Q&A for How to Rack in 8 Ball

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  • Question
    If I shoot at a numbered ball and scratch, where does the cue ball go for the next shot?
    Community Answer
    Some people do ball in hand, which is where you can basically place it anywhere. Others make you place it anywhere behind the break line.
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    Not Helpful 21 Helpful 37
  • Question
    Where do I rack if there is no foot spot on the table?
    Glen A. Jackson
    Community Answer
    In that case, hopefully there are diamond markers on the head, foot, and side rails; most but not all tables have them. Try to line yourself up, with the center of the rack right at the center foot rail diamond. Put all the balls in the rack, and then move it forward so the top ball is at the intersection of the center foot rail diamond and the 2nd diamond on the closest side rails. Without the diamonds, the concept is still the same, it just requires more guesswork. Lots of people will mark this with a simple black spot using a permanent marker. On old, felt-worn tables, the felt may be bare in that spot, possibly even have a small dimple where the top ball would be.
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    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 16
  • Question
    Most of the time my hand trembles when I take a shot, which sometimes makes me miss the cue ball. How can I improve on this?
    Community Answer
    Press the heel of your hand tighter to the table. Use an open bridge instead of a closed bridge. If shooting from the rail, place the palm of your hand against the outside of the rail.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
  • Question
    What if I hit my ball first and it goes in the pocket I called, but one of my opponent's balls goes in a pocket too. Is that a foul?
    Community Answer
    No it isn't. In pool other balls are bound to end up in the pocket afterwards as long as you struck your ball first.
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    Not Helpful 20 Helpful 13
  • Question
    What if my opponent scratches and my only ball is behind the starting line, am I allowed to place my ball on the break spot?
    Community Answer
    No, you must strike a ball or rail outside of the line before striking your ball behind the line.
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    Not Helpful 21 Helpful 13
  • Question
    What if I hit my ball and my opponent's ball in?
    Community Answer
    Basically you don't get another shot. It simply reverts back to their turn.
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  • Question
    How do I establish which player shoots at which balls?
    Community Answer
    On the break, this is determined whether you sink a solid or a stripe. If you pocket both types, you get to choose. If no balls are pocketed on the break, the next player is allowed to choose solids or stripes.
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  • Question
    What happens if I scratch on the break?
    Community Answer
    When you scratch on the break, it is considered a foul and you lose your turn. Your opponent then has "ball in hand", meaning he can place the ball anywhere on the table. If you made a ball on the break and scratched on the break the table is still open. The table is always open until a called shot is made.
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  • Question
    What happens when the shooter cannot hit the eight ball when all of the balls have been pocketed?
    Community Answer
    It depends what your rules are. Playing league, it's ball in hand because player didn't hit a rail or object ball. If you are playing bar rules, it's simply the next person's turn.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question
    What happens when a player pockets a ball striking the non cue ball first?
    Community Answer
    It's a foul and the next person gets to shoot with ball in hand, unless they're using bar rules.
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  • Question
    I was told that once I hit the 8 ball in on the break, I won the game. Is this correct?
    Community Answer
    No, if you sink the 8 ball on the break, you would lose if all your other balls have not been sunk.
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