More pool lingo defined please: to "cinch"

Cuebacca

Cuebacca

________
Silver Member
Can anyone help me understand what "cinch" means in the context of pool? Is there more than one definition?

Here are some dictionary definitions that I think could fit:

- make sure of
- get a grip on; get mastery of
- Informal To make certain; secure or guarantee: cinch a victory.

So this is probably where the pool term is derived from, but the expression, "cinch a ball", or "cinch the winning ball", etc., is being used a lot in this thread, and I'm not quite sure I fully get it. Maybe it's more of a technical term in pool than it is in English.

So, what does, "cinch the shot" mean to you? Thanks!
 
Cuebacca said:
Can anyone help me understand what "cinch" means in the context of pool? Is there more than one definition?

Here are some dictionary definitions that I think could fit:

- make sure of

So, what does, "cinch the shot" mean to you? Thanks!
Click to expand...
IMHO it means to make sure you make the object ball, and not worry as much about position with the cue ball.
 
Scottster said:
IMHO it means to make sure you make the object ball, and not worry as much about position with the cue ball.
Click to expand...

ditto.

This may mean hit with the right speed to make sure the pocket does not rattle it out, or don't think about what english to use. On a tough table this is a big thing to think about, especially as you get to the end of the game. What's better, missing the 8 and letting the other guy shoot for the win, or making the 8 and having a shot on the 9 yourself even if it's not ideal?
 
Aha! That makes sense. "To cinch the pocketing of the ball" becomes "cinch it" for short. Thanks guys.
 
Cinch

Noun: a knot
Noun: the strap that secures a saddle
Noun: a sure thing - "It's a cinch."
Verb: make sure of - "Cinch it."

pj
chgo
 
cinch

sometimes when you get slightly out of line and you have to pocket your object ball and accept 'harder' shape on the next ball. that is called 'cinching' the shot. just make the ball as simply as possible and take what the lay of the table is going to give.
 
This is one of those situation where the table tells the balls what to do instead of you.
 
Patrick Johnson said:
Noun: a knot
Noun: the strap that secures a saddle
Noun: a sure thing - "It's a cinch."
Verb: make sure of - "Cinch it."

pj
chgo
Click to expand...

I'm going to have to go with the verb. ;) :)

Thanks for your comments, everyone. :)
 
it's used when ideally you need to do something with the cue ball to get on your next shot, but doing so would make pocketing the ball a lot more difficult. so you don't risk it - you just 'cinch' the ball and accept a harder next shot.
 
Cornerman said:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cinch

I guess I'm having a hard time understanding how the word "cinch" isn't part of your daily vernacular. It's not a pool-only lingo term. Surely it's not just a New England thing to say "it's a cinch."

Fred
Click to expand...

Thanks Fred. Although I'm not convinced that you read my initial post, I do appreciate your reply nonetheless. ;) :)
 
Cinching It

cyrex said:
sometimes when you get slightly out of line and you have to pocket your object ball and accept 'harder' shape on the next ball. that is called 'cinching' the shot. just make the ball as simply as possible and take what the lay of the table is going to give.
Click to expand...

I believe cyrex has a great explanation that best describes what most mean when they say cinch the ball........You just do whatever is the SIMPLEST EASIEST WAY to make the ball and that is your main concern, no thoughts about shape or whatever......
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top