A question about 8 on the break?

Question

So here's the rule for what happens when the 8 is pocketed on the break:

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.

This is the only BCA rule I feel a little funny about (as far as I know). I feel that making the 8 on the break should result in something absolute. Either the balls should be reracked 100% of the time, it should be spotted 100% of the time, or alternatively, it should be a win for the person who broke (APA rules-- inferior, and not world-standardized, I know :) ).

What do you guys think? Does it seem wishy-washy to you? Or am I the only one who prefers no options? Are there any BCA rules you feel could be improved?

Answer 1

One of the few there is a option on -ie A roll out in 9 ball take the shot or pass it

It gives a choice if you break and scratch it must have been a bad break if I dont want to shoot into it I dont have to thats all it amounts to one of the few choices in a BCA rule

                         Later Johnny

Answer 2

It doesn't really make any difference to me. I have played in several organised leagues and all are slightly different in their rules. The APA, BCA, Pioneer League, Great Midwest, Missouri 8 Ball, and maybe even one or two I've forgotten.

The point is to not forget what you are playing at that particular time.

There really isn't much choice when playing on bar-boxes. The 8 on the break is a winner and seems to be the house rules everywhere I've been. But then, I haven't been everywhere.

Answer 3

yea i can see bar fights started over this kind of thing, we alawys played if u got it in on the first shot you won but idk it just depends

Answer 4

This is actually one of my favorite rules and I'll explain why.  By having an option after pocketing the 8-ball on the break shot, it's like a reward for the breaker for doing something unique without actually giving them an automatic win.  The whole purpose of 8-ball is to pocket all of one suit before the 8-ball, so an 8-ball on the break doesn't fulfill this key requirement.  The reward for the breaker is that if they had a crappy break and there are lots of clusters and interfering balls, they can have a rerack.  Alternatively, if they had a really good break and left themselves in a potentially good runout position, they have the choice of spotting the 8 and playing from where the cue ball lies.  This is one of those few situations where I believe an option is warranted.  Since the break shot in 8-ball is an open break and suits are never determined by the break, the breaker shouldn't be penalized for pocketing the 8-ball either.  I think having an option is a good compromise between an automatic win or loss.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

P.S. Regarding the improvement of BCA rules, good news on the horizon.  One of my BCA Master Instructors is on the official rules committee and he assures me that a lot of the wording will be changed in the next edition of the BCA rulebook to clarify points of confusion.  It won't be so much of a change as a clarification.

Answer 5

I play by house rules so here are my thoughts. If you make the 8 on the break you should have your choice. If the 8 drops in the rack is wrong anyway.