When Do You Spot 8-Ball in 8-Ball Game ?

[kittiwake]

confused rule when playing: when 8-Ball is behind the head string, are you allowed to spot the ball or do have to try a kick shot to hit the 8-Ball ?
If you don't hit the 8-Ball on a kick shot, do you lose the game? I hope
that you are allowed to spot the 8-Ball.
(generally, we play that missing the 8-Ball is a loss)

 

[Pushout]

What little I've played of that game in the last thirty years or so, the eight in the kitchen on a scratch was always spotted. I wouldn't play it any other way but I try not to ever play 8 ball. In my drinking days, however, I'd happily play that you had to kick at it. There was no ball in hand in those days
We had to hit it or it was loss of game.
I have no idea what the various leagues do or how it's played today.

 

[justadub]

Too many different rules sets to give you a complete answer. (And I don't know them all. )

Most leagues, and the bar rules that I'm familiar with, today don't involve spotting the 8-ball at all. If you scratch on the 8-ball (by pocketing the cue ball), you lose. If you don't make a good hit on the 8-ball, it's ball-in-hand for the opponent.

Similarly, there is no dealing with "the kitchen" either. The only time that line is dealt with is on the break. Ball-in-hand has changed all that.

The only instance I can think of where the 8-ball would have to be spotted is if it got knocked off the table inadvertantly.

Again, by most rules-sets that I'm familiar with.

 

[fast&loose designs]

It sounds like you're referring to rules on a bar table.

On a bar table, following a foul, you must shoot uptable at object balls past the headstring. If you are on the 8 ball, and it is behind the headstring, it does NOT get spotted. You must kick at it, but a foul does not result in loss of game, only on a scratch (where cue ball falls into a pocket) do you lose. If you fail to hit the 8, your opponent does not get ball in hand, he shoots wherever the cue ball lies. This rule prevents players from intentionally scratching in a pocket when you are on the 8, and it is behind the headstring. If a loss of game resulted from such a scenario, people would take full advantage of this loophole every chance they got.

On a standard table, 8 ball rules indicate that you have ball in hand after a foul ANYWHERE on the table, regardless of the position of the 8 relative to the headstring. If made on the break, the incoming player has the option of spotting the 8, or re-racking and allowing the breaker to re-break. In some cases, 8 on the break is considered a win, however.

Also, on a standard table, a foul OR or a scratch on the 8 is NOT considered a loss; only when the 8 AND the cue ball are pocketed on the same shot is it considered a loss.

Interesting fact: Most people don't know this rule, but according to BCA 8 Ball rules, if you have one object ball left on the table, you may use the 8 ball as a combination ball to pocket your last remaining ball.

 

[greyghost]

when speaking of bar table rules.........its always house rules so its made up rules how ever they want them in their area so there is no answer to the question.......if you don't like how they play then just don't play i guess.

 

[Luxury]

In Washington allege players play call pocket ball in hand and all the bangers play the lame call shots and ball in hand in the kitchen.

When you ask a stranger if they play call pocket/ball in hand they will often reply that they don't play slop, they play "straight eight".

I explain that I think it's silly to be kicking at balls that are in the kitchen and that the only way gambling works is with Vegas rules. If they want to know why I will explain.

 

[PoolBum]

When Do You Spot the 8-Ball in 8-Ball Game ?

I'm usually able to spot it right after the break. It's the black ball with the numeral "8" on it.

 

[Secaucus Fats]

confused rule when playing: when 8-Ball is behind the head string, are you allowed to spot the ball or do have to try a kick shot to hit the 8-Ball ?
If you don't hit the 8-Ball on a kick shot, do you lose the game? I hope
that you are allowed to spot the 8-Ball.
(generally, we play that missing the 8-Ball is a loss)

There are many bar rule variations of the rules for 8 ball. Generally, but not always, these are regional variations.

Around here, (here being North Jersey and the New York metro area), the most common bar rule is that the 8 ball gets spotted and the shooter has ball in hand "behind the line". Outside of league play or tournament play, "ball in hand behind the line (head string)" is the standard penalty for fouls and scratches.

 

[Mr. Wiggles]

Eight ball combo?

