Are Jump Shots Legal in 8 Ball Pool?
11/24/2006 10:38:21 PM
Are Jump Shots Legal in 8 Ball Pool?
Is it legal to use a jump cue in a game of eight ball?
I had a scenario where my opponent's object ball lay between the cue ball and my target object ball.
So my question is: Are jump shots legal in 8 ball?
alancarinoThis question relates to the following billiard rules:
Are Jump Shots Legal in 8 Ball Pool?
Replies & Comments
billiardsforum on 11/25/2006 1:48:04 AMIn certain cases, it is not legal to intentionally jump the cue ball in the game of 8-ball. Though the specific 8 ball rules do not directly mention it, 8 ball rules are based on the general rules of pocket billiards, so we follow general rules for items that are not specifically outlined in the 8 ball rules.
The rule for jumping the cue ball says:
It is a foul if the player shoots the cue ball below center by 'digging under' or 'launching' the cue ball, and intentionally causes it to leave the bed of the table in an effort to clear a ball that is in the way.
This jumping may occur accidentally, and these accidental jumps are not to be considered fouls at face value.
However, they may still be ruled foul strokes if, for example, the ferrule or cue shaft makes contact with the cue ball in the course of the shot.
user1176396650 on 4/12/2007 4:50:50 PM
@billiardsforum - I have shot pool in league and in various pool tournaments for the past 40 years, and I humbly beg to disagree with the last answer.
Obviously, jumping the cue ball by digging under or scooping the cue ball with the cue's tip below the equator is indeed a foul in eight ball pool as you mentioned above.
The "jump shot" is indeed legal in 8 ball, if done correctly—that is, doing it in such a way that the cue's tip strikes the cue ball at or above it's center line.
However, using a jump cue and elevating the butt end of it so as to hit downward on, and into the cue ball, thereby causing it to jump over an impeding ball is certainly legal.
Here's the definition of "jump shot" from the World Pool-Billiard Association rules, which supports this (emphasis mine).
8.16 Jump Shot (8 Ball)
A jump shot is one in which the cue ball is made to go over an intervening obstacle such as an object ball or part of the cushion. Whether such a shot is legal depends on how it is accomplished and the intention of the shooter. Usually a legal jump shot is played by elevating the cue stick and driving the cue ball down into the playing surface from which it rebounds.
The jump shot is a technique that should be learned and cultivated in the game of eight ball. This is certainly a common shot here in Ohio and surrounding states and I've seen the pros using this shot on TV while playing in tournaments.
- billiardsforum on 4/12/2007 6:20:23 PM
Ahhh, I stand corrected. Thanks...
I've more closely examined the rules, and agree that Jump shots are allowed in 8 ball, (BCA) according to the North American rules. UK 8 ball, (BAPTO rules) however, strictly prohibits jump shots.
Jump shots are illegal (defined as the cue ball jumping over any part of any ball before making contact with any object ball). In World Rules, a Jump Shot is a "serious foul" i.e. doing it twice leads to loss of frame!
kyle on 4/12/2007 7:07:45 PM
One additional point about jump shots in 8 ball pool:
- Yes, jump shots are allowed in 8 ball, but you may want to check the house rules which sometimes forbid jump shots and massé shots.
Are Jump Shots Legal in 8 Ball Pool?
- Title: Are Jump Shots Legal in 8 Ball Pool?
- Author: alancarino (Alan Carino)
- Published: 11/24/2006 10:38:21 PM
- Last Updated: 3/15/2022 4:38:50 AM
- Last Updated By: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
