What happens in a game of pool if?

Question

I was at a pub the other day and these two blokes had £100 bet on a game of pool, unforntunately one of them potted the black on the break, they had a massive arguement over what happens, is it:

a)Breaker wins?
b)Breaker looses
c) Re - rack the balls?

Answer 1

If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, breaker may ask for a re-rack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8-ball on the break, the incoming player has the option of a re-rack or having the 8-ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand behind the head string.

Answer 2

This is why you discuss the rules that you play by before matching up.

According to WPA/BCA rules, it's the breaker's option. He can spot the "black". If he chooses this option, he shoots from the current position and the table is "open".

His other option is to rebreak the rack. This is somewhat rare. It's usually only done if the cueball is in an unplayable position (in the jaws of a pocket with no clear shot) or the eight ball is jawed in a pocket and frozen to another ball. An eight ball in that position will often lead to a stalemate game. So, it's usually in the player's best interest to rebreak.

However, if the breaker scratched during the break, these same options pass to the next player. He may spot the eight and shoot out from behind the headstring or he may rebreak. So, either way, nobody wins or loses on the break.

And then there's the IPT and APA rules (ughh), in their systems, an eight ball on the break is a win. If the breaker scratches and the eight goes in, it's a loss.

But, then those two systems diverge. Making a solid on the break in the APA means you are solids for the game. In the IPT, the table is "open" following the break.

And then there's the WPA blackball rules in which you always rebreak if the black is potted on the break.


I'm going to wrap this up now.

The main point is, these things should be discussed before playing. Or, play 9-ball, most people can agree on how that's played, the APA has a couple of screwy rules for that too. But, for the most part, it's the same.

Answer 3

If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, breaker may ask for a re-rack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8-ball on the break, the incoming player has the option of a re-rack or having the 8-ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand behind the head string.

Answer 4

This is what happens Peter, those people can argue as much as they like because they are both right. The only way to establish whom is right is to ask which rules are being play before the game. I own a pool hall and i get people asking me of the ruling almost everday and my answer to them is - establish the rules before the game and make sure they both agree to it.
According to the official World Rule 8 ball Federation from England, If the 8 ball is potted during a break , it is a re-rack and the breaker breaks again.

Answer 5

-BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK
If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, breaker may ask for a re-rack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8-ball on the break, the incoming player has the option of a re-rack or having the 8-ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand behind the head string.

Answer 6

The breaker has the option of re-racking or spotting the ball on the table and continuing on with the game.

Answer 7

If the black is the FIRST ball potted on a break then the player wins the game, but if another ball goes in before the black (including the white ball), then its a re-rack and start again.

Answer 8

One thing for certain is that the rules should be determined before the game starts. In this case re-rack the balls and before the rack is broken the 2 players come to an agreement on the rules.

Answer 9

Breaker wins

Answer 10

Breaker loses