Pool player’s dictionary.

JoeW said:
An American Pool Player’s Dictionary

Written by the AZB Forum members
http://www.azbilliards.com/index.php
First Edition October 2009

These are words and terms commonly used today in pool halls in and around the United States of America.

211: robbery in progress (a player is currently winning all of some one’s money)

6 pack - started off as six-pack, meaning the player ran 6 racks in a row, but people have since changed it to refer to any number of consecutively run racks.


7 and out: an advantage to one player, a handicap (spot) where the player getting the spot has to legally make the 7 ball to win the game in a game such as 9-Ball or 10-Ball. Can be used as 6 and out or any similar spot.

9 Footer: regulation pool table.

Ahead: The number of games the player must win above the opponent’s wins. In five ahead the player must be five games ahead of his oppont to win the set or match.

Air Ball: total miss of the intended ball that hits nothing.

Air barrel: To gamble without the funds to pay one's debts.

Al Bundy: Person who tends to miss and leave easy shots. The person you want to follow in a ring game.

Backer: The person who puts up the money for another person who is gambling. Sometimes known as the stake horse or horse as in “paying the horse.”

Ball Banger or Banger: Someone who can't play or just bangs balls. Sometimes refers to a player who shoots very hard.

Bar Box: A seven foot coin operated table usually found in bars.

Basing the Goose or Stuffing the Turkey: Allowing your losing opponent to win back a little money so they will come back tomorrow.

Bite (the): Looking for a loan or a handout.

Bullets or Barrels: $1.00 or the amount of money you will bet on a game or match.

Busrt: To score more than 14 points in a game of straight pool.

Cabbage: Money.

C-Note: $100.00

Calcutta A player auction held before a tournament. The money in the Calcutta pool goes to the person who “bought” the winning player. Usually the player has the right to put up 50% of the auction price and thus claim 50% of the pool if the money is posted before the tournament begins.

Called 5: If players agree that one player only has to make the balls through the 5-ball, the called five means that one must call this shot before it is made.

Ceicils: Multiples of $100.00

Cheese (the): See Money Ball. The ball that wins the game and thus is the ball for which one is paid. May have originated from the game of 9-Ball where the yellow 9-ball is the game winning ball. Alternate definition is simply money as in playing for the cheese.

Chicago Roll: many $1.00 bills wrapped with a $20.00.

Chicken bone: caught in the throat see “dog it.”

Chop the pot: 1st and 2nd split the tournament instead of playing finals.

Citizen: Any non player or banger who is a potential victim of the hustle.

Coma: Playing slow to get the other player out of rhythm.

Corporation: A group of players pooling their money to buy a player in a Calcutta.

Cosmo: an easy lay out, stop-stop-stop, stop.

Counterman: The person who hands out the balls and keep track of time and collects the fees for playing in a pool hall. Often this person acts as a go between to set up gambling matches.

Cue Ball: The Rock, Whitey, Snow, Pearl

Dead Man: Swears he can play, robs everyone when no one is looking but will not play in a $2 ring game

Dead punch: player is at the top of their game.

Dead stroke: the player is in top form and seldom misses.

Dime: $1,000.00

Dog it: to miss an easy shot because of nerves.

Double Cheese: see on the hill

Double sawbuck: $20.00

Drag your feet: Yelling at the CB to slow down if it seems to be heading for a scratch

Draw: suck, low, bottom: striking the cue ball on the lower half so it stops the cue ball or rolls back toward the shooter

Duck: an easy shot such as a ball hanging over the pocket.

Duck: to duck a shot is to play safe.

Dump: purposely lose a game.

Electric chair: To be stuck sitting down and watching the opponent run multiple racks.

Fade: Difficult to overcome.

Field Goal: When a player tries to play a safety behind two balls but leaves a straight shot right between them, or if the player happens to get a shot between two balls.

Fin: $5.00

Fish: a sucker who doesn’t know his money is being stolen because of the superior skills of the opponent.

Flyer: A difficult shot.

Foul: To break a rule and lose one’s turn at the table. Most fouls are unintentional. At times the player may take an intentional foul.

Fram: or framed it: to jar the ball or leave it on the edge of the pocket

Free Wheeling: Shooting fast and without concern, yet making every ball.

