What is the standard rule in pool when you are shooting for the 8-ball? What if you miss the shot?

Question

What if you miss (scratch) when shooting for the 8-ball in a game of pool?

Does it matter if the previous shot to shoting for the 8-ball was your shot?

Can you EVER miss the 8-ball when (when shooting for it) and NOT lose?

Answer 1

The standard rule is you will either be the solid balls or striped balls . The plan is to get all of your own balls in and then sink the 8-ball before your opponent can do so. BUT, you can't sink the 8-ball until all of your own balls have been pocketed. And that's all i know. Sorry i hope it will help though.

Answer 2

In most standard 8-ball pool leagues, scratching on the 8 ball is a loss. This does not matter whose turn it was prior to the shot. There are always exceptions to standards but it is not generally accepted.

Answer 3

Scratching on the 8-ball occurs when the cue ball falls into any pocket when your on the 8 ball or the 8-ball falls into any other pocket then the one called.  A simple miss of the 8 ball does not constitute an automatic loss.  And if you miss the 8-ball providing your opponent doesn't go out on his turn you can still win if you make the 8-ball your next turn and don't scratch.

Answer 4

Don't scratch the cloth on the table!

Answer 5

When shooting for the eight ball, you have to call your pocket. Let's say if you sink the black ball in the unintended pocket, you lose. If you scratch it, you lose, the only way to win in a game of eight ball is if your opponent makes the mistake of calling the wrong pocket, sinking both the white ball and eight ball, or if you shoot the black ball, in the correct pocket intended without scratching.

Answer 6

You lose.

No.

No. Well, maybe if you a playing wth a woman you want to keep as a friend.

Answer 7

if you scratch trying for the eight ball you lose.

Answer 8

scratch....you lose

Answer 9

if you scratch while hitting the 8-ball, you lose

if you hit the 8-ball but it doesn't go in the desinated pocket then its the next person's turn and you don't lose

Answer 10

Its not a loss by the rule book

Some house rules have it as a loss,also if in the game you hit the 8 before a object ball is a loss and a scratch you lose those rules are house rules popular in the southeast ,Tn Ga  NC

but they are not official rules

Check rules before you play

Answer 11

Missing a shot on the 8 ball is not a scratch. It is no different than shooting any other ball , as long as the cue ball doesn't go in it is just a miss , not a scratch. It doesn't matter who shot the previous shot. You can miss the 8 ball everytime you shoot at it and as long as the cue ball doesn't go in it is just a miss not a scratch or a loss of game.

Answer 12

Here's the appropriate rule from the BCA.

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4.19   PLAYING THE 8-BALL

When the 8-ball is the legal object ball, a scratch or foul is not loss of game if the 8-ball is not pocketed or jumped from the table. Incoming player has cue ball in hand. Note: A combination shot can never be used to legally pocket the 8-ball, except when the 8-ball is the first ball contacted in the shot sequence.

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Simple.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee

Answer 13

it's not your turn

Answer 14

The key here is understanding the difference between a scratch and a foul.   Scratching is when you pocket the cue ball.   Failing to contact the legal object ball is a foul.   Missing your ball is not a scratch.  What happens afterward depends on the governing body of league play or the local bar rules.  People who claim that missing the 8-ball means loss of game are usually those who don't know the difference between a scratch and a foul.      2nd question:  No.      3rd question:  Yes.      The solution?   Simply ask what the local bar rule states for this scenario or come to an agreement with your opponent prior to playing the game.

Answer 15

you lose if you miss/scratch on the 8 ball

Answer 16

If you scratch it means the cue or white ball goes in and the shooter loses.

You have to call what pocket the 8 ball is going into.  If you hit it in that pocket you win, if you hit it in any other pocket or scratch the cue ball you lose.  You have as many shots on the 8 ball, assuming you don't scratch or hit the ball in the pocket you didn't call, or that your opponent has not hit the 8 ball in yet.