Do you have to hit the front ball when breaking in pool?

The head ball or the second ball must be struck on the break and the cue ball may not be shot into the rail before the rack. The League Operator may make judgments and issue penalties to teams and players who are not breaking hard. Breaking just hard enough lo comply with this rule is not a guarantee against penalties.

Do you have to hit the front ball in pool?

The head ball or second ball must be struck first and at least four object balls must be driven to the rails or a ball must be pocketed. The cue ball may not be shot into a rail before the rack. If the break does not qualify as legal, the balls are reracked and rebroken by the same player.

Do you have to hit the front ball on a break?

At the break shot, the cue ball may be placed anywhere in the head area. The one ball in front must be hit first, otherwise it is a foul.

What is the rule for a break in pool?

To make a legal break, the player must hit the balls and ensure that four balls hit cushions and that the cue ball doesn't go down a pocket. If the 8-ball is potted on the break, the player is entitled to ask for a re-rack.

Where do you hit the ball to break in pool?

You'll want to hit the cue ball ½'' (13 millimetres) below the center, which is the size of the tip of your pool cue. By hitting it just below the center, you can make the cue ball stop in the middle of the table after the break.

Pool BREAK SHOT Technique Advice - How to Break

What is the 3 point break rule in pool?

The 3-point break rule is in effect. For a break to be legal a player must drive 3 object balls past the head string, or a combination of 3 pocketed balls and balls above the head string. Failure to execute a legal break is not a foul.

Do you win in pool if you hit the 8-ball in off the break?

Likewise, if you sink the 8 ball on the break, you don't win. You either spot the 8 ball or re-rack. Traditionally, 8 ball is a "call shot" game. That means you have to choose the pocket where you're shooting before taking your shot.

What happens if you sink every ball on break?

If any balls are sunk on the break, the breaking player continues to shoot. The table remains open after the break regardless of what is sunk on the break. Sinking the cue ball on break is a scratch and passes the turn to the opponent, giving them ball in hand.

What happens if you sink a solid ball on the break?

On the break, the first shot of the game, the cue ball must be played from behind the head string (i.e., in the “kitchen”). If an object ball is pocketed on the break, you get to continue with your turn, unless you scratch (i.e., you pocket the cue ball) on the break.

What happens if you get a ball in when you break?

9. 8-BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK. If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker may ask for a re-rack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting.

Can you move the ball in pool if you don't hit a ball?

8. Causing even the slightest movement of the cue ball, even accidentally, is a foul. It is not a foul to accidentally move any other balls (including the 8-ball) unless, during the process of shooting, a player moves a ball and it in turn strikes the cue ball. Even dropping the chalk on the cue ball is a foul.

Is it a foul if you don't hit a ball in pool?

It is a foul if on a stroke the cue ball fails to make contact with any legal object ball first. Playing away from a touching ball does not constitute having hit that ball.

Can you intentionally not hit a ball in pool?

Yes but not directly. To be a legal shot you must hit your ball first.

What is a golden break in pool?

The break consists of hitting the 1-ball, with the attempt to pocket any ball. If the nine-ball is successfully potted, the player automatically wins the rack. This is sometimes known as a golden break .

Can you win off the break in pool?

SAN DIEGO, April 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In the game of 8-Ball Pool, a player who pockets the 8 ball on the break is typically considered an automatic winner. Even though 8 ball breaks may sound easy, they are actually so difficult that most professional pool players don't attempt them.

Can you move the white ball when breaking in pool?

Moving the White Ball

As per the 8 ball pool rules, the white ball can be moved freely anywhere on the table (behind the headstring) during the break shot. After playing the break shot, the players cannot move the cue ball at their convenience, except in some instances.

What is the most balls pocketed break?

The most pool balls potted off the break is 6 and was achieved by Zahidul Islam (USA) in Richardson, Texas, USA, on 17 Ocotober 2022. Zahidul, an experienced pool player, wanted to attempt this Guinness World Records title to show the skills he has honed after years of practice.

Does the 8-ball have to go in clean?

PLAYING THE 8-BALL.

An interesting variation that comes more often than one would be imagine is that the last object ball prior to the 8- ball must go in clean, so the player cannot play a carom for their last object ball. There are some areas that do not require that the 8-ball go clean.

How rare is it to make the 8-ball on break?

One advantage of a 2nd-ball break is that it usually results in good 8 ball motion, and sometimes the 8 will be pocketed on the break. The data showed this happening 5.9% of the time (vs. 0.8% for a 1st-ball break).

What is the 2 shot rule in pool?

In the event of a foul, the opposing player receives two shots and these shots carry (i.e. if a ball is potted on the first shot, the player still has two shots). When a player gets two shots, they can pick up the white ball and place it anywhere behind the line.

Why are scoop shots illegal?

Scoop shots are illegal (in all Billiard leagues) because they may bounce off the ferrule, not the tip. A double hit may also occur as the cue hits the ball, the felt, then the ball again (or at the same time). Scooping is also damaging to the felt.

Is a push shot legal in pool?

1 Definitions: Most shots commonly known as "Push Shots" in the game of "Snooker" are allowed in the game of Eight - Ball Pool. Generally, any shot played with speed will not be deemed to be a Push Shot regardless of the fact that the cue tip may have come into contact with the Cue Ball more than once.