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A
full-size Billiards table measures twelve feet by six feet, one
and a half inches and has a baize-covered slate bed. The four
edges of the table feature rubber edges covered in baize called
"cushions". Six "pockets" are situated one at each corner plus
one at the centre of each long side of the table into which the
balls can drop. The six pockets normally have a net or a small
collecting channel to catch the balls.
The
cue ball is struck with tapered sticks featuring a striking tip
called "cues". The cue tips are chalked to prevent a slippery
contact with the ball. There is almost always an additional accessory
available called a "rest" which is like a cue with a cross on
the end upon which the cue can be rested to extend its playing
length.
Billiards
is played with one red ball and two white cue balls, one with
a small black spot and one without. Each turn is called a "break"
and consists of a series of strikes of the cue ball that come
to an end when a player makes a non-scoring strike or a foul stroke.
Scoring is achieved by "potting" balls, by "cannons", and by going
"in off". A ball is "potted" when the cue ball knocks it into
a pocket. A "cannon" is when the cue ball strikes first one ball
and then the other. A player's ball goes "in off" when it falls
into a pocket having first "kissed" (struck) another ball.
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