Billiards and Pool: Understanding the Cue Ball

What is the common name for the all-white ball in a game of billiards or pool?

A) Cue ball B) Eight ball C) Striped ball D) Solid ball

Answer:

The all-white ball in billiards or pool is known as the cue ball.

In the game of billiards or pool, the cue ball is the ball that players hit with the cue stick. Unlike other balls on the pool table which might have stripes, solids, or numbers, the cue ball is distinctive as it is completely white and devoid of any markings. This ball serves a crucial role in the gameplay; it is the only ball that players are allowed to strike directly with the cue stick.

The purpose of the cue ball is to hit other balls and pocket them or to achieve the specific objectives of the various games within cue sports. For example, in eight-ball pool, players aim to pocket their set of balls (either stripes or solids) before potting the black eight ball. On the other hand, the game of nine-ball uses the cue ball to sequentially hit the lowest numbered ball on the table until the nine ball is pocketed.

Accidentally pocketing or knocking the cue ball off the table is typically penalized with a foul, giving an advantage to the opponent.