Very few casual players
(these
are the folks who call 8-ball "Stripes and Solids") play by the real
rules, but everyone should know at least the following rules of 8-ball:
4.6 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 4.8), (2) it is a foul, (3) the
table is open. Please Note: The incoming player has cue ball in hand
behind the head string and may not shoot an object ball that is behind the
head string, unless he first shoots the cue ball past the head string and
causes the cue ball to come back behind the head string and hit the object
ball.
4.7 OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF TABLE ON THE BREAK
If a player jumps an object ball off the table on the break shot, it
is a
foul and the incoming player has the option of (1) accepting the table in
position and shooting, or (2) taking cue ball in hand behind the head
string and shooting.
4.8 8-BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK
If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, breaker may ask for a 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.
4.11 LEGAL SHOT
(Defined) On all shots (except on the break and when the table is
open),
the shooter must hit one of his group of balls first and (1) pocket a
numbered ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a
rail. Please Note: It is permissible for the shooter to bank the cue ball
off a rail before contacting the object ball; however, after contact with
the object ball, an object ball must be pocketed, or the cue ball or any
numbered ball must contact a rail. Failure to meet these requirements is a
foul.
4.12 "SAFETY" SHOT
For tactical reasons, a player may choose to pocket an obvious object
ball
and also discontinue a turn at the table by declaring "safety" in advance.
A safety shot is defined as a legal shot. If the shooting player intends
to play safe by pocketing an obvious object ball, then prior to the shot,
the shooter must declare a "safety" to the opponent. It is the shooter.s
responsibility to make the opponent aware of the intended safety shot. If
this is not done, and one of the shooter's object balls is pocketed, the
shooter will be required to shoot again. Any ball pocketed on a safety
shot remains pocketed.
4.14 FOUL PENALTY
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
headstring except on opening break). This rule prevents a player from
making intentional fouls which would put an opponent at a disadvantage.
With "cue ball in hand," the player may use a hand or any part of a cue
(including the tip) to position the cue ball. When placing the cue ball in
position, any forward stroke motion contacting the cue ball will be a
foul, if not a legal shot. (Also see Rule 3.39.)
