When playing pool, are you allowed to move the cue ball from the rail?

Question

if you can move it, it's supposed to be a finger's width from the rail. my friends and i are debating this..please state your source if you can.

Answer 1

There isn't a source because there isn't a rule that says you can move the cue ball a finger's width from the rail anywhere.  No rule, then I guess you are NOT allowed to do this.  It would be a foul.  

Here are the rules:

http://www3.sympatico.ca/eric.perreault/...

Answer 2

No Never

Answer 3

in regulation rules you cannot touch the que ball unless your oponent scratches, then it is ball in hand behind the second pearl marker at the top side of the table. so the answer is no. the finger width you are refering to is a variation of a friendly game of pool amongst friends.

Answer 4

No, under professional rules, you cannot move the cue ball away from the rail.  If the last player played a legal shot and the cue ball ended up touching a cushion, you have to play it from where it lies.  In fact, this is often an effective defensive strategy as it can be difficult to shoot the cue ball off a cushion.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

Answer 5

absolutely not according to the APA- American Pool Association's Rules and Regs....unless it is 'ball in hand' (moving the cue ball anywhere behind the 'line) which means the other player fouled somehow- ie. didnt hit his own ball first, scratched etc where in 'ball in hand' would affect the cue  ball to the other oponent regardless where the ball stopped.

Answer 6

Man , we used to call that girl scout rules when I was a little kid. We used the butt end of the cue instead of a finger though. LOL , brings back a lot of memories.