What is a scratch with the cue ball?
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.