Essential Pool Terms Every Beginner Should Know

Key Takeaways 

• Knowing the basic vocabulary will help you communicate effectively with other players and understand game rules.
• Familiarize yourself with the parts of the pool table to better understand how the game is played and how to maintain your equipment.
• Learning extra terms will enrich your knowledge and help you navigate different play styles.

Pool and Billiard Terms Explained

• Cue: The stick used to hit the balls on the table. It comes in various materials and designs, including wood and composite materials.
• Rack: A triangle-shaped frame used to arrange the balls at the start of a game. The balls are placed in a specific pattern, such as the 8-ball or 9-ball rack.
• Break: The first shot of the game, intended to spread the balls across the table. A good break can give you an advantage by spreading the balls effectively.
• Shot: The act of hitting a ball with the cue. Shots can be categorized into various types, such as straight shots, cut shots, and bank shots.

Pool shot term

• Pocket: The holes located at the corners and sides of the pool table where the balls are intended to be sunk. Each pocket plays a crucial role in scoring points.
• Cue Ball: The white ball that players use to strike other balls. It is the only ball players can hit directly with their cue.
• Object Ball: The colored balls players aim to sink into the pockets. The object balls have specific rules and goals in different games, such as 8-ball or 9-ball.
• Foul: An illegal action during a game, such as hitting the cue ball off the table or failing to hit the correct ball. Fouls result in penalties or loss of turns.
• Scratch: When the cue ball is pocketed, it is considered a foul. Scratching often leads to the opponent gaining the ball in hand, meaning they can place the cue ball anywhere on the table.
• English: A term used to describe the spin applied to the cue ball. English affects how the cue ball moves after hitting an object ball and can be used to control the ball’s path.
• Bank Shot: A shot where the object ball is bounced off one or more cushions before it goes into a pocket. It requires skill and precise aiming.
• Carom Shot: A shot where the cue ball hits two or more balls in one stroke. It is often used to score points in games like 3-cushion billiards.
• Safety Shot: A strategic shot where the player intentionally leaves the opponent with a problematic or unfavorable position, rather than aiming for a pocket.

Components of a Pool or Billiards Table

• Slate: The heavy, flat surface beneath the pool table cloth. Slate provides a smooth and level playing surface, crucial for accurate shots.

Pool slate term

• Rails: The padded edges of the pool table where the cushions are attached. Rails help rebound the balls and are essential for bank shots and other techniques.
• Cushions: The rubber or synthetic material attached to the rails that helps bounce the balls back into play. Good cushions ensure consistent rebound and ball control.
• Pockets: These holes are located at the corners and sides of the table where the balls are pocketed. Pockets are usually made of leather or plastic and come in various sizes.
• Legs: The support structure that holds up the pool table. Legs are usually adjustable to ensure the table remains level.
• Cloth: The fabric covering the slate and cushions of the table. Pool tablecloths are typically made of wool and nylon and designed to provide a smooth surface for the balls to roll on.
• Balls: The spherical objects used in the game. They are typically made of resin or plastic and come in different colors and patterns, depending on the game.

• Cue Stick: The equipment used to strike the cue ball. Cue sticks can vary in length, weight, and material, affecting the player's control and accuracy.
• Rack Frame: The tool arranges the balls into a specific pattern before the break shot. Different games use rack frames, such as the triangle rack for 8-ball.
• Chalk: A substance applied to the cue tip increases friction and prevents miscues. Chalk helps ensure a clean, accurate shot by improving grip on the cue ball.

Additional Pool Terminology

• Run-Out: When a player pockets all the balls needed to win the game in a single turn. A run-out demonstrates skill and control over the table.
• Position Play: The strategy used to position the cue ball for the next shot. Good position play ensures the player has a clear shot at the next ball and maintains control of the game.
• Combination Shot: A shot where the player hits one ball to strike another into a pocket. This technique requires precise aiming and control.
• Cue Tip: The small, padded part at the end of the cue stick that contacts the cue ball. The tip is essential for applying spin and control to the cue ball.
• Bridge: The technique used to support the cue stick while making a shot. Depending on the shot's difficulty, the bridge can be open (hand bridge) or closed (mechanical bridge).

Hand bridge techique

• Rack Patterns: These are the specific arrangements of balls in the rack before breaking. Different games have different rack patterns, such as the 8-ball or 9-ball rack.
• Check Side: The side of the cue ball that is checked or hit with the cue stick to apply spin. Properly checking the side of the cue ball can influence its movement and the shot's outcome.
• Banking: Making a ball rebound off one or more cushions to reach a pocket. Banking requires skill and precise calculation of angles.
• Masse Shot: A shot where the cue ball is struck with extreme spin to curve around an obstacle ball. Masse shots are challenging and demonstrate advanced skills.
• Jump Shot: A shot where the cue ball is made to jump over an obstacle ball. Jump shots require precise technique and are used when direct shots are impossible.
• Foul Penalty: The consequences of committing a foul during a game. Penalties can include losing turn, giving the opponent the ball in hand, or other game-specific repercussions.
• Ball-in-Hand: When a player is allowed to place the cue ball anywhere on the table after a foul by the opponent. This rule gives the player a significant advantage in improving their shot.
• Cut Shot: A shot where the cue ball hits the object ball at an angle to send it into a pocket. Cut shots require accurate aiming and control of the cue ball's path.
• Line of Aim: The invisible line along which a player aims to make a shot. Proper alignment with the line of aim is crucial for accurate shots and successful play.
• Side Spin: The spin applied to the cue ball causes it to curve sideways. Side spin can affect the cue ball's trajectory and positioning after contact with other balls.
• Follow Through: The continuation of the cue stick’s motion after striking the cue ball. A good follow-through helps maintain control and accuracy during a shot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the names of pool shots?

Pool shots come in various types, each with its name. Some familiar names include:

• Straight Shot: A straightforward shot aimed directly at the target ball.
• Bank Shot: A shot where the object ball is bounced off one or more cushions before being pocketed.
• Cut Shot: A shot where the cue ball strikes the object ball at an angle to send it into the pocket.
• Masse Shot: A shot where the cue ball is hit with extreme spin to curve around an obstacle ball.
• Jump Shot: A shot where the cue ball is made to jump over another ball to reach the target.

2. What is the first shot called in the pool?

The first shot in pool is called the break shot. This shot starts the game by hitting the rack of balls to scatter them across the table.

3. What is the proper term for the pool?

The proper term for "the pool" is pool table or simply table. In the game context, you might also hear it referred to as a billiard table, especially in formal settings.

4. What is a pool stick called?

A pool stick is commonly referred to as a cue or cue stick. Players use it to strike the cue ball and control the game.