Definitions by Giskard

duck 

The term "duck," as often used in the game of pocket billiards (or pool), represents an object ball that is directly in front of a pocket (one that is typically easy to make, or nearly impossible to miss).

These types of balls are referred to as "ducks" because they are "as easy to shoot as a duck."

I played the shot a little too softly, but at least it left me with a duck for my next shot.

duck by Giskard July 6, 2004

The Snap 

"The Snap" is slang for breaking the balls in a game of pocket billiards (or pool).

I saw the look of consternation on his face when I made the 9 on the snap.

The Snap by Giskard July 2, 2004

Scratch 

The term "scratch" is often heard around a game of pocket billiards (or pool) to represent a foul in which:

1. The cue ball is pocketed
2. The cue ball is popped off-table
3. The cue ball (or object ball) fails to touch a rail after contacting another ball

It was almost the perfect break -- he sank the 8 on the snap, but still lost due to the pocket scratch.

Scratch by Giskard July 2, 2004

Ball in Hand 

In various types of pocket billiards (pool), "ball in hand" refers to a player's right to place the cue ball anywhere on the table. Getting "ball in hand" means that the opposing player (the offending player) committed a foul, an example being a table scratch.

"Ball in hand," he yelled, throwing the cue ball sheepishly on the table after fouling.

Ball in Hand by Giskard July 2, 2004

crutch

In pocket billiards (pool), a "crutch" is the stick used to shoot with when you cannot reach the cue ball. It is formally known as a "mechanical bridge".

It's referred to as a crutch to insinuate that you're a lesser player that needs "help" to make a shot (this is a very big misconception, however).

It is sometimes also referred to as a "wussy stick".

The only way he could make the ball was with the damn crutch!

crutch by Giskard July 2, 2004

action 

Often used in billiards (or gambling in general), it refers to a game for money, or a location that is known for money games.

Where can we find some action?

action by Giskard July 2, 2004

cheat the pocket 

A term used in pocket billiards (or pool) that refers to hitting a ball with hard left or right English so as to create an angle off the cue ball on an otherwise straight-in shot.

The reason this is called "cheating" the pocket is because you are taking away the natural flow that cue ball would ordinarily travel (to the pocket) by altering the shot.

He left himself straight in -- he's gonna have to cheat the pocket to get to his next ball.

cheat the pocket by Giskard July 2, 2004