The Rules

ScratchBall has one basic rule. Scratch the cue ball. Both beginners and pros find it fun and challenging. When learning ScratchBall, concentrate on the scratch not pocketing an object ball.

As a "ball-in-hand" sport, after each scratch, place the cue ball anywhere on the table. Pocketing an object ball with a scratch accumulates point. Calling a trickshot is a strategy for gaining bonus points. A little warning, calling a trickshot can be dangerous as one loses their turn if the trickshot fails.

Fail to scratch and your inning ends. The next player approaches the billiard table and plays the cue ball as it sets. A scratch even without pocketing an object ball will give you a "ball-in-hand" to set up your next play. Don’t have a good shot? Scratch the cue ball again to set yourself up.

Rack 8 or 9 ball style using a standard triangle with the apex ball on the foot spot. Break from behind the head string.

• Scratch & fail to sink a ball = 0 pts + continue your turn
• Scratch & sink a counter ball = 5 pts per ball + continue your turn
• Scratch & sink the dead ball = 10 pts + continue your turn
• Scratch & make a trickshot = double the points of the pocketed balls
• Fail to scratch = end your turn + 1 pt per counter ball
• Fail to scratch & sink dead ball = 0 pts + end your turn
• Foul = subtract 5 pts + end your turn
• Score cannot go below 0

Turns

• Failure to scratch ends your turn.
• Committing a foul ends your turn.
• When dead ball is object ball, failure to pocket the dead ball ends your turn.

• Bank

  Hitting the object ball into the cushion.

• Call Shot

  Announcing where you plan to pocket the cue and object ball.

• Counter ball

  All balls except the cue ball and the dead ball.

• Dead Ball

  The red ball with regulation colors or the 8-ball with a standard set of pool balls.

• Draw

  Giving the cue ball backspin so contact with the object ball reverses the direction of the cue ball.

• Duck

  Real easy shot. A ball that is on the edge of a pocket ready to fall in

• Follow

  Giving the cue ball top spin so it will follow the object ball.

• Foul

  Failure to hit a ball, when a ball jumps off the table or scratching without touching an object ball.

• Jump

  Special shot where cue ball goes over the top of another ball or prop.

• Massé

  Giving the cue ball extreme spin by elevation the cue.

• Object ball

  The first ball hit by the cue ball.

• Props

  Items placed on the table to execute a trickshot such as cues, bridge, rack, coin, dollar bill or chalk, etc.

• Scratch

  Sink the cue ball into a table pocket.

• ScratchBall Trickshot

  A call shot that includes english, multiple banks or special setup and include a scratch. Props can be used as long as they do not disturb the balls on the table.

• Setup Shot

  The shot following a scratch.

• Stalemate

  After 3 sudden deaths and the score is still tied.

• Sudden Death

  End game to break a tie.