lexicon

ANGLE: The intersecting of two lines; one, the cue ball to the object ball; the second, the object ball to the desired pocket; which determines the exact point at which the cue ball must contact the object ball, in order to send it into the chosen pocket. Angle also applies to the execution of bank shots and all strategic play off the cushions.
ANGLED: When a corner of a pocket prevents a player from shooting the cue ball in a straight line at an object ball.
AROUND THE TABLE: A position where the cue ball must be driven to three or more cushions before making contact with the object ball.
BALANCE POINT: The point on a cue stick at which the cue's weight is evenly distributed, and can be easily balanced by a single finger.
BALL OFF: A ball which has jumped off the table, resulting in a foul.
BALL ON: A ball is said to be "on" when a player can shoot at it in a direct line. Similarly, a ball is said to be "on a pocket" when it can be sunk there without other balls obstructing its path.
BALLS STRUCK SIMULTANEOUSLY: In call-shot pool, a player can strike balls simultaneously, as long as the target ball and pocket are called.
BANDED BALL: This term refers to the "striped" balls 9-15, used in many pocket billiard games.
BANK: A rebound or carom off a cushion, involving either the cue or an object ball.
BANK SHOT: In general, there are two types of bank shots. One, when a player banks the cue ball before making contact with an object ball. The second, when an object ball is driven into one or more cushions on its path to the pocket. (Incidental contact with a cushion, which sometimes happens along the rail, is not considered a bank shot.)
BED: The flat playing surface of a table.
BILLIARD: In carom games, a count or successful shot. In pocket billiards, when the cue ball purposely glances off one object ball and comes into contact with another. (Not to be confused with a combination shot, when a player sends one object ball into another, in an attempt to pocket a shot.)
BILLIARDS: The generic name for all games played on a billiard table, with or without pockets. (Many purists insist "billiards" refers only to the carom games; "pool" to those using pockets.)
BREAK: The opening shot of a game.
BREAK SHOT: In 14.1 Continuous (Straight Pool), the first shot following the pocketing of the fourteenth ball of the rack. The remaining ball, known as the "break ball," is left in place while the remaining fourteen are reracked. In 14.1, the break shot is critical in continuing a player's turn at the table.
BREAKER: The player who shoots the opening break.
BREAKING VIOLATION: A violation of the rules that apply to the opening break of certain games.
BREEZE: To barely touch an object ball with the cue ball. Also known as feathering the ball.
BRIDGE: The configuration of the front hand during shotmaking, which holds and guides the shaft end of the cue stick.
BUMPER: The rubber on the bottom of a cue stick that protects the butt end of a cue.
BUST: A slang term for a break shot.
BUTT: The larger end of a cue, opposite the tip. On a two-piece cue, the end that extends from the bumper to the joint, and contains the grip, or wrap.
CALL SHOT: The requirement that a player designate, prior to each shot, both the ball to be sunk and the targeted pocket.
CALLED BALL: The object ball specified by a player to be pocketed on a shot.
CALLED POCKET: The pocket into which a call shot is to be made.
CAROM: When a cue ball glances off an object ball into a second, or even third, ball. In pocketless games, the term also refers to balls glancing off cushions.
CENTER SPOT: The spot in the center of the table on which a cue ball or object ball may be spotted.
CHALK: A dry, slightly abrasive substance applied to the leather cue tip. Chalk prevents the tip from slipping upon contact with the cue ball, while enhancing english, backspin and control.
COMBINATION SHOT: A shot in which the cue ball drives one ball into another (and sometimes another) in an effort to pocket the final ball struck.
COMBINATION ON: The positioning of two or more balls in such a way that a ball can be driven into a called pocket with a combination shot.
CONTACT POINT: The precise point of contact upon impact between the cue ball and an object ball.
CORNER-HOOKED: Another term for "angled." When the tip of a pocket obstructs the path of the cue ball to an object ball.
COUNT: A successful shot or score. In some games, the number values of the balls pocketed. Can also refer to the running score of a particular inning, or the overall score of the game.
COUNTING STRING: As seen in The Hustler, the string above the table, with sliding markers to keep each player's score.
CRIPPLE: A ball left so near a pocket, it is almost impossible to miss.
CROSS CORNER: A shot that sends a ball off a side rail and into the opposite corner pocket.
