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Cling - Billiard Term Definition

Welcome to the billiard, pool, and snooker glossary of terms. This is the definition of Cling as it relates to cue sports. You can also view the entire billiard dictionary

Definition of Cling

Cling is a billiards term that is a part of Billiard Technique Terminology.

Cling, in billiards, is an unnatural contact between two billiard balls. This phenomena usually happens between the cue ball and an object ball, and can negatively affect an otherwise well-executed shot. Cling happens when a foreign material contacts the object ball and throws the shot offline from the intended trajectory. Cling is also referred to as as skid, or in the UK, as kick. Cling most commonly results from residual chalk on the cue ball's surface, and unfortunately, no precaution can be taken to ensure that cling does not result from excessive chalk. An example of cling in billiards is where the cue ball contacts the object ball directly on a chalk mark which causes it to take a straighter angle than normal. The best way to prevent cling is to request that the cue ball and or the object ball be cleaned by the official or referee. Experienced observers can see that a cling has occurred because the object ball tends to move differently than normal, almost with a light skipping motion. Cling is considered to be one of the only uncontrollable factor affecting an otherwise perfect shot. Cling causes unpredictable play for even the most experienced players, and can sometimes lead to the most basic shots being missed.

See: kick, skid for more on the meaning of "Cling".

Cling - Usage

I hate cling. It made me miss that easy shot.

Billiards - Cling

  • Title: Cling
  • Author: (Billiards Forum)
  • Published: 3/28/2007
  • Last Updated: 1/5/2008 4:49:01 PM
  • Last Updated By: billiardsforum

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