It sounds like you're referring to rules on a bar table.

On a bar table, following a foul, you must shoot uptable at object balls past the headstring. If you are on the 8 ball, and it is behind the headstring, it does NOT get spotted. You must kick at it, but a foul does not result in loss of game, only on a scratch (where cue ball falls into a pocket) do you lose. If you fail to hit the 8, your opponent does not get ball in hand, he shoots wherever the cue ball lies. This rule prevents players from intentionally scratching in a pocket when you are on the 8, and it is behind the headstring. If a loss of game resulted from such a scenario, people would take full advantage of this loophole every chance they got.

On a standard table, 8 ball rules indicate that you have ball in hand after a foul ANYWHERE on the table, regardless of the position of the 8 relative to the headstring. If made on the break, the incoming player has the option of spotting the 8, or re-racking and allowing the breaker to re-break. In some cases, 8 on the break is considered a win, however.

Also, on a standard table, a foul OR or a scratch on the 8 is NOT considered a loss; only when the 8 AND the cue ball are pocketed on the same shot is it considered a loss.

Interesting fact: Most people don't know this rule, but according to BCA 8 Ball rules, if you have one object ball left on the table, you may use the 8 ball as a combination ball to pocket your last remaining ball.

One ball left and hooked by the eight? Shoot the combo using the eight? I don't think so IMO. Never seen it happen. Please state rule number. You must hit your solid or your stripe first.

 

[crosseyedjoe]

confused rule when playing: when 8-Ball is behind the head string, are you allowed to spot the ball or do have to try a kick shot to hit the 8-Ball ?
If you don't hit the 8-Ball on a kick shot, do you lose the game? I hope
that you are allowed to spot the 8-Ball.
(generally, we play that missing the 8-Ball is a loss)

In my neck of the woods,

- You need to kick it
- You don't lose when don't hit the 8-ball. The opponent doesn't get ball-in-hand neither. Just play where it lies. (basically, we assume best effort in this case not that the opponent is trying to hook me up by intentionally missing the 8-ball)
- You lose if you scratch on the 8-ball (I think, this really has something to do with the fact that you can bring back the 8-ball in most bar table)

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

The only time I can think of that the 8 Ball gets spotted is if, on the break, it goes overboard or goes in (BCAPL and World Rules).

Of course, when playing in local bars there are a lot of funny house rules.

 

[ridinda9]

when speaking of bar table rules.........its always house rules so its made up rules how ever they want them in their area so there is no answer to the question.......if you don't like how they play then just don't play i guess.

the trick is in knowing the house rules before you start . . .
Bar rules in Florida , it doesn't spot - lotsa bar table "bangers" down here have a really showy shot for that , where they shoot the cueball from behind the headstring at the tit of the side pocket, and it comes right back into the kitchen to hit the eight. . .
no penalty under those rules for not hitting the eight , tho . Opponent plays from where it lays.
Just don't scratch- that's loss of game under those rules .

 

[Brian in VA]

Interesting fact: Most people don't know this rule, but according to BCA 8 Ball rules, if you have one object ball left on the table, you may use the 8 ball as a combination ball to pocket your last remaining ball.

Fact? Um, no. World Standardized Rules, BCA Pool League rules, and all other rules I've seen in the past 10 years state that the 8 ball may never be struck first unless that is the object ball. Here's a couple of examples.

The table is open after the break and the shooter hits the 8 ball into a stripe making the stripe. That's a foul, his opponent has BIH.

The shooter hits a solid, his group, into the 8 ball and into another solid which goes in. That's legal as he hit a legal object ball first.

Stay safe and don't hit the 8 ball first unless that's the ball you're on.

And to the OP, there is no in the kitchen in today's rule book for 8 ball. All fouls are BIH.

I'm a nationally certified referee and I didn't stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. Hope this helps.

Brian in VA

 

[claymont]

Fact? Um, no. World Standardized Rules, BCA Pool League rules, and all other rules I've seen in the past 10 years state that the 8 ball may never be struck first unless that is the object ball. Here's a couple of examples.

The table is open after the break and the shooter hits the 8 ball into a stripe making the stripe. That's a foul, his opponent has BIH.

