billiard cue

Long wooden stick that the player holds to hit the cue ball; the player chooses the cue’s diameter, length and weight (no more than 25 oz).

butt

Wide part of the cue; players choose the diameter that best fits their hands.

shaft

Tapered part of the cue on which the player places the fingers to line up the shot.

tip

Round piece of leather or felt on the end of the cue for hitting the cue ball; it is also the only component that can touch a ball.

ferrule

Piece of hard plastic at the front end of the cue to support the tip.

joint

Cylindrical part for joining the shaft with the butt of a collapsible cue.

rack

Triangular piece of wood or plastic for lining up the balls on the table at the start of a game.

chalk

Small cube of chalky powder that is rubbed onto the tip of the cue to improve contact with the cue ball.

bridge

Stick with a toothed head for shooting with the cue when the cue ball is out of the player’s reach.

endpiece

Piece of toothed metal to support and guide the cue.

notch

Space between the teeth on which the cue’s shaft is placed.

shaft

Long part of the bridge; the endpiece is attached to it.