecular haund formation uised for this purpose (thare are mony).[1][5]
bridge hand
The haund uised bi a player as a bridge during a normal shot that daes nae involve a mechanical bridge. The brig haund is uisually a player's non-dominant haund.[1]
brown ball
Also the brown.
In snooker, the heichest-value baulk colour, worth fower pynts.[11]:38 It is placed on the brown spot.[11]:38[12]:9 In some (especially American) snooker ball sets, it is numbered "4" on its surface.
The bumper on the bottom o a cue, uisually made frae rubber, which insulates the butt cap frae contact with the floor and greatly reduces noise. The bumper wis first patented in 1880.[1]
burnish
1. To seal the pores of a wooden cue's shaft by rubbing vigorously with some material. Leather is commonly employed for the task, as is paper money.
2. To similarly vigorously rub the edge of a cue tip (especially a new one) to fortify it against mushrooming and ensure that it is perfectly flush with the ferrule.
3. To smooth out minor dents in the shaft with a rigid burnisher.
burnisher
1. A pad, usually of leather, used to burnish (seal the wood pores of) a cue shaft.
2. A rigid tip tool used to finish and harden the sides of a new cue tip.
3. A shaft maintenance tool, most commonly a cylindrical glass rod, used for smoothing minor nicks in the shaft. This is sometimes done after swelling the wood at the nick site with some moist application.
bushka rings
Named efter thair innovator, legendary cuemaker George Balabushka, Bushka rings are decorative bands of material incorporated intae pool cues, commonly juist abuin the wrap aurie, in the form of ebony and ivory blocks, or whiles ither materials, alternating in a checked pattern.[18]
business, doing
Collusion atween matchplay opponents who prearrange who will win a match on which ither fowk's money is wagered, in order tae guarantee a payday.[1]
butt
The bottom portion of a pool cue which is gripped by a player's hand.[1][5]
butt cap
A protective cap mounted on the end o the butt o a cue.
A player's auction at a pool toornament. Each player is cried and players and spectators bid on the player. The heichest bidder(s) pays thair bid tae the calcutta, an bi daein sae invest in that player's success. If a player wins or places in the toornament, thae who "bought" the player receive a percentage o the tot calcutta payout, uisually tracking the percentage payout o the toornament prize fund. teepically, players hae the option of purchasing hauf of themselves when the heich bid is won bi a third pairty. Lik english and scotch doubles, uisually nae capitalized.
call
Ony instance o a player haein tae say what thay are aboot tae dae. For ensaumple, in straight pool a player must call the pocket in which a ball is intendit tae be potted. Mair formal terms, uised in rule beuks and instructional materials, include designate and nominate. Contrast fish, slop.
call-safe
Also called-safe
Applies specifically tae games that enforce "call-pocket/call-safe" rules, which require the player tae aither caw the ball and pocket, or caw a safety on every shot. Efter a legal shot, whaur a cried ball is nae pocketed as designated, the incoming player haes the option tae pass the shot back tae the player who missed the cried shot. If a player calls "safe", then efter a legal shot, the incoming player must accept the next shot, an mey nae pass the shot back tae the player who cried "safe".[20] A caw-shot/caw-safe nine-ball ensaumple: Player A calls the ball-on, the 3 ball in this case, in the corner pocket but misses the shot. The cue ball rolls down table and comes tae rest behind the 5 ball leaving no clear path tae the 3 ball for the incoming player B. Syne player A did nae caw "safe", incoming player B mey elect tae pass the shot back tae player A (who must shoot).
call-shot
Also called-shot; call-pocket or called-pocket.
Describes ony game in which during normal play a player must caw the ball tae be hit an the intendit pocket; "eight-ball is a call-shot game."[5] Whiles referred tae as "call[ed]-pocket", "ball-and-pocket rules", etc., tae distinguish it frae the common North American bar pool practice of requirin every aspect of shots tae be cried, sic as caroms, kicks, and cushions tae be contacted (this is whiles an aw ambiguously referred tae as "call-shot", but mair accurately termed "call-everything" or "call-it-all"). Commonly in bar rules terminology, caw-shot indicates how the shot will be made as compared tae caw-pocket which means simply that the ball must gang intae that pocket, details unnecessary. Tho in games with cried shots technically require all shots tae be cried, obvious shots are seldom actually cried, tho sic implied cried shits must still be made. See also gentlemen's call.
called ball
The ball designated bi a player tae be pocketed on a shot.[5]
called pocket
The pocket designated bi a player tae which a ball is tae be shot.[5]
cannon
British/Australian and whiles Canadian term for carom. Formerly (19t century) whiles spelled canon.[21]
1. Carom came into use in the 1860s and is a shortening of carambola, which was earlier used to describe the red object ball used in many billiards games.[1] In modern usage, the most general meaning of the word refers to any type of strike and rebound,[23] (a carambole) off a cushion or especially a ball.
2. More specifically, short for a carom shot, a cannon in British terminology, in which a point is scored in carom billiards games by careening the cue ball into the two object balls.[5]
3. In pocket games as a general class, carrom or carom shot is sometimes used more loosely, between the above two definitions, to refer to clipping an object ball with the cue ball to attempt to send either or both to desirable locations, not necessarily scoring in the process. In games in which pocketing the cue ball is a goal (e.g. Russian pyramid), carom can refer to sending the cue ball into a pocket after contacting an object ball (called a losing hazard in English billiards, it nevertheless scores points; but it is a foul in snooker, called an in-off, and in pool, called a scratch).
carom angle
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Carrom is a table-top game of India, whiles played with a smaw cue stick tho mair eften with the fingers, in which smaw disks are slid on a game board tae knock ither disks intae pockets cut intae the corners o the board. It is ancestral tae several ither games, includin novuss, pichenotte, pitchnut, crokinole, and Chapayev.
Also centre spot, .
The spot (uisually unmarked, except in snooker)[12]:9 at the geometric centre o the bed o the table.[5] It lies at the intersection o the center string and long string. In snooker, it is mair commonly kent as the blue spot[12]:9 Uncommonly it is an aw cried the middle spot.
centre string
Also center string.
The (usually unmarked) line bisecting the centers of the two long rails (and of the side [Brit.: centre] pockets if any) and the center spot. It thus runs widthwise (i.e. the short way) across the center of the table. Its intersection with the long string, running lengthwise down the middle of the table, defines the position of the center spot.
A player with her brig haund close tae the centre pocket
centre pocket
In the UK, one o the two pockets one aither side o a pool, snooker or English billiards table halfway up the long rails. Thay are cut shallower than corner pockets acause thay hae a 180 degree aperture, insteid of 90 degrees. An aw whiles cried a middle pocket. Thir terms are nae generally uised in the US, whaur side pocket prevails.
In snooker, English billiards and ither British usage, a break of 100 pynts or mair, which involves potting at least 26 balls consecutively, in snooker, but can be earned via a combination of scoring techniques in English billiards, etc. A century an aw means scoring 100+ pynts in a single turn in straight pool. A century of centuries is the achievement of 100 or mair century braks in a career, a feat few players hae performed tae date. See also double century.
chalk
A powdered substance placed on a cue's tip tae increase its friction and tharebi decrease slippage atween the tip and cue ball. Cue "chalk" is nae chalk (calcium carbonate), but a compound of silica and aluminium oxide. Chalk is sauld in compressed, dyed (commonly blue) cubes wrapped on five sides with a paper label, an is applee'd (properly) in a manner seemilar tae lipstick on the mooth. Chalk is essential tae shots involvin spin; failure tae uise it frequently during a game is likely tae lead tae miscuing.[1]:44–45 Modren cue chalk wis co-invented bi pro player William A. Spinks and engineer William Hoskins.[24][25]See also talc, often incorrectly referred to as "hand chalk".
chasing one's money
The inability of some players tae stap gambling ance thay hae lost money acause thay "have" tae get thair money back.
cheat the pocket
Tae aim at an object ball sic that it will enter one side or the ither, rather than the center, o a pocket (and possibly striking the facing o the pocket then rebounding intae the pocket). This permits the cue ball tae strike the object ball at a different contact pynt than the maist obvious one. Cheating the pocket is employed for position play, tae allou a ball tae pass anither partially obscuring the path tae the pocket, an tae prevent scratches on dead-straight shots in cases whaur draw is nae desirable (or mey nae be dependable, e.g. acause of distance frae the pocket or smash-through).[26] The amount of pocket cheatability available varies widely bi game, due tae equipment differences. Pool haes wide and sicweys very "cheatable" pockets, while snooker and Russian pyramid hae pockets barely wide eneuch tae admit a ball and therefore little room for error or for pocket-cheating.
check side
an aw checkside or check is a teep of spin imparted tae the cue ball tae mak it rebound frae a cushion at a shallower angle than it wad if the spin haed nae been uised. Normally played when the naitural angle is no good tae the player for the next shot.[1]:48
chesney
Whiles kent as a "Chesney Allen", a slicht indentation in the table's slate which can add behavioral aspects tae ony ball passing over it. Tables containing a chesney are legal for match play, but are generally avydit bi serious and professional players.
chinese snooker
Cheenese snooker on the reid ball
A situation whaur the cue ball is directly in front of anither ball in the line o the shot sic that the player is hampered bi it, haein tae bridge over it awkwardly with the likelihood o a foul looming if the object ball is inadvertently touched.[27] The term is maist common in the game of snooker but is uised in US parlance.
chuck nurse
Kent as a rocking cannon in British terminology.
A teep of nurse uised in carom billiards games. With one object ball frozen (British: tight) tae a cushion an the seicont object ball a few inches away frae the cushion, the cue ball is gently rebounded off the frozen ball nae muivin it, but with juist eneuch speed tae meet the ither object ball which rocks in place, but daes nae chynge poseetion. Developed tae thwart the restrictions emplaced bi the Parker's box.[11]:8[28]
choke
Tae commit errors while shooting, especially at the money ball, due tae pressure.[1]:50See also dog, one-stroke.
cinch a ball
Tae play a shot with the stroke and speed that maks it easiest tae pocket the object ball, even at the expense of sacrificing poseetion.[6]
cinch a pocket
Tae maneuver a ball on a shot sae that it will be favorably poseetioned for later play intae a parteecular pocket, even at the expense of sacrificing poseetion or the inning tae achieve that result.[6]
cinch position
Tae play a shot uisin a mair difficult application of stroke and speed tae achieve a certaint desired poseetion for the next shot, even at the expense of or sharply increasin the likelihood o a miss.[6]
clean
1. Chiefly British. Describing a pot that goes straight into the pocket without touching either knuckle.
2. Chiefly American. Describing a shot in bar pool: the pocketing of an object ball in a manner such that the target object ball does not kiss any other object ball, and is not banked, kicked, caromed, or combo'd in, and without double-kissing, though it may hit the knuckles, and depending upon local bar-rules may be allowed to contact either of the cushions, not just at the knuckle, that run into the target pocket. Usage example: "The 7 in that corner, clean". Usage can be narrower, to indicate clean other than as already specified, e.g. "bank the 7 in that corner, clean".
clearance
In snooker and British blackball, the successfu potting of all object balls-on in a single frame. A player is said tae hae "cleared up" or tae hae "cleared the table". An aw, if a snooker player compiles a break consisting of all 15 reds with colours, then the colours in sequence, this is kent as a "total clearance". Compare break and run.
cling
Phenomenon whaur two balls, (uisually the cue ball and an object ball) hae some foreign material (eften residual chalk or dirt picked up frae unbrushed cloth) atween them at the pynt of contact, resultin in the struck object ball bein thrown offline frae the expected trajectory, an eften an aw affecting the post-impact path o the cue ball. A teepical precaution against cling is tae ask for the cue ball and/or object ball tae be cleaned bi the referee in order tae remove chalk that is already on the ball prior tae the shot. The table cloth should an aw be clean. Houiver, no precaution can ward against cling resultin frae chalk transferred frae the cue tip tae the cue ball during a single shot. Coincidental cling can therefore cause unpredictable play and occasionally lead tae rudimentary shots bein missed at even the heichest levels o the game.[29] "Cling" (and derived wirds lik "clung", "clinger", "clinging", etc.) mey be uised as a mass noun, less commonly as a count noun, as a verb, an rarely as an adjective ("cling is annoying", "two clings in one frame", "they clung", "unintentional cling shot", respectively). Also known as skid, or in the UK, kick (sense 2).See also dead ball, sense 2.
closed bridge
Also loop bridge.
A brig formed bi the haund whaur a finger (normally the index finger) is curved over the cue stick an the ither fingers are spread on the cloth providin solit support for the cue stick's direction. A closed brig is less common in snooker play than in ither games.[1]:52–3Compare Open bridge.
cloth
The baize cloth covering the tables playin surface and rails, uisually made frae oo or a oo-nylon blend. In uise syne the 15t century, cloth is tradeetionally green-coloured, chosen for its evocation of gress. Whiles cloth is improperly referred tae as "felt." The properties o the cloth uised tae kiver a table, as well as environmental conditions that can affect it—notably humidity, the degree it haes been stretched when installed, an its level of cleanness—hae a profound effect on play.[1]:53See also fast.
Two or mair object balls that are touching or are close thegither. Mair rare uses o the term include the intendit action o a gather shot, and a run of pynts.[1]:53
cocked-hat double
Also cocked hat double.
A term applee'd especially in snooker for a teep of double off three cushions, e.g. aroond the baulk colours and intae a centre pocket. Sic a shot is very difficult tae mak and wad nae normally be played as anything mair nor a shot for nothing.
collar
The protector o the joint o the cue on the jynt end o the butt and shaft (i.e., the butt collar and shaft collar respectively). Most modren cues uise collars of steel and/or ither materials, but carom billiards cues uisually hae a collarless wid-on-wid jynt,[30] as dae "sneaky petes".
Deflection of an object ball's path away frae the impact line o a cut shot, caused bi sliding friction atween the cue ball an the object ball. One o the two types of throw.
colour ball
A complete set of snooker balls with 15 red balls, six coloured balls and cue ball.
Also coloured ball(s), colour(s); American spelling color sometimes also used.
1. In snooker, any of the object balls that are not reds. A colour ball must be potted after each red in the continuation of a break, and are re-spotted until the reds run out, after which the colours must be potted in their order:
Although the full term includes "ball" after the colour, they are most commonly referred to with the omission of "ball", just stating the colour (e.g. "he's taken five blacks with reds so far").
Also combination shot, combo.
Ony shot in which the cue ball contacts an object ball, which in turn hits one or mair additional object balls (which in turn mey hit yet faur object balls) tae send the last-hit object ball tae an intendit place, uisually a pocket.[5] In the UK this is eften referred tae as a plant.
contact point
The pynt on each of two balls at which thay touch at the moment of impact.[5]
containing safety
A teep of safety shot in the middle o a safety exchange that is nae intendit tae put the opponent in a difficult situation regarding thair next safety, but rather played sae as tae nae leave an easy pot on. A teepical ensaumple in snooker, which sees the maist shots of this kynd, is a slow roll-up intae the pack.
corner-hooked
When the corner lip o a pocket blocks the path o the cue ball frae contacting an intendit object ball. Interchangeable with "tittie-hooked".[5]
corner pocket
Ony o the fower pockets in each corner o a pool or snooker table. Thay hae a 90 degree aperture and as sic are cut deeper than centre pockets, which hae 180 degree apertures.
count
1. A successfu shot or score; mair common in carom games.[5]
2. The running score during a game inning whaur multiple successive pynts hae been made.[5]
cotgrave
Similar tae fluke whereby a shot is played with seemingly no aim tae a pot or snooker but ends up with the desired outcome.
counter rack
Also counting rack, counter ball rack,[11]:187 etc.
A teep of nurse shot uised in English billiards in which two coloured balls are poseetioned on aither side o the mooth o a snooker table pocket but nae touching and, sicweys placed, can be successively contacted and scored off over and over bi the cue ball wioot muivin them. The cradle cannon's first kent uise wis bi Walter Lovejoy in 1907. The unofficial record uisin the shot is held bi Tom Reece who in 1907, over the course o a month, scored 499,135 pynts uisin the cradle cannon afore stopping wioot missing. This feat prompted the Billiards Association tae outlaw the shot. The offeecial record is held bi William Cook with 42,746 pynts scored.[1]:62Compare anchor nurse.
creep
Deviation o a ball frae its initial direction of traivel. Eften the result o a poor-quality table and mey be an artifact o the cloth, the bed, a ball with uneven wecht distribution, or simply the floor the table stands on bein uneven. It should nae be confused with the nap o the cloth.
cribbage
A set of paired balls in the game of cribbage pool that hae a nummer value which combined equal 15. For ensaumple, the 8 ball an the 7 ball added thegither equal 15 and sicweys constitute one cribbage if pocketed in succession.[31]
cross
Cross rakeAlso cross rake or jigger. A teep of rest, with a straight shaft and "x"-shaped heid for restin the cue upon.
cross-corner
A bank shot that rebounds frae a cushion intae a corner pocket across the table.[5]
A bank shot that rebounds frae a cushion and intae a side pocket.[5]
crotch
The corner formed bi the rails on a carom billiards table. In modren straight rail rules, anly three counts mey be made while baith object balls are inside the boundaries o the crotch afore one ball must be driven away. The boundaries of each o the fower crotch auries are measured bi drawing a line frae the first diamond on the end rail tae the seicont diamond on the long rail.[5]
1. Noun:Also cue stick. A stick, usually around 55 to 60 inches in length with a tip made of a material such as leather on the end and sometimes with a joint in the middle, which is used to propel billiard balls.