CROSS SIDE: A shot that sends a ball off a side rail and into the opposite side pocket.
CROTCH: The corner area of a carom table in Straight-Rail, in which a player can score no more than three successive counts, before being required to send a ball to another area.
CROWN: The four dark prongs which appear on many cues above the wrapping of the handle.
CRUTCH: A slang term for the mechanical bridge.
CUE: A tapered stick, usually wooden, used to strike the cue ball in carom and pocket billiards.
CUE BALL: The solid white, unnumbered ball that is struck by the cue.
CUE BALL IN HAND: A rule that allows a player to place the cue ball anywhere on the table bed prior to the next shot.
CUE BALL IN HAND BEHIND THE HEAD STRING: A rule normally enacted after a foul or a scratching of the cue ball. A player is allowed to place the cue ball anywhere between the head string and the top rail, so long as it is not touching an object ball.
CUE TIP: The rounded leather tip attached to the ferrule on the end of a cue. It is the cue tip that allows spin to be imparted on the cue ball, which dramatically affects every aspect of shotmaking.
CUSHION: The cloth-covered rubber rails that frame the outer perimeter of the playing surface on carom and pocket tables.
CUT SHOT: Any shot in which the cue ball strikes an object ball off center, driving it in a direction other than that of the initial cue ball path.
DEAD BALL: A cue ball stroked in such a manner that it virtually comes to a complete stop upon contact with an object ball.
DEAD BALL SHOT: A shot in which a "dead ball" stroke is employed. Also known as a "kill shot."
DEAD SHOT: A configuration of two or more object balls, all touching, whereby one of the balls will inevitably be forced directly into a pocket upon impact. (The way the balls are configured will not allow the ball to move in any other direction.) Also known as "dead on."
DEAD STROKE: A phrase used when a player is "in the zone," striking shot after shot magnificently.
DIAMONDS: The decorative inlays or markings set in precise intervals along the rails of tables. Diamonds are used by many players as reference points or targets, and are used to determine aim in carom games and bank shots.
DOT: Another term for diamonds.
DOUBLE BANK: Intentionally shooting a ball off one rail to an opposite rail and back again, in order to sink it in a pocket on the original rail.
DOUBLE ELIMINATION: A tournament format in which a player must sustain two losses before being eliminated.
DOUBLE HIT: An illegal shot in which cue ball is struck twice by the cue tip; either successively upon impact, or on a draw shot when the cue ball returns after striking an object ball. Also known as a "double kiss," the result is a foul, and the penalties are assessed according to the rules.
DOUBLE ROUND ROBIN: A tournament format in which each player in the field plays each of the other competitors twice.
DRAW: Applying reverse spin, or backspin, to the cue ball by striking it well below center. Upon contact with the object ball, the cue ball will reverse its path and return to the general area in which it was struck.
DRAW SHOT: A shot in which backspin is applied to the cue ball, "drawing" it back towards the player upon contact with an object ball.
DROP POCKETS: Pockets on a billiard table with no ball-return channel. Balls must be removed manually.
EIGHT-BALL: A game in which one player must pocket the unbanded balls 1-7, the other the banded balls 9-15. The game ball is the eight-ball, which must be pocketed last.
ELEVATE BUTT: A shooting technique in which a player raises the butt end of cue stick and strokes downward onto the cue ball. The downward force causes the cue ball to rebound off the table bed, and effectively lift off the table.
ENGLISH: The side spin applied to the cue ball by striking it either to the right or left of center; i.e., the action of the cue ball either before or after it comes in contact with an object ball or cushion.
FANCY SHOT: A trick shot, usually with prearranged balls. Much more commonly seen in exhibitions than in true competitive play.
FEATHER SHOT: A shot in which the cue ball barely grazes an object ball. An exceedingly thin cut.
FEEL: The way a cue "feels" throughout the entire stroking process. Primarily determined by its balance and the smoothness of the shaft; the cleaning and burnishing techniques a player employs in the day-to-day maintenance of his cue.
FERRULE: The protective sleeve (usually plastic, horn or metal) onto which the cue tip is attached to the top end of the cue stick.
FLAT DRAW: A low stroke that widens the point that can be struck on the cue ball, in an effort to increase backspin.
FOLLOW: The opposite of draw. "Follow" is achieved by striking the cue ball above center and producing forward spin. As a result, the cue ball will continue to roll forward, and "follow" the object ball, upon making contact.
