Fouls/Scratches in Pool?

Question

Ok, I've heard so many different things when it comes to fouls and scratches. Am I supposed to put the cue ball behind the head string? or Do I get a ball in hand anywhere on the table?

Answer 1

It depends on the game and when you scratch or foul. For instance, in straight pool (14.1 continuous), a scratch means the cue ball will be shot from the kitchen. A foul in the same game leaves the balls where they came to rest. Or, a scratch in 8-ball on a legal break (4 numbered balls must hit a rail) means that the cue ball is placed int he kitchen while all remaining scratches and fouls result in ball in hand anywhere on the table.

So, it just depends on the game, and the rules you are using.

Answer 2

According to the APA (Amateur Pool Players Association) rules a ball in hand is played anywhere on the table in 8-ball. The only exception is after the break. If a player scratches on the break, the opponent must shoot the cue ball from behind the headstring.

In 9-ball, the cue ball is played anywhere on the table and even so after a scratch on the break.

By the way, the APA is the largest amateur pool league in the world with over 250,000 actives players. You can visit their web site at www.poolplayers.com and read the rules.

Answer 3

Depends whos rules you are using.  Is it league play or just at a bar with friends?  Make sure you establish the rules before the start of the match.

Answer 4

If you play on a standard table, I feel the rules you should be using are BCA Rules (aka World Standardized Rules). These are the rules that almost every professional tournament use. According to BCA rules, in the games of 8 or 9 ball, whenever a player commits a foul, the opposing player gets ball in hand anywhere on the table. There is absolutely no legitimate set of rules anywhere that I am aware of (and I know almost every league's rules) that state you must place the cue ball behind the headstring after a foul in the game of 8 or 9 ball. But as "Your Best Friend" stated, some other games like straight pool and rotation do require this.

If you'd like to learn the correct rules of most games, check both the BCA website, and WPA website (the rules are the same on both, but I believe the WPA site describes a couple more games).

If you happen to play only on bar tables, APA rules for 8 ball are very good.

Answer 5

If your playing 9 ball it's ball in hand anywhere all the time. If your playing 8 ball by most league rules it's behind the head string if it's a scratch on the break but anywhere on the table after that. By most bar rules( at least in this part of the country ) it's behind the head string all the time. That is why I don't care much for bar rules. A player can actually be rewarded for making a mistake. Just say you are down to the 8 ball and your opponent scratches. Sounds great right? Well if the 8 ball is behind the head string it's not too great at all. All you probably have is a long dangerous kick shot on your 8 ball. Sounds like a definite advantage for your opponent who is the one who scratched. That's why I don't play bar rules much ,if at all ,anymore. I have played in some tournaments where they would spot the 8 ball in that situation, which isn't quite as bad, but still not right. A player should never be able to gain an advantage by fouling. That is why ball in hand is the only fair way to play in the first place.

Answer 6

If you are in an organized league, consult the printed rules, or a league official.

Otherwise, use the rules set by the bar/house.

If playing for money, always agree on a set of rules before the first shot.

Answer 7

This also depends on the rules that you are playing by. Where I live in Colorado, players will sometimes say bar rules. In bar rules 8 ball as we know it, all scratches are played from behind the head string. I do not like bar rules because there is no penalty for a bad hit (foul). This can make a game last forever and can also cause arguments.

You can follow the link provided below and read up on many variations of billiards rules.

Answer 8

age ole question best decided among the players before play begins...