Chiefly British: The posture and timing uised bi players on thair shots, eften indicative of how thay play in thair shot selection. A fast, naitural player wad tend tae be mair aggressive whauras a less naturally gifted player might hae a slow action and tend tae be mair conservative on the table. It is widely thocht that better snooker players get lawer tae the table with thair chins on the cue, hae a straight back leg, thair elbow hinging in line with the shot, an a straight follae-throu efter the cue ball haes been struck.[citation needit]
cue ball
Also cue-ball, cueball.
The ball in nearly ony cue sport, teepically white in color, that a player strikes with a cue stick.[5] Whiles referred tae as the "white ball", "whitey" or "the rock".[32]For more information, see the billiard ball main article.
In Russian pyramid, the cue ball is uisually reid, but ony ball can be uised as a cue ball, with the exception of dynamic pyramid variant.
1. A portable device for holding cues upright and at the ready for immediate use. The most common types are either weighted and placed on a table top, with semicircular cut-outs into which cues may lean, or clamping varieties that firmly affix to a table and which have clips or holes into which cues are placed for added security.
A chiefly British term describing the amount of control a player can retain when playin shots with hivy spin and great pace; "it took tremendous cue power to get onto the 2 ball having been relatively straight on the 1".
The elastic bumpers mounted on all rails o a billiards table, uisually made frae rubber or synthetic rubber, frae which the balls rebound.[5]
cut shot
Technically, ony shot that is nae a center-tae-center hit, but awmaist ayeweys employed when describing a shot that haes mair nor a slicht degree of angle.[5]For specific cushion parts, see: facing, knuckle, and nose.
A semicircle with an 111⁄2-inch (291 mm) radius, drawn behind a snooker table's baulk line, centred on the middle of the line, and resembling the upper case letter "D" in shape. The "D" is also used in English billiards and sometimes also in blackball and other pool games played on British-style tables.[5]
dart stroke
A short and loose stroke performed in a manner similar to the way one throws a dart; usually employed for a jump shot. See also nip draw.
dead
When two or more object balls are frozen or nearly frozen to each other, such that cue-ball contact with one object ball, without the necessity of great accuracy, will almost certainly pocket an intended object ball in the cluster. The most common form of dead arrangements are the dead combination or dead combo (a combination shot in which contact with the first object ball will pocket another one), and the dead kiss, in which contact with the first object ball will pocket it off of another one. See also wired.
2. A ball that has been used for some time, with a dirty surface, as opposed to a slick new (or highly polished used) ball.[19] A spinning dead ball will transfer more spin to other balls it comes into contact with, and not be as fast on the cloth. Even cut shot angles may be affected because of the cling or skid (British: kick) effect, and professional players often ask a referee to clean a ball, mid-game.[citation needit] Others may actually be more used to dead balls and prefer them.[19]
A cushion that has either lost a degree of elastic resiliency or is not firmly bolted to the frame, in both cases causing balls to rebound with less energy than is normal.
dead stroke
When a player is playing flawlessly, just "cannot miss" and the game seems effortless.
deadweight
Describing a pot played at such a pace as to just reach the pocket and drop in without hitting the back.
deflection
Displacement of the cue ball's path away from the parallel line formed by the cue stick's direction of travel; occurs every time english is employed. The degree of deflection increases as the amount of english applied increases. It is also called squirt, typically in the United States. The physics of the squirt or deflection phenomenon has been analyzed in other contexts, such as with ice-hockey pucks.[33][34]Squirt has also been applied metaphorically in sports journalism and the gaming press to describe the escape of a ball or puck from player control.[35][36] However, it remains primarily a cue sports technical term, and does not appear to be frequently used as jargon in football, hockey, or other sports.
deliberate foul
A shot, especially common in straight pool and in some variants of blackball (but not WEPF/EPA rules[7]), in which a player intentionally commits a foul with the object in mind of either leaving the opponent with little chance of running out or simply to avoid shooting where no good shot is presented and to do anything else would give the opponent an advantage. It is often referred to in straight pool as a "back scratch."
To move a ball (usually deliberately) from a safe position, e.g. close to the middle of a cushion or in a cluster, so that it becomes pottable.
diamond
1. A manufacturer's sample board showing various styles of diamond inlays for billiard tables.One of a number of identical markings, usually inlaid into the surface above the rail cushions, used as target or reference points. Three equally spaced diamonds are normally between each pocket on a pool table. On a carom table, the pockets themselves are replaced by additional diamonds. Diamonds get their name from the shape of the markings traditionally used; though many today are round, square, etc., these rail markings are still referred to as "diamonds". They are also referred to as sights, especially in British English. (See also diamond system.)
2. An artistic pool term for a category of trick shots; artistic pool is divided into eight disciplines, and APTSA tournaments present both discipline-specific and all-around awards.[37]
An indentation in the cloth of the table, especially at the foot spot where the apex ball is often tapped into secure position during racking. In extreme cases, the indentation may actually be in the slate bed of the table, from excessive tapping over many years, and can cause unexpected table rolls. A racking template is used to intentionally create minor divots for all of the balls in a rack.
dog
Also dog it.
1. A widespread term in US parlance describing missing a relatively easy shot—often in the face of pressure. Can be used in many forms: "I dogged the shot"; "I hope he dogs it"; "I'm such a dog."[6][38]See also choke, one-stroke.
2. Same as slop shot (chiefly Southern US, colloquial).
dots
In chiefly UK parlance, the non-striped ball group of a fifteen ball set that are numbered 1 through 7 and have a solid color scheme. Compare solids, reds, low, small, little, spots, unders; contrast stripes.
Also double-century break.
In English billiards, a break of 200–299 points (i.e. double a century).[39] Larger multi-centuries are regularly achieved. Rare in amateur play, triple centuries are routine (and quadruples not uncommon) at World Professional Billiards Championships; 2007 winner Mike Russell shot four triples in the final round alone, while of sixteen competitors, three shot quadruple centuries (one once, one twice, and Russell three times). Quintuple centuries are rare even at the professional level, with only the 494 shot by nine-time world champion Russell (who has more such titles than any other player in history as of 2007) coming close in that event.[40] As o 2007,[update] Peter Gilchrist holds the world record, with a tredecuple century of 1346 consecutive points.[41]
A tournament format in which a player must lose two matches in order to be eliminated.[5]Contrast single-elimination.
double hit
An illegal shot (foul) in which the cue stick's tip contacts the cue ball twice during a single stroke. Double hits often occur when a player shoots the cue ball when it is very close to an object ball or cushion, because it is difficult to move the cue stick away quickly enough after the cue ball rebounds from the cushion or object ball.[1][5]
double kiss
A situation in which a ball strikes another ball which is close to a rail and the struck ball rebounds back into the ball it was hit by; usually but not always unintended.[6][38]
double shimmed
A pool table where two shims have been placed on the sides of each pocket (in the jaws beneath the cloth), making the pockets "tighter" (smaller). Such tables are "tougher" than unshimmed or single-shimmed tables.
double the rail
Sometimes called a snake shot. A carom billiards shot, common in three-cushion billiards, where the cue ball is shot with reverse english at a relatively shallow angle down the rail, and spins backwards off the adjacent rail back into the first rail.[5]
A form of team play in which two players compete against another team of two players in any given frame or match. In a doubles game, the first player from the breaking team is the only one who shoots during the opening inning, with control of the table passing to a member of the opposing team at the end of that inning, then upon the end of the opponent's inning to the doubles partner of the original player, and next to the second opponent, play proceeding in this doubly alternating manner until concluded. Contrast Scotch doubles.
Also downtrou.
A traditional informal (pub pool and university student) rule, in blackball and eight-ball in Australia and New Zealand, is the "down-trou" or "pantsing" requirement: One who loses without pocketing any of one's own object balls is expected to honor this humiliation by dropping one's pants[42] (or skirt). Such a player may be said to have been "pantsed". Depending on local tradition, the loser may be expected hobble a full lap around the pool table with one's pants around one's ankles, or even fully naked.[citation needit] The "down-trou" term seems favoured in New Zealand, and "pantsing/pantsed" in Australia. [whit? clarification needit] This seems to be an outgrowth of a university hazing practice called debagging or pantsing.
drag shot
A shot played slowly and with heavy draw and follow-through so that the cue ball can be struck firmly but with a lot of the pace taken out, allowing more control than just a gentle tap that would travel as far. Also called "Drag Draw".
draw
Also known as back spin, a type of spin applied to the cue ball by hitting it below its equator, causing it to spin backwards even as it slides forward on the cloth. Back spin slows the cue ball down, reduces its travel, and narrows both the carom angle after contact with an object ball, and angle of reflection off a cushion. There are several variant terms for this, including "bottom" and "bottom spin" in the US and "screw" in the UK. Draw is thought to be the first spin technique understood by billiards players prior to the introduction of leather tips, and was in use by the 1790s.[1]See illustration at spin.
draw shot
A shot in which the cue ball is struck below its equator with sufficient draw to make it reverse direction at the moment of contact with an object ball because it is still back-spinning.[1] When the object and cue balls are lined up square, the reversal will be directly backwards, while on a cut shot, the effect will alter the carom angle. It can also refer to any shot to which draw is applied, as in "draw it off the foot rail just to the left of the center diamond". See illustration at spin.
Netted or cupped pockets that do not return the balls to the foot end of the table by means of a gutter system or sloped surface beneath (they must instead be retrieved manually).[5]
dry break
A break shot in pool on which zero object balls are potted
duck
1. (Noun): Derived from "sitting duck", usually referring to an object ball sitting close to a pocket or so positioned that is virtually impossible to miss. Same as hanger (US, colloquial), sitter (UK).
To intentionally lose a game, e.g. to disguise one's actual playing ability.[9] An extreme form of sandbagging. See also hustle.See also Match fixing for the synonym "tank", used in sports more generally.
One of several games ultimately derived from a game called B.B.C. Company pool, promulgated by the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company from around 1900 to the 1920s. They have in common the use of a rack of fifteen object balls and a single cue ball, a hard break from behind the head string or baulk line, and a goal of pocketing (potting) all of one's own suit of balls then finally the black 8 ball. There are three general types of this game:
eight-ball, an originally American and now internationally standardized professional version, also subject to competitive team play in numerous leagues. It is the most-played form of competition pool in the world, though not for professionals, among whom nine-ball dominates. Uses a set of striped and solid numbered balls. Ball-and-pocket are called for each shot, with fouls (faults) resulting in cue ball in-hand for the opponent, anywhere on the table.
blackball a.k.a. eightball pool, an originally British variant, also favoured in many Commonwealth countries, and parts of Continental Europe, with amateur and professional leagues. The two names reflect slightly variant rulesets, which differ primarily in handling of faults (fouls). Shots are not called. Uses a set of yellow and red balls. Pub pool usually consists of minor local variations on one of these two standardised rule sets.
"straight eight" a.k.a. bar pool, a widely divergent set of variations on standard eight-ball, and also using the stripes-and-solids ball set. Usually requires a very strict version of called-shot play, in which every aspect of a shot must be pre-specified, including kisses, caroms, kicks, and banks, with loss of turn resulting from any deviation. Outright fouls (faults) result in cue ball in-hand for the opponent, behind the head string only. Rules may vary from venue to venue even within the same city. These variants arose primarily to drag out the game on coin-operated tables ("bar boxes"). In North America, many casual recreational players are unaware any other form of pool exists beyond bar pool.
end rail
Either of the two shorter rails of a billiards table.
english
Chiefly American: Also known as side spin, english (which is usually not capitalized)[43] is spin placed on the cue ball when hit with the cuetip to the left or right of the ball's center. English has a marked effect on cue ball rebound angle off cushions (though not off object balls), and is thus crucial for gaining shape; and can be used to "throw" an object ball slightly off its otherwise expected trajectory, to cheat the pocket, and for other effects. "English" is sometimes used more inclusively, to colloquially also refer to follow and draw. In combination one could say bottom-right english, or like the face of a clock (4 o'clock english).[5] The British and Irish do not use this term, instead preferring "side". See illustration at spin.
equator
The horizontal plane directly in the center of the cue ball, which when hit exactly by the cue tip should impart no follow or draw.
1. Any mechanical aid that serves to extend the length of the player's cue, normally added to the end of the butt either by clipping around the end or screwing into the base. Though extensions are used for pool, it is more common in snooker because of the significantly larger table size.
2. In a tournament where players get limited time to make their shots (common in televised matches), an extension is extra time granted before making a shot; players have a limited number of extensions in each frame.
Also cushion face.[12]:9
The protrusion of the playing edge of the cushion from the rail over the bed of the table.[12]:9 The furthest-protruding point of the face is known as the nose of the cushion. The playing area of the table is the space between the faces (technically, the noses) of the cushions.[12]:9
facing
A comparison of the pocket facings of (left-to-right): an American pool table (side pocket); a British-style snooker table (corner pocket); and a Russian pyramid table (side pocket).The facings of a pocket are the portions of the rail cushions that line the jaws of the pocket. Facings vary widely by game. Pool facings are flat and angled rather wide, on pockets notably larger than the balls, to act much like the backboard in basketball, in that a shot can be directed into the facing to cause it to angle off the facing into the pocket. They are reinforced with plastic shims between the cushion rubber and the cloth, to reduce wear and tear. Snooker facings are curved and not angled, providing a smooth transition between the rails and the pockets, which are not much wider than the balls, thus preventing any backboard effect (snooker shots must be almost perfectly straight in). The facings in Russian billiards are even more challenging, being straight and angled inward rather than outward, which results in the knuckles of the pocket, barely wide enough to accept a ball, rejecting any but the most accurate shots.
fall
1. Verb, passive, intransitive: For a ball to be pocketed. "The 8 ball fell early, so the game was over quickly."
2. Noun: The curved edge cut into the table bed at which the hole of the pocket actually begins inside the pocket jaws.[44]:4 The fall may be a sheer drop, as on tournament-standard snooker tables, or have a beveled, down-sloping rim, as on pool tables. A ball is, of course, much more likely to hang when there is no bevel. How far into the pocket the fall begins is one factor that determines "pocket speed" or difficulty.
fast
1. Describes a billiard table with tightly woven and broken-in (but clean) cloth (baize), upon which the balls move quicker and farther.[1]:53See table speed for more information.
2. Producing lively action; said of cushions or of the balls, in addition to the above, cloth-related definition.[11]:96
3. Unusually accepting of balls; said of pockets; see pocket speed (sense 1) for more information.
"Slow" is the direct opposite of "fast" in all of these usages.
Same as foul (chiefly British, and declining in usage; even the WPA and WEFP blackball rules use "foul").
feather
Also feather shot.
A very thin cut shot in which the cue ball just brushes the edge of an object ball. "Feather" by itself can be both noun and verb (e.g. "feathering the ball").[4]:238[5]See also snick.
felt
Same as cloth (deprecated; it is factually incorrect, as felt is a completely different kind of cloth from baize).
2. A person who loses money gambling and keeps coming back for more;
3. Sometimes, a poor player;
4. As a verb, either to hit the balls hard with no intention in mind other than to get lucky and perhaps scatter the balls a bit more ("hit-and-hope"), or to shoot hard at the money ball with the same intention ("smash-and-pray"). Compare slop and fluke; contrast mark (sense 3) and call.
flagrant foul
A foul where the rules are blatantly, intentionally violated; in contexts in which this qualifies as unsportsmanlike conduct, a stiffer penalty may apply (e.g. loss of frame) than normal for a foul.
flat-back pack
In snooker, a situation during a frame in which the first line of the remaining reds grouped together, where the original pack was, are in a straight horizontal line. This has implications when opening the pack, as a full-ball contact off the top cushion will usually cause the cue-ball to stick to the red and fail to develop a potting opportunity.
fluke
A shot that has an ostensibly positive outcome for the player, although it was not what the player intended. Examples of flukes include an unexpected pot off several cushions or other balls having missed the pocket aimed for, or a lucky safety position after having missed a shot. Many players are apologetic after a fluke, and in most games such an accident is a loss of turn. Some rule sets (most notably those of nine-ball and related games generally, and the eight-ball rules of the American Poolplayers Association and its affiliates) count flukes as valid, point-making shots. Compare fish and slop; contrast mark (sense 3) and call.
follow
The forward rotation of the cue ball that results from a follow shot. Also known as top spin or top, follow is applied to the cue ball by hitting it above its equator, causing it to spin more rapidly in the direction of travel than it would simply by rolling on the cloth from a center-ball hit. Follow speeds the cue ball up, and widens both the carom angle after contact with an object ball, and angle of reflection off a cushion. See illustration at spin.
follow shot
A shot in which the cue ball is struck above its equator with sufficient top spin to cause the cue ball to travel forward after it contacts an object ball. When a cue ball with follow on it contacts an object ball squarely (a center-to-center hit), the cue ball travels directly forward through the space previously occupied by the object ball (and can sometimes even be used to pocket a second ball). By contrast, on a cut shot, a cue ball with follow on it will first travel on the tangent line after striking the object ball, and then arc forward, widening the carom angle.[5]See illustration at spin.
follow-through
On a shot, the extension of the cue stick through the cue ball position during the end of a player's stroke in the direction originally aimed.[5]
foot
Chiefly American: The half of the table in which the object balls are racked (in games in which racked balls are used). This usage is conceptually opposite that in British English, where this end of the table is called the top. Contrast head.
The point on the table surface over which the apex ball of a rack is centered (in most games). It is the point half the distance between the long rails' second diamonds from the end of the racking end of the table. The foot spot is the intersection of the foot string and the long string, and is typically marked with a cloth or paper decal on pool tables.[5]Contrast head spot.
foot string
An imaginary line running horizontally across a billiards table from the second diamond (from the foot end of the table) on one long rail to the corresponding second diamond on the other long rail. The foot string intersects the long string at the foot spot. It is rarely drawn on the table.[5]
A powerful follow shot with a high degree of top spin on it; usually when the object ball being hit is relatively close to the cue ball and is being hit very full;[5] also known as "prograde top spin" or "prograde follow" (when referring to the action on the shot rather than the shot per se), and as a "jenny" in Australia.
