Hit Opponent's Ball First when Shooting at 8 Ball, Nothing Pocketed

9/13/2007 7:34:59 AM

Hit Opponent's Ball First when Shooting at 8 Ball, Nothing Pocketed

We're playing 8 ball pool and I have a question about a possible scratch on the 8 ball.

Here is the scenario:

I'm at the table shooting for the 8 ball. I feel that I can't hit the 8 ball first without scratching. So I tell my opponent I'm going to hit his object ball first into the 8 ball, not to pocket it, but to kick the 8 ball away from his object ball, and then it will be his turn.

My opponent says that I scratched because I hit his object ball first.
I say that it's simply the end of my turn at the table.

Which one of us is correct?

George Johns

This question relates to the following billiard rules:

8 Ball Rules

Hit Opponent's Ball First when Shooting at 8 Ball, Nothing Pocketed

Replies & Comments

Budweiser on 10/10/2007 9:21:06 AM
Yes you did scratch. You need to hit your ball first. If you hit your opponent's ball first then it is a scratch.

bbc on 3/14/2008 9:31:33 PM
Yes it is a scratch, but is it a loss of game since I was shooting at the 8 ball?

treehumper on 3/17/2008 11:27:57 AM
When the 8-ball is the legal object ball, a scratch or foul is not loss of game if the 8-ball is not pocketed or jumped from the table. The incoming player has cue ball-in-hand.

See the first answer on this previous question for the specific rules which apply.
- Use Opponent's Ball First when Shooting at 8 Ball (Pocketed or Not)
Unless it's "house rules" this is the rule. Clarify the rules you will play by upfront. Save yourself some grief.

Hit Opponent's Ball First when Shooting at 8 Ball, Nothing Pocketed

Title: Hit Opponent's Ball First when Shooting at 8 Ball, Nothing Pocketed
Author: George Johns
Published: 9/13/2007 7:34:59 AM
Last Updated: 12/9/2022 6:34:28 AM
Last Updated By: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)