balkline
Definition
Noun: 1. A line drawn across a billiard table: Specifically, a line marked on the surface of a billiard or pool table, behind which the cue ball must be placed at the start of a game or after certain fouls. It defines a specific area of the table.
Usage
The term "balkline" is used primarily in the context of cue sports, such as billiards and pool, to refer to a specific rule or physical marking on the table. - It is a rule term: The player must place the cue ball behind the balkline. - It is a physical feature: The balkline is painted or inlaid on the cloth of the table.
Examples
- In the game of English billiards, the cue ball must be placed behind the balkline for the opening break.
- After the foul, the opponent got ball-in-hand behind the balkline.
- The balkline on this table is very faint and needs to be re-marked.
Advanced Usage
- Balkline billiards: This refers to a specific, complex carom billiards discipline where the table is divided into rectangular "balk" spaces by a grid of balklines. Shots are restricted within these areas to increase difficulty. In this context, "balkline" defines the core rule of the game variant.
- He is a champion in balkline billiards, a game requiring great precision.
Variants and Related Words
- Baulk line: This is a common alternative spelling, particularly in British English.
- Head string: In pool (especially American-style), the analogous line at the top of the table is often called the "head string." The area behind it may be referred to as the "kitchen."
- String line: A more general term sometimes used interchangeably with balkline.
Synonyms
- Baulk line (variant spelling)
- Starting line (general descriptive term in this context)
Related Phrases
- Behind the balkline: The standard phrase indicating the required position of the cue ball.
- You must shoot from behind the balkline.
- Balk area / Balk space: The rectangular area of the table behind the balkline, or the sections defined by balklines in balkline billiards.
Noun
-
line across a billiard table behind which the cue balls are placed at the start of a game
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