In pocket billiards, a scratch is a slang term to refer to a foul where the cue ball either goes into a pocket or leaves the table. After a scratch, the next player gets "ball-in-hand" with the cue ball. This allows them to place the ball anywhere on the table, or, depending upon house rules or if the scratch occurred on the break, placing it behind the head string. In 8 Ball, if the scratch occurs and the 8 ball is pocketed as well, it is a loss of game - under some House Rules, a scratch when shooting the 8 ball is automatic loss of game.
Under the standard rules, in 8 ball, the cue ball may be placed anywhere on the table, often referred to as ball-in-hand, on a scratch unless the scratch is on the break. A scratch on the break, if a legal break, results in the cue ball having to be placed behind the head string (the area that you break from).
In terms of playing pool; it means to 'pot' or 'pocket' the cue ball.
Scratch refers to potting the cue ball. But yes, it is a foul if the cue ball does not hit one of your object balls, hits one of your opponents object balls or hits the 8 ball.
only on a coin-op table
Hitting the cue ball in is a foul referred to as a scratch. The colored ball does not count under most Rules.
No it becomes automatic ball in hand
Under most pool game rules, if the cue ball fails to hit the object ball, or it hits and a ball then does not go in a pocket or hit a rail it is a foul. The other player will get ball in hand.
No, you are not allowed to move the cue ball anywhere on the pool table. According to the rules of the game, the cue ball must be played from a specific spot on the table. Generally, the cue ball will start from the "head string" (near the head of the table) and must be shot from a "frozen" position. It is also not allowed to touch or move the cue ball with any object other than the cue stick. If the cue ball is accidentally moved off the head string, it must be placed back on the head string before the next shot.
It's the same name, whether it's pool, snooker or billiards.... The Cue-ball
There are two kinds of cue ball jumps, one immediately after the cue strikes the cue ball and one where the cue ball jumps after contact with another object. A legal stroke to jump a cue ball immediately must strike the cue ball above center - this drives the cue ball into the table surface from which it rebounds. Strking the cue ball below center to lift the ball intentionally is called a scoop shot and is a foul. A cue ball can be made to jump after hitting a rail by using extreme draw or follow.
This depends on the specific rules of the game you play. Under BCA and APA Rules the other player gets ball-in-hand.
Cue Ball
You can not get breast cancer from a cue ball.
Yes. It is the same as a scratch. Only if shooting at the 8 ball. If shooting the other balls, the cue ball would be ball in hand to the other player. Depending on the rules of the game it would normaly be behind the diamond line on the breaking end. If playing league rules the cue ball could be placed anywhere on the table as it is done in 9 ball.
A bad shot is called when a bad shot is made. A bad shot is when the cue ball misses the object ball. It's called a scratch.
You most likely are hitting the cue ball below center. In APA Rules, that makes it a scratch and not a break shot - it is an illegal shot- and often can damage a table. A proper jump shot is made by stroking into the cue ball to push it *into* the table, and the ball actually rebounds off the slate. If you carefully examine the felt under the cue ball before and after a jump shot you will see the crushed felt fibers where the cue ball was. After a little bit of additional play, this crush damage is not noticeable anymore. So, you must elevate your cue to no less than 45 degrees (and not much more or the cue may interfer with the jump) - stroke through the cue ball as if you are trying to hit the table. This shot takes very little practice to do well once you get the angle right.