Definition of Object ball

The intersection of the head string and long string, which is usually not marked on a table with a spot decal, unlike the foot spot, though some pool halls mark both spots so that racking can be done at either end of the table, and wear on the cloth from racking and breaking is more evenly distributed.

1.A (usually unmarked) line running across the table between one diamond and its corresponding diamond on the opposite rail. See also head string, foot string, long string for examples.
2.Same as wire, sense 2. Can be used as a verb, as in "string that point for me, will you?"
3.A successive series of wins, e.g. of games or frames in a match or race.
4.Chiefly British; same as lag.

This is a special shaped leather or plastic bottle that is used on the table during play in special pocket games.

Random method for pairing of opponents when setting up a bracket system for a tournament.

This the area behind the pocket points before the pocket. The ball can get behind here and rest waiting to be pocketed, or the cue ball can get corner hooked in this location. Different tables feature a smaller or larger area here which can make these situations more or less achievable.

This is a creative game played between four players, using hands instead of cue sticks. The goal is to shoot as many balls as possible into the diagonally opposing corner pocket you are standing behind. The shooting is done taking turns and rotating counter clockwise. When misses on the pocket occur, the ball is open game to be stolen and pocketed in the new opposing pocket during the new owners turn. Ties are decided by lagging with the hands, and the winner of one game is the first to shoot in the next.

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.

This term refers to a cue stick that is bent or warped, so that the straightness, or lack thereof, of the cue offers less than ideal play. This can occur from storing the cue in the wrong atmosphere, i.e. too warm or humid, or from the quality of wood used during construction. Some cues are coated with fiberglass, carbon fiber or graphite in order to avoid warping.

A shot that has a positive outcome for the player, although it was not what the player intended. Examples of flukes include an unexpected pot off several cushions or other balls having missed the pocket aimed for, or perhaps a lucky safety position after having missed a pot. Compare fish and slop; contrast mark (sense 3) and call. It is customary to apologise to one's opponent if one does this.

To play even; without a handicap. Also called heads up.

This describes a shot where you bank the object ball off of a rail and then sink it in a side pocket.

The inside walls of a pocket billiards table's pockets.

This is a bank in which the object ball hit will cross the path of the cue ball on the way to its destination.

Used when describing perfect cue ball position play.

This describes a shot in carom games where the cue ball is driven all the way across the long rail, crossing the table, to score a point.

This is a type of shot that shows complete control over the object ball and the cue ball.

This describes a shot where you bank the object ball off of a rail and then sink it in a corner pocket.

In snooker, the colour ball worth 5 points, whose spot is at the center of the table.

Same as center spot.

With draw, as in "I shot that low left", meaning "I shot that with draw and with left english". Derives from the fact that one must hit the cue ball below it's equator, i.e. "low" on the ball, to impart draw. Contrast high.

The deciding match between two tied opponents. Compare hill, hill.

This is the apex ball in the triangle, racked on the foot spot in a normal game.

This is a version of double elimination tournament play that splits the field of competitors into two brackets that come together for a single elimination championship game.

A soft joint-like plastic or linen base material. It lets the cue whip, putting more English on the cue ball.