FOLLOW SHOT: A shot employing forward spin, or follow.
FOLLOW THROUGH: The continuation of the stroke after the cue stick has contacted the cue ball. The movement of the cue through the vacated area previously occupied by the cue ball.
FOOT OF TABLE: The end of a pocket or carom table at which the balls are racked or positioned at the beginning of a game.
FOOT RAIL: The rail at the foot of the table.
FOOT SPOT: The point on the foot of the table where imaginary lines connecting the second diamonds on the long rails and the center diamonds on the short rails intersect. The spot on which the apex ball rests when racking balls in pocket billiards. The spot on which object balls are generally repositioned on the table after being sunk during a scratch or shot off the table.
FOOT STRING: An imaginary line drawn straight through the foot spot, connecting the second diamonds on the long rails.
FORCE: The power applied on the stroke to the cue ball, which often affects the natural action of the ball.
FORCE DRAW: A stroke which produces extreme draw, by combining maximum force and backspin.
FORCE FOLLOW: A shot with extreme overspin (forward spin) applied to the cue ball, resulting in dramatic follow.
FOUL: An infraction of the rules of play, resulting in a penalty as determined by the specific rules of the game.
FOUL STROKE: A stroke on which a foul takes place (i.e., double contact of the cue tip with the cue ball; hitting a ball off the table, etc.).
14.1 CONTINUOUS: For nearly a century, the game of champions. A descendent of 15-Ball Pool, in which a player may sink any ball on the table, after calling the ball and pocket. After fourteen balls have been sunk, they are reracked, allowing the fifteenth to be called while attempting to break the rack. Also known as "Straight Pool," this game was made famous in the 1961 release of The Hustler.
FRAME: A term dependent on the game being played. In certain games, a frame refers to one rack of balls; in others, one full turn at the table by each opponent. Sometimes referred to as an "inning."
FREE BREAK: An opening break shot in which a wide spread of object balls may be achieved without penalty or risk.
FREE STROKING: Another term for a player in "dead stroke." When a player is striking shot after shot magnificently.
FROZEN: A term used to describe balls that are touching each other, or a ball that has come to rest along a rail.
FULCRUM POINT: The point on a cue stick in which balance can be achieved by resting it on a single finger.
FULL BALL: When an object ball is struck in the exact center by the cue ball; not cut or struck at an angle.
GAME BALL: The ball which, if pocketed legally, would produce victory in a game. Sometimes called the "money ball."
GATHER SHOT: More commonly referred to as "positioning." A gather shot is one executed in such a manner that after pocketing one shot, the cue ball and the remaining object balls are left in a position for an easy scoring opportunity on the next shot.
GO IN CLEAN: When an object ball is pocketed without touching another ball.
GRIP: The manner in which the butt of the cue is held in the hand during shotmaking.
GULLEY TABLE: A table with pockets and a return system, whereby pocketed balls are sent down channels to a collection area at the foot of the table.
HANDICAPPING: Modifications in scoring and rules, enabling players of differing abilities to compete on a more even level.
HEAD OF TABLE: The end of a pocket or carom table, from which the opening break is taken.
HEAD RAIL: The short rail at the head of the table, on which the manufacturer's name plate is affixed.
HEAD SPOT: The point on the head of the table where imaginary lines connecting the second diamond on the long rails and the center diamonds on the short rails intersect.
HEAD STRING: An imaginary line, drawn straight through the head spot, connecting the second diamonds on the long rails. Most pocket games begin with a break shot taken from behind this line.
HIGH RUN: The largest number of balls pocketed consecutively by a player during a single turn at the table.
HOLD: Any type of action a player uses to hold the cue ball back from the course it normally would have taken. A generic term for virtually any type of spin shot, such as a stop shot, draw or throw.
HUG THE RAIL: When action from the cue ball forces it or an object ball to bounce along the same rail several times, or roll along the rail.
HUSTLER: A derogatory term applied to pool sharks, who lure less accomplished players into games for money.
IN HAND: See "Cue Ball in Hand."
INNING: A player's completed turn at the table, which can be ended when he misses, fouls, scores the maximum number of balls allowed, or wins the game. In certain games, an inning can last for several racks.
IN STROKE: Another term for "free-stroking" or "dead stroke."
