Definition

Noun: A specific, advanced billiards or pool shot. The cue ball is struck with the cue stick held at a steep, near-vertical angle, causing it to curve dramatically around an obstructing ball before hitting the intended target ball. This technique imparts extreme spin.

Usage

The term "masse shot" is used exclusively in cue sports like billiards and pool to describe this particular curved shot. It is a technical term understood by players and enthusiasts. * The player executed a perfect masse shot to avoid the cluster and sink the eight ball. * Learning a masse shot requires practice to control the curve and avoid damaging the table cloth.

Advanced Usage

• To masse / To shoot a masse: The term can be used as a verb phrase.
  • He had to masse the cue ball around the six to reach the nine.
• The effectiveness of a masse shot depends on the precise elevation of the cue and the point of contact on the cue ball.

Variants and Related Words

• Masse (noun): Often used interchangeably with "masse shot."
  • His masse won him the game.
• Curve shot (noun): A more general, non-technical term for any shot that makes the cue ball curve, which can include a masse shot.

Synonyms

• Curved shot (general)
• Swerve shot (general)

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Pull off a masse": To successfully execute a masse shot, often in a difficult situation.
  • The only way to win was to pull off a masse, and he did.

Noun

1. a shot in billiards made by hitting the cue ball with the cue held nearly vertically; the cue ball spins around another ball before hitting the object ball