Amon the annoying things is one when you pot the cue ball after potting an object ball. This results in a foul or you can also commit a foul by not hitting any object ball. The consequences can depend on what kind of foul it was. Depending on the type of game you are playing it is better to understand how a scratch can affect the foul.
So it is natural to think what happens when you scratch in the pool do you lose immediately? Will the cue ball go behind the head string? or the opponent can have the ball in hand anywhere on the table. Let’s dive into this topic:
What Is Pool Scratch?
Generally, the meaning of scratching in the pool refers to potting in the cue ball or a shot that makes the cue ball off the table. In most of the cases and situations, it would result in giving the opponent ball in hand but the penalty of the foul can be even more dangerous.
The player can lose the game immediately if not only the cue ball is pocketed but also the 8 ball also goes in the pocket. If the pocket in which the cue ball goes in is already filled with balls and cue ball cannot sink in then it will be still considered as a foul and result in a loss given the 8 ball also went in.
If the 8 ball goes in the pocket which is filled with balls and cue ball is also potted in then the result will be the same, it would be loss of the rack.
What Are Types of Pool Scratches
As mentioned earlier the penalty of the foul depends on the type of foul committed and therefore it is necessary that before awarding the opponent the win of the rack it is a better idea to confirm if the opponent is really eligible for it.
Break Scratch
This scratch happens when on the break shot the cue ball goes in these cases:
a) Only cue ball goes in, no object ball is pocketed then the opponent can place the ball anywhere behind the head string.
b) The cue ball goes in along with the 8 ball. The rack is lost and opponent is given the point.
c) The cue ball goes in along with one or more object ball. The rack will remain open and ball type is not given to anyone. The opponent can place the ball anywhere on the table.
Table Scratches
These are the scratches one commits after the table is wide open. These happen when:
a) The player fails to hit any of it object ball. The opponent gets the ball in hand anywhere on the table.
b) The player fails to hit the object ball to any cushion. The opponent gets the ball in hand anywhere on the table.
c) The players hits the opponent ball type first instead of his own ball type. The opponent gets the ball in hand anywhere on the table.
Scratches During The Game
A gameplay scratch happens when:
a) Pocketing the cue ball whether an object ball is potted or not apart from 8 ball results in opponent cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.
b) Sending the cue ball off the table results in the opponent getting the ball anywhere on the table.
c) A cue ball touching the ball at top of pocket full of balls results in a scratch resulting in the opponent ball in hand.
Scratching the 8 Ball
If only 8 ball is left on the table then scratch penalties are as follow:
a) If cue ball is pocketed and 8 ball is not sunk, foul results in the opponent ball in hand
b) If cue ball is pocketed before or after the 8 ball the game is lost and the opponent wins the rack.
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION:
Save yourself from unnecessary mess and decides the rule before playing the game. A simple discussion and agreement before the game starts can save players from arguments and most importantly save time.
You can enjoy the game better if you have rules predecided, have a good pool cue, good balls set and a better table.