Sometimes interchangeable with scratch, though the latter is often used only to refer to the foul of pocketing the cue ball.
A violation of a particular game's rules for which a set penalty is imposed. In many pool games the penalty for a foul is ball-in-hand anywhere on the table for the opponent. In some games such as straight pool, a foul results in a loss of one or more points. In one-pocket, in which a set number of balls must be made in a specific pocket, upon a foul the player must return a ball to the table. In some games, three successive fouls in a row is a loss of game. In straight pool, a third successive foul results in a loss of 16 points (15 plus one for the foul).[5]
A term especially used in snooker and blackball[7] but also in the US for each rack from the break off until a clearance, losing foul or concession has been made. A match is made up of several frames. See also game (sense 1), which has a slightly broader meaning.
frame ball
Same as game ball (chiefly in snooker and blackball). The term is sometimes used figuratively, to refer to the last difficult shot required to win.
free ball
Also free shot.Freeball situation. Red is snookered, Blue can be called.
A situation where a player has fouled, leaving the opponent snookered. In UK eight-ball this would normally give the opponent the option of one of two plays: (1) ball-in-hand with two shots; (2) being allowed to contact, or even pot, a ball other than one from his/her set from the snookered position (although the black may not be potted), with the loss of the first shot. In addition, some variations of the game allow the player to pot one of the opposition's balls, on the first visit only, without the loss of a "free shot".
In snooker it allows a player to call any ball as the ball she/he would have wanted to play, potting it for the same number of points, or the opponent can be put back in without the same privilege, having to play the ball snookered on. The definition of snooker on this occasion means the opponent cannot strike both extreme edges of the object ball (or a cluster of touching balls).
free stroking
1. Pocketing well and quickly but without much thought for position play.
To dedicate a set amount of money that a gambling match will be played to; no one may quit until one player or the other has won the "frozen up" funds.
frozen
Chiefly American: A resting ball that is in actual contact with a cushion or with one or more other balls is said to be "frozen" (or, colloquially, "froze") to that cushion or the touching ball(s).[4]:239[5](For frozen combination/combo, frozen kiss, etc., that is almost impossible to miss, see the more common variants under dead). The chiefly British "tight" is equivalent to "frozen", but only applied to frozen/tight to a cushion, not to another ball. For situations in which the cue ball is frozen to an object ball, different rule sets have different approaches. In some, the cue ball must be addressed with the cue at an angle at least 45 degrees divergent from an imaginary line running through the center of the balls, to minimize chances of a push shot. In snooker (and some British pool rules), this is called a touching ball, and the cue ball must be shot away from the object ball without the latter moving.
full
Also full-ball.
A type of contact between two balls from which no or little angle is created between their paths; the contact required to pot a straight shot. It is commonly used in reference to how much of an object ball a player can see with the cue ball: "Can you hit that full?".
1. Play, from the opening break shot until one player has won (or the game has been halted for some reason by a referee). Games are the units that make up matches, races (in some senses of that term) and rounds. Essentially the same as frame, except with regards to straight pool, which is a multi-rack game.
2. An identifiable, codifiable set of rules. pool is not a game, but a class of games. Nine-ball is a game.
3. Note: There are also slang usages, such as "to have game" (to be a good player, as in "he['s] got game") and "to be game" (to be willing to play or to gamble, as in "yeah, I'm game, so let's see what you've got"). But these usages are not particular to cue sports.
To give a handicap to an opponent where they have to win a specified number fewer games than the other player in order to triumph in the match.[45]:281, 292 The name refers to posting games on the scorekeeping mechanism known as a wire or scoring string, though the phrase may still be employed when no actual use of the particular device is available or intended.
gapper
An agreement between two players in a tournament, one of whom will advance to a guaranteed money prize if the match is won, to give a certain percentage of that money to the loser of the match. Also known as a saver.[6]
gather shot
In the carom games, any shot where the end result is all the balls near each other; ideally, in position for the start of a nurse on the next stroke.[5]
general average
Abr. = GA, term from carom billiards. The number indicates the overall relation between the points and innings (points ÷ innings = GA) a player has made throughout the whole tournament. E. g. 125 points in 56 innings is a GA of 2.232, Higher numbers indicate better players
gentlemen's call
Also gentleman's call.
An informal approach to the "call-everything" variation of call-shot, common in bar pool. Obvious shots, such as a straight-on or near-straight shot for which the shooter is clearly aiming and which could not be mistaken for another shot, need not be called. Bank shots, kicks, caroms and combinations are usually less obvious and generally must be called, though this may depend upon the mutual skill level and shot selection perception of the players. An opponent has the right to ask what the shooter's intention is, if this is unclear.
ghost ball
A common aiming method in which a phantom ball is imagined frozen to the object ball at the point where an imaginary line drawn between their centers is aimed at the desired target; the cue ball may then be shot at the center of the "ghost" ball and, ideally, impact the object ball at the proper aiming contact point.[6] The ghost ball method of aiming results in misses where adjustment is not made for collision induced throw.
go off
Describes the propensity of a player losing small sums of money at gambling to suddenly sharply increase the stakes; often continuing to lose until broke. Compare Chasing one's money.
Colloquial term for an unusually large, heavy cue ball made of the same phenolic resin or other modern, resilient plastic as the object balls. "Grapefruit" cue balls are frequently found on older coin-operated bar tables that do not have magnetic ball-return mechanisms. As with excessively dense, ceramic "rock" cue balls, the ball return works because the cue ball is considerably heavier than, and thereby distinguishable from, the object balls. Unlike "rocks", grapefruit balls are not prone to excessive equipment wear and tear. But because of their unusually large size, they have a very strong effect on the tangent line and thus on the accuracy of cut shots. Their weight also has a notable effect on play, as they are somewhat more difficult to draw (screw), stop and stun compared to standard and magnetic cue balls, but not to the extent of the much less resilient rock balls. Like rocks, grapefruits do generate a large amount of smash-through.
green
1. Nearly table-length distance between the cue ball and target object ball, or between an object ball and target pocket, i.e. a potentially difficult shot due to distance ("you sure left me a lot of green on that one")
2. The cloth covering the table ("oh no, you just ripped the green")
3. The green ball ("that was a great shot on the green")
4. Money ("I won a lot of green last night from that wannabe hustler")
green ball
Also the green.
In snooker, the colour ball that is worth three points, being the second-least valuable colour behind the yellow.[11]:116 It is one of the baulk colours, and is placed on the green spot.[11]:116[12]:10 In some (especially American) snooker ball sets, it is numbered "3" on its surface.
green spot
The spot (usually not specially marked because it is obvious) on a snooker table at which the green ball is placed. Regardless of table size, it is the intersection of the "D" and the balk line on the breaker's left side.[11]:116[12]:10 The left-to-right order of the green, brown and yellow balls is the subject of the mnemonic phrase "God bless you".[11]:115
1. The way in which a player holds the butt end of the cue stick.[5]
2. The wrap of the cuestick where the hand is placed, also known as the "grip area."[5]
group
Same as suit, predominantly in British terminology, i.e., in eight-ball either of the set of seven balls (reds or yellows) that must be cleared before pottingthe black. Generally used in the generic, especially in rulesets or articles, rather than colloquially by players.[7]
Half-ball strikingA shot aimed so that the center of the cue ball is in line with the edge of the object ball, eclipsing half of the ball. "Hit it just a little thinner than half-ball." Assuming a cling does not occur, the shot will impart post-contact momentum on the object ball in a direction 30° (which is , where is the fraction of object ball eclipsed: 1⁄2 in this case) off the direction of the cue-ball's pre-contact momentum. Also notable because the carom angle the cue ball takes is more consistent than at other contact points.
half-century
In snooker and other British usages, a break of 50–99 points (100 points or more being called a century), which involves potting at least 12 consecutive balls (i.e. the last 3 reds with at least 2 blacks and a pink, followed by all the colours).
Modification of the rules and/or scoring of a game to enable players of variable abilities to compete on a more even playing field.[5] Examples of handicapping include spotting balls and giving games on the wire to an opponent. In league play, common forms of handicapping include awarding compensating points to a lesser-skilled team, or using numerical player ranking systems to adjust final scores between opponents of different skill levels. A player's handicap is such a numerical rank. See Handicapping main article for more general information on sports handicapping.
hang
Said of a ball, to come to rest partially over the edge of a pocket's fall but still resting on the table bed.[11]:121 Because of ball curvature, if the very bottom of the ball is not over the sharp rim or beveled slope (depending on table type) of the pocket's fall, the ball will not drop into the pocket. As much as approximately 49% of a ball's diameter can be hanging over the sharp drop of a standard snooker table fall, but considerably less on a typical pool table, with beveled falls. A ball hanging in the pocket – a "hanger" – is nearly unmissable[11]:121 (though fouling by scratching the cue ball into the pocket right after the object ball is a common mistake. Can be used in a transitive sense in reference to player action: "You hung that one right on the edge".
1. Literally, a pocket, but generally used in the phrases losing hazard – potting (pocketing) the cue ball off another ball – and winning hazard – using the cue ball to pot another ball – the two types of legal shots that pocket balls in games in which the term is used at all, which is very few today. The term principally survives in English billiards, in which both types of shots are point-scoring. Formerly, a large number of different games made use of the two types of hazards as point scorers or losers in various ways (thus their suggestive names). The term ultimately derives from holes or pockets in the table to be avoided, in very early forms of billiards.[11]:121, 148, 275
2. In golf billiards, an area of the table (sometimes marked) that a player will be penalized for entering if their ball does not leave. Derives from the use of the term in the outdoor game of golf.[11]:120
head
Chiefly American: The half of the table from which the break shot is taken. This usage is conceptually opposite that in British English, where this end of the table is called the bottom. Contrast foot.See also kitchen.
The intersection of the head string and long string, which is usually not marked on a table with a spot decal or other mark, unlike the foot spot, though some pool halls mark both spots so that racking can be done at either end of the table, and wear on the cloth from racking and breaking is more evenly distributed.[5]Compare baulk spot.
head string
A line, sometimes imaginary (especially in American pool), sometimes drawn on the cloth, that runs horizontally across the table from the second diamond (from the head rail) on one long rail to the corresponding second diamond on the other long rail.[5] In most pool games, the opening break shot must be performed with the center (base) of the cue ball behind the head string (i.e. between the head string and head rail). The head string intersects the long string at the head spot, and delimits the kitchen (and, in European nine-ball, the outer boundary of the break box). The head string's position is always determined by the diamonds, in contrast to the similar but different baulk line, the position of which is determined by measurement from the bottom cushion (head cushion).
The strength of a player's will to win; the ability to overcome pressure; "he showed a lot of heart in making that comeback."
high
1. Also highs, high balls, high ones. In eight-ball and related games, to be shooting the striped suit (group) of balls (9 through 15); "you're high balls" or "I've got the highs" ("you're high" is rare, because of the "intoxication" ambiguity). Compare stripes, yellows, big ones, overs; contrast low.
2. With follow, as in "I shot that high left", meaning "I shot that with follow and with left english". Derives from the fact that one must aim above the cue ball's equator, i.e. "high" on the ball, to impart follow. "With" is optional (e.g. "I shot that with high left" or "I shot that high left"). Contrast low.
3. In snooker, same as "above", as in "she'll want to finish high on the black to allow position on the red".
UK: Essentially the same as high run, but applied to snooker and by extension to pool, especially blackball pool: A break (series of successful pots) running into large numbers for that player's skill level.
high run
Also (rarely) high-run, hi-run, highrun, etc.
A series of successful shots (a run) that is lengthy for the player's skill level. The exact implication is dependent upon context, e.g. "my high run at three-cushion is 15", "Jones had the highest run of the tournament", "that was a pretty high run you just did", etc. Used congratulatorily, it may be phrased "good run", "great run", "nice run", etc. See also high break.
Also the hook.
In snooker, a type of mechanical bridge that has only recently been endorsed by the WPBSA to allow its use in major tournament play. It is a normal rest with the head in line with the shaft, but the last foot or so of the shaft is curved. This allows players to position the curved end around an obstructing ball that would have otherwise left them hampered on the cue ball and in need of a spider or swan with extensions, which would have less control.
Usually a one-piece cue freely available for use by patrons in bars/pubs and pool halls.
house man
A pool room employee who plays with a good degree of skill.
house rack
A pejorative term for an improper rack in which the balls are not properly in contact with their neighbors, often resulting in a poor spread on the break.
house rules
The rules played in a particular venue not necessarily in comportment with official rules, or with common local bar pool custom.
hug the rail
Describes a ball rolling along a rail in contact or near contact with it, or which makes multiple successive contacts with the rail.[1][4]:240See velcro.
To play for money and lull a victim into thinking they can win, prompting them to accept higher and higher stakes, until beating them and walking off with more money than they would have been willing to bet had they been beaten soundly in the beginning. The terms hustler, for one who hustles, and hustling, describing the act, are just as common if not more so than this verb form. See also sandbag, on the lemonade, lemonade stroke, shark, dump.
2. In snooker, the ability to place the cue ball anywhere inside the boundaries of the D. This occurs at the start of a frame, and after the cue ball has been potted or forced off the table.
inning
A player's (or doubles team's) turn at the table, usually ending with a failure to score a point or to pocket a ball, depending on the game, a foul, a safety or with a win.[5] In some games, such as five-pins and killer, a player's inning is always limited to one shot, regardless of the intent and result of the shot. Usually synonymous with visit, except in scotch doubles format. The term is sometimes used to mean both players'/teams' visits combined, e.g. when referring to which inning in which a memorable shot occurred.
(Chiefly British.) In a snookers required situation in snooker, a shot played by the player defending the lead, where he plays the object ball in such a way as to try to slowly pot (pocket) it, so that if it misses, at least it is over the pocket and difficult to obtain the required snooker from.
inside english
(Chiefly U.S.) Side spin (english) placed on a same side of the cue ball as the direction in which the object ball is being cut (left-hand english when cutting a ball to the left, and vice versa).[1] In addition to affecting cue ball position, inside english can increase throw.
in sight
(Chiefly British) Said of an object ball that can easily be reached by the cue ball, or of a pocket that can easily be reached by a selected object ball, usually directly (i.e. without intervening kick, bank, carom, kiss or combination shots). Compare see.
in stroke
Cueing and timing the balls well; in good form, where pocketing (potting), safety and clarity of thinking seem to come easily.[4]:241 A player who had not been doing well but then suddenly picks up (as happens during the course of many matches) may be said to catch a stroke.[whit? clarification needit]See also stroke.
insurance ball
A ball that is easily made from many positions on the table but which is left untouched while the rack is played, so that in the event the player gets out of position, the shooter has an insurance shot. Typically an insurance ball will be in or near the jaws of a pocket.
in the balls
In snooker, a phrase used to describe a situation where the player has an easy pot and in general the balls are in a position to go on to make a sizeable break. Compare set up (sense 4).
in the money
In a tournament, to place high enough to receive a payout. E.g., in a tournament that pays from 1st down to 5th places, to be at least 5th place is to be in the money.[6]
in turn
When a particular ball is given as a handicap in nine-ball, designating that ball in turn means that it must be made in rotation, when it is the lowest numerical ball remaining on the table, and cannot be made to garner a win earlier in the game by way of a combination, carom or any other shot. For example, if a player is spotted the 8 ball, he only wins by making that ball after balls 1 through 7 have been cleared from the table. The phrase is not common in the U.S.
Irish linen
Linen made from flax and produced in Ireland which is often used to wrap the gripping area of the butt of a cue.
The interlocking connection between the butt and shaft ends of a two-piece cue stick.[5] Usually connects via means of a steel or wooden pin, and may be protected by a collar of metal or some other material, or may connect wood-on-wood.[30]
joint protectors
Plugs that screw into the joint when a two-piece cue is broken down to keep foreign objects and moisture from contacting the joint mechanism.
Also jump shot.
