B Glossary of cue sports terms

steve davis plays spin ball prevent play ball falling side pocket.



back spin

also backspin, back-spin, backward spin.

same draw. see illustration @ spin. contrast top spin.

bag
chiefly british. same pocket.
baize

a coarse woolen cloth used cover billiard tables, green in colour. called felt, based on similarity in appearance, though different in makeup.

balance point
the point, around 18 in. bottom of cue, @ cue balance when resting on 1 hand.
balk

also balk space.

1.  an area defined on billiard table 1 or more balklines. in eponymous game of balkline billiards, there 8 balks defined perpendicular balklines, in set number of caroms may scored before @ least 1 ball must leave area. in earlier (and short-lived) champions game , there 4 triangular balks, 1 @ each corner, defined single diagonal balklines. not confused baulk, see second definition.

2.  an area defined on billiard table, in games such pool, snooker, english billiards , bagatelle, single balkline (drawn or imaginary) runs across table near head (bottom) end; depends upon table type , size. balk cue ball placed in lagging lead, making opening break shot, , other purposes, depending upon game. usage of balk strictly technical, , used in practice. in pool, area called kitchen , divided rest of table head string, while in snooker, english billiards , blackball differently sized , delimited baulk, defined baulk line. on baulk tables, have d inside baulk, , on pool tables break box in kitchen, actual area shoot smaller baulk or kitchen, respectively – balk within balk.
balkline

also balk line.

1.  a line drawn horizontally point on billiard table s rail corresponding point on opposite rail, defining region (a balk). in eponymous balkline billiards there 4 balklines, drawn parallel , typically 14 or 18 inches cushions of table, dividing 9 compartments or divisions, of outside 8 balks. in set number of caroms may scored before @ least 1 ball must leave area. not confused baulk line, though concepts , etymologies related. see balk, second definition.

2.  formerly, in champions game , line drawn diagonally long short rail @ corners of table, defining triangular balk space @ each.
3.  a type of carom billiards game, called balkline billiards, created eliminate high runs in straight-rail relied on repetitive nurse shots.
ball-and-pocket
same call-shot.
ball-in-hand
also cue ball in-hand. option of placing cue ball anywhere on table prior shooting, in game of pool. available player when opposing player has committed type of foul under particular game s rules (cf. free throw in basketball way of comparison). see in-hand snooker definition. common variation, used in games such straight pool , in bar pool, ball-in-hand behind head string , behind line or kitchen , meaning ball-in-hand option restricted placement anywhere behind head string, i.e., in area of table known kitchen.
ball-on

not hyphenated. plural: balls-on. on[-]ball.

any legally strikeable ball on table in snooker , british terminology. example, in blackball, if player playing yellows, yellow ball (or solid, 1 7, if using solids-and-stripes ball set) can ball-on until potted, in case 8 ball ball-on. in snooker, @ beginning of player s turn, unless potted, red ball can ball-on. compare object ball.

ball rack
1.  same rack (noun), sense 1
2.  same scoring rack
3.  a wall rack designed exclusively storing balls
ball return
a collection bin mounted below foot end of table, balls potted in pocket return means of gravity-assisted gutters or troughs running each pocket opening bin; these ball-return mechanism, may internal table or external gutter system. ball returns have been in use since @ least 1700s. pockets collect balls known drop pockets. table without ball return may called drop pocket table , while table featuring ball return may called gully table . coin-operated bar tables have ball-return mechanisms separate cue ball object balls object balls captured when pocketed until game ends, released when paid again, while cue ball continually returned continued play after scratches. type of table can use variety of methods distinguish cue ball object balls including magnetic cue ball, dense ceramic rock , oversized grapefruit ball. ball return mechanisms have been devised use smaller, lighter cue ball, instead of magnetic or heavier one. there tables use optical sensors distinguish standard cue ball object balls.
banger
a derogatory term recreational or beginning player bangs balls without thought position nor attempt control cue ball; reference predilection of beginners hit cue ball far harder necessary. compare british potter.
bank
1.  same cushion.
2.  same bank shot.
bank shot
also bank. shot in object ball driven 1 or more rails prior being pocketed (or in contexts, prior reaching intended target; not pocket). bank conflated refer kick shots well, , in uk called double.
bank-the-8
a rule variant common in bar pool versions of eight-ball, in 8-ball must pocketed on bank shot (generally either accomplished via bank shot proper or kick shot); shooting 8 straight in loss of game. players may agree before game begins invoke rule, or 1 player may challenge player (who might accept or refuse) conclude game in manner after under way. playing bank-the-8 can considered rude if many other players waiting use table, since makes game last considerably longer. on bar tables 3 scratches determines loss. same last-pocket.
bar player
also bar league player. player predominantly plays in bars/pubs, or in bar-based pool league. used pejoratively pool hall players refer perceived lesser skill level of such players. see bar pool, bar table.
bar pool

