Different Pool Terms That You Should Know

pool terms

If you’re new to pool, there are a few terms that you should know. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common pool terms and what they mean. This will help you understand the game better and make sure that you’re using the right terminology when talking to other pool players.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Pool Terms Every Pool Player Should Know!

Let us discuss some of the basics of pool games you should know if you want to become a pro player.

pool terms

1. Bank Shot

This is a shot where the cue ball hits the object ball, then bounces off of the side of the pool table and hits another object ball.

2. Break Shot

The break shot is the first shot of the game. The player must hit the cue ball so that it strikes one of the racked balls, then scattered them around the pool table.

3. Air Ball

An airball is a shot where the cue ball doesn’t hit any object balls and goes into one of the pockets.

4. Above Ground Pool

An above-ground pool is a pool that is not built into the ground. These are usually less expensive than inground pools and can be installed quickly. You can also sell these tables easily.

5. Algae

Algae is a type of plant that can grow in pool water. It is often green or yellow and can make the pool water look dirty.

6. Center String

The center string is a line that runs down the middle of the pool table. It is used to help aim shots.

7. Automatic Pool Cover

An automatic pool cover is a type of pool cover that can be opened and closed automatically. This is a convenient way to keep your pool clean and safe when it is not in use.

8. Eight & Out

Eight & out is a pool game where the player must pocket all of the balls on the pool table, and then sink the cue ball into the pocket.

9. Center String

The center string is a line that runs down the middle of the pool table. It is used to help aim shots.

10. Forced Error

A forced error is a shot where the opponent is forced to make a mistake. This can be done by hitting the cue ball into a difficult position for them to hit.

11. Feather Shot

A feather shot is a pool game where the players take turns shooting at the cue ball. The player who sinks the cue ball into a pocket wins the game.

12. Ghost Ball

A ghost ball is a pool game where the players hit the cue ball into another object ball, and then that object ball hits another object ball into the pocket.

13. Hit & Run

A hit and run is a pool game where the players take turns hitting the cue ball into an object ball, and then running to the other end of the pool table to hit another object ball into the pocket. The first player to sink all of their balls wins the game.

14. House Rules

House rules are the specific rules that a pool hall or pool club has for their games. These rules can vary from place to place, so it is important to ask about them before you start playing.

15. Kill Shot

A kill shot is a pool game where the players take turns shooting at the cue ball. The player who sinks the cue ball into a pocket wins the game.

16. Massé Shot

A massé shot is a pool game where the players take turns hitting the cue ball into an object ball, and then running to the other end of the pool table to hit another object ball into the pocket. The first player to sink all of their balls wins the game.

17. Object Ball

An object ball is any ball on the pool table that is not the cue ball.

18. Open Table

An open table is a pool game where the players take turns hitting the cue ball into an object ball, and then running to the other end of the pool table to hit another object ball into the pocket. The first player to sink all of their balls wins the game.

19. Rack

A rack is a device that is used to hold the balls in place on the pool table. It is usually made of plastic or metal and has several rows of balls.

20. Safety Shot

A safety shot is a pool game where the players take turns hitting the cue ball into an object ball, and then running to the other end of the pool table to hit another object ball into the pocket. The first player to sink all of their balls wins the game.

21. Scratch Shot

A scratch shot is a pool shot where the cue ball is hit into a pocket. This is a foul and the player will have to re-rack the balls.

22. Table Scrub

A table scrub is when the pool table is cleaned by a professional. This is done to remove any dirt or grime that has built upon the table.

23. Time Shot

A time shot is a pool game where the players take turns hitting the cue ball into an object ball, and then running to the other end of the pool table to hit another object ball into the pocket. The first player to sink all of their balls wins the game.

24. Tip Tool

A tip tool is a device that is used to clean the pool cue tip. It is usually made of nylon or plastic and has a small brush on one end.

25. Turnover Shot

A turnover shot is a pool game where the players take turns hitting the cue ball into an object ball, and then running to the other end of the pool table to hit another object ball into the pocket. The first player to sink all of their balls wins the game.

26. Unintentional Scratch

An unintentional scratch is when the cue ball is hit into a pocket by accident. This is a foul and the player will have to re-rack the balls.

27. Win by Default

A win by default is when the other player forfeits the game. This can happen if the other player does not show up, or if they are not able to continue playing for some reason.

28. Winning Shot

A winning shot is a pool game where the players take turns hitting the cue ball into an object ball, and then running to the other end of the pool table to hit another object ball into the pocket.

29. Wire Shot

A wide shot is a pool game where the players take turns hitting the cue ball into an object ball, and then running to the other end of the pool table to hit another object ball into the pocket. The first player to sink all of their balls wins the game.

30. Zone Shot

A zone shot is a pool game where the players take turns hitting the cue ball into an object ball, and then running to the other end of the pool table to hit another object ball into the pocket.

Conclusion

The pool is a great game to play and knowing the different pool terms will help you understand it better. There are many different pool games that you can play and each one has its own set of rules. Be sure to learn the different pool terms so that you can be a better player. Thanks for reading! I hope this helped!

Shmulik Dorinbaum

Shmulik Dorinbaum

I like to Play Pool and Snooker, way too much. So welcome to my biggest passion, getting my self new Pool Cues all the time ;)