Cue stick facts for kids

A cue stick is a long, thin stick used in games like pool, snooker, and carom billiards. Players use it to hit a special ball called the cue ball. This makes the cue ball move and hit other balls on the table. Cue sticks are usually about 58 inches (1.5 meters) long and weigh between 18 and 21 ounces (510–600 grams). Most are made of wood, but some have carbon fiber or fiberglass on the outside.

A pool cue and its major parts.

What is a Cue Stick?

A cue stick is a very important tool for playing cue sports. It helps players control the cue ball with great accuracy. The goal is to hit the cue ball just right so it can then hit other balls into pockets or specific positions on the table.

How Cue Sticks Are Made

Most cue sticks are made from strong wood, like maple. Sometimes, the wood is covered with other materials. These can include carbon fiber or fiberglass. These materials can make the cue stronger or give it a different feel.

Parts of a Cue Stick

A cue stick has several main parts. The thin end that hits the cue ball is called the tip. Tips are usually made of leather. They help grip the cue ball and transfer power. The tip is glued onto a part called the ferrule, which is often white.

The main body of the cue is called the shaft and the butt. The shaft is the thinner part that you look down when aiming. The butt is the thicker part that you hold. The butt often has a wrap (a grip) made of linen or leather. This helps you hold the cue comfortably. At the very end of the butt, there's a bumper to protect the cue when it's rested on the floor.

Different Types of Cues

There are different types of cue sticks for different games.

• Pool cues are common and usually come in two pieces. This makes them easy to carry.
• Snooker cues are often thinner and lighter than pool cues. They are designed for the smaller balls and tighter pockets in snooker.
• Carom cues are used for carom billiards. These games don't have pockets, so the cues are designed for precise control.

No matter the game, a good cue stick helps players make amazing shots!

Images for kids

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  Man playing billiards with cue and woman with mace, from an illustration in Michael Phelan's 1859 book, The Game of Billiards

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  Snooker cue with two detachable extensions

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  Dime- and nickel-radius cue tips (left to right, respectively)

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  Billiard chalk

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  Layered (laminated) tip

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  Cue tip shaper

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  Longoni cues

See also

In Spanish: Taco (billar) para niños