also bar rules, pub pool, tavern pool.

pool, variant of eight-ball, played bar players on bar table. bar pool has rules vary region region, venue venue in same city, in u.s. wise players ensure understanding of , agreement rules before engaging in money game under bar rules. typical differences between bar pool , tournament eight-ball lack of ball-in-hand after foul, elimination of number of fouls, , (with numbered ball sets) requirement aspects of shot called (including cushions , other object balls contacted) not target ball , pocket. bar pool has evolved nitpicky version principally make games last longer, since bar pool typically played on coin-operated tables cost money per-game rather per-hour. competitive league pool played on bar tables, however, uses international, national or local/regional league rules, , not meant bar pool . not confused 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 found in bars/pubs/taverns various other venues such family entertainment centers , arcade rooms @ bowling alleys. these smaller full-size tables found in pool halls. while typical professional , competition tables 9 ft (2.7 m) × 4 ft (1.2 m) or 10 ft (3.0 m) × 5 ft (1.5 m), bar boxes typically 7 ft (2.1 m) × 3.5 ft (1.1 m). however, 4×8 , 3×6 examples can found. in bars coin-operated. north american brands of bar tables have pocket proportions opposite of regular tables in side pockets remarkably tight while corners more generous , therefore considered irregular. factor cue ball; these tables capture object balls minimize replays, selectively return cue ball identifying mechanically allow complete games. employ 1 of 2 mechanisms return scratched cue ball; these oversized or extra-dense. because these cue balls not play competition cue balls (especially regard cut (due larger size) , stop/draw shots (due larger mass) respectively, change characteristics of cue ball , therefore deprecated aficionados. smash-through). however, modern bar tables make use of magnetic core regulation or near-regulation size , weight paired magnet mechanism within table s ball return system separates out cue ball without requiring cue ball characteristics affect play. pool hall players complain cloth used on bar tables inferior (in particular slow , english not take enough), , find cushions not responsive used to.

baulk
also baulk area. in snooker, english billiards, , blackball, area of bottom of table between baulk line , baulk cushion, houses d , analogous kitchen in american-style pool.
baulk colour
in snooker, of 3 colour balls spotted on baulk line. left-to-right green, brown , yellow ball order subject of mnemonic phrase god bless .
baulk cushion
in snooker, cushion opposite top cushion , bounded yellow , green pockets (i.e. same bottom cushion).
baulk line
also baulk-line. straight line drawn 29 inches (73.66 cm) face of baulk cushion on standard 6 × 12 foot snooker table. positioning varies on other sizes of tables. baulk lines may drawn on english billiards tables, , british-style pool tables. baulk line integral part of d . baulk line s position determined measurement baulk cushion, in contrast similar different head string, position of determined diamonds. not confused balkline.
baulk rail
same bottom rail (uk), head rail (us).
baulk spot

also middle spot in baulk, baulk line spot, middle of baulk-line spot, etc.

the spot, unmarked because of obviousness @ intersection of baulk line , long string. such, middle of flat side of d . in snooker, same brown spot. compare head spot.

bed
the flat surface of table, exclusive of cushions. bed covered billiard cloth cushions. playing area of table consists of bed except cushion overhangs bed, i.e. of bed between cushion noses. quality beds made of smooth-ground slate, though cheap tables may use particle board or plywood. earliest beds surfaces of wooden tables on game played.
be in stroke
see in stroke.
below
used in snooker in reference position of cue ball. below object ball if off-straight on top cushion side of imaginary line straight pot (e.g. want finish below black in order go reds). may seem counterintuitive, see above explanation.
big

also bigs, big balls, big ones.