Freezer: see Electric chair. To be suck in a chair watching your opponent run multiple racks.

Getting in the grease: getting into action

Give him a drink!: Saying that to the CB when your opponent is about the scratch, implying the CB is heading for the pocket.

Green Card: the wild six ball in a game of 9-Ball or 10-Ball.

Hawk's Kiss: Named for a 3 cushion situation made famous by Bill Hawkins. According to legend, Hawkins was playing a 3 cushion billiard shot and his cue ball and one of the object balls were both on a collision course for the other object ball. Hawkins as was his habit, had run around the table after hitting the shot so he could hover over the spot where the billiard was to be made. It was a dramatic moment of whether the cue ball would reach the object ball first and make a point or be just kissed out by the moving object ball, all three balls in the same zone, when it became clear to Hawk that he was going to be kissed out. Hawk reached down, grabbed the offending moving object ball, fouling and allowing the billiard to be made, and promptly popped himself in the forehead with the ball, knocking himself out.

Heart: The willingness to play, sometimes in the face of overwhelming odds.
Helen Keller: Easy out. The layout of the remaining balls are easy to run and hence win the game.

He's got NO shot!: referring to a player not having ANY chance of winning.

Hicky: see fould. To break a rule of the game.

Hot Seat: The winner of the winner’s bracket in a tournament has to play the winner of the loser’s bracket

Hustler: See Road Player.

Inning: Turn at the table.

Italian disease: funds are low.

It's George: Hustler or Carney talk for its a good set up, the coast is clear or everything is OK.

Part two is in the next post
Click to expand...

Tom- The opposite of George
 
dr9ball said:
I always thought the Orange Crush was the breaks and having the 5, 6, 7, 8, as money balls. Sink any of them or the 9 at any time and you win.
I wonder if the definition of these type of spots is regional?
Click to expand...

The 'orange crush' is the break and the 5.
If someone wants the 6-7-8 also, they have to ask for those balls....
...they aren't orange...
 
On The Wire- a string of beads to keep score. So if you spot someone 3 games on the wire, one is technically putting 3 beads on their opponents side. When gambling "on the wire" is to keep score with beads and the money does not pass hands each time a game is won. If one is playing on the wire he or she may or may not have the funds to pay the other player and is banking that he or she will be the winner at the end. That would be be playing on "air". Depending on the verb used in front of "on the wire" will determine the definition of the phrase.
 
How we play pool (Etiquette)

(A compendium from AZBilliards.com )

There are many ways to play pool. The suggestions shown below are for new players who would like to know how to act in a pool hall or someone’s room. If you follow these suggestions you will be considered a polite sportsman at the table. Local conditions may vary but behaving as indicated below is accepted in almost any room where players try to be good sports.

The equipment
Treat the table with respect, it is expensive. Do not throw equipment on or around the table.

In general you must keep one foot on the floor for all shots. However, do not sit on the rubber portion of the rail because this may damage the table. Check local conditions, some rooms do not allow anyone to sit on the table in any way.

If smoking is permitted do not bring smoking materials to the table.

Do not set a drink on the edge of the table at any time.

Some racks have metal buttons on the base they are placed there to preserve the cloth. When you rack be sure to keep the button against the table cloth.


The pool balls
If you have to clean a ball with moisture make sure it is completely dry before placing it on the table. Any sort of moisture placed on the balls is very rude.

When racking, check to be sure the rack is straight, even with the foot of the table.

Give your opponent the rack you would want for yourself. Make sure the balls are tightly racked.

The cue stick
Do not unscrew your cue stick until the match is completed. This is considered a forfeit of game.

Do not apply chalk to your cue stick when it is not your turn at the table. In some places this is considered a form of sharking.


Chalk and its use
Do not take the cue chalk away from the table (unless it is your personal chalk that you brought with you)

Do not chalk your cue stick over the table.

When you place the chalk on the table, place the chalk side up (paper side down).

If you use hand chalk, use a minimum. Keep the table as clean as possible. Remove any chalk dust you leave on the table.


During the game

Know the rules or come to an agreement with your opponent before you begin to play.

