8 ball billiards rules- touching the 8 on the final shot.?

Question

When shooting at the 8- ball, after calling the pocket doesn't the 8 ball have to be touched by the cue ball if the shot is missed? If so is missing the 8 ball completely with the cue ball an automatic loss?

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

I have never heard of it being an automatic loss.  If you are playing by established rules, missing your object ball, including the 8 ball, at any time during the game results in ball in hand.

Shooting on a bar table is a different story.  If the shooter is snookered behind one of your balls, or attempting a razor thin cut shot, I can understand him missing the ball completely and consider it just part of the game.  You generally play your shot from where the cue ball lies and give the opponent the benefit of the doubt that he tried to make a legal shot.  However, watch out for wise guys, or ultra-competitive shooters, who might want to intentionally foul in order to improve their chance of winning.  Some examples;  the shooter misses everything but just so happens to leave you snookered behind the 8 ball.  The shooter bumps the cue ball forward about six inches, claims it was accidental and says it's your shot, and guess what, you are in a crummy position.  The shooter miscues (for the first time in the game) b/c he doesn't want to attempt the tough shot on the 8 ball.  

Your options are 1) ignore the goofball and try to win by playing the right way 2) point out that you don't appreciate the "dirty pool" 3) give him a dose of his own medicine - intentionally scratch if it leaves him an impossible shot, shoot one of your balls to end up against or blocking the 8 ball, shoot the 8 ball out of turn if you can drive it to a position where he doesn't have a shot, etc., or 4) refuse to play with a person who will do "anything to win".

As you can see, there are many options in this situation, so use your best judgment on how to handle it.  Playing defense is a legitimate part of pool, but it needs to be done according to the rules.

Answer 3

No it is not a loss , just a foul , ball in hand for your opponent.

Answer 4

Missing on an 8 ball shot is not a loss unless you sink the 8 ball in another intended pocket.  These are the rules when playing "call your shot."

Answer 5

if the shooter does not hit the object ball(in this case the 8), then it is a foul, and the other shooter gets ball in hand. It does not automatically result in a loss.

Answer 6

no, as long as a the cue ball didn't scratch. the most it could be would be ball-in-hand. i guess it really depends on what rules you want to play