Clarification of pool rules (urgent!)?

Question

I was playing pool with my brother when something strange happened, and need to know how it should be handled.

He needed only the eight ball to win. When he shot, the ball stalled just short of the pocket. I went next and managed to get one of my balls in. A few seconds later, while still my turn, the eight ball dropped into the pocket unexpectedly and without any physical contact with anything.

I am pretty sure that he should be credited with the win, but since we have a lot of money riding on this game, I figured that I better make sure.

Answer 1

by the rules of pool, the ball must be re-set to where it was on the table, before it acidently fell in.

Answer 2

Respot the 8-ball to where it was before it fell in...run out the remaining balls and spend that money wisely!

Answer 3

look here

http://www.grandbilliards.com/tutorials....

Answer 4

I will cite APA league rules in this instance. The 8 ball did not fall when your brother shot. You shot and pocketed a ball. The 8 ball arbitrarily fell into the pocket In the process of you shooting your next shot. More than five seconds had elapsed since the 8 ball was shot so it would simply be spotted back to where it was and you would continue shooting until you missed or made your attempt at shooting the 8 ball.

Answer 5

According to the General Rules of Pocket Billiards defined by the BCA, rule 3.31 states that a ball resting for less than 5 seconds and then falling in will count as pocketed, but if the ball is resting for more than 5 seconds and then falls in, it must be replaced as closely as possible to it's original spot and play continues.

Whenever playing on a non-coin op table, I would suggest using BCA rules. They are the rules used in almost all professional tournaments and local tournaments on regular tables. If you're playing on coin-op tables, you can use whichever bar table LEAGUE rules you and your opponent are most familiar with, as long as they aren't "bar" rules.

Answer 6

You are going to get a lot of different opinions and sets of rules to cover this situation.Where I play at the 8 ball would simply be put back as close as possible to where it was and the game would continue. Not a win or a loss by either player. If you are playing on a coin-op table someone would have to put more money in to get the 8 ball back out , but if this was a serious money game that shouldn't be a problem. Once a person walks away from the table it usually means they have given up on their shot which is why your brother should not be credited for a win. You did not do anything to cause the 8 ball to fall which is why you shouldn't get a loss. This seems like the fairest way to handle the situation to me.

Answer 7

If he was shooting the 8 ball and missed and you had your turn at the table he didn't win the game.  You spot the 8 ball.  Like the other person suggested check out the APA/CPA website for the league rules which will still apply in this case.

Answer 8

The rule is quite clear...spots up.  Just wondering...how much?  Do players really put money on a game...? hmmm