IN THE RACK: In 14.1 Continuous, a ball; either the cue ball or the fifteenth object ball—whose placement on the table interferes with the reracking of the object balls is said to be "in the rack." The offending ball is then respotted according to the rules, so the rack may be placed in the proper position.
IVORIES: A slang term for billiard balls, which were once made of ivory.
JAW: The angled portions of the cushion that form the opening at the mouth of the pocket.
JAWED BALL: A ball that fails to drop after rattling between the jaws of a pocket.
JOINT: On two-piece cues, the screw and thread device that connects the butt of the cue to the shaft.
JUMP SHOT: A shot in which the cue ball or object ball is caused to rise (jump) off the bed of the table. (If this is caused by a player elevating the butt and striking down on the ball, generally the shot is legal. If, however, the player digs under the ball, causing it to jump, the shot is a foul.)
JUMPED BALL: A ball that has jumped off the playing surface, resulting in a foul.
KEY BALL: In 14.1 Continuous, the "key ball" is the one that precedes the break, the fourteenth ball in the rack. It is called the key ball because it is absolutely critical in setting up the table for a shot on the fifteenth and an effective break of the rack.
KICK SHOT: A shot in which the cue ball is banked off a cushion, or cushions, prior to making impact with an object ball.
KISS: A carom or contact between balls.
KISS SHOT: A shot in which more than one contact with object balls is made by the cue ball. For example, a player might "kiss" the cue ball from one object ball to another, in order to pocket the latter.
KITCHEN: The area of the table between the head string and the cushion at the head of the table. In many pocket games, the opening break can be made from anywhere in the "kitchen." The cue ball can similarly be spotted anywhere therein, following a scratch or foul.
LAG FOR BREAK: Procedure used to determine which player has the option of breaking to begin a game. Each player lags (strokes) a ball from behind the head string to the foot rail and back toward the head rail. The player whose ball stops closest to the head rail is given the option on the break. (Despite popular opinion, making contact with the head rail is not an automatic loss of the lag.)
LADIES' AID: A disparaging term for the mechanical bridge.
LEAVE: The table layout or position of balls after a player has completed a shot. Also known as the "lie" of the balls.
LEATHER SHAKE BOTTLE: A sewn leather (sometimes plastic) bottle, filled with numbered "peas" or "pills." It is used in certain games to determine various procedures (i.e., who shoots first, the selection of "private" balls). Also known as a "shake bottle" or merely a "bottle," it is used in some games as a high-scoring target to be knocked over following a carom.
LIVE BALL: A ball that is in play under the rules of a given game. Also, a cue ball that continues to move around the table after contact with an object ball is said to be "alive" (as opposed to a dead ball).
LONG: A term referring to a ball struck with enough english that its natural path is widened, or its angle of reflection off a cushion or ball is wider than it would have been without english.
LONG STRING: An imaginary line drawn from the center of the foot rail to the foot spot, on which balls are spotted when the foot spot is occupied.
LOT: Alternate methods, not involving billiard skills, used to determine starting player or order of play (i.e., flipping coins, drawing cards, etc.).
MASSE SHOT: A shot in which extreme english is applied to the cue ball by elevating the cue butt to an extreme angle (generally between 45 and 90 degrees) and striking down on the ball. Correctly struck, masse shots can result in dramatic curve, draw or follow. Because the shot often results in damage to the cloth or table, it is forbidden in most pool halls.
MECHANICAL BRIDGE: A grooved plate affixed to the tip of a cue stick, which provides a guide for the cue on shots difficult to reach with a normal hand bridge.
MISCUE: A stroke which results in a faulty contact between the cue tip and the cue ball. Most miscues occur when the tip "slips" upon contact with the cue ball, due to a variety of reasons: improper chalking; a glazed or glassy tip; a faulty stroke; or an unsuccessful attempt to apply excessive english. A miscue is often accompanied by an ugly sound and the shanking of the cue ball in a wayward direction.
MISS: The failure of a player to execute a shot. A miss may or may not be a foul, depending on the rules of the game.
NARROW ANGLE: A term referring to the action of the cue ball struck with reverse english. When deflecting off a cushion, instead of a true bank, it comes up short, at a narrow angle.
NATURAL: Simply put, an easy shot. A shot in which no english is needed and no difficult angles are presented. One that can be executed with a simple stroke.
