Big Ball - Billiard Term Definition

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Definition of Big Ball

Big Ball is a billiards slang term that is a part of Game Rule Terminology.

Big ball is a carom billiard term, a metaphor of sorts, that refers to an object ball that is positioned, and is approached with such a shot that if that object ball is not struck precisely, and near miss occurs, the ball will still be struck after a few bounces off the cushion, and thus, a score awarded. As the term suggest, it is almost as though the object ball were larger than normal, and thus, easier to contact with the cue ball. A big ball is normally within a few inches from a rail. It is considered a big ball only if it is approached from a from an angle and all of the prerequisite rails have already been contacted. A big ball near the corner of the table can essentially be 12 inches wide, and thus, easier to hit. In old British usage, big ball was referred to as large ball. Big ball should not be confused with the common 8 ball term the big balls.

See: big ball position, large ball, big pocket for more on the meaning of "Big Ball".

Big Ball - Usage

He's got big ball in the corner, there is no way he'll miss that.

Billiards - Big Ball

• Billiard Rules Glossary of Terms
• Billiard Terms Glossary

• Title: Big Ball
• Author: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
• Published: 1/9/2007
• Last Updated: 12/22/2007 9:48:11 AM
• Last Updated By: billiardsforum

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