Where can you place the cue ball after a scratch?

If you scratch on the break, your opponent can place the cue ball anywhere behind the head string (i.e., “in the kitchen”); and in executing the next shot, the cue ball must cross the head string before contacting any object ball. 7.

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.

What are the rules for a scratch 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.

Can you move the cue ball away from the bumper?

The white ball can be moved freely anywhere on table during the break shot in 8 ball pool. This means that players have a lot of flexibility when it comes to where they want to position the white ball. After playing the break shot, players cannot move cue ball at their convenience except in some instances.

Can you put the cue ball anywhere to break?

All break shots require the cue ball to be behind the head string which is your main limitation. Professional tournaments might limit how far to the side or middle you can place the cue ball for the break, but for most amateur tournaments the cue ball can go anywhere.

How to Play Pool : What Happens in Eight-Ball when you Scratch

Can you put the white ball anywhere in pool?

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.

Do you have to move the ball on a scratch?

Do you have to take a ball out when you scratch? If you use a grip that is different from your normal one, you don't have to take a ball out when scratching for the Eight-Ball. The Eight Ball will be in your opponent's hand if they shoot before you grab it.

Is a scratch on break game in pool?

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.

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.

Can the cue ball leave the table in pool?

6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table. If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, the shot is a foul. See 8.3 Ball Pocketed and 8.5 Driven off the Table.

What are the rules of cue ball?

When you scratch in pool can you hit a ball behind the line?

Yes, although it is a foul, still it is a tactic that can be seen from time to time, even though it loses the player doing it their turn (and may give up ball in hand to the opponent).

Is it a scratch in pool if you don't hit 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.

What if you scratch and hit the 8-ball in?

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 headstring.

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.

What counts as a break in pool?

For a break to be legal, at least four balls must be driven to the rails or a ball must be pocketed. Otherwise, the balls are re-racked and re-broken by the same player. A game not legally broken but resulting in a scratch or foul will be re-racked and broken by the opposite player.

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.

Do you have to move the white ball after a scratch?

In most cases, you should remove these balls before they cause too much damage. If you don't pocket the eight ball, your opponent will keep playing until they either win or lose. If you scratch and lose the match, your opponent gets to take control of the cue ball and shoot.

What is the free ball rule in pool?

A free ball is a ball, other than the ball on, which the striker nominates as the ball on when snookered after a foul (see Section 3 Rule 12). A ball is forced off the table if it comes to rest other than on the playing area or in a pocket. Penalty points are awarded to the non-offender after any infringement.

Do pro pool players play ball in hand?

If the player, or coach fouls in the process of placing the cue ball, it will be ball-in-hand for the opponent. Therefore, it should be the player's choice if he wishes to place the cue ball or allow his coach to do so. j.

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.

Does a ball have to touch a wall in pool?

A rail must be hit by either the cue ball or any other ball after the cue ball contacts the object ball. A pocketed ball counts as a rail. A sentence that should answer many questions is: “ANY ball must go to a rail AFTER LEGAL contact unless your ball is made.”

Does the ball have to touch the cushion pool?

The cue ball or any other ball must subsequently hit a cushion. ii. If the player is not on the ball the cue ball is touching, they must hit their own ball and a cushion after hitting the ball.

What happens when you scratch in straight pool?

Scratches. Scratches occur in straight pool when the cue ball does not strike an object ball, strikes an object ball but does not touch a rail, or is pocketed. When a scratch occurs, your turn is over. With cue ball in hand, the other player places it anywhere behind the head string.

What happens if you hit your own ball in your hole in bumper pool?

Technicalities and Penalties

If you hit your own ball off table, place it in center of bumpers at center of table, and opponent shoots next. If you hit an opponent's ball off table, replace it in original position, and place one of your balls in center of bumpers at center of table.