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About Billiards & Pool Terms
Rack 'em up and test your knowledge of billiards vocabulary! Billiards & Pool Terms packs 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 7 easy, 7 medium, 1 hard questions into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.
A few sample questions
1. In pool, what is a 'scratch'?
Answer: Pocketing the cue ball, resulting in a foul
A scratch occurs when the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, resulting in a foul. The incoming player typically gets ball in hand (placement anywhere on the table).
2. What does 'English' (or 'side spin') mean in billiards?
Answer: Spin applied to the cue ball by striking it off-center
English refers to sidespin applied to the cue ball by striking it to the left or right of center, causing it to curve or change direction after hitting a rail or object ball.
3. In pool, what is a 'masse' shot?
Answer: An extreme curve shot achieved by striking the cue ball with a nearly vertical cue
A massé shot is an advanced technique where the cue is held at a steep angle (nearly vertical) and the cue ball is struck with extreme spin, causing it to curve dramatically.
4. What is the 'break' in pool?
Answer: The opening shot that scatters the racked balls
The break is the opening shot of a game of pool where a player strikes the racked balls with the cue ball, scattering them across the table to begin play.
5. In eight-ball pool, what are 'solids' and 'stripes'?
Answer: The two groups of numbered balls: 1-7 (solid colored) and 9-15 (striped)
In eight-ball, the 15 object balls are divided into solids (balls 1-7, solid colored) and stripes (balls 9-15, with a colored stripe). Each player must pocket their assigned group before the 8-ball.
Things you'll learn along the way
- A bank shot is when a player intentionally hits an object ball into one or more cushions (rails) so that it rebounds into a pocket.
- Position play is the skill of controlling where the cue ball comes to rest after each shot, setting up the next shot in a planned sequence to run the table.
- Safety play is a defensive tactic where a player intentionally positions the cue ball so the opponent faces a difficult or impossible next shot, rather than attempting a risky offensive shot.
Frequently asked questions
Is Billiards & Pool Terms free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Billiards & Pool Terms — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
How long does Billiards & Pool Terms take?
Most players finish Billiards & Pool Terms in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Billiards & Pool Terms?
If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
Can I print Billiards & Pool Terms?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
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