The break shot is the explosive opening of a billiards game, designed to scatter the racked balls and create scoring chances. Its effectiveness hinges on a blend of power and precision: a strong, central hit on the lead ball of the rack maximizes energy transfer and ball spread, often using a dedicated break cue. Beyond force, a legal break must meet specific criteria, such as pocketing a ball or driving several to a rail, rules which vary by game. Strategic cue ball placement behind the head string and subtle aim adjustments can influence the break's outcome, with the ultimate goal being to not only open the table but ideally pocket a ball and retain cue ball control to continue the inning.