Lag is also the name of a minor pool game used to determine which player will take the opening break.
Each player shoots one ball from behind the head string down one half of the table. The intent is to shoot the ball so that it rebounds from the foot cushion and returns to the head of the table. The player whose ball is closest to the head cushion wins the lag. However, it is an automatic loss if:
- the ball does not contact the foot cushion;
- the ball is pocketed;
- the ball jumps from the table;
- the ball touches one of the long cushions or rolls over the long string; or
- the ball touches the foot rail more than once.
If the players cannot deternine which ball is closer to the head cushion, or if both players incur an automatic loss, the lag should be replayed.
Want more information? Please see billiards.