NATURAL ENGLISH: Moderate sidespin applied to the cue ball, that favors the cue ball's natural path. Provides a bit more speed than a center hit, without changing the direction the cue ball would have taken without any english applied.
NATURAL ROLL: The natural movement of the cue ball, with no english applied.
NINE-BALL: A game played with the 1-9 balls. Generally, matches are formatted to be the best of a certain number of games. Each game consists of one rack of balls. Balls must be struck in order of their numerical value. Whoever pockets the money ball, the 9, is the winner of the game. (Note: the 9-ball doesn't have to be the final ball on the table. On each shot, the first ball the cue ball contacts must be the lowest-numbered ball on the table. Any ball pocketed after that requirement is met is a legally pocketed shot.)
NIP DRAW: When the cue ball and object ball are very close together, a normal draw shot often brings the cue ball back into the cue tip, resulting in a double-hit, or foul. A nip draw is a short, sharp stroke which quickly gets the cue out of the way. Also known as a Pinch Draw Shot.
NOMINATED BALL: The ball a player calls, or elects, as the one he intends to pocket.
NURSES: Usually a term applied to carom games, "Nurses" refers to techniques whereby balls are kept close to the cushions and each other, resulting in easy scoring opportunities.
OBJECT BALL: Any ball other than the cue ball. Specifically, the ball a player wishes to hit with the cue ball.
ONE-POCKET: A game in which one pocket at the foot of the table is selected by the winner of the lag; the other foot pocket goes to the second player, The winner is the first player to sink eight balls in his own pocket.
OPEN BREAK: The requirement in some games that a player must drive a minimum of four balls out of the rack to the cushions in order for the break to be legal.
OPENING BREAK SHOT: The first shot of a game.
PACK: A cluster of balls at the foot spot, either before or after a break.
PEA (or PILL): One of the small numbered balls in the leather shake bottle.
PICQUOT SHOT: Another name for the Masse Shot.
POCKET BILLIARDS: A somewhat more elegant (and socially acceptable) name for pool.
POOL: The common name for pocket billiards.
POSITIONAL PLAY: A predetermined strategy by which a player attempts to pocket one object ball, while directing the cue ball to an area of the table where he can likely pocket another.
POWDER: Talc or other fine powdery substance applied to the bridge hand to ensure smooth easy movement of the cue shaft through the bridge.
POWER DRAW SHOT: A shot in which extreme draw is applied to the cue ball. Also known as a "Force Draw Shot."
PRONGS: The four dark points, or crown, found on many cues just above the wrapping.
PUSH SHOT: A shot in which the cue tip maintains its contact with the cue ball slightly longer than in a normal stroke. Also, "shoving" the ball forward without a normal backswing. Generally, push shots are illegal. Judgments often must be made by the referee.
PYRAMID: The placement of the object balls in a triangular grouping at the start of many pocket billiard games.
RACE: A term referring to the players' quest to be the first to win a predetermined number of games in a set or match. For example, a best 4-out-of-7 format is often called a race to four, and is over when a player wins four games.
RACK: The triangular (15-Ball) or diamond-shaped (9-Ball) frame used to arrange the object balls at the beginning of a game. The "rack" also refers to the arrangement of the object ball after the frame is removed (i.e., "breaking the rack.")
RAILS: The top ledge of a table, not covered with cloth, from which the cushions protrude, framing the playing surface.
RED BALL: In carom games, the red-colored object ball(s).
REVERSE ENGLISH: Sidespin applied to the cue ball, that causes it to move in a direction other than that of its natural path.
ROTATION: A game in which players are required to pocket balls in their numerical order.
ROUND ROBIN: A tournament format in which each contestant plays each of the other players at least once.
RUN: The total of consecutive scores in one inning. For example, 27 consecutive balls pocketed is a run of 27. A "run" can also refer to the total number of short-rack games won without a missed shot; i.e., a run of five consecutive racks of 9-Ball.
RUNNING ENGLISH: Spin applied to the cue ball, causing it to carom off a cushion at a wider angle and greater speed than if struck the same way without english.
RUN OUT: Sinking all the balls needed, without a miss, to win a game.
SAFETY: A defensive maneuver in which a player attempts to leave the cue ball in such a position that it is virtually impossible for his opponent to score. (Rules governing the playing of safeties are decidedly different in many games.)