The shooter hits a solid, his group, into the 8 ball and into another solid which goes in. That's legal as he hit a legal object ball first.

Stay safe and don't hit the 8 ball first unless that's the ball you're on.

And to the OP, there is no in the kitchen in today's rule book for 8 ball. All fouls are BIH.

I'm a nationally certified referee and I didn't stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. Hope this helps.

Brian in VA

Actually in the one local league I play in, the eight ball is neutral. This league's been around since '92 I believe. Don't know why they decided to play this way, but they're happy with it.
The 8 ball is neutral

 

[hangemhigh]

AFAIK, the 8 ball only gets spotted if it falls into the pocket before the cue ball makes contact. Then you replace both balls and try again. Don't know of any other time the 8 would be spotted.

 

[fast&loose designs]

One ball left and hooked by the eight? Shoot the combo using the eight? I don't think so IMO. Never seen it happen. Please state rule number. You must hit your solid or your stripe first.

4.15 COMBINATION SHOTS
Combination shots are allowed; however, the 8-ball can’t be used as a first ball in the combination unless it is the shooter’s only remaining legal object ball on the table. Otherwise, should such contact occur on the 8-ball, it is a foul.

 

[sde]

4.15 COMBINATION SHOTS
Combination shots are allowed; however, the 8-ball can’t be used as a first ball in the combination unless it is the shooter’s only remaining legal object ball on the table. Otherwise, should such contact occur on the 8-ball, it is a foul.

http://www.bca-pool.com/play/tournaments/rules/rls_8bl.shtml
If I remember correctly that rule set is obsolete.


This is from the WPA
http://www.wpa-pool.com/web/index.asp?id=121&pagetype=rules#3.9

The following are standard fouls at eight ball:

6.2 Wrong Ball First
The first ball contacted by the cue ball on each shot must belong to the shooter’s group, except when the table is open. (See 3.4 Open Table /

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

http://www.bca-pool.com/play/tournaments/rules/rls_8bl.shtml
If I remember correctly that rule set is obsolete.


This is from the WPA
http://www.wpa-pool.com/web/index.asp?id=121&pagetype=rules#3.9

The following are standard fouls at eight ball:

6.2 Wrong Ball First
The first ball contacted by the cue ball on each shot must belong to the shooter’s group, except when the table is open. (See 3.4 Open Table /

But if you refer to rule 3.4 as mentioned (from the World Rules):

3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups
Before groups are determined, the table is said to be “open,” and before each shot, the shooter must call his intended ball. If the shooter legally pockets his called ball, the corresponding group becomes his, and his opponent is assigned the other group. If he fails to legally pocket his called ball, the table remains open and play passes to the other player. When the table is “open”, any object ball may be struck first except the eight ball.

....

The 8 ball cannot be used as the first ball of a combination, even if the table is open.

 

[rackem]

confused rule when playing: when 8-Ball is behind the head string, are you allowed to spot the ball or do have to try a kick shot to hit the 8-Ball ?
If you don't hit the 8-Ball on a kick shot, do you lose the game? I hope
that you are allowed to spot the 8-Ball.
(generally, we play that missing the 8-Ball is a loss)

Sinking the cue when shooting the 8 should be a loss whether or not you make the 8.
Missing a good hit on the 8 should not be a loss but rather ball in hand to your opponent.
Now if you are playing ball in hand in the kitchen instead of anywhere you should have a spot rule.
If the only ball you have to shoot at is also in the kitchen you can spot it.
Be it all your remaining object balls or the 8.
This will eliminate most of your opponent scratching on purpose just because you would have to kick at it.
Although it is not always this way this is the best rule to play ball in hand in the kitchen with.

 

[PaulieB]

the trick is in knowing the house rules before you start . . .
Bar rules in Florida , it doesn't spot - lotsa bar table "bangers" down here have a really showy shot for that , where they shoot the cueball from behind the headstring at the tit of the side pocket, and it comes right back into the kitchen to hit the eight. . .
no penalty under those rules for not hitting the eight , tho . Opponent plays from where it lays.
Just don't scratch- that's loss of game under those rules .

For what it is worth, these are the rules that I have seen in most bar rooms in MA.