In the intense and thrilling American nine-ball billiards game, the judgment of fouls not only affects the fairness of the game but also plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game. It is of great significance for both players and spectators to understand and be familiar with these foul rules.
Fouls Before Striking the Ball
Before the game starts, after the right to break is determined, players need to strictly abide by the rules when preparing to strike the ball. If there are obvious actions indicating the intention to strike the ball before the tip of the cue touches the cue ball, such as a large backswing preparation action, this is considered a foul before striking the ball. In addition, if any part of the body, including the arms, legs, etc., accidentally touches the balls on the table, even if it is just a slight touch, it will be judged as a foul. Such a foul before striking the ball will give the opponent the right to strike, disrupting the original rhythm of the player’s shots.
Fouls During the Break
The break is a key starting link in the game, and there are various types of fouls. When breaking, if the cue ball is not struck, or if the cue ball is struck but does not hit any of the target balls, it is undoubtedly a break foul. There is also a situation where after the break, no ball goes into the pocket and the cue ball does not touch the cushion, which also falls within the scope of a foul. When a break foul occurs, the opponent can choose to re-break or directly obtain the right to strike and start playing from the current state of the table. This penalty gives the opponent great initiative and is likely to change the initial situation of the game.
Fouls During the Stroke
Fouls during the stroke are the most common. When striking the ball, if the target ball is not hit first, but the cue ball touches other non-target balls first, it is a foul. For example, if a player is supposed to hit the No. 3 ball but the cue ball hits the No. 5 ball first, this is a foul. Moreover, if the ball is struck with too much force, causing the cue ball or the target ball to jump off the table, it is also a foul. Some players may lose their balance at the moment of striking and accidentally touch the balls on the table again, which will also be judged as a foul. After a foul during the stroke, the opponent will obtain the right to strike and can place the cue ball at any position on the table to start playing again, which is often extremely disadvantageous to the side that committed the foul.
Fouls After the Stroke
There is also the possibility of fouls after the stroke is completed. After the stroke, if the cue ball does not stay on the table but rolls off the table, this is a foul after the stroke. There is another situation where after all the balls have stopped rolling, if the player touches the balls on the table too early, or takes the next action before the referee has confirmed the state of the balls, it is also considered a foul. A foul after the stroke will also give the opponent the right to strike and disrupt the potential continuous offensive rhythm of the side that committed the foul.
Other Fouls
In addition to the common foul situations mentioned above, there are also some special fouls. For example, deliberately interfering with the opponent during the game, such as making excessive noise or making actions that affect the opponent’s line of sight, etc., is a serious foul and may result in a warning or even a direct loss. In addition, during the game, if a player has an objection to the referee’s decision and does not appeal in accordance with the prescribed procedure but takes extreme actions, he or she will also face corresponding penalties.
In American nine-ball billiards, the strict implementation of the foul rules ensures the fairness and justice of the game. Only by mastering these rules proficiently can players avoid fouls in the game, fully demonstrate their strength, and bring wonderful games to the spectators. For spectators, understanding these foul rules can also help them better appreciate the game and experience the unique charm of American nine-ball billiards.
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