Can You Play a Safety on the 8 Ball?

4/18/2024 12:07:06 PM

Can You Play a Safety on the 8 Ball?

Can you call "safety" when shooting for the 8 ball?

For example, if I am shooting at the 8 ball and my opponent has one ball left, can I call a safety, and shoot the 8 ball to a rail and leave the cue ball hiding behind the 8 ball?

My opponent said it was a foul because I did not call a pocket.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

user1713456425

This question relates to the following billiard rules:

8 Ball Rules

Can You Play a Safety on the 8 Ball?

Replies & Comments

billiardsforum on 4/19/2024 7:43:56 AM
Yes, you can call a safety when you are shooting for the 8 ball.

The "safety" call takes the place of the "ball and pocket" call.

Rule 3.6 "Shots Required to be Called" tells us that 8 ball follows the "general" rule #1.6 "standard call shot".

This rule confirms my statement above (emphasis ours):

1.6 STANDARD CALL SHOT

In games in which the shooter is required to call shots, the intended ball and pocket must be indicated for each shot if they are not obvious. Details of the shot, such as cushions struck or other balls contacted or pocketed are irrelevant. Only one ball may be called on each shot.

For a called shot to count, the referee must be satisfied that the intended shot was made, so if there is any chance of confusion, e.g. with bank, combination and similar shots, the shooter should indicate the ball and pocket. If the referee or opponent is unsure of the shot to be played, he may ask for a call.

In call shot games, the shooter may choose to call “safety” instead of a ball and pocket, and then play passes to the opponent at the end of the shot. Whether balls are being spotted after safeties depends on the rules of the particular game.

Can You Play a Safety on the 8 Ball?

Title: Can You Play a Safety on the 8 Ball?
Author: user1713456425
Published: 4/18/2024 12:07:06 PM
Last Updated: 4/19/2024 7:02:39 AM
Last Updated By: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)