ScratchBall Rules, reprinted by permission. Rules (c) ScratchBall 2008
SCRATCHBALL Official Rules 2008
Billiard Congress of America (BCA) General Rules of Pool apply to ScratchBall with one exception; a scratch is not considered a foul.
GENERAL SCRATCHBALL RULES
The object of the game is to sink the cue ball. A scratch allows you to shoot again. Fail to scratch and your inning ends and the next player approaches the billiard table. Scratch and pocket a ball to make points. Rack with a standard triangle. Break from behind the head string.
SCORING & PLAY
Scratch and do not sink a ball = 0 pts + continue your turn
and sink a counter ball = 5 pts per ball + continue your turn
and sink the dead ball = 10 pts + continue your turn
Fail to scratch but sink counter balls = 1 pt per ball + end your turn
but sink dead ball = 0 pts for that turn + end your turn
Foul = subtract 5 pts + end your turn.
(Score does not go below 0) (See terms to describe a foul)
KEY INFORMATION
- Missing all the balls is a foul. The cue ball must hit a ball to continue your turn.
- Failure to scratch when the object ball is the dead ball and you receive 0 points even if you sink a counter ball.
- The game is over when there is only one ball left on the table.
- The highest score at the end of the game is the winner.
- The following are rules that apply only on the reset shot, (see terms to describe a reset shot):
--- The cue ball and object ball cannot go into the same pocket. If they do, lose your turn and receive 0 points.
--- The dead ball cannot be the object ball. Hit the dead ball and lose your turn and all points for that shot.
--- Reset the dead ball on the foot spot after it is pocketed.
--- Reset the cue ball anywhere you like for your next shot.
TERMS
Call Shot: Announcing the table pocket where you plan to sink the object ball.
Counter ball: All balls except the cue ball and the dead ball.
Dead Ball: The off-color ball (the red ballwith regulation colors) or the 8-ball with a standard set of pool balls.
Foul: Failure to hit any ball on the table, scratch without hitting a ball or any ball jumping off the table.
Object ball: The first ball hit by the cue ball.
Reset shot: The shot following a scratch or sinking of the dead ball.
Scratch: Sink the cue ball into a table pocket.
Stalemate: After 3 sudden deaths and the score is still tied.
Sudden Death: End game to break a tie.
A few strategy thoughts on our next page...
