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Short Rail

By Matthew Sherman, About.com

Definition: Describes the cushions or rails alongside the two shortest sides of the table. Most pool tables are twice as long as they are wide.
Also Known As: head rail (and, on the other side, foot rail)
Examples:
Along the short rail, the one close to the rack at the foot of the table, is where many troubling shots accrue, especially in the games of Straight Pool and 8-Ball.

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