A plain-language reference for the terms you hear most around an 8-ball table, grouped by spin, shot type, and the rules.

English

Side spin put on the cue ball by striking it left or right of center. It changes the angle the cue ball takes off a cushion, and it can also affect how the object ball leaves contact. See spin in pool.

Draw

Back spin, applied by striking the cue ball below center. After the cue ball hits the object ball, the back spin pulls it backward toward you. See spin in pool.

Follow

Top spin, applied by striking the cue ball above center. It makes the cue ball roll forward and continue after contact with the object ball. See spin in pool.

Massé

A shot played with the cue raised steeply and struck off-center, which curves the cue ball sharply. It is used to bend around a ball that blocks a straight path. See what a massé shot is.

Swerve

A gentler curve than a massé, produced by side spin with the cue only slightly raised. It bends the cue ball around a nearby blocker over a short distance. See why the cue ball curves.

Throw

The small change in an object ball's direction caused by friction or spin at the moment of contact. It means the object ball does not always leave on the exact geometric line. See what throw is in pool.

Cut shot

A shot where the cue ball hits the object ball off-center. Instead of going straight ahead, the object ball is sent off at an angle. The thinner the contact, the wider the cut.

Bank shot

A shot where the object ball is driven into one or more cushions before it heads to the pocket. It is used when there is no direct line to the pocket.

Kick shot

A shot where the cue ball hits a cushion first and then travels on to the object ball. It is often the only legal way to reach a ball that is blocked by others.

Combination

A shot where the cue ball strikes one object ball, which then hits a second object ball and drives it into a pocket. It is often called a combo.

Scratch

Pocketing the cue ball, or driving it off the table. It is a foul, so the turn ends and the opponent gets ball in hand. See the 8-ball pool rules.

Safety

A defensive shot played to leave the opponent without a good shot, rather than to pocket a ball. It is a normal tactic when no scoring shot is on. See the 8-ball pool rules.

Kitchen

The area of the table behind the head string. The cue ball is placed inside it for the break, and in some situations a ball in hand is restricted to it. See the 8-ball pool rules.

Break

The opening shot of a rack. The cue ball is struck into the racked balls to scatter them and, ideally, pocket one. See the 8-ball pool rules.

Rack

The triangular arrangement of the object balls at the start of a game. The word also refers to the frame used to set them up, and to a single game. See the 8-ball pool rules.

Open table

The state right after the break, before either player has been assigned solids or stripes. While the table is open, a player may hit either group first (except the 8). See the 8-ball pool rules.

Ball in hand

The right to place the cue ball anywhere on the table, given to a player after the opponent fouls. It is a strong advantage. See the 8-ball pool rules.

Miscue

A failed strike where the cue tip slips off the cue ball instead of hitting it cleanly. It usually produces a weak or wild shot, and often happens when too much spin is attempted.

Cue ball

The white ball that the player strikes with the cue on every shot. It is never one of the balls you pocket to win.

Object ball

Any of the numbered balls a player is trying to pocket, as opposed to the cue ball. In 8-ball these are the solids, the stripes, and the 8.

Foul

An illegal action during a shot, such as a scratch or hitting the wrong group first. A foul ends the turn and usually gives the opponent ball in hand. See the 8-ball pool rules.

For more on how these terms play out, read the 8-ball pool rules or browse the rest of the blog.