Any shot where the cue ball is intentionally jumped into the air to clear an obstacle[5] (usually an object ball, even in games with non-ball objects, e.g. bottle pool). Jump shots must be performed by hitting the cue ball into the table's surface so that it rebounds from the cloth; scooping under the cue ball to fling it into the air is deemed a foul by all authoritative rules sources. A legal jump shot works by compressing the cue ball slightly against the slate under the cloth, causing it to spring upward when the downward pressure of the cue is released. Some billiard halls and even entire leagues prohibit all jump (and usually also massé) shots, out of fears of damage to the equipment, especially the cloth. Specialized jump cues exist to better facilitate jump shots; they are usually shorter and lighter, and with harder tips, than normal cues. Jump shots that go through or into objects rather than over them are common in trick shot (artistic pool and artistic billiards) competition.
jump cue
Also jump stick.[6]
A cue dedicated to jumping balls; usually shorter and lighter than a playing cue and having a wider, harder tip.
jump draw
A rare and very difficult trickjump shot that turns into a draw shot upon landing. Requires precise application of spin in addition to the precise application of ball pressure to effectuate the jump. Jump draws are fairly often seen in professional trick shot competition.
jump massé
A rare and extremely difficult trickjump shot that turns into a massé upon landing. Requires very precise application of spin in addition to the precise application of ball pressure to effectuate the jump. Turn-of-the-20th-century World Balkline Champion Jacob Schaefer Sr. was known to daringly perform jump massés in competition.[19]
1. A shot or ball that allows a player to obtain shape on another ball hard to play position to.[6]
2. A shot or ball that is the "key" to running out.
3. The 14th object ball in a rack of straight pool that, when proper position is achieved on, allows easy position play, in turn, on the last (15th) object ball for an intergame break shot.
kick
1. Short for kick shot. Also used as a verb, "to kick [at]" (US).
2. Same as cling (US) and skid (British). Noun, verb, and rare adjective usage as per "cling".
kick shot
A shot in which the cue ball is driven to one or more rail or cushions before reaching its intended target—usually an object ball.[5] Often shortened to 'kick'.
kill shot
Also kill.[5]
A shot intended to slow down or "kill" the cue ball's speed as much as possible after contact with an object ball; usually a shot with draw, often combined with inside english. Also known as a dead ball shot.
kiss
An instance of contact between balls, usually used in the context of describing an object ball contacting another object ball (e.g. "the 2 ball kissed off the 12 ball"), or in snooker the cue ball making contact with some object ball after the initial contact with a ball on. If the player's intention was to cause two object balls to kiss (e.g. to pocket a shot ball by ricocheting it off a stationary one), it is often called a kiss shot.[5]Compare double kiss; contrast carom.
kiss shot
A shot in which the object is to pocket (pot) an object ball by striking it with the cue ball and then having the object ball ricochet off another object ball into a pocket.[5]
kitchen
The area on the table behind the head string.[5] The origin of the term has been the subject of some speculation but the best explanation known is that in the 1800s, many homes did not have room for both a billiard table and a dining room table. The solution was a billiards table that had a cover converting it into a dining table. Kept in the dining room, play on such a table was often restricted by the size of the room, so it would be placed so that the head rail would face the connected kitchen door, thus affording a player room for the backswing without hitting a wall. A player was therefore either half or sometimes fully (literally) "in the kitchen" when breaking the balls.[1]See also baulk.
knuckle
One of two jutting points or curves of the noses of the cushions on either side of each pocket where cushion and pocket meet, forming the jaw of the pocket. The knuckles are the intersection of the outer edge of the cushions, parallel to the rail, and the pocket facing. The knuckles are protrusive and comparatively sharp on a pool table, the facings of which can be used like a basketball backboard to rebound a ball into a pocket. On billiard tables for snooker, English billiards and various other games, the knuckles are rounded, and thwart the backboard effect. The curvature of snooker and English billiards knuckles are determined by pocket templates produced by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.[12]:9Russian pyramid tables also have pointed knuckles, but the facings are angled inward, so the knuckles cannot be used as a backboard. The knuckle is also known as a point, horn or titty, depending on area and the company one keeps. See illustration at the facing entry.
Also the lag (as a noun) lagging, lag for the break and lagging for the break.
To determine the order of play, players (representing only themselves, or sometimes teams) each near simultaneously shoot a ball from the kitchen (or in British games, from the baulk line) to the end rail and back toward the bottom rail. Whichever shooter's ball comes to rest closest to the bottom rail gets to choose who breaks.[11]:139 It is permissible but not required for the lagged ball to touch or rebound from the bottom rail, but not to touch the side rails. Lagging is usually a two-party activity, though there are games such as cutthroat in which three players might lag. In the case of a tie, the tying shooters re-lag. The lag is most often used in tournament play or other competitions.
In hard-break games like nine-ball and eight-ball the winner of the lag would normally take the break, while in soft-break games like straight pool would likely require the loser of the lag to break, since breaking would be a disadvantage. See also string-off.
last-pocket
Also last pocket.
A common rule in informal bar pool, especially bar/pub eight-ball, in which the money ball must be pocketed (potted) in the same pocket as the shooter's last object ball (each player may be said to eventually "own" a pocket, for the duration of the game, in which their 8 ball shot must be played if they have already run out their suit). The variant is not extremely common in the United States or the UK, but is near-universal in much of Latin America (where two cue ballscratches are permitted when attempting the 8 ball shot and count as simple fouls, with only a third scratch constituting a loss of game). Last pocket is also common in North Africa. Last-pocket rules require careful position play, and frequently result in bank and kick shots with the 8 ball.
league
An organization that promotes competitive, usually team, amateur cue sports, most commonly pool, especially eight-ball and nine-ball, although there are also well-established snooker leagues. Some leagues, many of which are decades old, are entirely local and either informal or incorporated, and may use their own local rules or may have adopted more widely published rulesets, such as those of the WPA. Other leagues are organized on a multi-regional or even international level, and may be non-profit or for-profit enterprises, usually with their own fine-tuned rule books. Despite differences, the largest leagues are increasingly converging toward the WPA rules, with the exception of the APA/CPA, which retains rules much closer to US-style bar pool. At least four major pool leagues hold international championships in Las Vegas, Nevada annually (APA/CPA, BCAPL, VNEA and ACS/CCS). Some leagues also offer one-on-one tournaments, scotch doubles events, artistic pool competition, and other non-team activities. (See Category:Cue sports leagues for a listing of articles on various leagues.)
leave
The cue ball's position after a shot. "Good" or "bad" in reference to a leave describe respectively and advantageous or disadvantageous position for the next shot, or to leave an incoming opponent safe.[4]:241[5]See also position play; compare position, shape.
legal
As in many other sports, "legal" means not causing or likely to cause a foul (the opposite being illegal). A legal hit is one in which the requirements for a non-foul hit are met (e.g., in nine-ball, the lowest-numbered ball on the table was hit by the cue ball first, and at least one object ball was pocketed, or any ball reached a cushion, after the hit on the first object ball.). A legal shot is one in which no foul of any kind was involved (e.g. there was not a double hit by the cue, the player's bridge hand did not move a ball, etc.). A legal stroke is one in which the cuestroke obeyed the rules (e.g. the shooter did not perform an illegal jump shot by scooping under the cue ball with the cue tip). A legal ball is a ball-on, an object ball at which it is permissible for the player to shoot. And so on. The term can be used in many ways consistent with these examples ("legal pocket" in one-pocket, "legal equipment" under tournament specifications, etc.).
left
Short for left english (side), i.e. spin imparted to the cue ball by stroking it to the lefthand side of its vertical axis. Contrast right.
lemon
A player is said to be a "lemon," "lemon man," or "playing on the lemon" when he intentionally plays below his true ability in order to attract more gambling action and win more money. Players who fall for the ruse would be less likely to gamble with the lemon man if he showed his full ability at all times.
lemonade stroke
An intentionally amateurish stroke to disguise one's ability to play. Compare on the lemonade.
let out
To allow an opponent to stop playing a set for money in exchange for something. If a player is winning a set by a wide margin, with $100 on the line, the player could say, "I'll let you out now for $75." This is usually meant to save pride.
little
Also littles, little ones, little balls.
In eight-ball, to be shooting the solid suit (group) of balls (1 through 7); "you're little, remember", "you're the little balls" or "I've got the littles". Compare small, solids, reds, low, spots, dots, unders; contrast big.
lock
A game that basically cannot be lost based on disparity of skill levels; "this game is a lock for him."
The act of playing a devastating safety which leaves the opponent in a situation where it is very difficult or near impossible to make a legal hit on an object ball.[13]See also jail.
long bank
A cross-corner bank shot from one end of the table to the other (i.e. across the center string). Long banks are considerably more difficult, because of the smaller margin for error due to distance and angle widening, than cross-side banks and short cross-corner banks from the same end of the table.
long double
Chiefly British:bank shot played up and down the longer length of the table off a short rail and into a corner pocket, as opposed to the more common bank across the short length into a center pocket or corner.
1. Also lows, low balls, low ones. In eight-ball, to be shooting the solid suit (group) of balls (1 through 7); "you're low, remember", "you're low balls" or "I've got the lows." Compare solids, reds, little, spots, dots, unders; contrast high.
2. With draw, as in "I shot that low left", meaning "I shot that with draw and with left english". Derives from the fact that one must aim below the cue ball's equator, i.e. "low" on the ball, to impart draw. Contrast high.
The forerunner of the cue was the mace, an implement similar to a light-weight golf club, with a foot that was generally used to shove rather than strike the cue ball.[53] When the ball was frozen against a rail cushion, use of the mace was difficult (the foot would not fit under the edge of the cushion to strike the ball squarely), and by 1670 experienced players often used the tail or butt end of the mace instead.
magnetic cue ball
A cue ball that, due to embedded iron content, is responsive enough to a strong magnet that a modern coin-operated bar table with a magnetic ball-return mechanism can distinguish and separate the cue ball from the object balls. Magnetic cue balls are usually the same standard size as the object balls in the set, and near regulation weight, typically 0.5 to 1 ounce (14–28 g) heavier than the object balls. As such they do not suffer the playability problems of either excessively dense, ceramic "rock" or notable oversized "grapefruit" cue balls, and demonstrate only minimal smash-through. Magnetic balls are standard equipment in some leagues, including the VNEA. Magnetics come in three construction types of iron embedded in the same phenolic resin or other modern, resilient plastic that the object balls are made of: a solid metal core (prone to being off-center and not rolling true); small metal bars distributed around the interior of the ball (the most common, and less prone but not immune to balance defects); and tiny metal filings throughout the material (the most consistent, only made by one manufacturer, and expensive).
An extreme massé shot by William A. Spinks during an 1893 exhibition game against Jacob Schaefer, Sr. Starting from bottom left, his cue ball swerves into and caroms off one object ball, then due to its extreme spin rebounds into the cushionfour times before finally rolling away for a perfect, scoring hit on the other object ball. And Spinks lost this game.Also massé shot. A steep curve or complete reversal of cue ball direction without the necessity of any rail or object ball being struck, due to extreme spin imparted to the cue ball by a steeply elevated cue.[5] Its invention is credited to François Mingaud. Compare semi-massé.
master break
Breaking and going on to win the game in one visit.
match
1. The overall competition between two players, two pairs of players or two teams of players, usually consisting of a predetermined number of frames[7] or games (sometimes organized into rounds). There are also specialized match formats where the game number is not predetermined; see race and ahead race for examples.
2. To agree to rise to a higher wager, as in "$100? Yeah, I'll match that" (i.e., basically equivalent to "call a raise" in poker).
match ball
The ball required to guarantee victory in a match. Sometimes used figuratively to mean the last difficult ball required (chiefly British and usually used in multi-frame matches, particularly snooker).
match play
Also matchplay, match-play.
1. Chiefly British: Competitive play in matches with standings consequences, such as local snooker league competition or the World Snooker Championship, as opposed to practice, playing with friends at the pub, or hustling pool for money.
2. Chiefly American: Same as one-on-one as applied to league play. (Definition appears to have been introduced by USA Pool League misapplying the term "match" to what is otherwise termed a "race".)[55]:2
In snooker, the highest break attainable with the balls that are racked; usually 147 points starting by potting fifteen reds, in combination with blacks, and clearing the colours. Also called a 147 (one-four-seven). In six-red snooker, the maximum break is only 75 points, due to fewer red balls and thus fewer black-scoring opportunities. See also total clearance.
mechanical bridge
A special stick with a grooved, slotted or otherwise supportive end attachment that helps guide the cue stick – a stand-in for the bridge hand. It is usually used only when the shot cannot be comfortably reached with a hand bridge. In American English, often shortened to bridge or called a bridge stick;[5] the term rake is also common.
An entire class of different mechanical bridges exist for snooker, called rests(see that entry for details), also commonly used in blackball and English billiards.
Mechanical bridges have many derogatory nicknames, such as "ladies' aid", "crutch", "granny stick", and "sissy stick", because of the perception by many amateur players that they are evidence of weak playing skills or technique (the opposite is actually true).[31]
Small mechanical bridges, that stand on the table surface instead of being mounted on sticks, exist for disabled players who do not have or cannot use both hands or arms.
merry widow
Jargon word for a cue stick that does not feature pointsTemplate:Cfn on the forearm.
A stroke in which the cue's tip glances or slips off the cue ball not effectively transferring the intended force.[5] Usually the result is a bungled shot. Common causes include a lack of chalk on the cue tip, a poorly groomed cue tip and not stroking straight through the cue ball, e.g. because of steering. Also the distinctive metallic sound made when a miscue occurs.
miss
In snooker, a shot where a player fouls by missing the ball on altogether. The miss rule allows for his opponent to have the player play exactly the same shot again, or at least as accurately as the referee is able to reproduce the ball positions. A miss usually occurs when a player makes an unsuccessful attempt at escaping from a snooker. It is a controversial rule aimed at formally discouraging deliberate fouls. In professional snooker, a referee will almost always call a miss on any foul where the player misses the ball on altogether, regardless of how close the player comes to hitting it. If a player is called for a miss three times in a single visit while not snookered, he forfeits the frame; to avoid this, players almost always play an easy hit on their third attempt, even if it is likely to leave a chance for the opponent.
missable
Describing a difficult pot: "the awkward cueing makes this shot missable."
money added
Said of a tournament in which the pot of money to pay out to the winner(s) contains sponsor monies in addition to competitor entry fees. Often used as an adjective: "a money-added event". See also added.
money ball
Name for the ball that when legally pocketed, wins the game, or any ball that when made results in a payday such as a "way" in the game of Chicago. If a money ball is illegally pocketed, it usually results in a loss of game, or a foul.
money game
A game (often actually a race) the outcome of which is the subject of gambling by the players and/or by stakehorses. Participants may use the phrase "this is a money game" to indicate to others that they take the contest more seriously than a casual game and, e.g., are unwilling to make sportsmanlike compromises or do not appreciate distractions. A clear illustration of the latter is in the "two brothers and a stranger" hustling scene in the film The Color of Money.
The table reserved for money games or, by extension, the best table in the house. This table is typically of better quality and regularly maintained, and may have pockets that are unusually tight. Money tables in popular venues may be outright reserved for major action.
mushroom
Also mushroomed tip.
Leather of the cuetip overhanging the ferrule because of compression from innumerable repeated impacts against the cue ball without proper maintenance of the tip. It must be trimmed off, or it will cause miscues and inaccuracies, as it is not backed by the solid ferrule and thus will compress much more than the tip should on impact.[11]:159See also burnish.
mushroom trimmer
Also mushroom shaver, mushroom cutter.
A sharp-bladed tip tool used to trim the mushroomed portion off a cue tip and restore it to its proper shape.
A directional pile created by the short fuzzy ends of fibers on the surface of cloth projecting upward from the lie and which create a favorable and unfavorable direction for rolling balls.[1] The convention in most billiards games in which directional nap cloth is used is to brush the cloth along the table in the same direction of the nap, usually from the end that a player breaks. In snooker and UK eight-ball especially, this creates the effect of creep in the direction of the nap, the most-affected shot being a slow roll into a center pocket against the nap. It is commonly referred to in the fuller term "nap of the cloth." When nap is used in relation to woven cloths that have no directional pile, such as those typically used in the U.S. for pool tables, the term simply refers to the fuzziness of the cloth.[56]
2. Adjective: In pool, a shot is said to be natural if it does not require adjustments, such as a cut angle, side spin, or unusual force. A natural bank shot, for example, is one in which simply shooting straight into the object ball at medium speed and with no spin will send the object ball directly into the target pocket on the other side of the table.
Also the 9.
The money ball (game ball or frame ball) in a game of nine-ball. It is the last ball that must be pocketed, after the remaining eight object balls have been pocketed, or may be pocketed early to win the game so long as the lowest-numbered ball on the table is struck before the 9. In other games, such as eight-ball, the 9 is simply one of the regular object balls (a stripe, in particular).
nip draw
A short, jabbed drawstroke usually employed so as to not commit a foul (i.e. due to following through to a double hit) when the cue ball is very near to the target object ball.[5]
nit
Someone who wants too high a handicap or refuses to wager any money on a relatively fair match; a general pool room pejorative moniker. Probably derived from "nitwit".
The furthest-protruding edge of the face of the cushion over the bed of the table. The dimensions of the playing area are thus defined by the measurements lengthwise and widthwise between the cushion noses (though specifications may simply refer to the cushion face for short in that context).[12]:9 The height of the nose from the bed determines the cushion profile. The corners (sharp on pool tables, rounded on snooker tables) formed by the nose at the entrance to the pockets are called the knuckles, points, or titties. The difference between the noses and the knuckles of the cushions is that the former run the entire length of the cusion, while the latter are the points or curves formed there the cushion meets the pocket. The edge of cushion on the inside of the pocket jaws is the facing.
nurse
Also nurse shot, nursery shot, nursery cannon.
In carom games such as straight rail, balkline and cushion caroms, where all the balls are kept near each other and a cushion, so that with very soft shots the balls can be "nursed" down a rail, allowing multiple successful shots that effectively replicate the same ball setup so that the nurse shots can be continued almost indefinitely, unless a limit is imposed by the rules.
Excessive use of nurse shots by players skilled enough to set them up and pull them off repeatedly at will is what led to the development of the balklinecarom billiards game variations, and repetitive shot limitation rules in English billiards. A clear example of why: In 1907, Tom Reece scored a record break of 499,135 consecutive points over a period of five weeks, without a miss, using the cradle cannon nurse shot.[57]
2. Any ball other than the cue ball.
Usage notes: When speaking very generally, e.g. about the proper way to make a kind of shot, any ball other than the cue ball is an object ball. In narrower contexts, this may not be the case. For example when playing eight-ball one might not think of the 8 ball as an object ball unless shooting for the 8.
on a string
Used when describing perfect play; a metaphoric reference to puppetry:
2. Carom billiards: Order may be inverted: "as if the balls had strings on them".[19]
on the hill
Describes a player who needs only one more game win to be victorious in the match.[48][49]See also hill, hill.
on the lemonade
Also on the lemon, laying down the lemon.
