I'm relatively new to the game of pool, even though I've played on and off for the last decade or so. I've been to many bars, played at friends' houses, but only in the last few months I've gotten serious about playing after getting my own pool table. Now it seems though as anywhere I go, everyone is playing by different rules. I mean, I don't mind "adjusting", but would still like to know the "official" ones, if you will. Here's a couple of questions that I have:
1. I was under the impression that after you break and pocket one ball, it’s still an open table, and you still have to get another ball in (of the same kind) for them to be yours. Now, I’ve heard from various people, that if you got one ball in on the break (or two of the same kind), they automatically become yours. Is that true?
2. Consider the following scenario: I break… Didn’t get any balls in. My opponent’s turn. He pockets one ball, but scratches the cue ball. Is it still an open table?
3. Similar, but slightly different scenario: I break… I pocketed one ball (or two of the same kind), but I also scratch the cue ball. Is it still an open table?
4. Again, similar, but slightly different scenario: I break, pocket 2 balls, one striped, and one solid. It’s still my turn, and it’s an open table. I pocket another ball, but again, scratch the cue ball. Is it still an open table?
5. Does “ball in hand” mean that you can place the cue ball anywhere on the table? Even after the break if you scratch the cue ball, or does it have to go behind the breaking line in this case?
I guess most of the people here play by APA rules, so that’s what I’d like to hear. Thank you in advance for all your help.
-Vlad
1. I was under the impression that after you break and pocket one ball, it’s still an open table, and you still have to get another ball in (of the same kind) for them to be yours. Now, I’ve heard from various people, that if you got one ball in on the break (or two of the same kind), they automatically become yours. Is that true?
2. Consider the following scenario: I break… Didn’t get any balls in. My opponent’s turn. He pockets one ball, but scratches the cue ball. Is it still an open table?
3. Similar, but slightly different scenario: I break… I pocketed one ball (or two of the same kind), but I also scratch the cue ball. Is it still an open table?
4. Again, similar, but slightly different scenario: I break, pocket 2 balls, one striped, and one solid. It’s still my turn, and it’s an open table. I pocket another ball, but again, scratch the cue ball. Is it still an open table?
5. Does “ball in hand” mean that you can place the cue ball anywhere on the table? Even after the break if you scratch the cue ball, or does it have to go behind the breaking line in this case?
I guess most of the people here play by APA rules, so that’s what I’d like to hear. Thank you in advance for all your help.
-Vlad