Billiards Vault

Definition of Bust

This is to take all the money from a player or to have lost all of your own money.

24 Random Essential Billiards Terms

In snooker, the pocket nearest the yellow spot.
This is a ball that is left in a position that allows an easy shot, while time is spent working with other balls to better your position in the game.
The deciding match between two tied opponents. Compare hill, hill.
A tight, Spandex glove covering usually most or all of the thumb, index finger and middle finger, worn on the bridge hand as a more convenient and less messy alternative to using hand talc, and for the same purpose: a smooth-gliding stroke.
When a player is playing flawlessly, just "cannot miss" and the game seems effortless.
This is the white ball in carom games which is separated from the clear ball by a marking (usually a dot or spot).
To apply chalk to the tip of your cue before a shot.
A tournament format in which each contestant plays each of the other contestants at least once. In typical league team play, round robin format means that each member of the home team plays each member of the visiting team once. This format is used by BCAPL, VNEA and many other leagues.
This is a shot involving contact between the cue ball and an object ball which allows the cue ball to contact another object in order to sink a pocket with the second object ball.
A bank shot that follows a Z shaped pattern as it bounces off of two rails.
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.
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.
This refers to a shot that travels on a shallower path due to the english placed on it. This is to come up on the near side of a pocket on a bank shot.
This is a particular shot where the potential for a miscue is higher because of the amount of draw that is attempted on the cue ball.
When the cue ball is tucked behind the corner of a pocket, therefore not allowing a direct shot at the object ball.
This refers to the cluster of balls remaining in a similar position to where they were within the break
Artistic pool is a trick shot competition, inspired by the related discipline of artistic billiards.
The non-red colored ball meant to be pocketed in a game of snooker, or the next ball meant to be pocketed in a particular game.
This is a term used more in snooker to refer to a follow shot, when the cue ball is hit above center to allow it to follow the object ball after impact.
This is an attempt where one player answers the other players successful shot or run with a successful shot or run.
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.
Used with an amount to signify money added to a tournament prize fund in addition to the amount accumulated from entry fees (e.g. "$500 added").
In the carom games, any shot where the end result is all the balls near each other; ideally, in position for the start of a nurse on the next stroke.
Either of the two shorter rails on a standard pool, billiards or snooker table. Contrast side rail/long rail.