Disguising the level of one's ability to play; also known as sandbagging or hustling (though the latter has a broader meaning).[58][59]Compare lemonade stroke.
on the snap
As a result of the opening break shot (the "snap"), usually said of winning by pocketing the money ball ("won on the snap", "got it on the snap", etc.) Employed most commonly in the game of nine-ball where pocketing the 9 ball at any time in the game on a legal stroke, including the break shot, is a win.[1][60] Sometimes used alone as an exclamation or exhortation, "On the snap!"[9]See also golden break.
1. Competition between an individual player and an individual opponent, as opposed to team play, scotch doubles and other multi-player variants.
2. A team play format in which an individual player from the home team plays a race against an individual player from the visiting team, and then is finished for that match.[55]:3–4(Same as match play, definition 2.) Several large leagues use this format, including APA/CPA and USAPL. (Contrast round robin.)
one-stroke
To shoot without taking enough warm-up strokes to properly aim and feel out the stroke and speed to be applied. One-stroking is a common symptom of nervousness and a source of missed shots and failed position.[6]See also choke, dog.
4. A description of a layout of balls that, because it is so spread out, makes it easy for a good player to run out and win, due to lack of problematic clustered balls.
open break
A requirement under some pool rulesets that either an object ball be pocketed, or at least four object balls be driven to contact the cushions, on the opening break shot.[5]Contrast soft break.
open bridge
A bridge formed by the hand where no finger loops over the shaft of the cue. Typically, the cue stick is channeled by a "v"-shaped groove formed by the thumb and the base of the index finger.
open play
A description of play in carom billiards games in which the balls remain widely separated rather than gathered, requiring much more skill to score points and making nurse shots effectively impossible, and making for a more interesting game for onlookers.[19] Most skilled players try to gather the balls as quickly as possible to increase their chances of continuing to score in a long run.
open table
In eight-ball and related games, describes the situation in which neither player has yet claimed a suit (group) of balls. Often shortened to simply open: "Is it still an open table?" "Yes, it's open."
orange ball
orange crush, the
The 5 out (meaning the player getting the handicap can win by making the 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 balls).
out
1. A specific ball number followed by "out" refers to a handicap in nine-ball or other rotation games where the "spot" is all balls from that designated number to the money ball. To illustrate, the 6-out in a nine-ball game would allow the player getting weight to win by legally pocketing the 6, 7, 8 or 9 balls.
2. Short for run out, especially as a noun: "That was a nice out."
outside english
Side spin on a cue ball on the opposite side of the direction of the cut angle to be played (right-hand english when cutting an object ball to the left, and vice versa). In addition to affecting cue ball position, outside english can be used to decrease throw.
overcut
Hitting the object ball with too large of a cut angle; hitting the object ball too thin. It is a well-known maxim that overcutting is preferable to undercutting in many situations, as is more often leaves the table in a disadvantageous position on the miss than does an undercut. See also professional side of the pocket.
1. In snooker, the bunch of reds that are typically left below the pink spot in the early stages of a frame, not including those reds that have been released into pottable positions.
Same as feather (US) or snick (UK) (US, colloquial).
Parker's box
Named after Chicagoan J. E. Parker, it is a 31⁄2 × 7 inch box drawn on a balkline table from the termination of a balkline with the cushion, thus defining a restricted space in which only a set number of points may be scored before one ball must be driven from the area. Now supplanted by anchor spaces, it was developed to curtail the effectiveness of the anchor nurse, which in turn had been invented to exploit a loophole in balkline rules: so long as both object balls straddled a balkline, there was no restriction on counts, as each ball lay in a separate balk space.[1]
parking the cue ball
1. Having the cue ball stop at or near the center of the table on a forceful break shot (the breaking ideal in many games such as nine-ball);
2. Having the cue ball stop precisely where intended.
peas
Also pills, tally balls and shake balls.
Small, round markers typically numbered 1 through 16, which are placed in a bottle for various random assignment purposes, such as in a tournament roster, to assign order of play in a multiplayer game, or to assign particular balls to players in games such as kelly pool.[1][5]
percentage
See play the percentages.[6] Used by itself often with "low" and "high": "that's a low-percentage shot for me", "I should really take the high-percentage one".
1. A bolt-threaded protrusion inside the joint of the cue, usually protruding from the butt and screwing into the shaft rather than vice versa. Most modern cues make use of metal pins and collars, but carom billiards cues usually have a wooden pin, and a collarless wood-on-wood joint.[30]
Also the pink.
In snooker, the second-highest value colour ball, being worth six points.[11]:179–180 It is placed on the pink spot.[11]:179–180[12]:10 In some (especially American) snooker ball sets, it is numbered "6" on its surface.
Also piquet.
Either a massé shot with no english (sidespin), or a shot in which the cue stick is steeply angled, but not held quite as near-vertically as it is in full massé.[1]:171[4]:243
place
To reach a certain position in a tournament. "I placed 17th." "She will probably place in the money this time."
plain ball
In snooker, hitting the cue ball in the center, without any spin.
Using knowledge of the game and one's own abilities and limitations to choose the manner of shooting and the particular shot from an array presented, that has a degree of likelihood of success. This often requires a player to forego a shot that if made would be very advantageous but does not have a high likelihood of success, in favor of a safety or less advantageous shot that is more realistically achievable.[6]
playing area
Also playing surface.
The area of the table on which the balls roll, i.e. the table surface exclusive of the rails and the tops of the cushions. The playing surface is defined by the measurements lengthwise and widthwise between the cushion noses (though specifications may simply refer to the cushion faces for short in that context).[12]:9Artistic pool and other forms of trick shots sometimes call for shots to go beyond the bounds of the playing surface, e.g. a jump shot off the table into a boot on the floor, in Mike Massey's classic "boot shot". The playing surface is what is used, not the entire table, when describing the approximate size of billiard tables of all kinds (e.g. "an 8 × 4 foot pool table").
pocket
1. (noun) An opening in a billiards table, cut partly into the bed and partly into the rails and their cushions, into which balls are shot (pocketed or potted). Pockets may drop into a leather or cloth net, a solid cup, or a ball-return mechanism. The jaws of the pocket have a cushion facing; the knuckle or point is where this facing meets (in a pointed or curved fashion) the cushion that bounds the playing surface of the table.
Billiards-style pockets also feature in some distantly related tabletop games like carrom, novuss, pichenotte, pitchnut, air hockey, and the historical bagatelle family of games. Historically related to the holes in golf, the basic concept of a ball-capturing target or hazard is a feature of many other games, including pinball, cornhole, skeeball, and (in an elevated fashion) basketball.
2. (verb) To send a ball into a pocket, usually intentionally.
1. Describes the propensity of table pockets to more easily accept an imperfectly aimed ball shot at a relatively soft speed, that might not fall if shot with more velocity ("that ball normally wouldn't fall but he hit it at pocket speed"). The less sensitive to shot-speed that a pocket is, the "faster" it is said to be.[49]
2. Describes the velocity of an object ball shot with just enough speed to reach the intended pocket and drop. "Shoot this with pocket speed only, so you don't send the cue ball too far up-table."
pocket template
A rigid, flat piece of material such as plastic that outlines the exact angles and curvature of the knuckles of the cushions at a pocket, the width of their separation across the pocket opening (the jaws of the pocket) and the depth into the jaws where the pocket drop is. The templates thereby determine the size and other playing aspects of the pocket. Such standardization is used especially in snooker and English billiards, for which the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association presently issues pocket templates.[12]:9 These proprietary templates are tightly controlled, and only provided to approved venues and manufacturers. Each table requires two pairs of templates, as the specifications for corner and centre (side) pockets are entirely different.[44]:8[62] For each pocket type, one template is used to determine pocket width and other horizontal aspects, while the other measures the face of the cushions including any undercut, the fall of the pocket, and other vertical aspects.[44]:8See also racking template, training template.
point
1. A unit of scoring, in games such as snooker and straight pool with numerical scoring.
2. A unit of scoring, in team matches in leagues that use numerical scoring instead of simple game/frame win vs. loss ratios.
A term used to indicate balls that are frozen to each other, or close enough, such that no matter from which angle they are hit, the combination will send the outer ball in the same predictable direction.
"Are the 2 and 7 pointing at the corner?? Okay, I'll use that duck to get position way over there."
A tight, Spandex glove covering usually most or all of the thumb, index finger and middle finger, worn on the bridge hand as a more convenient and less messy alternative to using hand talc, and for the same purpose: a smooth-gliding stroke.
The placement of the balls, especially the cue ball, relative to the next planned shot. Also known as shape.[5]See also position play, leave.
position play
Skilled playing in which knowledge of ball speed, angles, post-impact trajectory, and other factors are used to gain position (i.e. a good leave) after the target ball is struck. The goals of position play are generally to ensure that the next shot is easy or at least makeable, and/or to play a safety in the advent of a miss (intentional or otherwise).
1. (verb, chiefly British) To sink a ball into a pocket.[5]See also pocket (verb).
2. (noun, chiefly British) An instance of potting a ball ("it was a good pot considering the angle and distance of the shot").
3. (noun) Pooled money being played for, in money games or tournaments, as in poker and other gambling activities. This very old term derives from players placing their stakes into a pot or other receptacle before play begins.
pot and tuck
A tactic employed in UK eight-ball pool in which a player calls and pots one of the balls in a favorably lying set, then plays safe, leaving as many of his/her well-placed balls on the table as possible, until the opponents commits a foul or leaves a chance that the player feels warrants an attempt at running out.
potter
A British term for someone with little experience or understanding of the game, who may be skilled at potting individual balls but does not consider tactics such as position or safety; "he's a potter, not a player." Compare U.S. banger.
potting angle
The desired angle that must be created between the path of the cue ball and the path of the object ball upon contact to pot the object ball. It is usually measured to the center of the pocket. See also aiming line.
A deliberate foul that leaves the balls in a safe position, reducing the risk of giving a frame-winning chance to the opponent. The miss rule in snooker was implemented primarily to discourage the professional fouls.
professional side of the pocket
Also pro side of the pocket; sometimes "of the pocket" is left off the phrase.
The long-rail side of a corner pocket. To "aim for the profession side of the pocket" is to slightly overcut a difficult corner-pocket cut shot, to cheat the pocket, rather than undercutting, especially in nine-ball. Erring too much in this direction is "missing on the professional side of the pocket." It is so called because experienced players understand that on a thin cut, overcutting the object ball to a corner pocket will far more often leave the object ball in an unfavorable position, i.e. along the short rail for the incoming opponent than will an undercut, which often leaves the object ball sitting in front of or nearby the pocket it had been intended for on a miss.[63][64][65]
By contrast, in eight-ball, except when both players are shooting at the 8 ball, the incoming player after a miss is shooting for different object balls, so this maxim does not apply, and the opposite may be good strategy as, if the object ball stays near the pocket through an undercut, it is advantageously positioned for a subsequent turn and may block the opponent's use of the pocket.[10]
As an adjective or compound noun: push-out.
A rule in many games (most notably nine-ball, after and only after the break shot), allowing a player to "push out" the cue ball to a new position without having to contact any ball, much less pocket one or drive it to a cushion, but not counting any pocketed ball as valid (other foul rules apply, such as double hits, scratching the cue ball, etc.), with the caveat that the opponent may shoot from the new cue ball position or give the shot back to the pusher who must shoot from the new position. In nine-ball particularly, and derived games such as seven-ball and ten-ball, pocketing the money ball on a push-out results in that ball being respotted (which can be used to strategic advantage in certain circumstances, such as when the break leaves no shot on the ball-on, and failure to hit it would give the incoming player an instant-win combination shot on the money ball).[whit? clarification needit]
push shot
Any foul shot in which a player's cue tip stays in contact with the cue ball for more than the momentary time commensurate with a stroked shot.[4]:116[5] In the game of snooker, it is considered a push if the cue strikes the cue ball more than once in a given shot (a double hit) or if the cue stick, cue ball and ball-on are all in contact together during a shot (if the cue ball and object ball are frozen together, special dispensation is given provided the cue ball is struck at a downward or otherwise "off" angle; that is, not directly into the line of the two balls).
put up money
1. For a player to place money for a wager in an openly visible spot (typically on the hanging light above the table, thus the origin of the phrase); this demonstrates that the money is actually present and obviates any need to demand its production from the loser's pocket. "You want to play for 500? Put it up!"
2. To stake a particular amount of money on a gambling player. "I'll put up another 2000, but you'd better win this time."
3. On a coin-operated bar table, to place one or more coins on the rail, or on the bed of the table under the cushion, as a marker of one's place in line (UK: on queue) to play. "You didn't put your quarters up." And alternative is to put one's name on a list, e.g. on a chalkboard.
2. Also pyramids.
The game of Russian pyramid or any related game.
pyramid spot
1. In pool, same as foot spot: The spot on which the pyramid is racked, with the apex ball on this spot. Chiefly British today, but also an American usage ca. World War I.[66]
A predetermined, fixed number of games or points a player must achieve to win a match or game; "a race to seven", in the context of nine-ball, means whomever wins seven games first wins the match.[1]:186[5][13]See also ahead race for a more specialized usage.
rack (noun)
1. A geometric form, usually aluminum, wooden or plastic, used to assist in setting up balls in games like eight-ball, nine-ball, and snooker. The rack allows for more consistently tight grouping of balls, which is necessary for a successful break shot. In most games a triangle-shaped rack capable of holding fifteen balls can be employed, even if the game calls for racking less than a full ball set, such as in the game of nine-ball. For further information, see the Rack (billiards) main article.
2. Used to refer to a racked group of balls before they have been broken.
The act of setting up the balls for a break shot. In tournament play this will be done by the referee, but in lower-level play, players either rack for themselves or for each other depending on convention.
rack and run
Chiefly American: In pool games, when a player racks the object balls, and the breaking opponent does not pocket a ball on the break, and the person who racked the game commences to run out all of the remaining object balls without the breaker getting another visit at the table. This is similar to a break and run, with the key difference being that the person executing the "rack and run" did not break the balls in that game.
racking template
An outgrowth of the training template concept, a racking template is a racking tool used in place of a traditional rigid ball rack for pool or snooker balls, consisting of a very thin, e.g. 0.14 mm (0.0055 in),[67] sheet of material such as paper[68] or plastic[67] with holes into which object balls settle snugly against one another to form a tight rack (pack). The template is placed, stencil-like, in racking position, with the lead ball's hole directly over the center of the foot spot. The balls are then placed onto the template and arranged to settle into their holes, forming a tight rack. Unlike with a training template, the balls are not tapped to create divots, and instead the template is left in place until after the break shot at which time it can be removed (unless balls are still sitting on top of it). Manufacturers such as Magic Ball Rack insist that racking templates are designed "to affect the balls to a minimum",[67] and while pro player Mika Immonen has endorsed that particular brand as a retail product,[67] as o September 2010,[update] no professional tours nor amateur leagues have adopted that or any other racking template. Although Magic Ball Rack implies development work since 2006,[67] other evidence suggests invention, by Magic Ball Rack's founder, in mid-2009, with product announcement taking place in September of that year.[68]See also pocket template.
rail
Also (uncommonly) cushion rail.[12]:9
The sides of a table's frame upon which the elastic cushion are mounted and in which the diamonds (sights) are inlaid (on tables which possess them). The term often used interchangeably with cushion.[5]
1. In snooker, any of the 15 balls worth one point each that can be potted in any order. During the course of a break a player must first pot a red followed by a colour, and then a red and colour, etc., until the reds run out and then the re-spotted six colours must be cleared in their order. Potting more than one red in a single shot is not a foul – the player simply gets a point for each red potted. Red balls are never numbered "1" on their surface, even in (primarily American) sets in which the colours are numbered with their values.
2. In blackball, one of two groups of seven object balls that must be potted before the black. Reds are spotted before yellows, if balls from both group must be spotted at the same time. Compare stripes; contrast yellow ball.[7]
The person in charge of the game whose primary role is to ensure adherence by both players to the appropriate rules of the game being played. Other duties of the referee include racking each frame, re-spotting balls during the course of a game, maintaining the equipment associated with the table (e.g. keeping the balls clean), controlling the crowd and, if necessary, controlling the players. Formerly sometimes referred to as the umpire.
re-rack
Also rerack.
1. In snooker, the abandonment of a frame upon agreement between the players, so that the balls can be set up again and the frame restarted with no change to the score since the last completed frame. This is the result of situations, such as trading of containing safeties, where there is no foreseeable change to the pattern of shots being played, so the frame could go on indefinitely.
2. Same as spot (verb), sense 1 (pool) and sense 2 (snooker).
re-spotted black
In snooker, a situation where the scores are tied after all the balls have been potted, and the black ball is re-spotted and the first player to pot it wins. The players toss for the first shot, which must be taken with the cue ball in the D. A safety battle typically ensues, until an error allows a player to pot the black, or a fluke or a difficult pot is made.
rest
swan, spider and cross
A chiefly British term for a set of mechanical bridges. British-style rests differ from most American-style rake bridges in shape, and take several forms: the cross, the spider and the swan (or goose neck), as well as the rarer and often unsanctioned hook. When used unqualified, the word usually refers to the cross. Rests are used in snooker, English billiards, and blackball.[7]
reverse english
Side spin on the cue ball that causes it to unnaturally roll off a cushion (contacted at an angle) against rather than with the ball's momentum and direction of travel. If angling into a cushion that is on the right, then reverse english would be right english, and vice versa. The angle of deflection will be steeper (narrower) than if no english were applied. The opposite of running english, which has effects other than simply the opposites of those of reverse english.
1. A style of game play in which as many players are allowed to join as the participants choose, and anyone can quit at any time.[11]:204 The term, most often used in the context of gambling, is borrowed from poker. The folk games three-ball and killer are usually played as open ring games, as is Kelly pool.
