For 8-ball billiards, can you hit your opponents ball(stripe or solid) just to get to your ball?

Question

or do you have to hit your type of ball first?

Answer 1

(Defined) On all shots (except on the break and when the table is open), the shooter must hit one of his group of balls first and (1) pocket a numbered ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a rail. Please Note: It is permissible for the shooter to bank the cue ball off a rail before contacting the object ball; however, after contact with the object ball, an object ball must be pocketed, or the cue ball or any numbered ball must contact a rail. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul.

Answer 2

Whitedog65 makes a very good point.  There are certain situations where taking an intentional foul and giving ball in hand to your opponent would be preferable to taking a low percentage shot.  He is right about using your best judgement based on who and where you are playing.  Most folks aren't so well versed on BCA rules, so there's bound to be some arguements.  Additionally, kudos to Jess and lustatfirstbite for citing BCA rules.  It always does my heart well to see well-informed players, especially women.  Happy shooting.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

Answer 3

No you must hit yours first.

4.11  LEGAL SHOT

(Defined) On all shots (except on the break and when the table is open), the shooter must hit one of his group of balls first and (1) pocket a numbered ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a rail. Please Note: It is permissible for the shooter to bank the cue ball off a rail before contacting the object ball; however, after contact with the object ball, an object ball must be pocketed, or the cue ball or any numbered ball must contact a rail. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul.

Answer 4

house rules in my part of the world are usually the following:

what you describe is called "bumping"-  the shot must be called, and even if the shot is successful your turn ends...

so yes, it would be legal, but you forfeit the following shot.

Answer 5

Your House, my house, neutral house. You may your opponents ball but it is considered a loss of turn. A foul by any other name!

Answer 6

No, you can hit your ball into their ball, then into yours but not theirs first

Answer 7

Any time you hit your opponent's ball first, whether intentionally or accidentally, it is a foul and results in loss of turn, even if your ball is pocketed.

Sometimes this is actually the best play.  If you only have one ball left and it is hopelessly blocked in, you can break it out by using your opponent's balls.  However, if your opponent if proficient he/she might run out and win the game.

Also, I would use caution when considering this tactic, as in some bars or against some opponents it is viewed with such distaste that it is almost considered cheating.  Always consider the situation, the opponent, and how bad you want to win the game.  Because pool is a game and you really don't want to provoke an altercation with some goofy drunk.