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Cueing Academy

Pool glossary · Table & Equipment

Head string

Also called: Baulk line

What is the head string in pool?

The head string is the imaginary line across the table through the second diamond from the head rail. The area behind it is the kitchen, where the cue ball is placed for the break.

In more detail

The head string matters for the break and, under some league and bar rules, for ball in hand after a scratch. Under WPA world rules ball in hand after a foul is anywhere on the table, but the break is still taken from behind the head string.

People also ask

Is the cue ball on the head string 'in the kitchen'?

Under WPA rules the head string itself is not in the kitchen — the cue ball must be placed behind the line, not on it.

Train it at the table

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