2. By extension, a multi-player game that anyone may initially join, but which has a fixed roster of competitors once it begins, is sometimes also called a ring game. Cutthroat is, by its nature, such a game. A famous regular ring game event of this sort is the six-player, US$3000-buy-in ring ten-ball competition at the annual Derby City Classic.[69]
3. A nine-ball ring game is played by more than two players and has special rules. Typically, the players choose a random method for setting the order of play, with the winner breaking. Safeties are not allowed and there are two or more money balls – usually the five and nine.[citation needit]
road map
A pool table spread in which the balls are extremely easily positioned for a run out, and where little movement of the cue ball on each shot is necessary to obtain position on the next.[70]
road player
A highly skilled hustler making money gambling while traveling.[6] Fast Eddie Felson in The Hustler was a road player. One of the most notorious real-life road players is Keith McCready.
rob
1. (Transitive, "to rob") Playing an opponent for money who has a very low chance of winning based on disparity of skill levels.
2. (Intransitive, "to be robbed") Usually unwittingly playing an opponent for money who has a very high chance of winning based on disparity of skill levels.
3. (Intransitive, "to be robbed") Used humorously in exclamations when a shot that looks like it would work did not, as in "Oh! You got robbed on that one!"
rock
Colloquial term for an unusually hard, heavy cue ball made of ceramic instead of the phenolic resin or other modern, resilient plastics most billiard balls are made of. "Rock" cue balls are frequently found on older coin-operated bar tables that do not have magnetic ball-return mechanisms. As with oversized "grapefruit" cue balls, the ball return works because the cue ball is considerably heavier than, and thereby distinguishable from, the object balls. Because of their brittle material, rocks wear out faster that normal cue balls, are prone to chippings, and due to their density also shorten the lifespan of the object balls and the cloth. Their weight has a strong effect on play, as they are difficult to draw (screw), stop and stun, and generate a large amount of smash-through, compared to standard and magnetic cue balls, but do not reduce cut shot accuracy like grapefruit balls.
1. Describes lucky or unlucky "rolls" of the cue ball; "I had good rolls all night; "that was a bad roll."[71] However, when said without an adjective ascribing good or bad characteristics to it, "roll" usually refers to a positive outcome such as in "he sure got a roll".[6]
A gentle tap of the cue ball with the intention of getting it as tight as possible behind an object ball, in the hope of a snooker. It is most common in the game of snooker, and is often results in a foul in many pool games, in which on every shot, after the cue ball has contacted a legal object ball (a ball-on, then either any ball must contact a cushion or any object ball must be pocketed (potted). A roll-up can be legal in such games when the object ball used for the tactic is very close to a cushion, so that either it or the cue ball lightly touch the cushion after ball-on-ball contact.
roquet
A term in croquet and ither forms of ground billiards for a carom, sense 3: hitting an object ball with one's own ball; oreeginally spelled the French wey, roquêt intae the late 19t century. In croquet, unlik seemilar games, this triggers a special situation, the croquet stroke: the shooter mey tak ball in hand, placin thair ain ball against the opponent's ball that wis struck, sae that the balls are frozen, then step on the player's ain ball tae keep it place or slow its movement, an strike it, sending maist or all o the energy o the hit intae the opponent ball, drivin it far away, while leaving the player's ain ball in place or rolling slowly tae a desired location.[72]
rotation
1. Descriptive of any game in which the object balls must be struck in numerical order. Billiard researcher Mike Shamos observes that it would be more intuitive to call such games "'series' or 'sequence'". The term actually derives from the set-up of the game Chicago, in which the balls are not racked, but placed numerically around the table along the cushions (and must be shot in ascending order).[11]:51, 205 Other common rotation games include pool, nine-ball, seven-ball, ten-ball
1. A multi-game division of a match, as used in some league and tournament formats. For example, in a match between 2 teams of 5 players each, a 25-game match might be divided into 5 rounds of 5 games each, in which the roster of one team moves one line down at the beginning of each round, such that by the end of the match every player on team A has played every player on team B in round robin fashion.
2. A level of competition elimination in a tournament, such as the quarter-final round, semi-final round and final round.
round robin
A tournament format in which each contestant plays each of the other contestants at least once.[5] In typical league team play, round robin format means that each member of the home team plays each member of the visiting team once. This format is used by BCAPL, VNEA and many other leagues. Contrast one-on-one.
round the angles
Describing a shot which requires one or more balls to be played off several cushions, such as an elaborate escape or a positional shot; "he'll have to send the cue ball round the angles to get good position."
rubber match
The deciding match between two tied opponents. Compare hill-hill.
ruckus
A British term (especially in snooker) for the splitting of a group of balls when another ball is sent into them, typically with the intent of deliberately moving them with the cue ball to develop them.
run
The number of balls pocketed in an inning in pool (e.g., a run of five balls), or points scored in a row in carom billiards (e.g., a run of five points).[4]:244[5]Compare British break (sense 2), which is applied to pool as well as snooker in British English.
run out
1. (verb) Make all of the required shots in a game without the opponent ever getting to the table or getting back to the table
2. (noun) usually run-out, sometimes runout) An instance of running out in a game.
run the table
Similar to run out (sense 1), but more specific to making all required shots from the start of a rack. See also break and run, break and dish.
running english
Side spin on the cue ball that causes it to roll off a cushion (contacted at an angle) with rather than against the ball's natural momentum and direction of travel.[6] If angling into a rail that is on the right, then running english would be left english, and vice versa. The angle of deflection will be wider than if no english were applied to the cue ball. But more importantly, because the ball is rolling instead of sliding against the rail, the angle will be more consistent. For this reason, running English is routinely used. Also called running side in British terminology. Contrast reverse english.
1. Describing a ball that is in a position that makes it very difficult to pot.
2. Describing a situation a player has been left in by the opponent, intentionally or otherwise, that makes it difficult to pot any balls-on. See also snooker.
safety
1. An intentional defensive shot, the most common goal of which is to leave the opponent either no plausible shot at all, or at least a difficult one.
2. A shot that is called aloud as part of a game's rules; once invoked, a safety usually allows the player to pocket his or her own object ball without having to shoot again, for strategic purposes. In games such as seven-ball, in which any shot that does not result in a pocketed ball is a foul under some rules, a called safety allows the player to miss without a foul resulting. A well-played safety may result in a snooker.
safety break
A break shot in which the object is to leave the incoming player with no shot or a very difficult shot, such as is normally employed in the opening break of straight pool.[1]Cf. open break.
sandbag
To disguise the level of one's ability to play in various ways such as using a lemonade stroke; intentionally missing shots; making an uneven game appear "close"; purposefully losing early, inconsequential games. Sandbagging is a form of hustling, and in handicapped leagues, considered a form of cheating, as it is used to obtain a low handicap so that a skilled player can later use this rating to improper advantage in more important competitions. This was practised in the 2012 Olympics by badminton players, resulting in several disqualifications of East Asian players.[73] The term "sandbag" is often applied to other rated tournaments, including chess and Scrabble. See also dump and on the lemonade.
A form of doubles play in which the two team members take turns, playing alternating shots during an inning (i.e. each team's inning consists of two players' alternating visits, each of one shot only, until that team's inning ends, and the next team begins their alternating-shot turn.) Effective scotch doubles play requires close communication between team partners, especially as to desired cue ball position for the incoming player. Like "english", "scotch" is usually not capitalized in this context. The term is also used in bowling, and may have originated there.
score
1. Verb: To earn one or more points with one or more shots in an inning, e.g. "scored 2 that round".
2. Noun: The tally of a player's points, earned by shots and (in some games) awarded by opponent fouls, e.g. "had a score of 12 that game".
3. Noun: The compared total of both (or in games with three or more participants, all) player's/team's points, e.g. "won by a score of 12 to 6".
2017 Paul Hunter Women's Classic Finalists Reanne Evans and Ng On-yee pose in front o the scoreboard.
scoreboard
Also score-board, score board.
A usually wall-mounted device for keeping score between two or more players in point-based games or in races. The most common type, mostly used for snooker and straight pool, consists of two or more pointers sliding on board-mounted rails to indicate 1s and 10s marked on the board. Some carom billiards clubs provide digital scoreboards for each table. Other scoring methods include wall-mounted scoring racks, in-rail scoring wheels, and over-table scoring strings.
scorekeeper
Also score-keeper, score keeper.
Person who keeps score for others while they play. A designated scorekeeper is common in league play (often the team captain, or a player who is simply not playing at that moment) and in professional tournaments. A scorekeeper may also be used in high-stakes money games, as depicted in the film The Hustler.
Also score rack.
A wall-mounted, usually wooden rack with several numbered shelves to hold each player's pocketed balls, used for keeping score between players of games in which points are awarded by the numerical values on the balls. Scoring racks remain common in places where rotation and related games are popular, e.g. Mexico, but are rare where these games have mostly died out. Also known as a counter rack. Sometimes ambiguously called a wall rack or ball rack.
scoring string
Also score string or (ambiguously) string.Same as wire, sense 1.
scoring wheels
Also score wheels.
Rotating wheels, numbered 0–9 not unlike a multi-dial combination lock, mounted into a rail of the Billiard table, and used for keeping score between two or more players in point-based games or in races. They are typically a pair of wheels, representing 10s and 1s, for at least two players. Such wheels are sometimes also used to create wall-mounted scoreboards.
scratch
Pocketing of the cue ball, in pool games. In most games, a scratch is a type of foul.[5] "Scratch" (also known as "sewering the cue ball") is sometimes used less precisely to refer to all types of fouls. See, more generally, foul.
An abrasive tip tool used as a grinder to roughen the cue tip to better hold chalk after it has become hardened and smooth from repeated impacts with the cue ball. Tappers serve the same purpose, but are used differently. Similar to a shaper, but shallower and less rough.
see
To be able to clearly see a path to a pocket or object ball without any other obstacle interfering, usually as a straight shot: "The 3-Ball is hanging in the pocket, but I can't see it because the 9 ball is in my way."
seeding
The placement of player(s) automatically in a tournament where some have to qualify, or automatic placement in later rounds.[5]
sell out
To bungle a shot in a manner that leaves the table in a fortuitous position for the opponent.[64]Contrast sell the farm.
sell the farm
To bungle a shot in a manner that leaves the table in such a fortuitous position for the opponent that there is a strong likelihood of losing the game or match.[6]Contrast sell out.
Also semi-massé shot. A moderate curve imparted to the path of the cue ball by an elevated hit with use of english (side); or a shot using this technique. Also known as a curve (US) or swerve (UK) shot. Compare massé.
session
1. Principally US: One or more sets, usually in the context of gambling. See also ahead race (a.k.a. ahead session) for a more specialized usage.
2. Principally British: Any of a group of pre-determined frames played in a match too long to be completed within a single day's play. A best of 19 frame match, for example, is generally played with two "sessions", the first composed of nine frames, the second of ten. This term is generally used only in the context of professional snooker, as matches at the amateur level are rarely played over more than nine frames. Longer matches can be split into three or four sessions.
session to spare
Principally British: In snooker, if a player wins a match without the need for the final session to be played (for example, if a player wins a best-of-25-frames match split into three sessions – two sessions of eight frames and one of nine – by a margin of say, 13 frames to 3), then they are said to have won the match "with a session to spare".
set
A predetermined number of games, usually played for a specified sum of money. Contrast race (a predetermined number of wins). Informally, sets may refer to gambling more generally, as in "I've been playing sets all day", even when the format is actually races or single games.
set up
Usually set-up in non-verb form, sometimes setup in noun form particularly.
1. (Of a player or referee) to place the balls (and other items, if applicable, such as skittles) properly for the beginning of a game: "In eight-ball, properly setting up requires that the rear corners of the rack not have two stripes or two solids but one of each." For most games this is in a racked pattern, but the term is applicable more broadly than "rack", e.g. in carom billiards and in games like bottle pool. Contrast layout.
2. (Of the game equipment) arranged properly for the beginning of a game: "set up and waiting for the break", "an improper set-up"
3. (Of a player, passively and specifically) to have good shape – to be in a favorable position for making a shot or other desired play ("is set-up on the 9", "could be set-up for the corner-pocket after this shot")
4. (Of a player, passively, generally, and chiefly US) to be in a favorable position for, and with a layout conductive to, a long run (UK: break) or complete run-out: "a crucial miss that left his opponent really set-up"; compare (chiefly British) "in the balls"
5. (Of a player, actively) to use position play to move one or more specific balls to specific locations with a specific goal in mind, usually pocketing (potting) a specific ball or getting an easy out, but possibly a safety, nurse or trap shot; in short, to get shape: "She set up on the 9-ball with a careful draw shot." The meaning can be inverted to indicate poor play on the part of the other player: "Oops, I just set you up for an easy win when I missed like that."
6. (Of a table layout) comparatively easy to completely run out, e.g. because of a lack of clusters or blocking balls: "looks like a nice set-up for a quick out", "this table's totally set up for you"
7. (Of cue ball position more specifically): having good shape – comparatively easy to use to some advantage, such as continuing a run (UK: break) or playing safe: "The cue ball's set up for an easy side pocket shot."
8. (Of a shot or strategy) the result of position play (careful or reckless): "Playing the 6 off the 8 was a great set-up to win", "That follow shot was a terrible set-up for the 6-ball."
9. (Of a hustler) to successfully convince a fish that one is not a very skilled player and that gambling on a game will be a good idea: "That guy totally set me up and took me for $200." Such a hustle is a setup or set-up.
sewer
A pocket; usually used in disgust when describing a scratch (e.g., "the cue ball's gone down the sewer").
shaft
The upper portion of a cue which slides on a player's bridge hand and upon which the tip of the cue is mounted at its terminus.[5] It also applies to the main, unsegmented body of a mechanical bridge.
A highly abrasive tip tool used to shape an unreasonably flat new cue tip, or misshapen old one, into a more usable, consistently curved profile, most commonly the curvature of a nickel or dime (or equivalently sized non-US/Canadian coin) for larger and smaller pool tips, respectively. Similar to a scuffer, but deeper and rougher.
shark
Also pool shark, poolshark (US); sharp, pool sharp (British)
1. Verb: To perform some act or make some utterance with the intent to distract, irritate or intimidate the opponent so that they do not perform well, miss a shot, etc.[6] Most league and tournament rules forbid blatant sharking, as a form of unsportsmanlike conduct, but it is very common in bar pool.
3. Noun: A very good player. This usage is common among non-players who often intend it as a compliment and are not aware of its derogatory senses (above).[6]
sharp
Chiefly British:Same as shark (senses 1, 2). The term appears in lyrics from The Mikado (1884) in relation to billiards, and developed from sharper (in use by at least 1681, but now obsolete) meaning "hustler" but not specific to billiards.[1]:207–8See also card sharp for more etymological details and sources.
short rack
Any game which uses a rack composed of less than 15 balls.[5]
Also short stop, short-stop.
A second-tier professional who is not (yet) ready for World Championship competition.[2][74] It can also be applied by extension to a player who is one of the best in a region but not quite good enough to consistently beat serious road players and tournament pros. The term was borrowed from baseball.
shot
Verb form: to shoot.
The use of the cue to perform or attempt to perform a particular motion of balls on the table, such as to pocket (pot) an object ball, to achieve a successful carom (cannon), or to play a safety.
shot for nothing
Also shot to nothing. A predominantly British term for a shot in which a player attempts a difficult pot but with safety in mind, so that in the event of missing the pot it is likely that the opponent will not make a meaningful contribution, and will probably have to reply with a safety. The meaning refers to lack of risk, i.e. at no cost to the player ("for nothing" or coming "to nothing"). Compare two-way shot.
Chiefly British:Short for side spin. In Canadian usage, the term is sometimes used as a verb, "to side".
side pocket
One of the two pockets one either side of a pool table halfway up the long rails. They are cut shallower than corner pockets because they have a 180 degree aperture, instead of 90 degrees. In the UK the term centre pocket or middle pocket are preferred.
side rail
Either of the two longer rails of a billiards table, bisected by a center pocket and bounded at both ends by a corner pocket. Also called a long rail.
side spin
Also sidespin, side-spin, side.
Spin placed on the cue ball when hit with the cuetip to the left or right of the ball's center; usually called english in American usage. See english, in its narrower definition, for details on the effects of side spin. See illustration at spin.
A tournament format in which a player is out of the tournament after a single match loss.[5]Contrast double-elimination.
single table format
Also single table set-up.
In the final stages of a tournament, primarily snooker events, where other tables are removed, to use one single table for the final, or later rounds of the tournament.
Some events, such as the Snooker Shoot-out, are played throughout using a single table format.
