Billiards Terminology
Understanding the language of billiards enhances your appreciation and skill
Essential Billiards Vocabulary
This glossary provides clear explanations of common billiard terms, with special attention to Japanese terminology and concepts that may be unfamiliar to Western players. Understanding these terms will enhance your appreciation of the game and improve communication at our club.
Our terminology guide is organized by categories for easy reference. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced player exploring Japanese techniques, this resource will help you navigate the language of billiards.
Equipment
Cue (キュー / Kyū)
The tapered stick used to strike the cue ball. Japanese cues often feature different weight distributions and materials compared to Western cues.
Cue Ball (手球 / Tekyū)
The white ball struck by the player's cue. In Japanese, literally "hand ball," referring to it being the ball directly controlled by the player.
Object Ball (的球 / Tekikyū)
Any ball that is targeted to be pocketed or used in a carom. In Japanese, literally "target ball."
Bed (台床 / Daisho)
The playing surface of the table, typically covered with cloth. Japanese tables often use specific cloth types that affect ball speed.
Rail (クッション / Kusshon)
The cushioned edges of the table that balls rebound from. Japanese terminology borrowed from English "cushion" rather than "rail."
Techniques
Bridge (ブリッジ / Burijji)
The hand formation that supports the cue during a shot. Japanese players often utilize distinctive closed-bridge techniques.
English/Side (横回転 / Yokokaiten)
Sidespin applied to the cue ball by striking it left or right of center. Literally "horizontal rotation" in Japanese.
Follow (順回転 / Junkaiten)
Topspin applied by striking the cue ball above center, making it continue forward after object ball contact. Literally "forward rotation."
Draw (引き球 / Hikikyu)
Backspin applied by striking the cue ball below center, causing it to move backward after object ball contact. Literally "pulling ball."
Kisume (キスミー / Kisumī)
A uniquely Japanese term for a soft touch shot where the cue ball barely touches the object ball, typically used in position play.
Game Concepts
Position Play (球つき / Tamatsuki)
Strategic planning to leave the cue ball in an advantageous position for the next shot. Highly emphasized in Japanese billiards.
Carom (カロム / Karomu)
A shot where the cue ball contacts multiple object balls. The foundation of many Japanese billiard games.
Safety (セーフティ / Sēfuti)
A defensive shot intended to make it difficult for the opponent. Japanese strategy often emphasizes subtle safety play.
Break (ブレイク / Bureiku)
The opening shot of a game that disperses the racked balls. Japanese breaks often emphasize control over power.
Keshō (化粧 / Keshō)
Literally "makeup," this Japanese term refers to fine-tuning the position of the cue ball with extreme precision.
Game Types
Four-Ball (四つ玉 / Yotsudama)
A traditional Japanese carom game played with four balls. Points are scored by making specific carom combinations.
Three-Cushion (三cushion / Sankusshon)
A challenging carom game where the cue ball must contact three cushions before hitting the second object ball.
Rotation (ローテーション / Rōtēshon)
A pocket billiards game where balls must be struck in numerical order. Japanese rotation often incorporates distinctive calling rules.
Free Ball (フリーボール / Furībōru)
A situation where a player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table. Rules for free balls vary in Japanese games.
Dōraku (道楽 / Dōraku)
Literally "pleasure pursuit," a term used for recreational billiards played without strict adherence to formal rules.