Lag - Billiard Term Definition
Welcome to the billiard, pool, and snooker glossary of terms. This is the definition of Lag as it relates to cue sports. You can also view the entire billiard dictionary
Definition of Lag
Lag is a billiards term that is a part of Game Rule Terminology.
Lag is an exercise for determining which player or team will break. Each player involved in the lag simultaneously shoots a solid ball (usually cue balls) from behind the head string and in the kitchen, to the foot of the table, striking the top rail as such that it returns to as close back to the bottom rail as possible. It is permissible for the ball to touch the bottom rail or even rebound from it slightly. The player whose ball returns closest to the head rail wins the lag and has the option to break. In the case of a ti between two players in the lag, the tying shooters re-lag for choice in the break. The winner of the lag either performs the break shot himself or herself, or may elect to pass the break to his or her opponent, though this differs across various billiard games. In eight ball and nine ball, the winner of the lag either breaks or passes, but in straight pool, the loser of the lag is normally elected to perform the break shot. Each shooter represents either themselves or a team. If one player enters the lag for a team, the other team members need not enter. The lag is commonly used in league and tournament play, and in other cue sport competitions where there is normally multiple cue balls available for use in the lag. However, in casual play, where there is not likely to be two or more cue balls, players often lag with object balls, or take turns lagging with the one cue ball that is available. If this is the case, each resting destination is marked either with chalk or a coin.
See: lagging for the break for more on the meaning of "Lag".
Lag - Usage
We have to lag to decide who will perform the break shot.
Billiards - Lag
Forum questions and answers mentioning the billiard definition of "Lag":
- Title: Lag
- Author: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
- Published: 3/13/2006
- Last Updated: 12/20/2007 9:49:32 AM
- Last Updated By: billiardsforum
Lag Comments
There are not yet any comments. Please post one below. All comments are moderated.
Submit New Billiard Term or Suggest a Correction
You can suggest a new billiard term and it's definition here. If you are suggesting a correction for an existing term, enter the entire definition as with your corrections incorporated.
