AboutBill Newsted Expertise I can answer questions related to shot-making, aiming, position play, strategies, practice, mental preparation and the psychology of the game. Also, rules as they vary from venue to venue and how to become a winning player. I have experience recovering and maintaining tables and will also answer questions related to cues and billiard equipment. However, I prefer not to make brand recommendations.
Experience I have played for forty years in every state in the US (except Alaska).My experience is largely in pool rooms but I have also played extensively on bar tables and in league organizations. I have directed numerous tournaments up to the professional level and have played several world champion players. I am a former Billiard Congress of America instructor.
Organizations APA
BCA
Education/Credentials B.S. in Visual Communication
M.A. in Education: Career and Technology Education
Expert: Bill Newsted Date: 5/8/2008 Subject: Jumping a ball hitting under cue ball.
Question I know there are no standard 'bar house rules', but is intentionally hitting under the cue ball, and in effect scooping it over a blocking ball to hit a legal object ball, EVER considered a legal shot, except when happening accidentally.
Answer Hi Max,
Of course in bars all kinds of things pass as "legal shots". But in any serious competition using any recognized set of rules in use today scooping underneath the cue ball is a foul. Even APA rules, which are the most lenient, specifically state scooping underneath the cue ball to jump over a ball is a foul. The reason is that the ferrule of the cue has to come into contact with the cue ball which is a miscue and, therefore a foul. Any time you hit the cue ball with anything other than the tip of your cue it's a foul. Strictly speaking, any miscue, accidental or not, is a foul. Case closed. Simple as that.
But you'll run into places that allow it and you may have a hard time convincing players who have practiced their scoop shot that it's not legal. Play with them if you enjoy their company but it won't help your serious game.
