In billiards (pool), can you use the 8-ball in a combination shot as long as it is not the first ball hit?

Question

I looked at the BCA rules and it just says it "can't be used as a first ball." So does that mean its fine if I'm solids and hit the 2 into 5 into 8 into 6?

Answer 1

Actually if you're solids, you could hit the 2 into the 10, into the 8 into the 6.  Between the time you make first contact with a ball (which is required to be yours) and the time the ball is potted (sunk) it doesn't matter what happens.  

When I have my ball in a pocket, and my opponent has one or more of his balls blocking me from getting to it, I'll often play a carom - combo.  For example, I'm solids, the 1 ball is in the pocket, the 10 and 8 block any direct line to the 1, and the 2 is midway on the side rail near the 2nd diamond.  I'll often strike the 2, roll the cue down tapping into the 10 or 8 (it doesn't matter which, you only need to call ball and pocket) the 10 or 8 which you struck now knocks in the 1.  I've sunk a buried ball, and pulled the 2 off the rail and with a little luck left the 8 in a sinkable spot.  A very useful shot indeed.

There are lots of ways to work a combination not just direct, so keep the carom in mind, it's a great shot to have.

Good luck,

-Michael

Answer 2

Yes. As long as you hit your object ball first, you can hit any other ball you like.

Answer 3

Yes   that   is   legal

Answer 4

According to both the BCA and APA, you must hit a ball from your group first.  That means, if you're solids, you must strike a solid first with the cue-ball.  What happens after that does not matter.  In sum, YES, you can use the 8-ball so long as it's not the first ball you contact.

Since we're referring to BCA, the only thing you must do is call the object ball and the intended pocket.  You do not need to specify how it gets there.  If the 8-ball is used as a middle ball in the combination, that is perfectly legal.

I played in the BCA championships twice now and plan to go again this May and we do this all the time.