30 Must-Know Billiards Terms, Phrases and Slang

Slide into the slick and sly world of billiards, where every shot counts and the lingo is just as smooth as the felt on the table.

Whether you’re lining up your shot or just watching the pros, mastering these 30 terms will turn your pool talk from amateur hour to shark status.

Queue up for a lesson in billiards slang—rack ’em!

Must-Know Billiards Terms, Phrases and Slang:

1. Break
2. Cue ball
3. Eight ball
4. English
5. Foul
6. Frame
7. Hustler
8. Jump shot
9. Massé
10. Pocket
11. Rack
12. Scratch
13. Stripes
14. Solids
15. Bank shot
16. Bridge
17. Carom
18. Chalk
19. Combo
20. Cushion
21. Double kiss
22. Freeze
23. Handicap
24. League
25. Play safe
26. Rail
27. Re-rack
28. Side pocket
29. Spin
30. Trick shot

#1 Break

The initial shot that starts the game by scattering the billiard balls from their racked formation. A dominant break can be strategic, potentially pocketing a ball and setting the pace of the game.

#2 Cue Ball

The white ball in billiards, which players strike with the cue stick to hit other balls. Control of the cue ball is crucial for positioning and making successful shots.

#3 Eight Ball

In the game of eight ball, this is the black ball marked with the number 8. It is the game-winning ball that must be pocketed after a player’s group of stripes or solids is cleared.

#4 English

Also known as “side spin,” English is the spin a player imparts on the cue ball by striking it off-center. It influences the cue ball’s path and reaction after it hits another ball.

#5 Foul

An infraction of the rules, such as a player failing to hit their own ball first or pocketing the cue ball. Fouls typically result in a penalty, like giving a turn to the opponent.

#6 Frame

A single round or game within a larger match of billiards. In snooker, a frame is won by scoring more points than the opponent, with multiple frames constituting a match.

#7 Hustler

A player who conceals their true skill level to win bets against less experienced opponents. Hustling is frowned upon and is associated with gambling within the sport.

#8 Jump Shot

A jump shot in billiards involves striking the cue ball below its center with a sharp, downward stroke, causing it to jump off the table surface over an intervening ball rather than rolling past it. This type of shot is often used to clear an obstructing ball that blocks a direct shot at the intended target ball.

#9 Massé

An advanced shot where the cue ball is struck with a high degree of spin, causing it to curve dramatically around obstacles. It’s often employed when a direct shot path is blocked.

#10 Pocket

The receptacle at the corners and sides of a billiards table where balls are intended to be driven. Each successful shot that lands a ball in a pocket is a key step towards winning the game.

#11 Rack

The geometric arrangement of billiard balls, typically in a triangle or diamond formation, at the beginning of a game. The formation is set up before the break shot is taken.

#12 Scratch

An infraction occurring when the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table. This often results in a penalty, allowing the opponent to place the cue ball anywhere behind the head string for their shot.

#13 Stripes

One of the two groups of balls in games like eight-ball, characterized by a striped color pattern. Players must sink all of their assigned group (stripes or solids) before attempting the eight ball.

#14 Solids

Contrasting with stripes, solids are the group of balls with solid colors. In eight-ball, a player is assigned either solids or stripes, which they must clear before legally pocketing the eight ball.

#15 Bank Shot

A bank shot is a shot where the cue ball or another ball rebounds off one or more cushioned rails (sides of the billiards table) before hitting the target ball or sinking into a pocket. This type of shot is used to reach balls that are not in a direct line of sight or to strategically position the cue ball after the shot.

#16 Bridge

The hand position or mechanical device used to support the cue stick when making a shot. A stable bridge is essential for precision and control during the execution of various strokes.

#17 Carom

A shot in which the cue ball hits two or more balls in succession. Caroms are strategic shots often used to position balls favorably or pocket multiple balls with a single stroke.

#18 Chalk

The substance applied to the tip of the cue stick to increase friction between the cue tip and the cue ball. Chalking is crucial to prevent miscues and enhance spin control.

#19 Combo (Combination shot)

A shot where the cue ball strikes one object ball which then hits another, with the intention of pocketing the second ball. This is a strategic play to sink balls that are not in a direct line to a pocket.

#20 Cushion

The padded rails around the edges of a billiard table which the balls can bounce off. Mastering the angles off the cushions is vital for advanced positional play and creating safety shots.

#21 Double Kiss

Occurs when the cue ball strikes an object ball and then, due to its spin and momentum, contacts that ball again. This is typically an undesired outcome that can disrupt the intended path of the balls.

#22 Freeze

To have the cue ball come to rest touching another ball. A frozen ball may limit an opponent’s shot options and is often used strategically in defensive play.

#23 Handicap

In billiards, a handicap is a system used to level the playing field between players of different skill levels. It allows less experienced players to compete against better ones by providing a starting advantage, such as extra points or balls.

#24 League

A league is an organized group of billiards players who compete in regular matches following specific rules and guidelines. It promotes consistent competition and can range from amateur local groups to professional national organizations.

#25 Play Safe

To play safe in billiards means to make a shot that does not intend to pocket a ball but instead aims to leave the cue ball in a position that is difficult for the opponent. It’s a strategic defensive move.

#26 Rail

The rail in billiards refers to the raised, cushioned edges of the table that the balls can bounce off. Players use the rails to execute bank and kick shots, where the ball is played off one or more rails.

#27 Re-rack

Re-rack is the term used when the balls need to be set up again in their starting formation, typically because of a faulty break or after a game concludes. It ensures a fair and standardized start for each new game.

#28 Side Pocket

A side pocket is one of the four pockets located in the middle of the long sides of a billiards table. Shots made into the side pockets often require precision due to their angled position relative to the player.

#29 Spin

Spin refers to the rotation imparted on the cue ball when struck off-center with the cue stick. Depending on where the cue ball is hit, spin can dramatically affect the travel path and behavior of the ball after it hits other balls or the table’s cushions.

#30 Trick shot

A trick shot in billiards is a shot that involves complex maneuvers like spins, banks, jumps, or combinations thereof. Trick shots are typically used in exhibition or artistic billiards to showcase the player’s skill and creativity.

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