in eight-ball, shooting striped suit (group) of balls (9 through 15); re big, remember , re big balls or ve got big ones . compare stripes, yellows, high, overs; contrast little. not confused carom billiards concept of big ball.

big ball
a carom billiards metaphor, refers object ball positioned , being approached in such manner near miss rebound off cushion , still score. if ball larger normal, making easier contact. ball couple inches rail big ball, if being approached angle , if prerequisite rails have been contacted. ball near corner can foot wide. not confused eight-ball term big balls . in older british usage concept referred large ball . see big pocket .
big pocket
a pocket billiards , snooker term (inherited carom billiards way of big ball , above), metaphor shot difficult miss pocketing of number of reasons, commonly either because object ball positioned such near miss on 1 side of cause cue ball rebound object ball off rail , pocket anyway, or ball positioned such if target ball not go straight in, still go in off other ball in kiss. if pocket, 1 shot, had become larger. term can refer angle of shot toward pocket, side pocket; pocket said bigger , example, on shot 5-degree angle away straight on, on 45-degree angle shot more hit 1 of cushion points , bounce away.
billiard

also billiard shot.

1.  any shot in cue ball caromed off object ball strike object ball (with or without contacting cushions in interim).

2.  in carom billiards games such three-cushion, successful attempt @ making scoring billiard shot under rules game (such contacting 3 cushions cue ball while executing billiard). failed attempt @ scoring would, in context, not called billiard players of such games if satisfied first, more general definition.
billiards
1.  in us, canada , in many different countries , languages (under various spellings) historically, refers cue sports;
2.  sometimes refers carom games opposed pocket billiards (especially in , canada);
3.  in british terminology, chiefly refers game known in rest of world english billiards.
billiards glasses


billiards glasses


also pool spectacles, snooker specs, etc.

eyeglasses specially made cue sports, tall lenses, set unusually high, when head lowered on cue stick aiming, nose pointing downward, eyes can still through lenses instead of on them. popular among snooker players (notably, 1985 world champion dennis taylor).

black ball

also black.

1.  in snooker, highest-value colour ball on table, being worth 7 points. placed on black spot. in (especially american) snooker ball sets numbered 7 on surface.

2.  chefily british: black ball (usually numbered 8 ) in standard blackball , traditional 8-ball pool, or larger otherwise identical number 8 ball in kelly pool set (a.k.a. american or more standard wpa pool set). see 8 ball.
black spot
the marked spot on snooker table @ black ball placed. on tournament-size tables, 12.75 inches (324 mm) top cushion, on long string. i.e., between top cushion , pyramid.
blank
1.  an unfinished bottom half of 2 piece cue (the butt section) splice completed, cue not yet turned on lathe produce final shape, , features having not yet been added such wrap, joint mechanism, butt cap, bumper , inlays.
2.  an unsuccessful inning @ table. known duck egg, goose egg, cipher or naught.
blood test
any difficult shot must made under pressure.
blue ball
1.  in snooker, colour ball worth 5 points, placed on blue spot in centre of table. in (especially american) snooker ball sets numbered 5 on surface.
2.  also blues. in eight-ball game variant blackball, known eight-ball pool, differently colored otherwise identical replacement red group (i.e., solids in american-style pool ball set).
blue spot
the marked spot on snooker table @ blue ball placed. regardless of table size, @ lengthwise , widthwise centre of table (i.e. same centre spot.
body english
the useless common practice of contorting 1 s body while shot in play, in direction 1 wishes ball or balls travel, if in vain hope influence balls trajectories; term considered humorous. see english.
bottle

also shake bottle, pea bottle, pill bottle, tally bottle, kelly bottle.

the bottle used in various games hold numbered peas, employed assign random spots players in roster (such in tournament), or assign random balls players of game (such in kelly pool , bottle pool).

