BCA scratch on the break

[galipeau]

My opponent miscued on the break in BCA last week. No balls were struck in the rack.

I didn't know the rule, but my teammate argued that I got the option to take the break. The opposing team argued that since the rack wasn't touched, the game had not begun.

I ended up taking the break, but curious what the actual rule is. I looked it up and it seems we were correct. The miscue was not a legal shot. You don't get a freebie. Thoughts?

 

[David in FL]

Your teammate was correct.

 

[Sheldon]

Depends on what game you're playing.
9 ball: Foul, you get ball in hand anywhere on the table.
8 ball: Illegal break.

(8 ball)
LEGAL BREAK SHOT. Defined. To execute a legal break, the breaker with the cue ball behind the head string, must either 1, pocket a ball, or 2, drive at least four numbered balls to the rail. If he fails to make a legal break, it is a foul, and the incoming player has the option of 1 accepting the table in position and shooting, or 2, having the balls reracked and having the option of shooting the opening break himself or allowing the offending player to rebreak.

 

[tomatoshooter]

since the rack wasn't touched, the game had not begun.

I think that's a friendly game rule and not an official rule.

 

[Jimmorrison]

Often, when this happens, you just wave your hand and have them break again. That’s because you know you will beat them, or you are banging balls with friends, and it doesn’t matter. If you are actually in competition, you take the break