This is one of the questions I receive through Facebook messages, asked by Andrés Díaz.
Why is the cue ball called mingo?
It is a Spanishization of the surname of the man who invented the leather slipper: Captain Mingaud. (Thanks to Claudio Peri for the help).
Very important this question because sometimes when we go to some billiards, we see that the cue ball is bigger than the other balls, they should all be the same size (57 mm diameter).
But there is a reason why the cue ball? is bigger than the other balls in coin-operated billiards.
When you pocket a smooth or striped ball it comes out the front side of the table, but when you pocket the cue ball? it comes out the other side, this is because the cue ball? has a magnet inside, which makes it deflect the cue ball? towards the break side.
Different types of cue balls
| Modality | Tamaño | Peso |
|---|---|---|
| 8-ball, 9-ball and 10-ball | 57 mm diameter | 165 grams |
| Carom 3-Cushion | 61.5 mm diameter | It ranges between 205 and 220 grams. There can never be a difference of more than 2 grams between the heaviest and the lightest. |
| Snooker | 52.5 mm diameter (UK) 54 mm diameter (USA) |
115 grams (UK) 135 grams (USA) It does not have a specific weight. It must be the same weight with a tolerance of 3 grams. |
| Russian Pyramid | 68 mm diameter | 275 grams |
| Blackball | 47.8 mm diameter | 65 grams |
| Bumper Pool | 52.5 mm diameter | 115 grams |
Ivory billiard balls?
Balls have not been made of ivory for more than 60 years, they were still used for artistic billiards until the beginning of the 90s.
The ivory balls are completely different, they have texture, the colors are imperfect, they are not white, they break and deform easily.
Today’s balls are made of phenolic resins and have these characteristics.
