What is the 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.

What is a scratch in 8 ball pool?

8-ball scratches happen when you pocket the cue ball while attempting to pocket the 8-ball, but you don't actually sink the 8-ball. You lose if you also pocket the eight-ball. A scratch is also considered a foul in 8-Ball scratch rules, and in most rule versions, it will result in an immediate forfeit.

Where do you put the cue ball after scratching it?

Tournament rules are "ball in hand", which means that if you scratch the ball your opponent can place the cue ball anywhere on the table, without any restrictions. By contrast, bar rules require you to put the cue ball in the "kitchen", which is the area behind the head spot where you break.

What is considered a table scratch in pool?

If You Hit An Object Ball, Your Turn Ends

A table scratch in pool is the result of a ball hitting an object ball and causing it to hit another object ball, which then scratches the table. If you're playing with people who are on your side of the table, this type of collision can cause you to lose your turn.

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.

Rules for Scratching in Eight Ball Pool

Is missing the 8-ball a scratch?

When playing the 8-ball, you scratch. Note: If you are shooting at the 8-ball and miss it altogether without scratching, you have fouled and your opponent has ball-in-hand, but you don't lose because of this foul.

Is it a scratch if the cue ball falls off the table?

Pocketing the cue ball or driving it off the table is a ball in hand foul. 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 there a three wall rule in pool?

The most popular rule is that you can pocket balls without touching the rail if you hit at least three rails before you hit the object ball.

Is it an open table if you scratch?

7. SCRATCH ON A LEGAL BREAK. If a player scratches on a legal break shot, (1) all balls pocketed remain pocketed (exception, the 8-ball: see rule 9), (2) it is a foul, (3) the table is open.

Where do you hit a cue ball to spin back?

Strike the ball between the center and the 12 o'clock position. Doing so will create a little spin that causes the ball to travel farther and to deflect at a slightly larger angle from bumpers or other balls.

When can you place the cue ball anywhere?

In the event of a foul, opposing player gets cue ball in hand. This means that the player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table (does not have to be behind the head string except on opening break). This rule prevents a player from making intentional fouls which would put an opponent at a disadvantage.

Can you move the cue ball away from the bumper?

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 hit the 8-ball first?

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. The shooter loses his turn; any balls pocketed remain pocketed; and the incoming player addresses the balls with the table still open.

What happens if you sink the 8-ball on 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.

Can you hit any ball on 2 shots in pool?

No such thing as 2 shots.

This rule is new to 8-ball and has been borrowed from 9-ball. Combination shots are legal – taken from Blackball rules, a player can legally pot any opponent's ball on the basis that they strike a ball of their own first and also pot any of their own balls on the same shot.

Can you combo the 8-ball to win?

Combination shots are legal shots, but you can never use the 8-ball as the first contacted ball. In other words, you can use the 8-ball in combination with another object ball to pocket an object ball, as long as you don't strike the 8-ball first.

What is a slop in pool?

Billiards Forum notes that “a slop shot is a billiard shot that was not called, and that results in a ball being pocketed via luck or via fluke. Slop shots are legal when playing a slop version of various billiard games, but are illegal when playing any game in its no-slop version.

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.

What is the rule for scratch on a break?

SCRATCH ON A LEGAL BREAK.

If a player scratches on a legal break shot, (1) all balls pocketed remain pocketed (exception, the 8-ball: see rule 9), (2) it is a foul, (3) the table is open.

Do you have to hit 8-ball on last shot?

Understanding Last Pocket

In last pocket 8-ball, you must pocket the 8-ball in the same pocket where you put your last object ball. If you were shooting stripes and made your final striped ball in the far right pocket, then that makes it your last pocket. So you must put the 8-ball in that pocket, too.