9-Ball Safety rule....?

Question

we are on the 8 ball...almost kissing...no good shot to get to the nine ball......how many times can the first shooter play a "tap" shot safety to the same rail before he has to go to another rail....I tap it you tap it...I tap it...you tap it...etc. etc. etc>

Answer 1

As long as the shot fits the definition of being legal, then there is no limit to the number of times a safety can be played.  As long as contact is made with a legal object ball (in this case, the 8-ball) and either the 8 or the cue ball contacts a cushion (any cushion), it is a legal safety.  If only the 8 and 9 are left on the table, the first person to foul will likely lose the game, as the upcoming player will receive ball in hand.  Yes, the three consecutive foul rule applies, but probably won't come up.  There are ways to safely shoot a shot even when the cue ball, object ball, and cushion are all nearly touching without risking a double hit.  If you want to email me, I'll elaborate on "reverse cue techniques".  Good question.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

Answer 2

Yep, keep tapping.  The 8 must be hit by the cue ball, and any ball must hit any rail.  Not that it would apply in your situation, but 3 fouls in a row by the same player is a loss.

Answer 3

if the ball is that close to the rail, there **is** a good shot no matter what. I can think of 6 shots, 2 are high perecntage. but, you can play as many safetys as you want. eventually someone will see a shot. watch for a double hit foul so you can get ball in hand.