Billiards Terms:
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, knowing the right terms is essential in billiards. Understanding the language of pool can help improve your game, enhance communication with fellow players, and deepen your appreciation for the nuances of the sport. This article provides a comprehensive list of billiards terms that every enthusiast should know, covering everything from the basic rules to advanced techniques.
Terms
8-Ball – A common game played in pool where one player must pocket the solid balls (1-7), and the other the stripes (9-15), with the 8-ball pocketed last.
9-Ball – A game where the balls must be pocketed in numerical order from 1 to 9.
Aiming – The process of aligning the cue ball to hit an object ball.
Angle – The degree at which the cue ball or object ball is struck relative to the straight line.
Apex Ball – The front ball in the rack, placed at the foot spot.
Backspin – Spin applied to the cue ball to make it reverse direction.
Ball in Hand – When a player gets to place the cue ball anywhere on the table, typically after a foul.
Bank Shot – A shot where the ball bounces off one or more rails before hitting the target.
Baseball – A pool game where scoring is based on the numbers on the object balls.
Bed – The flat surface of the pool table where the balls roll.
Billiards – The general term for cue sports, which includes pool, snooker, and carom.
Blocker – An object ball that prevents a clear shot at another ball.
Break – The first shot in a game that scatters the racked balls.
Bridge – The hand or device used to support the cue stick.
Butt – Pool cue butt is the thicker end of the cue stick, opposite the tip.
Call Shot – A rule where players must announce which ball they intend to pocket and where.
Carom – A shot where the cue ball strikes two or more object balls in succession.
Chalk – A material applied to the tip of the cue to reduce slippage when striking the cue ball.
Combination Shot – A shot where the cue ball hits an object ball, which then hits another object ball into the pocket.
Cue Ball Control – The ability to control the cue ball’s position after striking an object ball.
Cushion – The padded rails surrounding the pool table that the balls bounce off.
Cut Shot – A shot where the object ball is hit at an angle to drive it toward a pocket.
Defensive Shot – A shot aimed at making it difficult for the opponent to take their next shot.
Double Bank – A bank shot where the ball hits two rails before hitting the target.
Double Kiss – When the cue ball hits an object ball twice in quick succession.
Draw – A backspin applied to the cue ball to make it roll backward after contact with the object ball.
English – Sidespin applied to the cue ball, altering its trajectory.
Extension – A device that can be added to the butt of the cue for extra reach.
Foul – A violation of the rules, such as scratching or failing to hit the object ball.
Frozen Ball – A ball that is touching a rail or another ball.
Follow – A topspin applied to the cue ball that causes it to roll forward after contact.
Foot Spot – The marked spot on the table where the apex ball of the rack is placed.
Foot of the Table – The end of the table where the balls are racked.
Force Follow – A powerful follow shot.
Frame – Another term for a game or rack in pool.
Head Spot – The spot on the table near the head of the table from where the break shot is taken.
Head of the Table – The opposite end of the table from where the balls are racked.
Hooked – When the cue ball is obstructed by another ball, preventing a clear shot.
Jump Shot – A shot where the cue ball is made to jump over an obstacle.
Kick Shot – A shot where the cue ball hits a rail before striking the object ball.
Kiss – A glancing contact between balls.
Lag – The method of determining who breaks, where players hit balls toward the far rail and the closest ball wins.
Leave – The position of the cue ball after a shot, often considered in strategic play.
Massé – A shot where the cue stick is angled sharply to create extreme spin, curving the cue ball.
Miscue – A bad hit, typically caused by not enough chalk on the cue tip or poor contact with the cue ball.
No Rail – A foul when neither the cue ball nor object ball contacts a rail after a shot.
Object Ball – The ball that the player is aiming to hit with the cue ball.
Open Break – A break that scatters the balls well across the table.
Open Table – A situation where no player has claimed either solids or stripes yet.
Overcut – Hitting the object ball with too much angle, causing a miss.
Pace – The speed at which a ball moves across the table.
Pattern Play – Planning a sequence of shots to run a table.
Peel – A technique where a player sinks two or more balls on one shot.
Pockets – The six openings on a pool table where balls are sunk.
Position Play – Playing a shot to leave the cue ball in a specific spot for the next shot.
