Do you have to move the cue ball on 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.

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.

When you scratch where does the cue ball go?

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 move the cue ball if you don't hit a ball?

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.

What are the rules of cue ball?

Common Scratch Shots and How to Avoid Them!

Why do you spin a cue ball?

Applying spin gives you more control of the cue ball after it has struck the object ball thus allowing you to control the final position ready to play your next shot. It can also be used to get you out of tricky situations if you are “snookered” and cannot strike the object ball directly.

When can the cue ball be moved?

Some situations which allow for cue ball movement include if an object is blocking one or both of player's shots and if another player has committed a foul by touching or interfering with either player's shot (the red).

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.

Does the cue ball have to hit your own ball first?

For the break shot to be legal, the breaker (with the base of the cue ball placed anywhere behind the head string) must either pocket a number ball or drive at least four (4) number balls to one or more rails. No ball is called, and the cue ball is not required to hit any particular object ball first.

Do you lose a game scratching a cue ball without touching the 8?

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. Incoming player has cue ball in hand. Note: A combination shot can never be used to legally pocket the 8-ball.

Can you move cue ball off rail?

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.

Can you lose on a scratch in pool?

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. This is true only if both the 8-ball and the cue ball are pocketed in the same shot.

Can you ignore a scratch in pool?

In 8-Ball rules, a scratch is likewise classed as a foul, and in most rule variations, it will result in an immediate forfeit. However, this is only the case if the 8-ball and cue ball and pocketed in the same shot.

Can you intentionally 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.

Should I chalk my cue?

Chalk lets you add friction to the cue tip, which allows you to make a shot, rather than have the cue slipping off the ball prematurely. Your pool cue tip will come in great condition to play, but over time, it will get worn down, which is why having solid chalk is key to staying on top of your game.

Why do pool players rub the cue?

Providing Control Over the Game

The surface of the cue needs to be smooth to prevent scratching the pool balls. Without any friction, it's difficult to strike the pool ball and get it to go where you want.

Should you clean the cue ball?

The frequency of cleaning will vary depending on how often you play pool. For example, if you play one game once a week, you only need to clean the pool balls every other month. However, you should clean the balls monthly if you play two to three times a week or play three or more games weekly.

Why do pool players aim at the bottom of the cue ball?

“Bottom-of-the-ball” aiming is a way to visualize the required contact point (CP) on the object ball (assuming no throw).