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Here are some commonly used terms for the games of general billiards and snooker:
 
  • Angled - The corner of a pocket is in the way of a shot.
     
  • Baulk - The area between the bottom cushion and the Baulk line.
     
  • Baulk Line - A line 29 inches from the face of the bottom cushion.
     
  • Bed - The cloth surface of the table within the cushions.
     
  • Bottom Cushion - The cushion located at the head of table.
     
  • Bridge - The shape of the hand that supports the shaft of the cue during a shot.
     
  • Center Spot - The middle point of the table.
     
  • Chalk - An abrasive substance applied to the cue tip to prevent slipping during a shot.
     
  • Combination - Shot in which the cue ball first strikes a ball other than the one to be pocketed, with the ball initially contacted in turn striking one or more other balls in an effort to score.
     
  • Corner-Hooked - Similar to "angled", when the corner of a pocket prevents shooting the cue ball in a straight path directly to an object ball.
     
  • Count - A shot that results in a score.
     
  • Crutch - Another name for mechanical bridge.
     
  • Cue - The stick for shotting the cue ball.
     
  • Cue Ball - The white ball which has no number marking on it.
     
  • Cue Tip - A piece leather or other material attached to the end of the shaft for contacting the cue ball.
     
  • Cushion - The cloth-covered sides of the table.
     
  • Diamonds - Marking on the rails that are used as reference points during a shot.
     
  • Draw Shot - A shot striking the cue ball below center point that results in back spin.
     
  • Double Hit - The cue ball is struck twice by the cue tip on the same stroke.
     
  • Double Round Robiin - A tournament that each player plays each of the other players twoice.
     
  • English - Side spin applied to the ball by striking it off center.
     
  • Feather Shot - The cue ball slightly touches an object ball.
     
  • Follow Shot - The cue ball is struck above the center point of the cue ball resulting in forward spin.
     
  • Frozen - When ball is touching another ball or the cushion.
     
  • Game Ball - The last ball into the pocket that generates a win.
     
  • Handicap - Changing in the rules to favor a player with lesser ability or skills.
     
  • Hold - English shot that stops the cue ball from continuing the course of natural roll.
     
  • Jump Shot - The cue ball or object ball is struck and forced off the table.
     
  • Kick Shot. - The cue ball hits a cushion before contacting an object ball or into a pocket.
     
  • Kiss - Contact between balls.
     
  • Kiss-Out - Unintentional contact between balls that results in a foul.
     
  • Masse - A shot with heavy english. Achieved by elevating the cue butt at an angle and send the cue ball into a curved path.
     
  • Mechanical Bridge - A device mounted on the end of a handle providing support for the shaft of the cue during shots that are difficult to reach.
     
  • Miscue - A shop that results in the cue tip slides off the ball.
     
  • Natural Roll - Refers to the motion of the cue ball with english applied.
     
  • Position - The placement of the cue ball relative to the next shot.
     
  • Powder - Substance used to allow smooth movement of the cue shaft through the bridge.
     
  • Push Shot - The cue tip keeps in contact with the ball beyond the split second allowed
     
  • Pyramid - Ball formation during the start of a game.
     
  • Rack - The triangular shape device for holding the balls together during the start of a game.
     
  • Rails - Part of the table not covered by cloth.
     
  • Rest - A mechanical bridge.
     
  • Round Robin - A tournament that each player plays each of the other players once.
     
  • Safety - Positioning of the object balls to minimize the other player's chances to score.
     
  • Shaft - A part of a cue between the tip and the mid point.
     
  • Snookered - A player's cue ball is located at a position that he/she cannot make a shot.
     
  • Stance - The player's body position during a shot.
     
  • Stroke - The movement of the cue during a shot.
     
  • Triangle - A triangular shape rack used for holding the balls in position during the start of a game.