Any shot that intentionally accounts for the elasticity of the cushions to allow a ball to bank past an otherwise blocking ball. The moving ball will sink in to the cushion very near the blocking ball giving it sufficient space to get past it or kiss off the back side of it.
sitter
Chiefly British:Same as duck, and stemming from the same obvious etymology.
skid
British:Same as cling, and kick, sense 2. Noun, verb and rare adjective usage as per "cling".
skittle
An upright pin, which looks like a miniature bowling pin, cone or obelisk. Skittles, as employed in billiards games, have been so-called since at least 1634.[1] One standardized size, for the largely Italian and South American game five-pins, is 25 mm (1 in.) tall, with 7 mm (0.28 in.) round bases,[75] though larger variants have long existed for other games such as Danish pin billiards. Depending upon the game there may be one skittle, or several, and they may be targets to hit (often via a carom) or obstacles to avoid, usually the former. They are also sometimes called pins, though that term can be ambiguous. Because of the increasing international popularity of the Italian game five-pins), they are sometimes also known even in English by their Italian name, birilli (singular birillo). Skittles are also used as obstacles in some artistic billiards shots. Flat, thin rectangular skittles, somewhat like large dominoes, approximately 6 in. tall by 3 in. wide, and placed upright like an obelisks on the table in specific spots, are used in the obsolescent and principally Australian games devil's pool and victory billiards. Depending upon the exact game being played, there may be one pin, or several of various colors (e.g. ten white and two black in devil's pool), and they may be targets or obstacles, most commonly the latter.[76] They are usually made of plastic, and are increasingly difficult to obtain, even from Australian billiards suppliers. A black obelisk skittle of this sort features prominently, as a particularly dire hazard, in several scenes of sci-fi/pool film Hard Knuckle (1992, Australia).[77] Skittles as used in billiards games date to ground billiards (13th century or earlier) played with a mace, and hand-thrown games of bowls from at least the same era using the same equipment. Ball games using a recognizable form of skittle are known from as early as ca. 3300 BCE in Ancient Egypt.[78]:3–44
skunk
During a set if the opponent does not win a single game, they are said to have been skunked.
slate
The heavy, finely milled rock (slate) that forms the bed of the table, beneath the cloth. Major slate suppliers for the billiards industry are Italy, Brazil and China. Some cheaper tables, and novelty tables designed for outdoor use, do not use genuine slate beds, but artificial materials such as Slatrol.
A stroking technique in which a player releases his gripping hand briefly and re-grasps the cue farther back on the butt just before hitting the cue ball.[79] See Cowboy Jimmy Moore; a well known practitioner of the slip stroke.
slop
1. Also slop shot. A luck shot. Compare fish and fluke; contrast mark (sense 3) and call.
2. Also sloppy. Descriptive of any game where the rules have been varied to allow luck shots not normally allowed or where no foul rules apply.
slop pockets
Pocket openings that are significantly wider than are typical and thus allow shots hit with a poor degree of accuracy to be made that would not be pocketed on a table with more exacting pocket dimensions.[65]
slow
1. Describes a billiard table with loosely woven, dirty, too-new or worn-out cloth (baize), upon which the balls move slower and shorter distances.[1]:53See table speed for more information.
2. Producing dull, sluggish action; said of cushions or of the balls, in addition to the above, cloth-related definition.[11]:96
3. Unusually rejecting of balls; said of pockets; see pocket speed (sense 1) for more information.
"Fast" is the direct opposite of "slow" in all of these usages.
small
Also smalls, small ones, small balls.
In eight-ball, to be shooting the solid suit (group) of balls (1 through 7); "you're the small one" or "I've got the smalls". Compare little, solids, reds, low, spots, dots, unders; contrast big.
smash and pray
A variant of hit and hope, but played with unnecessary force, in hopes that the undesirable ball layout on the table is sufficiently re-arranged by careening balls that something good will result for the shooter (even if it's simply a bad leave for the incoming player).
smash-through
The effect of shooting regulation-weight object balls with an old-fashioned over-weight bar tablecue ball, such that the cue ball moves forward to occupy (sometimes only temporarily), or go beyond, the original position of the object ball, even on a draw or stop shot, because the mass of the cue ball exceeds that of the object ball. Players who understand smash-through well can use it intentionally for position play, such as to nudge other object balls nearby the target ball. Smash-through also makes it dangerous in bar pool (when equipped with such a cue ball) to pocket straight-on ducks with a stop shot instead of by cheating the pocket because of the likelihood of scratching the cue ball.[10]
A two-piece cue constructed to resemble a house cue, with a near-invisible wood-to-wood joint.[3]:79 The subterfuge often enables a hustler to temporarily fool unsuspecting fish into thinking that he or she is an unskilled banger with no regard for finesse or equipment quality. Many league players also use cheap but solid sneaky petes as their break cues.
2. (verb) To leave the opponent (accidentally or by means of a safety) so that a certain shot on a preferred object ball cannot be played directly in a straight line by normal cueing. It most commonly means that the object ball cannot be hit, because it is hidden by another ball or, more rarely, the knuckle of a pocket (see corner-hooked). It can also refer to the potting angle or another significant point of contact on the object ball, blocking an otherwise more straightforward shot, even if an edge can be seen. A common related adjective describing a player in this situation is snookered. Also known as "to hook", for which the corresponding adjective "hooked" is also common. See also free ball.
3. (noun) An instance of this situation (e.g. "she's put him in a difficult snooker"). A player can choose a range of shots to get out of a snooker; usually a kick shot will be implemented but semi-massés are often preferred, and in games where it is not a foul, jump shots may be employed that often yield good results for skilled players. "Snooker" is used loosely (when used at all; "hook" is favored) in the US, but has very specific definitions and subtypes (such as the total snooker) in blackball.[7]See also safe.
A phrase used in snooker to describe the scenario whereby there are not enough available points on the table to level the scores for the frame, therefore the trailing player needs his/her opponent to foul in order to be able to make up the deficit. The name comes from the fact that this would normally have to be achieved by placing the leading player in foul-prone situations such as difficult snookers.
soft break
A break shot in which the rack (pack) is disturbed as little as possible within the bounds of a legal shot, in order to force the opponent to have to break it up further. A soft break is desirable in some games, such as straight pool, in which breaking is a disadvantage; and forbidden by the open break rules of other games such as nine-ball and eight-ball.
solids
Also solid, solid ones, solid balls.
The non-striped ball suit (group) of a fifteen ball set that are numbered 1 through 7 and have a solid color scheme (i.e., not including the 8 ball). As in, "I'm solid", or "you've got the solids". Compare lows, smalls, littles, reds, spots, dots, unders; contrast stripes.
special average
Abr. = SA, term from carom billiards. The number indicates the relation between the points and innings (points ÷ innings = SA) a player has made in a single match. E. g. 40 points in 10 innings is a SA of 4.000. Higher numbers indicate better players. see also general average
speed
1. A player's skill level (subjectively) or numerical handicap (objectively).[6][59]
The use of the correct amount of cue ball speed in position play to achieve proper shape for a subsequent shot.[4]:98, 102, 245
spider
Spider rest
Also spider rest.
A type of rest, similar to a common American-style rakebridge but with longer legs supporting the head so that the cue is higher and can reach over and around an obstructing ball to reach the cue ball. See also swan.
spin
Basic cue tip contact points on the cue ball to impart various forms of spin. Top spin is also known as follow, side spin as english, and bottom spin as back spin, draw or screw.
Rotational motion applied to a ball, especially to the cue ball by the tip of the cue, although if the cue ball is itself rotating it will impart (opposite) spin (in a lesser amount) to a contacted object ball. Types of spin include top spin, bottom or back spin (also known as draw or screw), and left and right side spin, all with widely differing and vital effects. Collectively they are often referred to in American English as "english". Its invention is credited to François Mingaud. See also massé.
split
1. Also split shot and split hit. In pool, a type of shot in which two object balls are initially contacted by the cue ball simultaneously or so close to simultaneously as for the difference to be indistinguishable to the eye.[5] In most sets of rules it is a foul if the split is one in which one of the object balls is a (or the only) legal target (ball-on) and the other is not; however, such a split is commonly considered a legal shot in informal bar pool in many areas if it is called as a split and does appear to strike the balls simultaneously).
2. In pool, the degree to which racked balls move apart upon impact by the cue ball as a result of a break shot.
3. In snooker, a shot sending the cue ball into the pack of red balls and separating them (after potting the ball-on). At least one split is usually necessary in each frame, since the original triangle of reds does not allow any balls to be potted reliably.
spot (noun)
1. spot, a: In pool games such as nine-ball, a specific handicap given (e.g., "what spot will you give me?").
2. spot, a: In snooker, any of the six designated points on the table on which a colour ball is replaced after it has left the playing surface (usually after it has been potted).
6. spots: Also spot balls, spotted balls, the spots.Chiefly British. In a numbered pool ball set, the group of seven balls, other than the black, that are a solid colour with the number on the ball inside a small white spot on the otherwise solid-coloured surface. Also referred to as solids; chiefly American colloquialisms are lows, littles and smalls, while alternative British terms include dots and unders. Contrast stripes.
1. In pool, return an illegally pocketed object ball to the table by placement on the foot spot or as near to it as possible without moving other balls (in ways that may differ from ruleset to ruleset).[5]
2. In snooker, to return a colour ball to its designated spot on the table. Also called re-spot.
3. In nine-ball, the giving of a handicap to the opponent where they can also win by making a ball or balls other than the 9 ball (e.g. "she spotted me the seven ball").
4. In eight-ball, one-pocket and straight pool, the giving of a handicap to the opponent where they have to make fewer balls than their opponent does.
5. In some variants of pool, to place the cue ball on the head spot or as near to it as possible inside the kitchen/baulk, after the opponent has scratched.
spot shot
The situation arising in many pool games where a ball is spotted to the table's foot spot or some other specific location and the cue ball must be shot from the kitchen or the "D". There are diamond system aiming techniques for pocketing such shots without scratching the cue ball into a pocket.[11]:238
spot stroke
Also spot-stroke, spot hazard. A form of nurse shot in English billiards, in which the red ball, which must be spotted to a specific location after every time it is potted before another shot is taken, is potted in such a way as to leave the cue ball in position to repeat the same shot, permitting a skilled player to rack up many points in a single break of shots in one visit.[11]:238
squeeze shot
Any shot in which the cue ball or an object ball has to squeeze by (just miss with almost no margin for error) another ball or balls in order to reach its intended target.[4]:245[whit? clarification needit]
1. (noun) A player's wager in a money game. Contrast pot, definition 3.
2. (verb) To provide part or all of a player's stake for a gambling session in which one is not a player,[1] i.e. to be a stakehorse for the player. Same as back.
stakehorse
One who stakes (monetarily backs) a gambling player; a.k.a. backer.[1] "Stakehorse" can also be used as a verb.[9]
stall
1. To intentionally hide one's "speed" (skill); "he's on the stall."[80]
2. To intentionally play slowly so as to irritate one's opponent. This form of sharking has been eliminated from many tournaments with a shot clock, and from many leagues with time-limit rules.
stance
A shooter's body position and posture during a shot.[4]:246[5]See also cue action.
stay shot
In the UK, a long-distance shot played to pot a ball close to a pocket with heavy top spin, so that when the cue ball hits the cushion it bounces off but then stops due to the counteraction of the spin. It is not common in competitive play, being more of an exhibition shot.
steering
The lamentable practice of not following through with the cue straight, but veering off in the direction of the shot's travel or the side english is applied, away from the proper aiming line; a common source of missed shots.
To play even; without a handicap. Also called heads up.
string
1. A (usually unmarked) line running across the table between one diamond and its corresponding diamond on the opposite rail. See also head string, foot string, long string for examples.
2. Same as scoring string, a.k.a. wire sense 2. Can be used as a verb, as in "string that point for me, will you?"
Also string off.Obsolete:Same as string, sense 4, and lag.[19]
stripes
Also striped ones, striped balls.
The ball suit (group) of a fifteen ball set that are numbered 9 through 15 and have a wide colored bar around the middle. Compare bigs, highs, yellows, overs; contrast solids.
stroke
1. The motion of the cue stick and the player's arm on a shot;[4]:246
2. The strength, fluidity and finesse of a player's shooting technique; "she has a good stroke."
3. See In stroke: A combination of finesse, good judgement, accuracy and confidence.
stroke, catch a
To suddenly be in stroke after poor prior play; "she caught a stroke."
A shot played with stun, but not quite enough to completely stop the cue ball, allowing for a little follow. It is played so that a follow shot can be controlled more reliably, with a firmer strike than for a slow roll. It is widely consideredTemplate:Weasel inline as one of the most difficult shots in the game to master, but an excellent weapon in a player's armory once it has been.
stun shot
A shot where the cue ball has no top spin or back spin on it when it impacts an object ball, and "stuns" out along the tangent line. Commonly shortened to just "stun."
sucker shot
A shot that only a novice or fool would take. Usually because it is a guaranteed scratch or other foul, or because it has a low percentage of being pocketed and is likely to leave the opponent in good position.
suit
A (principally American) term in eight-ball for either of the set of seven balls (stripes or solids) that must be cleared before sinking the 8 ball. Borrowed from card games. Generally used in the generic, especially in rulesets or articles, rather than colloquially by players. See also group for the British equivalent.
surgeon
A player skilled at very thin cut shots, and shots in which a ball must pass cleanly through a very narrow space (such as the cue ball between two of the opponent's object balls with barely enough room) to avoid a foul and/or to pocket a ball.[81] Such shots may be referred to as "surgery", "surgical shots", "surgical cuts", etc. (chiefly US, colloquial). See also feather (US) or snick (UK).
swan
Swan rest
Also swan rest.
A type of rest, similar to a spider in that the head is raised by longer supporting legs, but instead of a selection of grooves on the top for the cue to rest in there is only one, on the end of an overhanging neck, so that a player can get to the cue ball more easily if the path is blocked by two or more obstructing balls. Also known as the goose neck[7]
sweaters
Those who are stakehorsing a match or have side bets on it and are "sweating the action",[49] i.e. nervous about its outcome.
swerve
An unintentional and often barely perceptible curve imparted to the path of the cue ball from the use of english without a level cue. Not to be confused with a swerve shot.
A flaw in the table, such as lack of leveling, loose cloth at the fall of a pocket, a divot in the bed, etc., that causes a ball, especially a slow-moving one, to not roll or settle as expected.
table scratch
1. Failure to hit any legal object ball at all with the cue ball. In most sets of rules, this is a foul like any other. However, in some variants of bar pool a table scratch while shooting for the 8 ball is a loss of game where other more minor fouls might not be, as is scratching on the 8 ball (neither result in a loss of game in professional and most amateur league rules).
2. By way of drift from the above definition, the term is also applied by many league players to the foul in more standardized rules of failing to drive a (any) ball to a cushion, or to pocket a legal object ball, after the cue ball's initial contact with an object ball.
3. Uncommonly, and by way of entirely different derivation ("scratch off the table"), it can also mean knocking the cue ball (or more loosely, any ball) completely off the table.
table speed
Subjective assessment of the rapidity with which balls most on the billiard table's cloth (baize). Balls roll faster and farther on "fast" tables with tightly-woven, broken-in, clean cloth as they experience less friction than with "slow" cloth that is dirty or is fuzzy because of a loose weave and cheap material or because it is wearing out. The terms may be used comparatively, as in "this is a really fast table", or "I don't like cloth this slow". Fast cloth can make draw (screw) shots somewhat less effective, as there is less purchase for the cue ball's back spin. On the other hand, slide and stop shots are easier on fast cloth because it is so comparatively smooth.[1]:53 Sometimes called cloth speed.
talc
Also hand talc.
White talcum powder placed on a player's bridge hand to reduce moisture so that a cue's shaft can slide more easily. Many establishments do not provide it as too many recreational players will use far more than is necessary and transfer it all over the table's surface, the floor, furniture, etc. Venues that do provide it usually do so in the form of compressed cones about 6–inches tall. Some serious players bring their own, in a bottle or a porous bag that can be patted on the bridge hand. Many players prefer a pool glove. Talc is frequently mistakenly referred to as "hand chalk", despite not being made of chalk.
tangent line
The imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the impact line between the cue ball and an object ball. The cue ball will travel along this line after impact with an object ball if it has no vertical spin on it (is sliding) at the moment of impact on a non-center-to-center collision. See also stun shot.
tank
To purposefully lose games in order to gain a better draft selection or to be more competitive in the future. This is usually performed when a team is out of or unlikely to take part in a league's postseason.
taper
The profile of the shaft of the cue as it increases in diameter from the tip to the joint. A "fast" or "slow" taper refers to how quickly the diameter increases. A "pro" taper describes a shaft that tapers rapidly from the joint size to the tip size so as to provide a long, untapered stroking area.
tapper
A tip tool with fine, sharp points used to roughen the cue tip to better hold chalk after it has become hardened and smooth from repeated impacts with the cue ball. Tappers are firmly tapped on or pressed against the tip. Scuffers serve the same purpose, but are used differently.
The three-foul rule describes a situation in which a player is assessed a defined penalty after committing a third successive foul. The exact penalty, its prerequisites and whether it is in place at all, vary depending on the games. In nine-ball and straight pool, a player must be the told he is on two fouls in order to transgress the rule, and if violated, results in a loss of game for the former and a special point penalty of a loss of fifteen points (plus one for the foul itself) in the latter together with the ability to require the violator to rerack and rebreak. In WEPF eight ball, it is a loss of game if a player commits a third foul while shooting at the black. In snooker, three successive fouls from a non-snookered position result in forfeiting the frame. Repeat fouls from a snookered position are quite common – Dave Harold holds the record in a competitive match, missing the same shot 14 successive times.
throw
The normal phenomenon where the object ball is pushed in a direction very slightly off the pure contact angle between the two balls. Caused by the friction imparted by the first ball sliding past or rotating against the other ball.[5]
tickie
A shot in which the cue ball is driven first to one or more rails, then hits an object ball and kisses back to the last rail contacted. It is a common shot in carom games, but can be applied to such an instance in any relevant cue sport.
tied up
Describing a ball that is safe because it is in close proximity to one or more other balls, and would need to be developed before it becomes pottable.
tight
1. Describing a situation where a pot is made more difficult, either by a pocket being partially blocked by another ball so that not all of it is available, or the cue ball path to the object ball'spotting angle involves going past another ball very closely.