When your opponent is shooting you should be away from the table or sitting in your chair. In some places it is considered rude to continually stand while your opponent is at the table. Excessive movement such as playing with your cue stick, lighting smoking materials or in other ways doing things that would distract your opponent is not only rude it may be considered intentional sharking.

Be a gracious winner or loser: Do not laugh at your opponent’s mistakes.

Do not display pleasure when your opponent fouls scratches or loses a game.

If you commit a foul call it yourself, even if others do not see it.

In general, if your opponent calls a foul and you do not see it, accept the call.

If there is a possibility of a split hit (you might foul on a shot ask a by-stander to act as referee for that shot.

Do not talk or make comments while your opponent is concentrating on a shot.

Talking and joking between shots is often a part of the game but you should be aware of your opponent’s needs. If your opponent appears to be irritated by conversation between shots then you should sit quietly while your opponent is at the table.

It is old fashioned but polite to tap the butt of your cue on the floor two or three times to indicate that your opponent or any player made an uncommonly good shot.

If you scratch remove the ball from the pocket and place it on the table.

If you foul, touch the cue ball with the cue tip or hand it to your opponent.

Do not coach other players at the table unless there is a special provision for coaches such as during league play.

If you need a break for whatever reason, it is polite to wait until it is your turn at the table and then announce a five minute break.

Do not leave the area during a game without telling your opponent where you are going and when you will be back.

Do not practice on another table while it is your opponent’s turn at your table.

Be aware of the people at tables near by. These players have the same needs for quiet and good conduct.

The game is not over until your opponent has made all possible legal shots or you express a notion of forfeit especially when spoken. When your opponent is on his/her last ball or has not yet shot, statements like "good game" is a forfeit and in some formats or instances an automatic loss of game. If you do not forfeit, then allow your opponent to legally pocket their ball(s) uninterrupted.

When the game is over if you win or lose assist with gathering the balls for the next game.

Remove all balls from the table when you are finished so other will know the table is open for their use.

Gambling

If you lose when playing for money you should pay up as soon as the game is completed.

In some places it is polite to post all bets on the table lights or some similar place. In other rooms no money should be displayed. Check the local conditions before betting on a game or match.

Language

A shark is a person who uses bad behavior to cause their opponent to miss. In most pool halls a shark is an impolite rude, player who exhibits poor sportsmanship. To call someone a shark is a derogatory term.

A hustler is a person who hides their true ability in order to entice a player to gamble for higher stakes. A hustler is a form of con artist.
 
The American Pool Players' dictionary and the section on etiquette were compiled from comments made by people who post here on AZ. Anyone who would ike to edit and revise a new edition is welcome to do so. There might even be a buck in it. Inclusion of some humor along the way would be and idea to think about.
 
JoeW said:
Tweener and Green Card included. Thanks.

Still don't know what "thrown in the river" means or definitions of various money denominations.
Click to expand...

Duce = 2$
Fin, finski = 5$
sawbuck = 10$
jackson, double sawbuck = 20$
"C" not = 100$
grand = 1,000$

On the cuff --- money won but owed to you

"thrown in the river" expression used by backers when the get dumped ???

JDale
 
JoeW said:
How we play pool (Etiquette)

(A compendium from AZBilliards.com )

There are many ways to play pool. The suggestions shown below are for new players who would like to know how to act in a pool hall or someone’s room. If you follow these suggestions you will be considered a polite sportsman at the table. Local conditions may vary but behaving as indicated below is accepted in almost any room where players try to be good sports.

The equipment
Treat the table with respect, it is expensive. Do not throw equipment on or around the table.

In general you must keep one foot on the floor for all shots. However, do not sit on the rubber portion of the rail because this may damage the table. Check local conditions, some rooms do not allow anyone to sit on the table in any way.

If smoking is permitted do not bring smoking materials to the table.

Do not set a drink on the edge of the table at any time.

Some racks have metal buttons on the base they are placed there to preserve the cloth. When you rack be sure to keep the button against the table cloth.


The pool balls
If you have to clean a ball with moisture make sure it is completely dry before placing it on the table. Any sort of moisture placed on the balls is very rude.

When racking, check to be sure the rack is straight, even with the foot of the table.

Give your opponent the rack you would want for yourself. Make sure the balls are tightly racked.

