CUE SPORTS Meaning and
Definition
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Cue sports, also known as billiard sports, refer to a collection of games played on a billiard table with the use of a cue stick. These games involve striking balls with the cue stick, aiming to pot them into pockets or achieve specific objectives based on the rules of a particular game.
There are various cue sports games, including but not limited to pool, snooker, and carom billiards. Pool games, such as eight-ball, nine-ball, and straight pool, are commonly played in recreational and competitive settings. These games involve using numbered balls and aiming to pocket them into designated pockets, according to the game's rules.
Snooker, on the other hand, is a game played on a larger table with smaller balls and a greater number of pockets. The objective is to pot specific red and colored balls in a specific sequence, earning points along the way.
Carom billiards encompasses a variety of games played without pockets, with the aim of striking both the cue ball and target balls to score points or achieve specific patterns. Examples include three-cushion billiards, where the cue ball must contact at least three cushions before hitting the target ball.
Cue sports require skill, accuracy, strategy, and control as players must manipulate the cue ball's position and speed to achieve desired outcomes. These games are popular worldwide, enjoyed both casually for recreation and professionally in organized tournaments and leagues. Cue sports achieve a balance between precision, finesse, and competitive spirit, making it a captivating and entertaining activity for enthusiasts.
Etymology of CUE SPORTS
The term "cue sports" refers to various games played on a billiard table, including pool, snooker, and carom. The etymology of the word "cue" can be traced back to the 18th century, originating from the French word "queue", meaning "tail". The cue stick used in these games was initially known as a "queue", most likely due to its resemblance to the tail end of an animal. Over time, the term became anglicized to "cue". Therefore, "cue sports" are called so because they are played using a cue stick to strike the balls.
