Pool glossary · Table & Equipment
Kitchen
Also called: Behind the head string
What is the kitchen in pool?
The kitchen is the area between the head rail and the head string. The breaker places the cue ball anywhere in the kitchen for the opening break, and some house rules require ball in hand 'in the kitchen' after a scratch.
In more detail
Under kitchen-scratch house rules, the incoming player must shoot from the kitchen at a ball outside it. WPA rules give ball in hand anywhere instead, which changes safety strategy completely — always confirm the rules before a match.
People also ask
Can you shoot backwards from the kitchen?
Under kitchen ball-in-hand rules you must shoot at a ball past the head string; you cannot hit a ball that is inside the kitchen directly, but you can bank off a rail to reach it.
Train it at the table
More guides on kitchen
Strategy & Pattern Play
When to Play Safety in Pool: A Decision Guide