In the game of pool...

Question

In the game of pool, if a player knocks the black ball away from the opponents pocket with one of his own balls remaining, how would those passionate about pool react? Is it acceptable etiquette?

Answer 1

no thats just good defense.

Answer 2

In this situation the ball is hit but not pocketed, the play stands but if you don't hit your ball first then the next shot belongs to your opponent.

If you are palying Busch league rules then you lose your shot and the opponent gets "Ball In Hand"  ( they can put the cue ball anywhere on the table they wish.)  You would have to pocket your remaining balls on the table, then sink the 8 ball, but remember to call your shot on the 8 ball, if you scratch you lose, if it goes in the wrong pocket, you lose.   RF

Answer 3

I wouldn't say it was unacceptable, it's called playing defense. I've done the same thing several times, the key is hooking your opponent so he does not have a shot.

Answer 4

Yes. It IS acceptable etiquette, to knock the 8-ball away from the pocket, by shooting one's own ball into the 8-ball to do so. It's called a 'safety'.

As a passionate pool player, I would absolutely respect the shot if it was well-executed and *legal.

For that shot to be *legal, the player must strike the cue ball into one of HIS/HER OWN BALL(s) FIRST (stripes or solids ---which ever he has) THEN either the cue ball or his ball (or any ball) IS allowed to knock the 8-ball away from the pocket. In addition, the cueball or any other ball on the table MUST contact a rail for the shot to be legal. If the player fails to make contact with the rail AFTER he strikes the cueball AND his own ball, it is a foul. I would then have 'ball in hand' anywhere on the table.

The shot you described would be a good shot if he was able to make a legal shot AND hide the cueball. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a well-executed safety, and he may have just possibly given the game away, by shooting a bad ''sacrifice foul".

No matter how frustrating being snookered or hooked may be, I always admire and give a nod for a GOOD safety.

LAG

Answer 5

I would say they are playing a good defensive game and it is perfectly acceptable to me.

Answer 6

they loose if a person get the 8 ball in before all their balls are cleared they loose the game  

Answer 7

It's admitting that you can't make your shot and win, and is definitely bad form.

I had a guy one time just tap the cue ball to bury me behind his ball so I couldn't sink the 8.  I still managed to come back and win, and I made sure to rub it directly in his face.

Answer 8

As long as they got a good hit on their ball first and then a ball after was pocketed or hit a rail its fine.  Ball in hand rules (BCA/World standardized rules).

Answer 9

People would react differently. Some would say it was dirty but myself would see it as a good defensive play.  

Answer 10

Anyone who know half a l**k about pool strategy would consider this perfectly acceptable and not get upset at all. If someone gives you flack about playing defense it's a clear sign they're a terrible player.

Answer 11

I'll assume you're playing league pool and that ball in hand rules apply here. If your opponent pockets their ball after a good hit and moves the eight ball in the process, that is perfectly acceptable and would be looked upon as acceptable etiquette. While it may be frustrating to the person that's shooting the 8 ball, the defense part of the shot has to be admired.