Definition of Usapl

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.

Two or more object balls that are touching or are close together.

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.

Be in a game where either because of disparity in skill level, or because of a handicap given, it would be very difficult to lose.

An area defined on a billiard table, in games such as pool, snooker, English billiards and bagatelle, by a single balkline (drawn or imaginary) that runs across the table near the head (bottom) end; exactly where depends upon table type and size. This balk is where the cue ball is placed in lagging for lead, for making the opening break shot, and sometimes for other purposes, depending upon the game.

Also the hook. In snooker, a type of mechanical bridge that has only recently been endorsed by the WPBSA to allow its use in major tournament play. It is a normal rest with the head in line with the shaft, but the last foot or so of the shaft is curved. This allows players to position the curved end around an obstructing ball that would have otherwise left them hampered on the cue ball and in need of a spider or swan with extensions, which would have less control.

This is a ball that is positioned near your pocket that can be used to kiss off of when sinking another object ball.

This is a match where a player must win so many games more than the other player in order to win the match.

The pocket in snooker that is closest to the green spot.

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.

This is the portion of the butt of your cue just below the handle or wrap. This portion of the cue is made separately and often times cored out to ensure the proper weight balance within the full length of the cue. This portion of the cue is usually made with exotic wood that matches the wood in the forearm or in the points on the forearm. This section is used to highlight the design of the forearm, sometimes a re-creation, a reverse, or a rendition of the same pattern on a smaller scale.

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.

Billiard Congress of America. The official governing body for pocket billiards in the United States.

Describes a player who needs only one more game win to be victorious in the match.

A pool room employee who plays with a good degree of skill.

Similar to run out, but more specific to making all required shots from the start of a rack. Also known as also break and run or break and dish.

Having the cue ball stop precisely where intended.
Having the cue ball stop at or near the center of the table on a forceful break shot (the breaking ideal in many games such as nine-ball);

This is a game played with the same balls and similar scoring methods of carom, but with pockets on the table, and more scoring opportunities awarded when certain balls are sunk in combination.

This is a shot where the cue ball double kisses in order to direct the object ball toward the pocket.

Nine Ball is a rotation game so a player must hit the lowest numbered ball first.
The object of the game is pocket the 9-ball on any legal shot.

A low hit on the cue ball (but not as low as normal draw), often used to change the cue ball's angle of deflection off the object ball.

In the game 9 Ball, making the nine ball early with a legal shot, but not on the break.

Chiefly British: Same as duck, and stemming from the same obvious etymology.

This is a kind of cue made of four pieces of wood, the butt sleeve, the points, the handle, and the forearm, with each piece pinned, doweled, and glued together.