Pool Table Parts: Basic Terminology for Beginners
- Dan Pucci
- Feb 9, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Pool is played around the world by people who love socializing, competing and leveling up their skills. This game is fun for beginners and has plenty of room for improvement, presenting an ongoing challenge to pro players. Enjoying this game with friends and family is a bonding experience like no other.
Before you play, it's helpful to understand pool terminology. There are specific terms for the parts of a pool table and the accessories you use to play. Different actions also have specific names. To help you enjoy your first game of pool, Imperial has created this guide for pool terminology.
What Are the Parts of a Pool Table?
Pool tables have several important components and features, including:
Table surface: Most pool tables are lined with cloth for the right amount of friction. Underneath the fabric, there's a smooth surface made of either slate, plywood or another hard, even material.
Cushions: Also known as rails, cushions are the sides of the table. They're called cushions because the rails are covered with strips of rubber and cloth.
Pockets: These are the holes found within the pool table rails. They are located at the table's four corners and in the center of both long rails. These are where you'll try to sink the object balls to win the game.
Ball set: Pool balls come in sets of 16. They include seven solid-colored balls, seven striped balls, one black eight ball and one white cue ball. You can use ball sets to play several different kinds of pool, like 8-ball and 9-ball.
Rack: The rack is a triangle that you use to align the balls before a game of pool.
Cue Stick: The long wooden stick used in pool is called a cue stick. You use a cue stick to strike the balls into the pockets on the pool table.
Chalk: Pool players rub chalk on the tip of their cue stick for more powerful shots. Without chalk, the cue stick can slide off the cue ball and misdirect it.
Bridge: You can use your hand as a bridge to guide the cue stick during shots, or you can use a separate bridge device to help direct your shots.
Sights: Shapes like spots and diamonds mark the pool table rails, helping players to calculate difficult shots.
Spots: On the pool table surface, there are two round spots evenly spaced from the center of the table. You rack the balls on one of these spots when you start a game.
These pool table parts are universal wherever you want to play pool. Learning these terms will prepare you to enjoy the game and understand what other players are discussing while you play.
How Do You Play Pool?
If you're new to pool, here's a quick overview of the game rules. There are different kinds of pool games, so make sure you know what kind you're playing. However, these rules can give you a head start and explain the basic strategy of the game.
Pool is typically played between two people or two teams. There are versions of the game that work for three players as well. The goal is to be the first person or team to sink all your balls in the required order. Here's a quick gameplay for 8-ball to show how playing pool works:
First, you use the triangle to rack up the 15 pool balls. Always put the eight ball in the middle.
Next, one player will break by striking the cue ball into the racked balls. They should scatter over the table.
If the player sinks a ball into a pocket while breaking, they can claim that type of ball, either striped or solid, for the rest of the game.
If the player doesn't sink a ball, it's the other player's turn.
Players take turns striking their type of ball into pockets. If they successfully sink a ball, they can strike again. When they miss, it's the other player's turn.
Once a player sinks all their balls, they try to sink the eight ball. Whoever sinks this ball first wins the game.
To play 9-ball, players sink their balls in numerical order. Cutthroat is a type of pool where players sink their opponents' balls so that their own balls are the only ones left on the table. You can divide the balls by numbers and play this game with multiple people.
Other Pool Terminology You Should Know
To better understand pool, review this quick list of common pool terms. These terms describe gameplay and additional features of a pool table.
Scratch: This pool term means that the cue ball goes into a pocket. When a player scratches, they have to put one of their pocketed balls back on the table. Then, their opponent's turn starts.
Pocket a ball: This is the term for when you strike a ball with the cue ball and it goes into a pocket. If you successfully pocket a ball, you can take another shot until you scratch.
Backspin: When a ball spins in the opposite direction after striking another ball or table rail, it's called a backspin.
Breakout shot: You can use a breakout shot to separate a group of balls on any turn in the game.
Bank shot: This kind of shot hits the cushion first so it moves at an angle to hit a ball.
Jump shot: You can use this shot to jump over an opponent's ball and move your own. To complete a jump shot, you strike the cue ball at a downward angle.
These additional pool terms will come in handy as you continue playing. With time and practice, you can increase your skill and try new pool shots like bank and jump shots. Playing pool is incredibly fun, but it also requires precise shots. The challenge of learning and performing them well keeps players engaged for years.
Pool Terminology FAQ
Still have questions about pool terms? Here are some commonly asked questions with answers for you about the parts of a pool table.
What Are the Holes in a Pool Table Called?
The holes in a pool table are called pockets. You'll find six pockets in a pool table, four located in the corners of the table and two center pockets located in the middle of the longer sides of the table. When you play pool, the goal is to sink your balls into any of these pockets.
What Are the Dots on a Pool Table Called?
Pool tables have either dots or diamonds on the side rails. These markings are precisely measured and can help players make difficult strikes. You can use the diamonds or dots on a pool table to calculate difficult shots that involve knocking balls off the rails and into a pocket.
What is the Name of a Pool Rod?
A pool rod is called a cue or a cue stick. You can get this piece of pool equipment with different kinds of cue tips. If you want to create spin when striking, soft tips are the best option, while hard tips are most effective for powerful strikes. Medium hardness is the best option for beginners.
Find High-Quality Pool Tables at Imperial
Since 1955, Imperial has been distributing pool tables and other game room equipment. We're a fourth-generation family business and only offer the best quality in products — everything we sell is designed for fun and crafted for life. For every table we sell, we plant five trees with the National Forest Foundation.
Check out our Pool Table Buying Guide for more information on pool tables terminology. You can also browse our inventory online to see the options we can bring to your home!