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QUESTION ON RULES

A question has been asked from a situation that actually happened recently in an A Division match.

Player “A” is 3 points behind with only the black left on the table. On his next stroke, Player “B” goes to pot the black but instead goes in off (the black remains on the table) awarding 7 point to Player “A” thus making him 4 points in front.

Q WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?

Despite the difference in scores, Player “B” is adamant that the black remains where it is, the Cueball is brought back up - because the black has not been potted – and Player “A” has the usual options after a foul (play himself, or put player “B” in again).

Not being sure of the rule, Player “A” accepts the opinion of Player “B”, and plays himself from in-hand and pots the black.

 

Q WHAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED?

 Section 3 (The Game) Rule 4 “End of Frame, Game, or Match” (a) states that “When only the black is left, the first score or foul ends the frame excepting only if the scores are then equal.

 Therefore, the in-off on the black by Player ”B” ended the frame and Player “A” is the winner because he is then 4 points in front at the end of the frame.

 Please remember that if the frame score are equal after the first score or foul is made on the black, even if the Cueball or black ball remain on the table, the black is spotted and the Cueball must be played from in-hand.