SCRATCH: A foul, which results in a forfeiture of turn. Pocketing the cue ball on a shot is a scratch. Failure to meet specifications in attempting a safety is also a scratch. After a scratch, a player's opponent is awarded the cue ball in hand, in accordance with the rules of the game.
SEEDING: The predetermined initial pairings or advanced positioning of players competing with one another in a tournament.
SET: A subdivision of a match, usually consisting of a number of games. For example, a match might consist of the best-3-of-5 sets, with each set a race to 5 games.
SET UP: An easy shot.
SHAFT: The narrow, tapered end of a cue stick, on which the cue tip is affixed. On two-piece cues, the shaft extends from the joint to the cue tip.
SHARK: A highly-skilled player. The term "shark" is often used in the same disparaging way as "hustler."
SHOOTER: The player whose turn it is to strike the cue ball.
SHORT ANGLE OF POCKET: The corner of a pocket nearest to a shooter attempting to pocket a ball there from an angle.
SHORT RACK: Games which utilize fewer than fifteen object balls.
SHOT: An action that begins the moment the cue tip contacts the cue ball, and ends when all balls in play stop rolling and spinning.
SHOT CLOCK: Any timing device used to gauge the time limit in which a player or team is allowed to play a shot.
SINGLE ELIMINATION: A tournament format in which a single loss eliminates a player from the competition.
SLATE: A cut and finished bed of stone that serves as the playing bed on quality billiard tables.
SNOOKER: An English game played on a 6' x 12' table, with a cue ball, 21 object balls and 6 pockets. Snooker evolved from the same English billiard games that led to the pocket games played in America today.
SNOOKERED: The condition whereby a player is unable to shoot directly at an object ball, because of other balls or a pocket obstructing his path. Despite the name, the term is a common phrase used in American pool.
SPLIT HIT: A shot in which two object balls are struck simultaneously, so that it cannot be determined which was struck first.
SPLITTING THE POCKET: A term referring to a shot in which an object ball is sent into the dead-center of a pocket, equidistant from either side.
SPOT: The circular piece of cloth or paper affixed to the cloth, to mark the head spot, center spot or foot spot on a table. The term is also used in the expressing of handicaps; i.e., "I'll spot you five balls."
SPOTTING A BALL: The re-placement of balls on the table (generally after a scratch or a foul), in accordance with the rules of the game being played.
SQUEEZE SHOT: A shot in which the cue ball or an object ball has to pass very closely by another ball, in order for the shot to be executed.
STANCE: The position of the body of the shooter when preparing to shoot (addressing) the ball.
STICK: A word commonly used for pool cue.
STOP SHOT: A shot in which the cue ball comes to a dead stop, upon making contact with an object ball.
STRAIGHT IN: A shot in which the cue ball, the object ball and the desired pocket are positioned in a virtual straight line.
STRAIGHT ON: A ball is hit "straight on" when struck directly in the center.
STRAIGHT POOL: A name commonly used to denote the game of 14.1 Continuous. (Also known for decades as "Championship Pool.")
STROKE: The movement of the cue as a shot is executed. More precisely, the motions of the hands, body and cue stick itself, from the beginning of the backswing, through the contact with the cue ball, to the final point of the follow-through.
SUCCESSIVE FOULS: Fouls made on consecutive shots by the same player.
TABLE IN POSITION: A term used to indicate that the object balls have not been moved at all, following an attempted shot.
THIN HIT: A shot in which the cue ball barely grazes an object ball. Also known as a "Feather Shot."
THROW SHOT: A shot in which the path of an object ball is altered through the application of english on the cue ball. A throw shot is often employed when object balls are "frozen." By applying english to the cue ball, the first object ball struck rubs against the second, and is sent on a path ("thrown") in a direction, determined by the spin on the cue ball.
TOP STICK: A slang term for the best player.
TRIANGLE: The rack used to place the object balls in position at the start of many pocket billiard games.
TRICK SHOT: A more common term for a "Fancy Shot," in which balls are prearranged in precise positions, in order to execute unbelievable shots.
UNBANDED BALL: A term referring to the "solid" balls, 1-9.
V-BRIDGE: The bridge most commonly used by beginners, in which the cue rests on, and is guided by, the natural groove formed between the extended thumb and forefinger.
WRAPPING: The leather or linen often wrapped around the handle of the cue to prevent slipping during the course of shotmaking.