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Pool/Billiards/8-ball: ball accidentally touched

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Expert: Pool_Teacher - 10/9/2009


Question
if i accidentally touch a ball and it moves when its my turn do i lose the game

Answer
Hi Star.

You do not lose in most situations. During the regular course of the game if you accidentally touch a ball with anything other than the cue tip and it moves it is a foul. You lose your turn and your opponent gets balls in hand. If your cue tip accidentally touches another ball, on the other hand, in most situations it is replaced to where it was with consultation of the opponent and your inning continues. This too is a foul, though, if the ball you accidentally touch disturbs other balls or interferes with the shot in a way so that it can't be returned to where it was. The only time you lose when you accidentally touch another ball is when it is on the same stroke as you pocket the eight ball. For example, if you have cleared all of your group (either stripes or solids), you are shooting at the eight ball and, while taking the shot, your hand knocks another ball but the eight ball is pocketed, it is a loss of game.

Best of luck,

Pool Teacher

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Pool_Teacher

Expertise

I have wide ranging knowledge of all the cue sports, with the exception of snooker. I can answer most questions related to playing any of the standard games such as straight pool (14.1 continuous) eight-ball, nine-ball, one-pocket and 3-cushion billiards and the variations on these games. Questions welcomed regarding technique, strategy and rules, history of the sport, trick shots, the mental game, practice, practice drills, pool/billiards publications, and so on.

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I have been a dedicated player of pool and 3-cushion Billiards for many years. I have given lessons professionally and have run and participated in too many tournaments to name, including professional events such as the U.S. Open. I am also a cue collector and student of all aspects of the game. Note: I was starting to get far too many questions about pool cue and pool table valuation and will no longer take these questions, sorry. I am a player and historian of the sport and the heart of my expertise is not product comparison or appraisal.

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