What is the white ball called in pool?
As an avid pool player and content creator focused on the cue sports, one of the most common questions I see is "what is the white ball called in pool"? While most people refer to it simply as the "white ball", the most accurate and commonly-used term is the "cue ball".
Why "Cue Ball" is the Most Acceptable Name
The white ball used in pool and billiards games is always struck by the tip of the cue stick, hence the sensible term "cue ball". Other sports use descriptive names like this too – the "strike ball" in bowling, "dodge ball" in dodgeball, "free throw ball" in basketball. Using cue ball helps pool stand out.
Though people also call it the "white ball" or even slang like "pearl", cue ball is recognized by players and organizations worldwide. When describing shots and strategy, saying "cue ball position" just makes more sense. It deserves a proper name for its importance!
The Role of the Cue Ball
The cue ball acts like an intermediary between the player and object balls. It transfers the kinetic energy, spin and vector from your cue stick tip to the racked balls on the table. This sets up every shot in the game, from the break shot onwards. Without the cue ball struck into the pack, pool couldn‘t start!
Skilled players use the cue ball strategically like a chess piece – planning position, English/draw and speed several shots ahead. Controlling it properly is a key skill, especially for games like billiards with no object balls. It‘s the only ball you directly shoot.
Comparison to Other Sports Balls
The cue ball is like…
- A bowler‘s bowling ball knocking down pins
- A baseball pitcher‘s fastball dizzying batters
- A tennis player‘s serve blazing past opponents
It takes skill and finesse. The cue ball responds to your precise inputs via the cue tip. Master its control, and run the table!
Composition and Properties
Pool cue balls generally range from 2 1/16" to 2 1/4" (52–57 mm) in diameter and usually weigh from 5.5 to 6 ounces. They are molded from various plastics with additives to control hardness, friction and resilience. Popular choices include phenolic resin, acrylic and polyester.
Cue balls have small differences from object balls to impact performance:
| Property | Cue Ball | Object Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Slightly softer | Slightly harder |
| Friction | Less friction | More friction |
| Grip | Less grippy | More grippy surface |
These help the cue ball retain maximum energy into object balls while still gripping the cloth for rolling true. Consistency here is key – professional balls control deflection within .005"!
Pool vs Snooker Cue Balls
Snooker cue balls are smaller (about 2 1/16") and lighter around 5 1/2 ounces. The smaller table and lighter object balls allow a better ratio for spin and control. Pool uses larger and heavier balls requiring more speed to maneuver.
Special Cue Balls
While most players use a standard cue ball, specialized versions exist:
- Colored: painted or dyed solid colors
- Spotted/dotted: patterned markings
- Numbered: with 8, 9 or logo
- Oversized: up to 3" for trick shots!
These can help identification on coin-op tables, especially in bars. Custom printed designs also make great keepsakes and collector pieces. Can you imagine sinking the 8 ball already on there?
Branding and Collectibility
Many cue ball designs today show custom branding:
- Aramith logo and flag colors
- Viking dragon emblem
- Predator roaring lion
- McDermott crown design
These make great souvenirs for players and fans representing. Rare vintage balls from major tournaments or famous players also sell to collectors for good money!
Comparing Recreational and Professional
Serious competition requires precision cue balls. Standards maintain perfect shape, weight distribution and surface grip. The Aramith Tournament Champion is a popular choice meeting stringent tolerances. Mixed recreational sets won‘t match this consistency.
For big televised games, cleaned cue balls add glare-resistant coating. Cameras need to track ball spin accurately across shots! Players also carry a spare cue ball just in case of chips, scratches or damage. Protect that pearl!
Comedic Pool Variants
Some novelty pool games use extra cue balls at once:
- 3-ball: uses 1-3 roaming cue balls to pocket object balls!
- 9-ball bonus: make a hard combo using the 8 ball as second cue!
Can you even imagine controlling two cue balls at once spinning around? It‘s hard enough with one let alone three careening balls. But multiple strikes make wild trick shots possible no singly ball could!
In Summary…
The white ball struck by the cue stick in pool deserves the proper name – cue ball. This key ball transfers input action to object balls. Controlling English, speed and position needs skill. Without the cue ball‘s impact, pool and billiards couldn‘t start or progress. Now you know its name and importance!
