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Pool glossary · Table & Equipment

Rail

Also called: Rails, Long rail, Short rail

What are the rails on a pool table?

The rails are the four raised edges around the playing surface that hold the cushions and the diamonds. The two long rails run the length of the table; the short rails are at the head and foot ends.

In more detail

'Rail' is used in many pool phrases: a rail shot is an object ball frozen or close to the cushion; a rail bridge is a bridge formed on the rail; 'one rail kick' means the cue ball touches one cushion before hitting the object ball.

Under most rule sets, after the cue ball contacts an object ball, some ball must hit a rail or be pocketed — otherwise it is a foul.

People also ask

What does 'rail first' mean in pool?

The cue ball hits a cushion before it touches the object ball. It is legal as long as the first ball contacted is the correct one and a ball reaches a rail or a pocket afterwards.

Train it at the table

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