The cue stick
Do not unscrew your cue stick until the match is completed. This is considered a forfeit of game.

Do not apply chalk to your cue stick when it is not your turn at the table. In some places this is considered a form of sharking.


Chalk and its use
Do not take the cue chalk away from the table (unless it is your personal chalk that you brought with you)

Do not chalk your cue stick over the table.

When you place the chalk on the table, place the chalk side up (paper side down).

If you use hand chalk, use a minimum. Keep the table as clean as possible. Remove any chalk dust you leave on the table.


During the game

Know the rules or come to an agreement with your opponent before you begin to play.

When your opponent is shooting you should be away from the table or sitting in your chair. In some places it is considered rude to continually stand while your opponent is at the table. Excessive movement such as playing with your cue stick, lighting smoking materials or in other ways doing things that would distract your opponent is not only rude it may be considered intentional sharking.

Be a gracious winner or loser: Do not laugh at your opponent’s mistakes.

Do not display pleasure when your opponent fouls scratches or loses a game.

If you commit a foul call it yourself, even if others do not see it.

In general, if your opponent calls a foul and you do not see it, accept the call.

If there is a possibility of a split hit (you might foul on a shot ask a by-stander to act as referee for that shot.

Do not talk or make comments while your opponent is concentrating on a shot.

Talking and joking between shots is often a part of the game but you should be aware of your opponent’s needs. If your opponent appears to be irritated by conversation between shots then you should sit quietly while your opponent is at the table.

It is old fashioned but polite to tap the butt of your cue on the floor two or three times to indicate that your opponent or any player made an uncommonly good shot.

If you scratch remove the ball from the pocket and place it on the table.

If you foul, touch the cue ball with the cue tip or hand it to your opponent.

Do not coach other players at the table unless there is a special provision for coaches such as during league play.

If you need a break for whatever reason, it is polite to wait until it is your turn at the table and then announce a five minute break.

Do not leave the area during a game without telling your opponent where you are going and when you will be back.

Do not practice on another table while it is your opponent’s turn at your table.

Be aware of the people at tables near by. These players have the same needs for quiet and good conduct.

The game is not over until your opponent has made all possible legal shots or you express a notion of forfeit especially when spoken. When your opponent is on his/her last ball or has not yet shot, statements like "good game" is a forfeit and in some formats or instances an automatic loss of game. If you do not forfeit, then allow your opponent to legally pocket their ball(s) uninterrupted.

When the game is over if you win or lose assist with gathering the balls for the next game.

Remove all balls from the table when you are finished so other will know the table is open for their use.

Gambling

If you lose when playing for money you should pay up as soon as the game is completed.

In some places it is polite to post all bets on the table lights or some similar place. In other rooms no money should be displayed. Check the local conditions before betting on a game or match.

Language

A shark is a person who uses bad behavior to cause their opponent to miss. In most pool halls a shark is an impolite rude, player who exhibits poor sportsmanship. To call someone a shark is a derogatory term.

A hustler is a person who hides their true ability in order to entice a player to gamble for higher stakes. A hustler is a form of con artist.
Click to expand...

I like that post. :thumbup:
 
"7 out" would be any numbered ball 7 or higher are winning balls in a rotation game hence the "out" part. What you have defined there would be called "the wild 7", just "the 7" or "the walking stick"
 
pt109 said:
The 'orange crush' is the break and the 5.
If someone wants the 6-7-8 also, they have to ask for those balls....
...they aren't orange...
Click to expand...

I hate to disagree with you, but it is the same as the 5 and out, meaning the 5,6,7,8 as money balls as well as the 9. That is why the term 'crush' is used, because the player giving the spot is crushed with money balls his opponent can make.
 
Snapshot9 said:
I hate to disagree with you, but it is the same as the 5 and out, meaning the 5,6,7,8 as money balls as well as the 9. That is why the term 'crush' is used, because the player giving the spot is crushed with money balls his opponent can make.
Click to expand...

I don't mind disagreeing with you...you seem pretty civilized to me.

The 'orange' is the five-ball
The 'crush' is the break

Words mean something...if someone wants the 6-7-8.....
...they have to ask for them.....life can be simple
 
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