bottom
1.  chiefly british: half of table break shot taken. usage conceptually opposite in north america, end of table called head. contrast top. see baulk.
2.  chiefly american: opposite of above – foot end of table. no longer in common usage.
3.  short bottom spin, i.e. same screw (british), draw (american).
bottom cushion
chiefly british: cushion on bottom rail. known baulk cushion, in snooker. compare head cushion (u.s.); contrast top cushion.
bottom rail
chiefly british: short rail @ bottom of table. traditionally rail on table manufacturer s logo appears. known baulk rail, in snooker. compare head rail (u.s.); contrast top rail.
bottom spin

also bottomspin, bottom-spin, bottom.

same spin, i.e. screw (uk), draw (us). contrast top spin. see illustration @ spin.
bouclée
a type of bridge formed between thumb , forefinger, creating loop cue pass through. principally used in carom billiards, term french curled .
break
1.  also break shot or break off, noun. typically describes first shot in types of billiards games. in carom games describes first point attempt, shot unvarying cue ball , object balls placement; in many pocket billiards (pool) games describes first shot, used separate object balls have been racked together;
2.  a series of consecutive pots player during single inning. applied in snooker , english billiards, e.g., player had break of 89 points . (chiefly british; compare run). see maximum break.
break , dish
same break , run (chiefly british).
break , run
also break , run out. chiefly american: in pool games, when player breaks racked object balls, pockets @ least 1 ball on break, , commences run out remaining object balls without opponent getting visit @ table. hyphenated when used adjective or compound noun instead of verbal phrase. see run table, rack , run.
break box


diagram showing break box , relation kitchen area , head string.

in european pocket billiard federation (epbf) nine-ball, break box zone in kitchen of head (british: bottom) of table, break shot must taken cue ball, not unlike d zone used in snooker, english billiards , blackball. break box consists of middle 50% of kitchen area, delimited latitudinally head rail (british: bottom rail) , head string (not baulk line), , longitudinally 2 parallel lines drawn (on cloth, or more imaginarily) head rail diamonds closest head corner pockets, out head string (see illustration right) on either side. departure wpa world standardised rules defeats common break-from-the-side-rail technique pocketing 9 ball win game on break; while 9 ball breaks still possible, more difficult under rule. epbf euro-tour requirement added in 2008 europe vs. all-star team event, mosconi cup, has not otherwise been seen non-europeans of 2011.

break down 1 s cue
to take 1 s two-piece cue stick apart. when done before game s conclusion, may indicate game conceded. different leagues have different rules on matter.
bridge
either player s hand or mechanical bridge used support shaft end of cue stick during shot. particular hand formation used purpose (there many).
bridge hand
the hand used player bridge during normal shot not involve mechanical bridge. bridge hand player s non-dominant hand.
brown ball
also brown. in snooker, highest-value baulk colour, worth 4 points. placed on brown spot. in (especially american) snooker ball sets numbered 4 on surface.
brown spot
the spot (often not marked) on snooker table @ brown ball placed. regardless of table size, middle point of baulk line. i.e., same baulk spot. left-to-right order of green, brown , yellow balls subject of mnemonic phrase god bless .
bumper
the bumper on bottom of cue, made rubber, insulates butt cap contact floor , reduces noise. bumper first patented in 1880.
burnish
1.  to seal pores of wooden cue s shaft rubbing vigorously material. leather commonly employed task, paper money.
2.  to vigorously rub edge of cue tip (especially new one) fortify against mushrooming , ensure flush ferrule.
3.  to smooth out minor dents in shaft rigid burnisher.
burnisher
1.  a pad, of leather, used burnish (seal wood pores of) cue shaft.
2.  a rigid tip tool used finish , harden sides of new cue tip.
3.  a shaft maintenance tool, commonly cylindrical glass rod, used smoothing minor nicks in shaft. done after swelling wood @ nick site moist application.
bushka rings
named after innovator, legendary cuemaker george balabushka, bushka rings decorative bands of material incorporated pool cues, commonly above wrap area, in form of ebony , ivory blocks, or other materials, alternating in checked pattern.
business, doing
collusion between matchplay opponents prearrange win match on other people s money wagered, in order guarantee payday.
butt
the bottom portion of pool cue gripped player s hand.
butt cap
a protective cap mounted on end of butt of cue.
button
a point bead on scoring string.