AboutDan Werner Expertise All aspects of the game, strategy, runs, etc. Main focus is 8ball, 9ball, and straight pool.
Pattern Play, 2-way shots, kicks, banks, throws, trick shots, shot selection, caroms, league play, safety play, and more.
Experience 20 years playing pool
Organizations BCA, APC, and past amateur leagues/tours
Education/Credentials Bachelors in Business Administration/Marketing
Expert: Dan Werner Date: 5/8/2008 Subject: Illegally pocketed ball in game of Eightball
Question Hi Dan,
I play Eightball with friends here in Canada just for fun only. The rules we play by are loosely based on "official" rules found on the internet. There is one rule that puzzles me and makes no sense. If I pocket a ball illegally after I have fouled in some way (for example I touched another ball or I double hit the cue ball) I still get to keep the pocketed ball down. This hardly seems fair to my opponent. Please imagine the following scenario:
Let's say there is the black eight ball, a striped and a solid ball remaining on the table. It is my turn and I am solid. While attempting to sink my solid ball I accidently commit a foul of some sort but I still succeed in sinking my solid ball with the cue ball. Though I have clearly committed a foul I get to keep my illegally pocketed ball down which gives me a distinct advantage over my opponent who still has a ball remaining. Even though my opponent gets a "ball in hand" this may not necessarily be much of a benefit to him.
For example what if my opponent's remaining striped ball is in an almost impossible position for him to sink it no matter where he places the cue ball? While it might appear that I have been duly penalized by giving up my turn and not being allowed to go for
the 8 ball I am still at a great advantage if my opponent fails to pocket his remaining striped ball. It hardly seems fair that I can commit a foul that may result in an illegally pocketed ball and be "rewarded" by allowing the ball to stay down. I can understand that if I illegally sank an opponent's ball it would make sense to keep his ball down. By doing so my opponent benefits from my having committed a foul. Tough luck for me but that's the way it goes. But I don't think I should be "rewarded" when I sink my own ball after committing a foul. I think the ball should be spotted (if it’s mine). Who came up with this rule and what do you think? I'd be interested in your comments. Thanks.
David
Answer David,
Great question!!!! Yes, your ball stays down even though you made a foul, but the other player gets ballin hand anywhere on the table (at least for BCA and APA rules which is what you should play). It should actually be the other guy's advantage since you have one less ball to block him with and he should easily run out.
Now, there are times when you may WANT to make your ball illegally, thus giving him ball in hand, but only if the 8 is tied up with his ball and there is no way for him to play safe. Maybe his striped ball is frozn to the 8 ball and they are right next to the corner pocket. if he even touches his ball, the 8 would go in for a loss. In that case, you may want to foul if you have no shot. This is all a part of the strategy in 8 ball.
Often, these games are played on bar tables, and the rules are also sometimes based on that fact that a made ball cannot come up without having to pay for the table again.
Also, what if my striped ball is right next to the spot and an easy ball for me to make. Now you foul and then your ball gets spotted next to mine making my shot harder. Where is the reward in that?
Hope this help.
BTW, we could do books on just 8ball strategy, playing safe, when to make a ball and not make a ball, etc.
--Dan
