What are the scratch rules?

It is a foul (scratch) if on a stroke, the cue ball is pocketed. If the cue ball touches an object ball that was already pocketed (for example, in a pocket full of object balls), the shot is a foul.

Is it a scratch if you hit the 8-ball first?

When the table is open it is legal to hit any solid or stripe or the 8-ball first in the process of pocketing the called stripe or solid. However, when the table is open and the 8-ball is the first ball contacted, no stripe or solid may be scored in favor of the shooter.

What are the rules for scratching in 8-ball pool?

Scratching on the 8-ball is not a loss of game as long as the 8-ball was not pocketed. If the first object ball contacted by the cue ball is not a numbered ball from the shooter's established group, it is a ball in hand foul.

Is it a scratch if you miss?

A table scratch is a standard foul that doesn't result in any ball getting pocketed or knocked off the table. This kind of scratch will normally occur when a player misses a shot with their cue ball.

What are the basic rules of pool?

Rules for Scratching in Eight Ball Pool

Can you put the cue ball anywhere after a scratch?

A scratch, foul, or illegal shot results in ball-in-hand, where your opponent can place the cue ball anywhere on the table in preparation for the next shot. The only exception to this is the break (see the 8-ball and 9-ball differences that follow).

What are the 3 point rules 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.

Is it a scratch if you don't touch the 8-ball?

If a player fails to hit the 8-ball while shooting at it, it is a foul and the game continues. When the 8-ball is the legal object ball, a scratch or foul is not a loss of game if the 8-ball is not pocketed or jumped off the table.

Do you have to move the cue ball on a scratch?

After a scratch on the break, your opponent can place the cue ball wherever behind the head string they please. The cue ball must cross the head string before making contact with any object balls in order to maintain game play.

Can you lose on a scratch?

A scratch is also considered a foul in 8-Ball scratch rules, and in most rule versions, it will result in an immediate forfeit. This is true only if both the 8-ball and the cue ball are pocketed in the same shot. If the 8-ball isn't pocketed but the cue ball is, your opponent receives a ball in hand instead.

What is the official scratch rule in pool?

It is a foul (scratch) if on a stroke, the cue ball is pocketed. If the cue ball touches an object ball that was already pocketed (for example, in a pocket full of object balls), the shot is a foul. Touching any object ball with the cue ball while it is in hand is a foul.

Do you lose if you scratch while shooting the 8-ball in pool?

19. PLAYING THE 8-BALL. When shooting at the 8-ball, a scratch or foul is not loss of game if the 8-ball is not pocketed or jumped from the table.

What happens if you purposely scratch in pool?

Define scratch in pool

Simply put, if you put the cue ball in one of the six available pockets on the pool table, it is a Scratch. This may be intentional or an accidental potting of the cue ball. Nevertheless, it is considered a foul and the player who commits the scratch loses his or her turn.

What happens if you pocket the 8-ball early?

If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, breaker may re-rack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8-ball on the break, the incoming player has the option of a re-rack or having the 8-ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand behind the head string.

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.

Can you move the cue ball if it doesn't hit anything?

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.

Does the cue ball have to hit a wall?

Failure to hit a rail after contact. A sentence that should answer many questions is: "ANY ball (including the cue ball) must go to a rail AFTER LEGAL contact." A pocketed ball counts as a rail.

Can you move the cue ball once you place it?

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 happens if you scratch on the last ball before the 8-ball?

Regardless of whether or not you hit the 8 ball with the cue ball, if you scratch, the opponent has ball-in-hand.

What is a dirty shot in pool?

if you hit one of your balls first and pocket one of your balls, you keep shooting (i.e., “slop” counts). safeties are considered “dirty pool.”

What is the rule for 1 shot in pool?

First, here are some important definitions: legal shot: With a legal stroke and no foul, you must contact a legal OB and then something (CB or OB) must be driven to a cushion or be pocketed. legal stroke: a single hit of the cue tip on the CB with a forward stroking motion of the cue stick.

Do you get 2 shots on the black?

If a player is on the black, they only get one shot, however this is free. b. A free shot: A player must hit a ball. Failing to do this results in the loss of the subsequent shot and the opponent having two shots.

Do you have to call your shot in pool?

If the shot is obvious, you don't have to call it, but your opponent is entitled to ask if he or she is not sure. If you pot a ball that you did not call (called “slopping”), official rules say to leave the ball in the pocket. However, many people prefer to return the slopped ball to the footspot.