SCRATCH ON A LEGAL BREAK
If a player scratches on a legal break shot, (1) all balls pocketed remain pocketed (exception, the 8-
bal!: see rule "Object Balls Jumped Off Table On Break"), (2) it is a foul, (3) the table is open°
Please Note:The incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string and may not shoot
an object ball that is behind the head string, unless he first shoots the cue ball past the head string
and causes the cue ball to come back behind the head string and hit the object ball.
OBJECT BALLS ,JUMPED OFF TABLE ON THE BREAK
If a player jumps an object ball off the table on the break shot, Stis a foul and the incoming player
has the option of (1) accepting the table in position and shooting, or (2) taking cue ball in hand
behind the head string and shooting,
8-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 - 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_
OPEN TABLE
(Defined) The table is "open" when the choice of groups (stripes or solids) has not yet been deter-
mined.. When the table is open, it is legal to hit a solid first to make a stripe or vice-versa. Note:
The table is always open immediately after the break shot.. When the table is open it is legal to hit
any solid or stripe or the 8-ball first in the process of pocketing the called stripe or solid,. However,
when the table is open and the 8-ball is the first ball contacted, no stripe or solid may be scored in
favor of the shooter. The shooter loses his turn; any balls pocketed remain pocketed; and the in-
coming player addresses the balls with the table still open. On an open table, all illegally pocketed
balls remain pocketed.
CHOICE OF GROUP
The choice of stripes or solids is not determined on the break even if balls are made from only one
or both groups, because the table is always open immediately after the break shot° The choice of
group is determined only when a player legally pockets a called object ball after the break shot.
LEGAL SHOT
(Defined) On all shots (except on the break and when the table is open), the shooter must hit one of
his group of balls first and (1) pocket a numbered ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any numbered
ball to contact a rail.. Please Note:It is permissible for the shooter to bank the cue ball off a rail
before contacting the object ball; however, after contact with the object ball, an object ball must be
pocketed, or the cue ball or any numbered ball must contact a rail. Failure to meet these require-
ments is a foul
" SAFETY" SHOT
For tactical reasons, a player may choose to pocket an obvious object ball and also discontinue a
turn at the table by declaring "safety" in advance. A safety shot is defined as a legal shot.. If the
shooting player intends to play safe by pocketing an obvious object ball, then prior to the shot, the
shooter must declare a "safety" to the opponent. If this is not done, and one of the shooter's object
balls is pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again. Any ball pocketed on a safety shot
remains pocketed..