8 ball question, is it a scratch?

Question

its open table nd no balls pocketed, i hit the 8 ball into another ball nd it goes in....is it still open table nd considered a scratch or is it good?

Answer 1

It is a foul if thats what you mean the 8 is the only ball on an open table you can not hit the other player would get ball in hand

Answer 2

yes it is a scratch and still an open table. think about it as if you were halfway trough the game and made a ball in off the 8... it would be a scratch

Answer 3

Depends on the house rules and/or the local bylaws if you are competing in an organized (APA, BCA, TAP, etc.) league.

Usually hitting the 8-ball first on an open table before hitting another ball is a) loss of turn, b) the table remains open, and c) the other player gets ball in hand.

I've seen rules variations and leagues where all 3 of those things happen, or only A and B.  I have played in a couple leagues/tournaments where you could hit the 8-ball first on an open table, but those were exceptions, not the norm.

Answer 4

I know this is nitpicking, but a "scratch" is when the cue ball is pocketed. What you're describing is called a "foul", although the result is the same.

The 8 ball is never neutral, and cannot ever be the first ball hit except when you are on the 8, going for the win. If you hit the 8 first, even with an open table, it is a foul and your opponent gets ball in hand. Groups cannot be decided on a foul, so the table is still open.