playing with the 3 foul rule, if you safe hit and your opponent misses, that is 1. You do it again and he-she misses that is two...after they miss 2 and are leaving the table do you THEN say "your on two" or do you hit safe again and when they are coming to the table do you say "your on two". Is it not nice to advise them as the walk to the table or after they left the table missing their second opportunity? I heard there is a correct method and I would like to be correct when I tell my opponent.
3 Foul Rule Etiquette
- Thread starter James F
- Start date
It doesn’t matter what you say as he leaves the table after foul 2. You MUST tell him is on 2 the next next time he approaches the table. If you don’t he will not be 3 fouled.
This happened in a straight pool tournament I was watching. Oliver Ortmann did not say anything as the player approached th table. He said he told the opponent as he was walking away after 2nd foul.
This happened in a straight pool tournament I was watching. Oliver Ortmann did not say anything as the player approached th table. He said he told the opponent as he was walking away after 2nd foul.
The reason that the rule is "as they approach the table on two fouls" is that it can be a long time since the two fouls. Also, at the time of the second foul, the fouler may not remember that he is on one. This is especially true at 14.1 where the first foul may have been 50 balls ago and the second was 25 balls ago.
The best solution is to have a scoreboard that shows fouls. That is considered sufficient reminder.
While a notice is only required as the fouler comes to the table "on two", it is good practice to also give a reminder when the second foul is committed. That allows any memory failure to be resolved at that time.
Although you are correct that this is the rule, I don't agree with it. I've played in tournaments for many years where as long as you tell the player they are on 2, it doesn't matter when. Then the rule changed to favor the player who is on the 2 fouls. Why should the opponent have to be the memory-keeper for the player on 2 fouls? Why make the opponent responsible for reminding the player just before he shoots? Why not make the player who was told he was on 2 be responsible for remembering that when he approaches the table instead of burdening the opponent with that responsibility?
Are we babysitters for our opponents now? Should we also shoot for them when they have a difficult shot?
Last edited:
BCA/CSI rules only require that he be told that he is on two once he has committed his second foul and before his next shot.
It does not specify when that notification must take place.
I think in 1963 the timing wasn't specified but in big tournaments there were always scoreboards with the fouls noted. I'm not sure when the timing was specified.
My recollection is that it changed in the 90s.
tomatoshooter
Well-known member
Great point. It's closer to the time of the foul and it's easier to have these discussions before a critical point.
Yes, let's babysit our opponents even more. If they suffer from sudden memory loss, then maybe a pool competition isn't a good option for them. We need to stop feeling like we have to help our opponents to compete against us. If they can't remember that you told them they were on 2 fouls, then it's on them, not you. They're supposed to pay attention to the game. If they're unsure, then they should ask.
In the WPBA before all this nonsense, the way we used to do it was tell our opponent they were on two at any time, and the opponent had to nod or wave in acknowledgement. That's all. Then it's on them from that point on. What's so difficult about that?
The way it's done now --- while the opponent gets to focus on the game --- the player who gets them on 2 has to think about remembering to tell his opponent he's on 2 just as he's walking to the table instead of putting all of his focus on the game. And guess what? That opponent can still deny that he heard it.
As long as the player acknowledges that he heard it, it doesn't matter when he was told. And it takes the burden off of player who put him on 2, who can then get back to thinking about his own game.
Last edited:
tomatoshooter
Well-known member
So what happens when it's been several minutes since the foul and my opponent doesn't remember? There wasn't a ref to watch all 3 fouls. At that point, we are effectively accusing each other of cheating. If I can prevent a conflict before it starts, why wouldn't I? It's not about babysitting the competition, it's about keeping the competition where it belongs, on the table. I'm not playing in regional tournaments where I can expect the highest caliber of player, some tournaments don't even have a three foul rule.
Because both players deserve fairness and good sportsmanship, not just the player who is on two fouls. If you and I are playing, and you commit a second foul, then it's totally fair to the both of us for me to inform you as you're walking away from the table and you acknowledging that you heard what I said. This way, I don't have to remind myself during my turn at the table where I'm trying to concentrate, that I have to remember to tell you you're on 2 while I'm leaving the table and you're approaching the table. That's an unfair distraction to me when all you had to do was make a note of it while you were seated if you felt like you might forget. After all, you did get that courtesy. You were informed and you did acknowledge that you heard it.
Last edited:
I never warn a person until it's their turn. A lot can happen between their second foul and their next turn.
Also, some rule sets DO mention that the warning must be on the fouling player's inning.
wpapool.com
Also, some rule sets DO mention that the warning must be on the fouling player's inning.
Rules
Navigate the rules and regulations of pool with ease. Stay informed and play fair with WPA Rules!
wpapool.com
Yes, we know that's the rule for the pros. As a pro player who had to play by that rule many times, I'm arguing against it when there is no referee and the opponent has to inform his opponent that he's on 2 fouls. He should be allowed to inform him earlier so there is no distractions for him while he is at the table shooting, where he has to remind himself to tell his opponent he's on 2 when he leaves the table as his opponent approaches the table. Both players deserve to be treated fairly, not just the player who is on 2 fouls.I never warn a person until it's their turn. A lot can happen between their second foul and their next turn.
Also, some rule sets DO mention that the warning must be on the fouling player's inning.
Rules
Navigate the rules and regulations of pool with ease. Stay informed and play fair with WPA Rules!
Warning them as they approach is the fairest thing possible. That's likely why the rule exists. Telling them they're on 2 before you run out the table on them seems petty. If you wait until it's their turn, you never have to worry about it.
Wait? How do you wait while you're taking your turn at the table? Are you supposed to forget about it while you're shooting and then remember it after you're finished?
It's so rare for regular players to have a ref present. We play league and it's just you and your opponent. So, some players after they missed hitting good for the second time their opponent tells them as he/ she is walking up to the table "your on two". Then the player hits safe again and say nothing as they return to the table to shoot the third time... they figure they already told them...I heard the proper etiquette is to not say anything until you finish your 3rd safe shot and they are walking up to the table to attempt hitting the 3rd time.