Billiard Terms and Definitions: 25 Words Every Player Should Know

TLDR: Pool has its own words. Knowing them helps you follow lessons, talk with other players, and understand the rules. Here are 25 common billiard terms and definitions, in plain English.

Striped object ball on green cloth, one of the billiard terms and definitions
“DSCF0418 A close-up of a striped billiard ball resting on the green felt of a pool table with blurred bar lights and cues in the background.jpg” by PattayaPatrol, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What you will learn:

  • 25 common pool words
  • What each one means
  • How they are used at the table

I have played pool for more than 50 years and in leagues and tournaments for more than 38 years. When I was new, people used words I did not know. I nodded and pretended. You do not have to. Here is a simple list.

Table Words

  1. Rail. The cushioned edge around the table.
  2. Diamonds. The small marks on the rails. They help with aiming and banks.
  3. Head string. An imaginary line near the head end. You break from behind it.
  4. Foot spot. The spot near the foot end where the front ball of the rack sits.
  5. Pocket. One of the six holes. Four corners and two sides.

Ball Words

  1. Cue ball. The white ball. You hit it with the cue.
  2. Object ball. Any ball you try to make.
  3. Solids and stripes. In 8 ball, balls 1 to 7 are solids and 9 to 15 are stripes.
  4. Rack. The triangle (or diamond) that holds the balls. Also the set of balls once racked.

Shot Words

  1. Break. The first shot of a game that spreads the balls.
  2. Bank shot. The object ball hits a rail before it goes in.
  3. Kick shot. The cue ball hits a rail before it hits the object ball.
  4. Combination (combo). The cue ball hits one ball into another, which goes in.
  5. Carom. A ball glances off another ball.
  6. Cut shot. A shot where you hit the object ball at an angle.
  7. Safety. A defensive shot. You try to leave your opponent with no good shot.

Cue Ball Control Words

  1. Follow. Hitting above center. The cue ball rolls forward after contact.
  2. Draw. Hitting below center. The cue ball comes back toward you.
  3. Stop shot. The cue ball stops where it hits the object ball.
  4. English. Side spin, from hitting the cue ball left or right of center.
  5. Position. Where the cue ball ends up for your next shot.

Rule Words

  1. Scratch. The cue ball goes in a pocket. It is a foul.
  2. Foul. Breaking a rule. Your turn ends, and there is a penalty.
  3. Ball in hand. After a foul, the other player can place the cue ball where they want.
  4. Run out. Making all the balls you need in one turn to win.

How to Learn These Words

Do not try to learn them all at once. Pick five. Use them when you play. When you watch a lesson, listen for them. Soon they will feel natural.

A Few Fun Slang Words

Players also use slang. “Sandbagger” is someone who plays worse on purpose to look weak. “Hanger” is a ball sitting right at the edge of a pocket. You will hear these at any pool hall.

Learn More

My Pool School uses these words in its lessons. My YouTube channel shows many of these shots.

FAQ

What is the difference between a bank and a kick?
In a bank, the object ball hits the rail. In a kick, the cue ball hits the rail first.

What does “english” mean in pool?
It means side spin on the cue ball.

What is a scratch?
When the cue ball goes in a pocket. It is a foul.

What is a safety?
A defensive shot meant to leave your opponent a hard shot.

Summary

These billiard terms and definitions will help you follow lessons and talk pool with anyone. Start with a few, use them at the table, and add more over time.

About the Author

I am Ted Mauro. I have played pool for more than 50 years and in leagues and tournaments for more than 38 years.