Bar Billiards Glossary

Plain-language definitions of the terms used in bar billiards.

By BarBilliards.com Editorial TeamUpdated August 2, 2026

Baulk

The player end of the table and the marked area from which shots begin.

Break

The points accumulated during one continuous visit to the table.

Cue ball

The ball struck directly by the cue.

D

A semicircular or D-shaped starting area at the baulk end on many tables.

Hole

A scoring opening in the table bed, marked with a point value.

Mushroom

A traditional obstacle shape used instead of a thin pin in some variants.

Pin

An upright obstacle protecting high-value scoring areas.

Red ball

A differently coloured ball that commonly doubles the hole value.

Return

The internal channel and tray that brings scored balls back into play.

Timer

The mechanism controlling the length of the game and final ball return.

Visit

One player's uninterrupted turn at the table.