The 8-ball and 9-ball are the most popular pool games. These games have a few similarities and differences, and understanding them is key to becoming a good player. Whether you lose if you scratch your last ball, we know it is a matter of concern that requires your attention.
So, do you lose if you scratch on your last ball? As a general rule with 8-ball games, most 8-ball rules state that a scratch when the last ball, that is the 8-ball is potted is a loss of game. Whilst for 9-ball, a scratch when potting the 9-ball results in a respotted 9-ball, with the opponent having the next shot.
In both the 8 and 9-ball, the scratch implications are different with a scratch potting the 9-ball when the 9-ball is the last ball on the table. Meaning a respot and the opponent having the opportunity to pot the 9-ball whilst having the cue ball in hand. The opponent can put the cue ball anywhere on the table, making it easier for them to sink the 9-ball.
In 8-ball pool, if you pocket the 8-ball and scratch it, you will lose the game under most 8-ball rules like the American Poolplayers Association (APA) rules. Making it important to take precautions when playing the last shot on trying to sink the 8-ball.
If you want to know whether you will lose if you scratch on your last ball, this is the guide for you. Read through to understand what happens if you scratch on the last ball before the 8-ball and 9-ball.
What Happens If You Scratch on the Last Ball Before the 8 Ball?
The 8-ball comprises a cue ball with fifteen object balls numbered one to fifteen. There are two opposing sets numbered one to seven and nine to fifteen The balls numbered 1-7 are solid colors, while 9-15 are striped: each player picks one of the groups, and the one who pockets their group first and then legally pockets the 8-ball becomes the winner. So, what happens if you scratch on the last ball before the 8-ball?
When playing the 8-ball game, a scratch on the last ball before the 8-ball is not the end of the game. This is because the game requires all balls at rest to end, and as long as the 8-ball is also on the table, the game is not over.
Thus, in this case, you will lose your turn. If a scratch occurs when you are shooting the 8-ball, and you do not pocket it, or the ball jumps off the table, the game will continue with the ball in hand to the opponent. This implies that you do not lose the game as long as the 8-ball is still in play. However, if you remove the 8-ball from the table through any shot, you will lose the game.
Whilst scratching when shooting at the 8-ball is a loss of game, the exception to this is if the 8-ball is pocketed on the break. In this case, the player may ask for a rerack or to spot the 8-ball to continue shooting. After scratching, the incoming player will have a cue ball in hand right behind the head string.
This means that they will not be able to shoot any object behind the head string. To do this, they will need to shoot the cue ball past the headstring, causing it to come behind the headstring and hit the object ball.
A player will lose the game and bring the game to an end if they:
- pocket the 8-ball early
- pockets the 8-ball into an unintended pocket
- knock the 8-ball off the table over a rail, or
- pocket the 8-ball on the same shot as a foul occurring.
A foul occurring could be as a result of a double hit, playing the wrong ball first, or scratching the ball.
When beginning to play the 8-ball, players place the 15 balls in a triangle shape using a triangular rack, with the pointed part of the rack facing the far end of the table. At the center of this triangle is the 8-ball. After arrangement, remove the rack and start breaking the balls.
Player one usually begins by hitting the cue ball and spreading the rest of the balls over the table. If player one hits one of the balls into the table’s pockets, they will continue playing until they miss a shot. Also, player one will continue shooting the solids for the rest of the game if they make a solid colored ball on the break.
The above rule also holds for player two if a striped ball makes the break. Player one has an option between the solid and striped balls in instances where both ball varieties make on the break.
For instance, if player one makes a solid colored ball on the break on his first shot, they will continue shooting the solids until they miss. At this point, player two will take control and shoot the striped balls until they miss. This game will continue with the above rules until one player makes all their balls to the end. For this player to be declared a winner, they should also make the 8-ball after all their balls have been potted..
When playing the 8-ball, players should understand that they cannot pocket the 8-ball until the game ends. For player one, the games end when they pocket all their solid balls; for player two, they pocket all their striped balls. Thus, the only way to win an 8-ball is by legally pocketing the 8-ball after clearing the table of your assigned balls.
Potting the 8-ball before pocketing one’s respective seven balls makes the player automatically lose the game in accordance with the APA rules.
What Happens If You Scratch on the Last Ball Before the 9 Ball?
The 9-ball is second in popularity after the 8-ball. However, unlike the 8 ball, which utilizes 15 balls comprising solid, striped, and the cue ball, the 9-ball uses 9 balls. These nine balls include the solid colored 1-8 balls plus the 9-ball.
