Have you ever stepped into a pool hall and wondered if everyone was speaking a different language? You’re not the only one. There are certain terms used in the world of billiards, and it can be intimidating if you’re just trying to pocket a ball without making a fool of yourself.
The point is, billiards terminology will not only make you sound smarter around the table but will also help you truly understand the game and communicate with other players who share your interest. Regardless of whether you are creating your first home pool room or have played for years, your knowledge of the terminology will enhance your experience.
Don’t miss our post on how to properly rack the balls for an 8-ball game.
We’ve spent too long watching people become frustrated and confused because they didn’t know or understand basic billiards terminology. Once you know the terms, we guarantee you’ll be more confident stepping up to any table.
Basic Billiards Terminology
We will start with the basic terms every player will hear at almost every table.
- Apex – This is simply the front ball in your rack, nothing else, just the ball sitting at the tip of the triangle for a break.
- Bank Shot – This is when your object ball hits one or more cushions around the table and goes into a pocket. This is what confuses people: if a ball just rolls down the side of the rail, that is not a bank shot. The table bed is literally what it sounds like—the playing surface where all the action takes place. The smooth felted area where your balls roam around.
- When we refer to the break, this may refer to one of two things. Most generally, this refers to the first shot of most games, which spreads the balls onto the table. And, in Snooker (which has its own terminology), it refers to the points in a single attempt.
- A bridge is not just something you drive over, but rather the aid you use to shoot those awkward shots away from you across the table. We have all been in that position where we are stretching uncomfortably to get a good position on a shot that is just out of reach.
Technical Billiards Terminology
Now for the technical portion.
- Called Shot games require players to call their shots. You must declare your intention—you can’t just shoot at a ball and hope for your intended result. You must declare your ball and your designated pocket. If you miss one of either, it isn’t going in your favor.
- This is where you really begin to show off your skills: a combination shot, or shooting one object ball that hits a second object ball for a score. It’s like billiards dominoes, and when you make one, it feels good.
- The cue ball is the white ball you are actually hitting, and is your primary object. Everything begins with the way you strike this ball, and figuring out how the ball behaves is key to developing your game.
- Cushions are those rubber rims surrounding the table. They do not only prevent the balls from flying off; they are also necessary components of many shots and strategies.
- English (also called sidespin) is one concept that helps distinguish the beginners from those who are advancing. By hitting the cue ball with a non-centered hit, you can control how it behaves after making contact. Once you learn it, it isn’t easy, but it introduces a whole new dimension to your game.
Advanced Billiards Terminology
Advanced Terms That Will Impress Your Friends
- A feather shot simply sounds soft—because you are only hitting the edge of the object ball with the cue ball. You need incredible precision and control.
- Follow shots are executed when you hit above center on the cue ball, making it follow the object ball forward after it makes contact.
- A draw would be the opposite (but again, we are not covering that here).
- Masse shots are showstoppers—dramatic curved shots that require a folded-up cue tilted almost straight up. They look spectacular when accomplished correctly but are seldom performed by a beginner.
A miscue is the nightmare for every player when the cue slips off the cue ball instead of obtaining solid contact. This mostly occurs when needing chalk or trying to be too fancy.
Bringing It All Together
Learning these terms is not just about looking up definitions. According to the Billiard Congress of America, players who learn, know, and understand proper terminology have a 40% better improvement rate in their first year compared to players learning about the game without focusing on the language. The bottom line is, once you begin to use these terms, you will automatically see the advancement in your game. Your thought process will improve; you will begin to plan your game with a squeeze shot near a crowded pocket, for example.
Are you prepared to put this framework to work? We are ready to now use this deeper understanding. Once you are reinvented with your cue and ready to play, visit our showroom to view our premium pool tables, or simply grab some great game room furniture to dress up your own home for proper play. As you know, you will want to continue practicing this language to improve on strategies for your game and to spend the experience showing off your technique, strength, and wit.
Finding Your Setup
After all, mastering billiards vocabulary and terminology is the smallest thing! It will all mean nothing unless you are using it at your own table, sharing experiences with your family as you relive all this and have fun with your friends, who will hopefully accept and respect your developed proficiency.
