Definition of Foul

Also topspin, top-spin, top. Same as follow. Contrast bottom spin, back spin.

This is a player who has the ability to make difficult shots in one pocket, because they are likely proficient at other pool games first.

Technique using different wood inlays to create picture designs on the butt of the cue.

An intentionally amateurish stroke to disguise one's ability to play.

A shot that only a novice or fool would take. Usually because it is a guaranteed scratch or other foul, or because it has a low percentage of being pocketed and is likely to leave the opponent in good position.

To take one's two-piece cue stick apart. When done before a game's conclusion, it often indicates that the game is conceded.

Name for the ball that when pocketed, wins the game, or any ball that when made results in a payday such as a way in the game of Chicago.

This is a blemish added to the table in order to help execute a shot; these marks are not allowed and result in a foul.

Also known as "Break and Dish". In pool games, when a player breaks the racked object balls, pockets at least one ball on the break, and commences to run out the remaining object balls without the opponent getting a visit at the table.

The Higher Education Snooker and Pool Council is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation established to promote cue sports in institutions of higher education on the island of Ireland.

1- Applying very powerful follow on the cue ball thereby causing the maximum amount of follow.

2- A powerful follow shot with a high degree of top spin on it; usually when the object ball being hit is relatively close to the cue ball and is being hit very full; also known as "prograde top spin" or "prograde follow" (when referring to the action on the shot rather than the shot per se), and as a "jenny" in Australia.

A sleeve, fitted onto the lathed-down tip end of the cue, made from fiberglass, phenolic resin, brass, ivory, horn or antler, melamine, plastic, or other rigid material, upon which the cue tip is mounted and which protects the shaft wood from splitting from impact with the cue ball.

This describes a shot in snooker where the cue contacts more than one object ball.

An imaginary line dividing the table into two equal halves lengthwise. It intersects the head string, center string and foot string at the head spot, center spot and foot spot, respectively.

Also known as a "power draw", means applying very powerful draw on the cue ball thereby causing the maximum amount of draw.

Jargon for a tournament chart, showing which players are playing against whom and what the results are. Often shortened to card.

This refers to the cluster of balls remaining in a similar position to where they were within the break

This can be a shot where the best option for you is to sink a ball in you opponents pocket in the game of one pocket. This can also refer to the act of offering an opponent a ball adjustment to even the playing field.

Describes the propensity of a player losing small sums of money at gambling to suddenly sharply increase the stakes; often continuing to lose until broke. Compare Chasing one's money.

Any one of numerous acts which unethical players employ to rattle or upset their opponent. Taking, making noise, and chalking your cue while your opponent is shooting are all considered sharking tactics.

The precise center of the pool table.

This is a match where a player must win so many games more than the other player in order to win the match.

A specific ball number followed by "out" refers to a handicap in nine-ball or other rotation games where the "spot" is all balls from that designated number to the money ball. To illustrate, the 6-out in a nine-ball game would allow the player getting weight to win by legally pocketing the 6, 7, 8 or 9 balls.
Short for run out, especially as a noun: "That was a nice out."

Chiefly British: Same as duck, and stemming from the same obvious etymology.