Q&A for How to Play Pool in a Bar or Tavern

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  • Question
    What happens when you hit your opponent's ball first when you are shooting for the black ball?
    Community Answer
    Foul. They go.
  • Question
    Don't the WPA rules say that after a standard foul, he opponent gets to put the cue ball ANYWHERE on the table, and not just behind the headstring?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this is what the WPA rules say. However, these rules might not be respected in a bar. Talk to your opponent.
  • Question
    Are you allowed to shoot legal defensive shots in bar room pool?
    Community Answer
    It is very common for legal defensive shots to be allowed in bar pool. Make sure this matches up with the local/custom rules of the poolhall, though.
  • Question
    Is a scratch on a break an automatic loss?
    Community Answer
    No. It is considered a foul. The other player places the cue ball behind the headstring and continues.
  • Question
    If a player of a game wins and puts his/hers cue on the table without reason does this mean they have finished playing or are they allowed to pick the cue back up and continue?
    Community Answer
    Some people might see this as technically surrendering the table, but it is a best practice (and polite) to wait until the player verbally surrenders the table. This is especially true if the player is simply fetching a new pint.
  • Question
    Can a challenger get a turn at the table?
    Community Answer
    If there is noone ahead of the challenger.
  • Question
    Who wins if I sink the 8 ball and one of my challenger's balls but the white stays on the table?
    Community Answer
    You don't win. Some people would say that its a re-do. Some would say your opponent wins.
  • Question
    Can you take a penalty shot after the scratch and shoot toward the head of the table?
    Community Answer
    You sure can. Unless, however, there are house rules that contradict this.
  • Question
    If I have two shots by foul and I pocket a ball on the first shot, do I still have two shots up my sleeve?
    Community Answer
    You've got one shot left.
  • Question
    After braking if you sink a ball, then 8 ball, who wins?
    Community Answer
    It is a scratch. Your sink won't count.
  • Question
    Can I use the stick with the x on the end?
    Community Answer
    There is no such cue stick in the game of pool.
  • Question
    What happens if you hit your ball first, but it hits your opponents ball and goes in the pocket
    Community Answer
    As long as you have called your shot to carom off your opponent's ball, your shot is good.
  • Question
    How many rails do you have to hit for the shot not to be considered a scratch?
    Community Answer
    People are generally lax about this.
  • Question
    If after a fowl, you have been given two shots and you pocket your opponent's ball on your first shot do you still have a second shot?
    Community Answer
    Most likely not. See the house rules.
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