by Stacey Case

Created on: November 15, 2009   Last Updated: November 16, 2009

Pool Slang can differ from pool hall to pool hall and from region to region but most basic terms are the same. Here is a basic glossary of pool to English of most common pool terms.

Straight 8: refers to the rules used which commonly is "call pocket" and "in the kitchen"

Call Pocket: refers to one having to state which ball they are shooting and which pocket it is going to go in. For example six ball corner pocket. Most players may also gesture or point with their cue.

In the kitchen: This refers to where the cue ball is allowed to be placed for the break or if your opponent has "scratched." This part of the table is opposite from where you rack the balls and is not allowed to go past the second diamond on the table.

Scratch: is when the cue ball has been pocketed or shot off of the table. Also can be called a scratch shot.

Ball in hand: this is when you can place the cue ball anywhere on the table. For instance if you want to shoot the eight ball into the corner pocket you can place the cue ball to give you a nice line up on the eight to make your shot.

Leave: Is what you leave either yourself or your opponent. It is not uncommon to hear someone say "nice leave" when you have left your opponent a tough shot or when you get a nice line up on your next shot.

Good Hit and Bad Hit: commonly this is used during league play as most leagues you have to hit your object ball first and then hit a rail. In 8 ball you have to hit one of your balls first like if you are stripes, then you have to hit a stripe first and then hit a rail for it to be considered a good hit. If you hit the opponents ball first then it's a bad hit. Same in 9 ball and 15 ball you have to hit the lowest numbered ball first then hit a rail.

Double or Single: this is commonly used in tournament play. Double refers to double elimination. This means you can lose twice then you're out. Single refers to the tournament being single elimination and if you lose once you're out.

Thrown: this is a term most team play leagues use. For example "we are going to throw Johnny next" is actually Johnny will be playing next.

Flip: a flip is usually to see who will break first or which team will pick the first player. This is a simple flip of a coin and calling it in the air.

Lag: in most league play this is how it determined who will break and who will rack. The object is to hit a ball at the same time as your opponent from one end of the table to the other and who ever comes closest to the beginning rail wins.

English:

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