Lagging for the break question

[AtLarge]

The long string is an imaginary line from the center diamond on the head rail to the center diamond on the foot rail. It splits the table in half longways. Basically, it's a foul for your ball to cross over into the other shooter's side of the table.

It's not really a foul (and you probably didn't mean it that way), it's a "bad" lag. If the opponent's lag is not bad, the opponent wins the lag. If the opponent's lag is also bad, the players lag again.

 

[mgee76]

I've always wondered this, and now I know. Thanks.

 

[BeiberLvr]

If I ever get to play on a stream table at a big event, I would forfeit my lag on purpose by using my ball to pocket my opponent's as it goes up table

 

[Bob Jewett]

This is exactly the type of situation where I would like to see a reference to the the rules that you are referring to, instead of an answer of the form "this is how it is, trust me, I know". In fact, I don't even know which are the world rules of Carambole (if such exist), and I would like to know. ...

The world governing body for carom billiards is the UMB. The rules are available on http://www.umb.org -- Click the "UMB World" menu pick and then "Rules and Statutes."

 

[mgee76]

If I ever get to play on a stream table at a big event, I would forfeit my lag on purpose by using my ball to pocket my opponent's as it goes up table

I always try to do this when I play friends.

 

[BeiberLvr]

I always try to do this when I play friends.

It would be awesome to do it to Earl.

 

[Bob Jewett]

It would be awesome to do it to Earl.

Especially since Earl is known for his wing shots.

 

[hang-the-9]

Is it considered bad form to practice lagging a few times before a league match, while your opponent is getting his cue together, going to the bathroom, etc?

I don't know when or when you can no longer practice, but I know it's a rule that you can't practice the lag before you start. I think that refers to the shot right before you lag, meaning you both are on the table and you say "let me shoot a practice lag". That's a no-no for sure. I guess practicing the lag is the same as getting the feel for the speed of the table so prior to getting things going it can't really be stopped. I see the practice lag all the time in league even though you can't do that. One of those rules that many players just are not aware of.

 

[Nine ... corner]

Thank you, Bob and Poolnut regarding the long string rule. I guess I never heard of the "long string" and all I was thinking was the lag has to cover both strings. Thanks for letting me know, it's appreciated.