CueSports International Expo

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Frequently asked

Glossary

1

8-Ball

The most common league discipline. A player is assigned solids or stripes on the first legal pot and must clear that group before playing the 8-ball. Calling pockets and cue-ball fouls varies between CSI league rules and championship rules, so check the division rule sheet.

2

9-Ball

Rotation game played with balls 1 to 9; the lowest numbered ball on the table must be struck first, and the 9-ball legally pocketed at any point wins the rack. Standard for most open and pro-speed divisions.

3

10-Ball

Rotation game like 9-ball but with ten balls and a called shot on the 10. Demands tighter cue-ball control than 9-ball and is usually played at a slower, more tactical pace.

4

Break shot

The opening shot that scatters the rack. Legal break requirements (balls to rails, balls pocketed) differ between divisions, so confirm the break rule before your first match.

5

Rack

The triangular frame of balls at the start of a game as well as the game itself; "won the rack" means the player took that game. Players normally rack their own in league and championship play.

6

Run-out

Clearing all your remaining balls and the winning ball in one visit to the table after the break. The key statistic for separating skill levels in handicapped divisions.

7

Safety

A deliberate defensive shot that leaves the opponent no direct line to a legal ball. Safety battles are a big part of why championship matches on bar tables can run long.

8

Ball in hand

The right to place the cue ball anywhere on the table after an opponent's foul. In 8-ball and 10-ball this is usually restricted to behind the head string after certain fouls on the break.

9

Call shot

A rule variant requiring the shooter to nominate the pocket or the ball and pocket before shooting. Some CSI divisions play call-shot 8-ball, others do not, so read the division rules.

10

Kick shot

A shot where the cue ball is driven into one or more rails before contacting the legal object ball. Essential escape when you are hooked by a safety.

11

Jump shot

A shot using a dedicated jump cue to hop the cue ball over an obstructing ball. Many league and championship rule sets limit or prohibit jump cues, so verify equipment rules for your division.

12

Masse

A heavily curved shot made by striking down on the cue ball with extreme side spin. Spectacular but low percentage; usually a last-resort escape rather than a planned shot.

13

FargoRate

The rating system widely used in US pool to express a player's speed on a numerical scale. Ratings drive skill-level placement and handicap spots in CSI divisions; a verified rating is commonly required at check-in.

14

Race

The target number of games needed to win a match, written as "race to 5" or "race to 7". Championship divisions usually run longer races than weekly league nights.

15

Hill-hill

A match tied at one game short of the winning score for both players, for example 4-4 in a race to 5. The pressure moment players train for all year.

16

Scotch doubles

Two-player teams where partners alternate shots within the same innings, not alternate games. A standard CSI team-week format alongside singles and standard doubles.

17

Team event

League-style competition where a roster of players accumulates points across singles, doubles and scotch doubles sets. Roster limits and eligibility rules are set by the organiser.

18

Mini-tournament

Short side events run alongside or after the main divisions, often in the evening and often single elimination. Entry is usually paid on site and separate from your main division entry.

19

Handicapped division

A bracket where players or teams receive games-in-hand or rating-based spots so different skill levels can compete. Placement is based on the organiser's rating data, not self-declaration.

20

Bar table

The 7-foot coin-operated style table used for most league and amateur championship play. Smaller surface and faster play than the 9-foot regulation tables used in pro events.

21

Lag

The opening procedure where players shoot a ball from the head string to the foot rail and back; the closer ball to the head rail wins the choice of breaking or letting the opponent break.

22

Hook / snooker

A position where no legal object ball can be struck directly. Being hooked forces a kick or jump and is the main reason a safety exchange can decide a close match.

23

Push out

In 9-ball and 10-ball, the option after a legal break to roll the cue ball anywhere and pass the shot back to the opponent, who may play or pass it back. A tactical tool more than a shot-making one.

24

BCAPL and USAPL

League and amateur sanctioning structures within the CSI family. League membership and season play are the usual route into national-level amateur divisions, so check which eligibility path matches your division.