Billiards & Pool Terms
Instructions: Rack 'em up and test your knowledge of billiards vocabulary!
- 1.
In pool, what is a 'scratch'?
AA shot that barely touches the target ballBDamaging the tip of the cueCPocketing the cue ball, resulting in a foulDMarking the felt surface - 2.
What does 'English' (or 'side spin') mean in billiards?
ASpeaking with a British accent while playingBA style of billiards played in EnglandCThe English translation of the rulesDSpin applied to the cue ball by striking it off-center - 3.
In pool, what is a 'masse' shot?
AHitting all balls at onceBA shot using massive forceCAn extreme curve shot achieved by striking the cue ball with a nearly vertical cueDA shot that goes straight down the table - 4.
What is the 'break' in pool?
AA pause in the gameBA foul that stops the gameCWhen the cue stick breaksDThe opening shot that scatters the racked balls - 5.
In eight-ball pool, what are 'solids' and 'stripes'?
ATypes of pool tablesBThe two groups of numbered balls: 1-7 (solid colored) and 9-15 (striped)CThe markings on the table feltDDifferent types of cue sticks - 6.
What is a 'bank shot' in pool?
AA shot played in a bank buildingBA shot that costs extra moneyCA shot where the object ball bounces off one or more cushions before being pocketedDA shot taken from the bank of the table - 7.
In billiards, what is 'cue ball position' (or 'position play')?
AThe position of the player's hand on the cueBThe angle of the cue stickCWhere the cue ball sits at the startDThe strategy of controlling where the cue ball ends up after each shot - 8.
What is 'safety play' in pool?
APlaying very slowlyBA defensive strategy where a player leaves the cue ball in a difficult position for the opponentCWearing protective gear while playingDUsing a safety rail on the table - 9.
In pool, what is a 'combination shot' (or 'combo')?
AA combination of bank and jump shotsBUsing two cue sticksCPocketing two balls with one shotDHitting the cue ball into one object ball which then hits another object ball into a pocket - 10.
What is the 'rack' in pool?
AA scoring systemBThe table itselfCA shelf for cue sticksDThe triangular or diamond-shaped frame used to arrange balls before the break - 11.
In billiards, what is a 'jump shot'?
AA shot where the cue ball is made to jump over an obstructing ballBThe player jumping while shootingCBouncing the cue ball on the tableDA shot taken from a standing position - 12.
What is a 'run' (or 'running the table') in pool?
APocketing all remaining balls in succession without missingBRunning around the table between shotsCMoving the table to a different locationDA rapid series of bank shots - 13.
In pool, what is a 'draw shot' (or 'backspin')?
AA random shot selectionBA shot where the cue ball is struck below center to make it spin backwardCA shot that draws the opponent's attentionDDrawing a picture of the shot - 14.
What is the 'kitchen' (or 'behind the line') in pool?
AThe pocket closest to the playerBThe table's felt surfaceCThe snack area in a pool hallDThe area behind the head string where the cue ball is placed after certain fouls - 15.
In pool, what does 'slop' (or 'slop shot') mean?
AA messy tableBA ball that is pocketed unintentionally or by luckCA poorly maintained cue tipDSpilling chalk on the table
Answer Key
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A combination shot involves hitting the cue ball into one object ball, which then strikes a second object ball into a pocket, using the first ball as an intermediary.
The rack is the triangular (in eight-ball) or diamond-shaped (in nine-ball) frame used to tightly arrange the object balls before the opening break shot.
A jump shot is a technique where the player strikes the cue ball with a downward stroke, causing it to rise off the table surface and jump over an obstructing ball.
Running the table means a player pockets all of their remaining object balls and the game-winning ball in one continuous turn at the table without missing a shot.
A draw shot is executed by striking the cue ball below its center, imparting backspin that causes the cue ball to reverse direction after contacting the object ball.
The kitchen is the area of the table between the head rail and the head string (the second set of diamonds). After certain fouls, the cue ball must be placed in this area.
A slop shot is when a ball is pocketed by luck rather than intention, such as an unexpected bank or combination. In some rules, slop shots do not count.