2. Describing pockets that are themselves narrower than average, making for a more challenging table.
3. Chiefly British: A resting ball that is in actual contact with a cushion is said to be "tight" to that cushion. The chiefly American term "frozen" means the same thing, except that it can also apply to a ball in contact with one or more other balls rather than with a cushion.
time shot
Any shot in which the cue ball moves another ball to a different position and then rebounds from one or more rails to contact the object ball again (normally in an attempt to pocket it or score a billiard).[5]
timing
The ease with which a player is generating cue power, due to well-timed acceleration of the cue at the appropriate point in a shot.
A small clamping tip tool used to firmly hold and apply pressure to a replacement cue tip until the glue holding the tip to the ferrule has fully dried.
1. Chiefly British: The half of the table in which the object balls are racked (in games in which racked balls are used). This usage is conceptually opposite that in North America, where this end of the table is called the foot. In snooker, this is where the reds are racked, nearest the blackspot; this is the area in which most of the game is usually played. Contrast bottom.
2. Chiefly American: Exactly the opposite of the British usage above – the head end of the table. No longer in common usage.
This technique involves all three balls being grouped in close proximity at the top end of the table and scoring with a succession of short-range pots and cannons. A typical starting point is with the red placed on its spot, object white on or near the centreline somewhere between the spot and the top cushion, and the cueball posed nearby to pot the red or make a gentle cannon. If the pot, then it should be played so as to leave the cueball in a good position for the next shot. If the cannon, then the purpose is to disturb the object white as little as possible and finish clear to pot the red which has been left near the corner pocket. Then in potting the red the cueball must again be left in a good position for the next shot, and so on. This form of play makes it possible to compile really big breaks in relatively short time.
A term used in snooker for the potting of all the balls that are racked at the beginning of the frame in a single break (run). The minimum total clearance affords 72 points (barring multiple reds being potted on a single stroke), in the pattern of red then yellow repeatedly until all reds are potted, then all of the colour balls. The maximum break is 147 (barring a foul by the opponent immediately before the break began).
total snooker
In blackball,[7] a situation where the player cannot see any of the balls she/he wants to hit due to obstruction by other balls or the knuckle of a pocket. The player must call "total snooker" to the referee, which allows a dispensation to the player from having to hit a cushion after contacting the object ball, which is otherwise a foul.
touching ball
Touching ball with red ball
In snooker, the situation in which the cue ball is resting in contact with an object ball. If the object ball is a ball that may legally be hit, then it is allowable to simply hit away from it and it counts as having hit it in the shot. If that ball moves, then a push shot must have occurred, in which case it is a foul. This rule is sometimes applies to British pool as well as snooker. In American-style pool, and in carom billiards, a less stringent definition of a push shot applies; see frozen.
tournament card
Jargon for a tournament chart, showing which players are playing against whom and what the results are. Often shortened to card.
Training template
A thin sheet of rigid material in the size and shape of a physical ball rack (e.g. a diamond for nine-ball), with holes drilled though it, which is used to make permanent divots in the cloth of the table, one at a time for each ball in the racking pattern, by placing the template on the table, and then a ball in one of the holes in the template by tapping it sharply from above to create the cloth indentation. The holes are spaced slightly closer than the regulation ball width of 21⁄2 inch (57.15 mm) apart, so that when the balls settle partially into their divots, the outer sides of these indentations create ball-on-ball pressure, pushing the balls together tightly. The purpose of the template is to do away with using a physical rack, with racking instead being performed simply by placing the balls into position, and the divots aligning them into the tightest possible formation automatically. This prevents accidental loose racks, and also thwarts the possibility of cheating by manipulating the ball positions while racking. The European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF, Europe's WPA affiliate organization) has adopted this racking technique for its professional Euro-Tour event series.[82]See also racking template, pocket template.
triangle
Racking up a game of cribbage pool using the trianglerack, with the 15 ball in the middle, no two corner balls adding up to 15, and the apex ball on the foot spot.
1. A rack in the form of an equilateral triangle. There are different sizes of triangles for racking different games (which use different ball sizes and numbers of balls),[5] including the fifteen ball racks for snooker and various pool games such as eight-ball and blackball. A larger triangle is used for the twenty-one ball rack for baseball pocket billiards).[5] The smallest triangle rack is employed in three-ball(see illustration at that article) but is not strictly necessary, as the front of a larger rack can be used, or the balls can be arranged by hand.
2. The object balls in triangular formation, before the break shot, after being racked as above (i.e., same as rack, definition 2). Principally British. (See also pyramid.)
An exhibition shot designed to impress either by a player's skill or knowledge of how to set the balls up and take advantage of the angles of the table; usually a combination of both. A trick shot may involve items otherwise never seen during the course of a game, such as bottles, baskets, etc., and even members of the audience being placed on or around the table.
triple
Also treble.
A British term for a type of bank shot in which the object ball is potted off two cushions, especially by sending it twice across the table and into a side pocket. Also called a two-cushion double.
triple century
Also treble century, triple-century break, treble-century break.
This section is empty. Ye can help bi addin tae it. (April 2013)
two-shot carry
A rule in blackball[7] whereby after an opponent has faulted and thus yielded two shots, if the incoming shooter pots a ball on the first shot, (s)he is still allowed to miss in a later shot and take a second shot in-hand (from the "D" or from baulk, or if the opponent potted the cue ball, from anywhere)—even on the black, in most variants. Also called the "two visits" rule; i.e., the two penalty shots are considered independent visits to the table, and the limiting variants discussed at two shots below cannot logically apply.
two shots
In blackball,[7] a penalty conceded by a player after a fault. The incoming opponent is then allowed to miss twice before the faulting player is allowed another visit. Many local rules state the in-hand from the D (see D, the) or baulk (or if the opponent potted the cue ball, from anywhere) nature of the second shot is lost if a ball is potted on the first shot, that it is lost if the ball potted in the first shot was that player's last coloured ball (object ball in their group), and/or that there is only ever one shot on the black after a fault. See two-shot carry for more detail on a sub-rule that may apply (and eliminate the variations discussed here).
A three cushion billiards shot in which the cue ball first strikes two cushions before hitting the first object ball then hits a third cushion before hitting the second object ball. So called because the shot opens up like an umbrella after hitting the third rail. Umbrella shots may be classified as inside or outside depending on which side of the first object ball the cue ball contacts.
umpire
Chiefly American, and largely obsolete:Same as referee.[19] Derives from the usage in baseball.
undercut
Also under-cut.
1 To hit the object ball with not eneuch o a cut angle; hitting the object ball too full or "fat". It is a well-known maxim that overcutting is preferable to undercutting because of the principle of the "professional side of the pocket". May be used as a noun: "That was a bad undercut."
2. On snooker and English billiards tables, to trim back (usually by filing and sanding, not actually cutting) the underside of the protruding knuckle of the cushion, a.k.a. the nose of the cushion, from where the cushion starts to curve into the pocket until it ends inside the pocket jaws.[44]:8 The result is a cushion face at the knuckle that angles inward toward where the base of the rail meets the bed of the table, instead of one that is perpendicular to the bed.[44]:8 At this point it is thus more like a triangular pool cushion profile, with its "backboard" effect, than a sideways-L-shaped snooker cushion profile. Undercut knuckles make for an easier pocket to pot balls in from an angle – a "faster pocket speed" – because they raise the contact point between cushion and ball to above the centre of the ball,[44]:8 reducing the tendency of the ball to be rebounded away. Also used as a noun: "The amount of the undercut has a major effect on pocket playability."
Inadvertent english placed on the cue ball by a failure to hit it dead center on its horizontal axis. It is both a common source of missed shots and commonly overlooked when attempts are made to determine the reason for a miss.[4]:89 In UK parlance this is usually called 'unwanted side'.
A British term describing when a ball is tight on the cushion and a player sends the cue ball to hit both the object ball and the rail at nearly the same time; the object ball, ideally, stays tight to the rail and is thus "velcroed" to the rail. Inside english is often employed to achieve this effect, hitting slightly before the ball. The movement of a ball just next to the rail (but not the shot described to achieve this movement) is called hugging the rail in both the UK and the US.
visit
One of the alternating turns players (or doubles teams) are allowed at the table, before a shot is played that concedes a visit to his/her opponent (e.g. "he ran out in one visit"). Usually synonymous with inning as applied to a single player/team, except in scotch doubles format.
1. A one-piece or two-piece item of wall-mounted furniture designed to store cue sticks and sometimes other accessories such as the mechanical bridge (rest), balls, chalk, etc., when not in use. May consist of two small pieces of wood, or be an elaborately decorative large work of carpentry. Contrast Cue stand.
An object ball positioned near a pocket so that another object ball shot at that pocket will likely go in off the warrior, even if aimed so imperfectly that if the warrior had been absent, the shot likely would have missed. Usually arises when a ball is being banked to the pocket.
way
1. Term for object balls in the game of Chicago that are each assigned as having a set money value; typically the 5, 8, 10, 13 and 15.[whit? clarification needit]
2. In games where multiple balls must be pocketed in succession to score a specific number of points, such as cribbage pool or thirty-one pool, when the last ball necessary to score has been potted, the points total given is referred to as a "way".[citation needit] This is a usage borrowed from card games.
weight
To "give someone weight" is to give them a handicap to compensate for notable differences in skill level. Compare spot (noun), sense 1.
Principally British: In snooker, if a player wins all of the required frames in a match without conceding a frame to their opponent, for example, if a player wins a best-of-nine-frames match with a score of 5–0, this is referred to as a "whitewash". The term is based on a similar term used in the card game of "Patience" in the UK. However, it is not used in the context of a 1–0 winning scoreline in a match consisting of a single frame.
When a ball is given as a handicap it often must be called (generally tacit). A wild handicap means the ball can be made in any manner specifically without being called.
wing ball
Either of the balls on the lateral extremities of a racked set of balls in position for a break shot; the two balls at the outside of a 15-ball rack in the back row, or the balls to the left and right of the 9 ball in nine-ball's diamond rack-shaped opening set up position.[6]:121 In nine-ball It is seen as a reliable sign of a good break (which is normally taken from close to either cushion in the kitchen) if the opposite wing ball is pocketed. See also break box.
wing shot
Shooting at an object ball that is already in motion ("on the wing") at the moment of shooting and cue ball impact; it is a foul in most games, and usually only seen in trick shots and in speed pool.
winning hazard
Also winner.
(Largely obsolete.) A shot in which the cue ball is used to pot another ball.[5][11]:275 In snooker and most pool games doing this is known as potting, pocketing or sinking the targeted ball. The term derives from this hazard winning the player points, while losing hazards cost the player points, in early forms of billiards. Whether the ball is an object ball or an opponent's cue ball depends upon the type of game (some have two cue balls). The move will score points in most (but not all) games in which hazards (as such) apply, such as English billiards (in which a "red winner" is the potting of the red ball and a "white winner" the potting of the opponent's cue ball, each worth a different number of points).[11]:275Contrast losing hazard.
wipe its feet
British term referring to the base or metaphorical "feet" of a ball that rattles in the jaws of a pocket before eventually dropping. Usually said of an object ball for which the intention was to pot it.[6]:121
wire, the
A scoring wire at Booches in Columbia, Missouri, with a sign statin "please do not use this wire"
1. Also scoring wire, score wire.
Actual wire or string with multiple beads strung (like an abacus) used for keeping score. Beads may be numbered or, more commonly, are in series of nine small beads representing 1s punctuated by larger beads representing 10s. Scoring strings are usually strung over the table, above the lights, but may be mounted on the wall.
Points "on the wire" are a type of handicap used, where a weaker player will be given a certain number of points before the start of the game.[45]:281, 292
2. The grapevine in the pool world, carrying news of what action is taking place where in the country.[citation needit]
wired
And wired combination/combo, wired kiss, etc.Same as dead (and variants listed there).
wood
A slang term for a cue, usually used with "piece", as in "that's a nice piece of wood". Contrast firewood.
wrap
Also wrapping, grip.
A covering of leather, nylon string, Irish linen or other material around the area of the butt of a cue where the cue is normally gripped.[4]:246
1. In snooker, the lowest-value colour ball, being worth two points.[11]:278 It is one of the baulk colours. In some (especially American) snooker ball sets, it is numbered "2" on its surface. It is placed on the yellow spot.[11]:278[12]:10
The spot (usually not specially marked because it is obvious) on a snooker table at which the yellow ball is placed. Regardless of table size, it is the intersection of the "D" and the balk line on the breaker's right side.[11]:278[12]:10 The left-to-right order of the green, brown and yellow balls is the subject of the mnemonic phrase "God bless you".[11]:115
↑Loy, Jim (2000). "The Chuck Nurse". Jim Loy's Billiards/Pool Page. Archived frae the original on 28 Januar 2007. Retrieved 24 Februar 2007. The Shamos source is the authoritative one, but this site provides an animated illustration of precisely how the chuck nurse works.
↑Scott Wills speaking as the character Wayne; Kirk Torrance as character Holden; Hamish Rothwell, director (2001). Stickmen (DVD). New Zealand: Monarch. Event occurs at 1:08:58, beginning of Wayne's run-out off the break; 1:10:54, conclusion of perfect run-out without opponent, Caller, ever getting a chance to shoot or Wayne accidentally pocketing any of Caller's balls; 1:11:10, Wayne calls his defeat of Caller "a down-trou"; 1:12:20, Holden demands a down-trou after a Wayne/Caller fight over the matter is broken up, using the noun "down-trou" to refer to the act of dropping one's pants.
↑ESPN2 broadcast of 2007 International Challenge of Champions, first semi-final (September 12, 2007). Thorsten Hohmann v. Niels Feijen. In-context commentary on rack 7 of second set by pool pro Allen Hopkins. "He's hitting everything like he's got the cue ball on a string."
↑ abESPN Classic broadcast of 1995 Gordon's 9-Ball Championship (August 14, 2007), second semi-final. (Loree Jon Jones vs. Gerda Hofstatter). Direct definition of "on the hill" for viewers and two in-context uses of "hill-hill" in commentary by pool pro Vicki Paski.
↑ESPN Classic broadcast of 2002 BCA Open 9-ball Championship, final (May 16, 2002). Charlie Williams v. Tony Robles. In-context commentary on rack 8 by pool pro Mike Sigel. Rebroadcast and viewed March 27, 2009.
↑ESPN2 broadcast of 2007 World Summit of Pool, final (September 17, 2007). Alex Pagulayan v. Shane Van Boening. In-context commentary on rack 11 by pool pro Charlie Williams. [Following a safety] "He put Shane in jail here; this is a tough shot."
↑ESPN broadcast of 2008 BCA GenerationPool.com Women' 9-Ball Championship, final (aired July 19, 2008). Ga-Young Kim vs. Xiaoting Pan. In-context commentary on rack 10 by pool pro Ewa Mataya Laurance: "The field has gotten so much stronger; there are no easy matches anymore—you know—your first match you have to play jam up."
↑Everton, Clive (1986). The History of Snooker and Billiards. Haywards Heath, England: Partridge Press. pp. 8–11. ISBN1-85225-013-5. Revised version of The Story of Billiards and Snooker, 1979
↑Lexico Publishing Group, LLC (2006). Mark – Dictionary.com. Retrieved February 19, 2007.
↑ abShaw, Thomas C. (Mey 1998). "The Legendary Weenie Beenie". Pool & Billiard Magazine. 16 (5): 59. ISSN1049-2852. It was almost as if during his years of learning that he'd been laying down the lemon. They expected the speed of the old Beenie. 'But I had improved.'
↑ abRobbie Magasiva speaking as the character Jack; Hamish Rothwell, director (2001). Stickmen (DVD). New Zealand: Monarch. Event occurs at 1:09:27.
↑"Rules of the Game of Snooker"(PDF). Surrey, BC, Canada: British Columbia Cue Sports Society. 1995. Retrieved 25 December 2011. There are four templates, two for the centre pockets and two for the end pockets. Each template is marked with authorization marks and date stamped. For tournament play the pockets need to be set to current standards.
↑ESPN broadcast of 2007 WPBA Great Lakes Classic, second semi-final. Helena Thornfeldt vs. Ga-Young Kim. In-context commentary on rack 10 by pool pro Dawn Hopkins.
↑ abFSN New York broadcast of 2006 Mosconi Cup (August 21, 2007). Team USA members (Johnny Archer and Corey Deuel) vs. Team Europe members (Thomas Engert and David Alcaide). In-context commentary on rack 7 by pool pros Jim Wych and Jerry Forsyth: "You try and overcut it a little bit if you miss it...if you hit it thick you'll sell out...this is called missing it on the pro side."
↑MSG Plus broadcast of day 3 of the 2008 Mosconi Cup. Mika Immonen vs. Rodney Morris. In-context commentary by pool pro Jerry Forsyth on rack 4: "What a beautiful layout for Immonen. He could not have asked for a better pattern to play. The first five balls are all down at the same end of the table; he doesn't need to make the cue ball do a lot of work; this is a road map". Rebroadcast on April 5, 2009
↑ESPN Classic broadcast of 1995 Gordon's 9-Ball Championship (August 10, 2007), first semi-final. (Jeanette Lee (quoted) vs. Vivian Villarreal). In-context commentary by pool pro Vicki Paski on rack six: "there's good rolls and bad rolls..."
↑Rule Book: Snooker, Devil's Pool, Billiards, American Pool, Eight Ball, Fifteen Ball, Continuous and Rotation Pool. Fortitude Valley, Queensland: Webb & Sons. 2007 [c. 1950s]. pp. 6–7. This appears to be a reprint of an older work, of unknown provenance, dating to the mid 20th century judging by its typeface and layout. It has also been reprinted, under a slightly different title, and again ca. 2007 by Australian gaming equipment dealer PowerPlay, but in an inferior pressing that makes parts of it illegible. The Webb edition was procured from NPC Amusements, 2008, Australia, and they may be the sole distributor, since the demise of PowerPlay.
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