American Poolplayers Association
Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards Videos
Check out the links above for more information on the game of billiards. The third link is particularly useful, as it demonstrates various shots of the game, and explains how they can be executed.
Common Pool Jargon
- Lag:
- Both players set their ball behind the head string and shoot at the far rail. The player who comes closest to the near rail wins. If the balls are at the same distance and one player's ball bounces off the near rail and the other did not, the player whose ball did not bounce wins the lag. This player may break, or choose to pass the break to the opponent.
- Headstring:
- The second diamond out from the rail on the side of the table from which the rack was broken, not where the rack was placed.
- Point ball:
- The ball which goes at the front of the rack, closest to the headstring. In 8 and 9-ball games, this is the one ball.
- Straight shot:
- Just a standard shot , with the cue ball at less than a thirty degree angle to the object ball. For table disputes where a protractor is not available (and really, who keeps a protractor nearby?) hold your hand out flat and comfortably. The angle between your index and middle finger is about thirty degrees.
- Cut shot:
- A shot where the cue ball is at an angle to the object ball greater than thirty degrees. See "Straight shot" for table disputes as to angle.
- Bank shot:
- When the cue ball strikes the object ball, and the object ball is driven into a rail before it is pocketed. If it's driven into more than one rail, it is called a complex bank.
- Carom shot:
- The cue ball strikes the object ball and the object ball strikes another ball, causing it's course to change into a pocket. A complex carom occurs when the cueball strikes another ball before contacting the object ball.
- Jump shot:
- The cueball passes over another ball before striking the object ball. In some play, it is illegal to jump the ball by wedging the cuestick between the cueball and the table, you must strike down at the ball. A Note: Some pool halls forbid massé and jump shots because they can damage tables. Know and respect the rules in your establishment.
- Kick shot:
- The cue ball contacts a rail before it makes contact with the object ball. If the cue ball strikes two or more rails first, it is called a complex kick.
- Combo shot:
- The cue ball strikes a ball, which then strikes the object ball. If more than one other ball is involved (other than the object ball), it is a complex combo.
- Massé:
- The cue ball significantly changes directions on the table without touching another ball. A Note: Some pool halls forbid massé and jump shots because they can damage tables. Know and respect the rules in your establishment.