Calcutta - Billiard Term Definition
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Definition of Calcutta
Calcutta is a billiards slang term that is a part of Gambling and Betting Terminology.
Calcutta refers to a player's auction at a billiard tournament. Each player is called and other players and spectators bid on the particular player. You have the chance to buy a person in the tournament, including yourself. The Calcutta pays separately from the tournament money.
The highest bidder pays their bid to the Calcutta and by doing so, they have invested in that billiard player's success in the tournament.
The highest bidder on the winning player or the player who advances far enough in the tournament is entitled to their share of the aggregate calcutta payout, which is all money used for bids.
The actual billiard tournament players normally reserve the option if buying half of themselves as an investment, when the high bid is won by a third party.
If you are still unfamiliar with what a Calcutta is in a pool tournament, here is a brief explanation:
For example, say you buy Player X for $50 and yourself for $5. If Player X gets 1st place, he/she will still get the money from the tournament payout, but you will win the Calcutta money for that person. So, even though you didn't get into a money spot and may have even just lost your two matches right away, you could still win money.
If you do buy someone in the Calcutta, that person does have the opportunity to pay half. In which case, if that person places in the money for the Calcutta, you will split the pot with them.
Calcutta - Usage
I've got a bunch of cash to invest, so I'm probably going to bid on Roger in the calcutta this weekend. He is a favorate to win the billiard tournament.
Billiards - Calcutta
- Title: Calcutta
- Author: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
- Published: 1/11/2007
- Last Updated: 1/8/2017 1:57:57 PM
- Last Updated By: billiardsforum
Calcutta Comments
James Hammerdog Smith from Beaufort, SC on 10/16/2021 5:06:17 PM
Thank you! I've been having trouble trying to figure this out.
I've always been a straight 8-ball shooter, e.g. call your pockets, etc.
When the trophy you're playing for is money, it's different I guess. That's just the legal way to gamble. LOL.
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