Power Shot – A shot played with excessive force.
Push Out – A shot in 9-ball where a player pushes the cue ball after the break to leave a more favorable position.
Push Shot – A shot where the cue tip remains in contact with the cue ball for an extended time, usually resulting in a foul.
Rack – The frame used to arrange balls, or the arrangement itself.
Rail – The cushioned edges of the table that balls bounce off.
Reverse English – Sidespin applied to the cue ball in the opposite direction of the cue ball’s travel.
Run Out – Pocketing all of the remaining balls on the table without giving the opponent a turn.
Safety Play – A shot aimed at leaving the opponent with no clear shot.
Scratch – When the cue ball is pocketed, resulting in a penalty.
Shark – A player who is significantly more skilled than they appear, often hiding their ability to deceive opponents.
Shot Clock – A timed limit on how long a player has to take their shot.
Short Rail – The shorter sides of the table.
Side Pocket – The pockets located on the middle sides of the table.
Sidespin – Spin applied to the cue ball on either side to alter its trajectory.
Sink – To successfully pocket a ball.
Slop Shot – A shot where a ball goes into a pocket unintentionally or through luck.
Solids – The group of balls numbered 1-7 in 8-ball.
Speed Control – The ability to control the speed of the cue ball to get optimal positioning.
Spot Shot – A shot taken from a designated spot on the table.
Stop Shot – A shot where the cue ball stops immediately after hitting the object ball.
Stack – A cluster of balls tightly grouped together.
Straight Pool – A game where the goal is to reach a set number of points by pocketing balls.
Stripes – The group of balls numbered 9-15 in 8-ball.
Stun Shot – A shot where the cue ball has no forward or backward spin, stopping after contact.
Table Scratch – A foul where the cue ball does not hit any object ball.
Tangent Line – The natural path the cue ball takes after contact with the object ball, based on geometry.
Tap Shot – A gentle shot played with minimal force.
Throw – The slight change in direction of the object ball when the cue ball hits it with sidespin.
Tip – The part of the cue stick that strikes the cue ball.
Topspin – Spin applied to the top of the cue ball, causing it to roll forward.
Triangle – The frame used to rack balls, also called a rack.
Triangle Rack – The triangular frame used to set the balls before a break.
Triple Combination – A shot where the cue ball strikes two object balls before pocketing a third.
Two-Rail Kick – A kick shot where the cue ball hits two rails before contacting the object ball.
Two-Way Shot – A shot that can result in both a successful offensive play and leave the opponent with a difficult shot.
Undercut – Hitting the object ball with too little angle, causing a miss.
Uphill Table – Playing from a lower section of the table, typically closer to the racker.
Uptable – The half of the table farthest from the racker.
Velocity – The speed at which a cue ball or object ball is moving.
Weighting – The balance and distribution of weight in a cue stick.
Wedge – A situation where several balls are clustered near a rail or pocket.
Wrap – The grip section of a cue stick, often wrapped in leather or linen.
Yellow Ball – The object ball number 1 in 8-ball.
Z-Bank – A shot where the cue ball hits multiple rails in a Z-like path before contacting an object ball.
Zone – The area on the table where a player tries to position the cue ball for the next shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which term is used for billiards?
Billiards is the general term for all cue sports, including pool, snooker, and carom.
What are billiard shots called?
Billiard shots are known by terms such as bank shot, cut shot, jump shot, and others, based on the shot’s technique and objective.
What do you call the balls in billiards?
Billiard balls are called the cue ball and object balls, with specific terms like solids and stripes used in games like 8-ball.
What is a turn called in pool?
A turn in pool is called a shot or an inning, during which a player keeps shooting until they miss or commit a foul.
Conclusion
Mastering the terminology of billiards is just as important as developing your skills on the table. With a clear understanding of the terms discussed in this guide, you’ll be better equipped to strategize, communicate, and enjoy the game to its fullest. Whether you’re playing 8-ball, 9-ball, or another variation, knowing these terms will enhance your gameplay and make you a more informed player.
If you want to embark on a journey of pool table ownership, get in touch with our pool table specialists who can help you get a preserved, pre-loved pool table, and even help you out with initial leveling and maintenance.