Billiards Rules Clairification (8 Ball)?

Question

I've been playing billiards with my friends at school but we don't have a really good understanding of the rules. Hopefully if you guys could, provide me with a simple explanation of some of the rules cause the ones online have been hard to understand. Clarification for 8 ball

If a player hits the cue ball without striking any balls, this is considered a scratch correct? any exceptions?

If a player hits the cue ball striking the suit that is not his first, then it is a scratch?

When a player scratches, they are allowed to place the ball anywhere on the table correct?

Is it a scratch when the player hits the 8 ball first when they have other balls that they shoudl be trying to hit first?

If these are too hard to understand (sorry), coudl you just explain to me what is considered a scratch and any exception to that? Also the placement of the ball when a scratch occurs.

Thanks for the help

Answer 1

Might wanna trade some of those scratches for fouls .But ck BCA Website like my freinds explained

Answer 2

If a player fails to hit any ball, or hits one of his opponent's balls first, or hits the 8-ball first (when he still has balls on the table), or fails to make any ball touch a rail after contacting one of his balls (and not pocketing one of his balls), or scratches (pockets the cue ball), the other player gets ball in hand anywhere on the table. The only exception is a foul on the break, in which case the incoming shooter gets ball in hand behind the headstring.

For all the rules, follow the link below; click on rules on the left-hand side of the page and click on 8-ball rules.

--Lea

Answer 3

Let's simplify it this way.  For a shot to be considered legal and not a foul, the player must first contact a legal object ball (one of your suit if suits are determined, or the 8-ball if your balls are all pocketed) and then either pocket a ball or cause either the cue ball or an object ball to contact a cushion.  If you don't hit anything with the cue ball, it is a foul.  Since the 8-ball is never a legal object ball unless all of the balls in your suit are pocketed, it would be a foul to contact it first, even on an open table.  Yes, the upcoming player can have ball in hand anywhere on the table unless the table is still open.  For example, a scratch on the break still requires the upcoming player to take ball in hand behind the head string (kitchen).  It sounds like you are mostly correct in your questioning.  There are other ways to foul, but I won't get into them here.  Double-hit fouls for instance are explained well on the website.  Make sure that you are looking at the BCA or WPA website.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

Answer 4

First the players should agree on the rules before the game begins.  First, you should decide if you have "ball-in-hand"

after a scratch.  If you do, then you can shoot from anywhere

on the table.  If not, you must shoot behind the foul line

where you break from.

Second, you should agree on what is or is not a scratch.

By standard rules, I think there are at least five ways to

scratch:

(1) Cue Ball goes in pocket

(2) Cue ball jumps table

(3) Hitting the eight ball first when you have balls left on the

table

(4) Hitting an opponents ball first

(5) Not hitting any ball with the cue ball

Certain other fouls may be considered scratches as well

such as touching balls with your cue stick, hands, or even

clothing or hair.  Tables really should have some basic rules

posted next to them so most of these things are clear be-

fore the game begins.  These posted rules are usually

called house rules, and from house to house, rules may

be very different.

If a game begins with no discussion of rules, then the house

rules prevail.  If opponents agree to ignore certain house

rules or invoke rules different from house rules, it should

be agreed upon prior to the break.  However, any variance

of rules may not(or should not) be invoked after the game

begins.  You may accept new rule changes on the next game,

but not during a game in progress.

If there are no house rules and you have not discussed

rules before starting a game, you leave yourself open

to fiascos and cheating.  Arguements around a pool table

are usually won by the one who yells loudest, speaks

with the most confidence, or who has the hardest punch.

Walk away from bullies and cheaters at all cost.  If opponents

are constatly bombarding you with new rules in the middle

of a game, you are probably a much better player than them.

That does not mean you will win arguements or ensuing

fights.  Just be careful and remember its just a game and

not worth a big hassle.  

Just remember, if you do have house rules or agreed-upon

rules prior to the game, you may be subjected to a barrage

of unsuitable and unfair rules.

Answer 5

The rules for any pool game vary from place to place. To answer your first question, yes, moving the cue ball without hitting anything would be considered a scratch. Typically, you have to at least make a ball of yours hit a rail.

Question 2 would depend on where you are and who you are playing with, but normally, it is a scratch.

Question 3 is basically the same as #2. In the States we have league or tournament rules that allow the ball "in hand" after a scratch, meaning you can place it wherever you wish. Other places, bars, etc., have house rules, and the cue is most commonly placed behind the break line.

Question 4..same thing, some houses allow using 8 ball to combo other balls, some do not.

If you are playing with friends at school, set your own rules and follow them.

Good luck,

Ron

Answer 6

First of all, let me correct you on the meaning of scratch.  A scratch occurs when you sink the cue ball into any pocket after taking a shot, whether you hit your object ball or not.  If you don't hit the object ball and the cue ball remains on the table, it's called a "foul".  Same thing when you hit the 8 first before any of your object balls.  Whenever you scratch or foul, your opponent gets "ball in hand", meaning, he can place it anywhere he wants for his shot.  Hope this helps.