If there are two object balls and the player scratches either before pocketing the 9-ball, the ball shall be brought and placed on the foot spot. In this case, the player will use another ball from the tray.
The game will only come to an end in case of a legal shoot that pockets the 9-ball. This shoot can occur at any time of the game. The game may also end if a player forfeits the game due to a foul.
When a player commits a foul, they should abandon their run at the table. These fouls are called out and acknowledged before the next shot. Even if a player commits several fouls, they are considered one, as long as they happen in a single shot.
Examples of fouls in a 9-ball include
- touching or moving the cue ball,
- coaching,
- shooting the cue ball off the table or into a pocket,
- shooting with none of your feet on the floor.
The first object contacted by the cue ball should be the lowest-numbered; otherwise, it becomes foul. The next player is given the ball in hand, and, before their shot, they may choose to place the cue ball on any spot on the table.
Players committing three consecutive fouls on successive shots will lose the game. This will apply if the fouls occur in one game. The player is warned when they make their second foul, after which they lose the game. If they make a legal shot in between, then the game will continue.
After a legal shot break, the player may push out. Also, if a player pockets more balls on a legal break, they can continue playing until they miss, foul, or win the game. Missing or fouling the game automatically allows the other player to play until they also miss, foul, or win the game.
On a push-out, the cue ball should not necessarily contact an object ball, but the rest of the rules apply. The player should announce their intention to play a push-out before the shot lest everyone considers the shot normal. If a 9 ball is pocketed during a push-out, it is counted.
Otherwise, pocketing the rest of the balls does not count. The incoming player can also shoot from that position or pass the shot back to player one. Push-outs give the player a choice on whether to face a random post-break table or not. In case of an illegal push-out, the penalties will apply.
Players who want to play the 9-ball will start by arranging the balls into a diamond shape using a specialized rack. The order of placing these balls is dependent on the rules in your region. Either way, the first ball or 9-ball must be at the center of the rack, with the rest at the back end.
Like in the 8-ball, after removing the 9-ball, player one will use a cue stick and the cue ball to break up the balls. If they make a ball on the break, they will continue their turn, but, if they miss, player two will take over.
Unlike the 8-ball, where players can shoot the balls randomly, the 9-ball requires players to shoot in numerical order, from 1-9. Failure to hit the object ball into the pocket makes the player lose their turn. If player one contacts the intended ball but misses the shot, player two will take control and hit the cue ball from where it lies.
On the other hand, if player one cannot contact the object ball with the cue ball, player two can place the ball anywhere on the table before starting their turn. This rule is called ball in hand.
In the 9-ball, you will win if you pocket the 9-ball any time as long as you contacted the lowest number first. Otherwise, for the ball to end, two possibilities should occur. First, the player should clear the table of all balls from 1-8 and leave the 9-ball only. In this case, they will win if they sink the 9-ball. Second, a player will win a 9-ball through a combination shot. This shot comprises the player hitting the ball in order and sinking the 9-ball.
Given the ball in hand and combination shots, the 9-ball is a very strategic game. Learning extra hacks and rules will improve your skills and make you a better player. For instance, if you commit a foul, you can continue moving the cue ball with your hand until you take the shot.
Also, you should be keen on the number of fouls your opponent commits, and when they commit three in a row, they should forfeit the game. Finally, the game is not as easy, but with practice, you will manage perfection.
Wrap Up
The 8-ball and 9-ball games have lots of differences but are easy to learn. Understanding the game rules is key towards playing the game well and winning. The 8-ball utilizes 15 balls with the 8-ball while the 9-ball has 9 balls. As a beginner, you should start by understanding how to organize the game, including the table size, balls, and how to allocate the balls to each person.
Afterward, you should learn the general rules, including the legal shots, fouls, and scratching rules. This way, you will tell when it is time to turn over to your opponent, when to end the game and when you have lost the game to your opponent.
Generally, the game will not end if you scratch on your last ball, but this is dependent on the specific factors in place as you play the 8-ball or the 9-ball. For instance, in the 8-ball game, a scratch on the last ball before the 8-ball is not the end of the game, as long as the 8-ball remains on the table. For the 9-ball game, the game will only come to an end in case of a legal shoot that pockets the 9-ball.
Finally, understanding the 8-ball and 9-ball game rules will prevent you from too many losses that can be costly if you put money rewards. Whichever game you choose, you should be strategic and endeavor to learn unscripted skills to enjoy more. You should also play the game for fun as a beginner to prevent the frustrations that may arise if you lose, especially due to a missed rule.
