Definition of Diamond system

Same as cheating the pocket. Principally used in snooker.

To enter the loser bracket in a double elimination tournament, or otherwise slip in standing in other tournament formats (i.e., to lose a game/frame/round/match, but still remain in the competition).

A requirement under some pocket billiards rulesets that either an object ball be pocketed, or at least four object balls be driven to contact the cushions, on the opening break shot.

The normal phenomenon where the object ball is pushed in a direction very slightly off the pure contact angle between the two balls. Caused by the friction imparted by the first ball sliding past or rotating against the other ball.

Chiefly British: The half of the table from which the break shot is taken. This usage is conceptually opposite that in North America, where this end of the table is called the head.

Same as solids, in New Zealand. Compare little, small, reds, low, spots, dots; contrast overs.

Describes a ball rolling along a rail in contact or near contact with it, or which makes multiple successive contacts with the rail.

This is an imaginary line that separates the halves of the table by crossing at the middle of the side of pockets.

Used when describing perfect cue ball position play.

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.

The 5 out (meaning the player getting the handicap can win by making the 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 balls).

This is what is brought to the table if you are playing at your best potential.

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.

A set practice routine.
In British terminology, a bank shot.

A cut shot in which if a line were drawn from the cue ball to the rail behind the targeted object ball, perpendicular to that rail, the object ball would lie beyond the line with respect to the pocket being targeted.

Same as centre pocket.

Short for right english (side), i.e. side spin imparted to the cue ball by stroking it to the right-hand side of its vertical axis. Contrast left.

The heavy, finely milled rock (slate) that forms the bed of the table, beneath the cloth. Major slate suppliers for the billiards industry are Italy, Brazil and China. Some cheaper tables, and novelty tables designed for outdoor use, do not use genuine slate beds, but artificial materials such as Slatrol.

Same as gutter table. A table with a ball return system, as opposed to a drop pocket table.

American Cuemakers Association. This organization was formed in 1992 to help bring value to the development and advancement of cues in the United states.

This is a bank shot that goes off of the head rail and then straight to the pocket at the other end of the table.

This term refers to a low percentage one pocket shot.

Same as cue.

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.