A question about Pool (Billirds).
 

The following recently happened in a game of pool at a bar. Two of my friends were playing a game of 8-ball. I was not there.

Friend 1 was down to his 8-ball only. He had no shot and just hit the Q-ball "where ever". Friend 2 says the game is over and tells friend 1 since he didn't hit the 8-ball he loses.

The Q-ball was still on the table. The 8-ball was also still on the table (as well as some of friend 2's balls). What's the call here?

1) Game over. Friend 2 wins.
2) Friend 1 committed a "table scratch" and friend 2 gets "ball in hand".
3) Game continues as normal. Friend 2's shot.
4) Other. (Please explain)

Re: A question about Pool (Billirds).
 

Unless the game is for money I think #3 is standard, but I think the actual rule is #2.

Re: A question about Pool (Billirds).
 

1. Billiards.
2. Cue ball.

Re: A question about Pool (Billirds).
 

1

Re: A question about Pool (Billirds).
 

They were playing for drinks.

And there is a correct answer according to Wikipedia and another website covering 8-ball rules.

I know the correct answer (I didn't before looking it up). I'm curious if this is just one of those rules that "average joe" is often confused about. So, if you don't know just tell me what you think. Don't look up the answer and then post.

Re: A question about Pool (Billirds).
 

I would choose option 2. I consider this a scratch, which would make it ball in hand. However Friend 1 would only lose the game immediately if he made the 8 ball in the wrong pocket.

Re: A question about Pool (Billirds).
 

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1

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But the best way to do it in a casual game is to have player 1 bring one of his balls back up and then player 2 continues playing.

Re: A question about Pool (Billirds).
 

deac,

In most bar games it's either #3 or #2 behind the head string.

The official rule: "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."

http://www.bca-pool.com/play/tournam.../rls_8bl.shtml

So the official rule is #2 w/ cue ball anywhere on the table.

Re: A question about Pool (Billirds).
 

[ QUOTE ]
They were playing for drinks.

And there is a correct answer according to Wikipedia and another website covering 8-ball rules.

I know the correct answer (I didn't before looking it up). I'm curious if this is just one of those rules that "average joe" is often confused about. So, if you don't know just tell me what you think. Don't look up the answer and then post.

[/ QUOTE ]

It's number 2. This is one of those rules where casual players think it's #3, and bangers in bars think it's #1, I'd imagine.

Re: A question about Pool (Billirds).
 

[ QUOTE ]
deac,

In most bar games it's either #3 or #2 behind the head string.

The official rule: "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."

http://www.bca-pool.com/play/tournam.../rls_8bl.shtml

So the official rule is #2 w/ cue ball anywhere on the table.

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From Wikipedia.

[ QUOTE ]
Once all the player's object balls are pocketed, he/she may attempt to sink the 8 ball. To win, the player must first call which pocket they plan to sink the 8 ball into. If the 8 ball is shot into the wrong pocket or a foul (see below) occurs, the player loses. Otherwise, the player's turn is over.

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