Pool Scratch Rules: What Happens If You Scratch on the 8 Ball?

Here are the pool scratch rules in plain words, and what happens if you scratch on the 8 ball. Every pool player scratches. It happens to beginners and it happens to pros. The key is to know what happens next.

I have played pool for over 50 years, and I have played in leagues and tournaments for over 38 years. Readers of my Billiards Planet newsletter have sent me questions about scratches over the years.

One thing first: there is more than one set of rules. League rules, tournament rules, and bar rules can be different. Always agree on the rules before you start.

What Is a Scratch in Pool?

A scratch is when the cue ball goes into a pocket. Under the official rules, a scratch is a foul.

It is also a foul if the cue ball touches a ball that is already in the pocket. For example, if a pocket is full of balls and the cue ball hits them, that is a foul too.

What Happens When You Scratch in Pool? (Ball in Hand)

When you scratch, your turn is over. Under the official rules, your opponent gets ball in hand.

Ball in hand means your opponent picks up the cue ball and can place it anywhere on the table. Then they shoot. That is a big edge, so a scratch can cost you the game.

What Happens If You Scratch on the 8 Ball?

Scratching on the 8 ball later in the game is a big deal. What happens depends on the rules you play. In some rules you lose the game. In other rules your opponent just gets ball in hand.

Do You Lose If You Scratch on the 8 Ball? (WPA and BCA vs APA)

• APA and TAP leagues: Any scratch when you shoot at the 8 ball is a loss. It does not matter if the 8 goes in or not.
• BCA and WPA rules: A scratch on the 8 ball is a loss only if the 8 ball goes in. If the 8 ball stays on the table, it is a foul and your opponent gets ball in hand.

So if you play in a league, check which rules your league uses.

What Happens If You Scratch on the Break?

Scratching on the break is a little different. Under the official 8 ball rules on our site, if you scratch on a legal break:

1. Any balls you made stay down (the 8 ball is the one exception, see the next part).
2. It is a foul.
3. The table is open. No one has stripes or solids yet.
4. Your opponent gets ball in hand behind the head string only, not anywhere on the table.

What If You Make the 8 Ball and Scratch on the Break?

Under the official rules on our site, if the breaker makes the 8 ball and scratches on the break, the other player chooses one of two things:

1. Rerack the balls, or
2. Spot the 8 ball and shoot with ball in hand behind the head string.

Where Do You Put the Cue Ball After a Scratch? (Kitchen or Anywhere)

After a normal scratch under the official rules, your opponent can place the cue ball anywhere on the table.

After a scratch on the break, the cue ball goes behind the head string. The head string is the line across the table where the cue ball sits for the break. With ball in hand behind the head string, your opponent can not shoot at a ball that is behind that line, unless the cue ball first goes past the line.

In bar rules, there is no ball in hand. When a player scratches, the other player shoots from behind the head string. You can read more about bar rules on our billiard rules page. This is why you always ask, "What rules are we playing?" before the first break.

How Do You Stop Scratching?

Here is a tip I have shared with my readers for years. Do not think about what you do not want to happen. If you focus on not scratching, there is a good chance you will scratch. Focus on making your shot and getting the cue ball where you want it.

To control where the cue ball goes, learn cue ball control. Then practice on our billiard drills page. Good aim helps too, so see how to aim in pool.

You can also get my free pool drills and fundamentals training by email. Sign up on our pool tips page.

Want the Full Rules?

See the official billiard rules for 8 ball and the billiard game rules for the general rules that apply to most games.

Ready to Win More 8 Ball Games?

Knowing the rules keeps you from losing games you should win. Winning takes a plan. My book 8 Ball Winning Strategies shows you how to think through a rack and play smart 8 ball. See what is inside on the 8 Ball Winning Strategies page.

Quick Recap

1. A scratch is when the cue ball goes in a pocket. It is a foul.
2. After a scratch, your opponent gets ball in hand anywhere (official rules).
3. APA and TAP: any scratch on the 8 ball is a loss. BCA and WPA: you lose only if the 8 goes in. If not, it is ball in hand.
4. A scratch on the break gives ball in hand behind the head string.
5. Make the 8 and scratch on the break: rerack, or spot the 8 and shoot from behind the head string.
6. Bar rules have no ball in hand. The next player shoots from behind the head string.

Go back to the Pool Billiards Game home page.