A scratch in pool is a foul shot that can happen in a variety of different ways. It occurs when the cue ball has been pocketed or driven off the table after a stroke. Scratches are also known as general scratches or fouls. The opponent receives ball-in-hand on the entire table or behind the head string as a result of a scratch. Scratches can occur in different ways, such as when the cue ball is pocketed or sent off the table during play. Scratches can also happen when a player hits a ball in a way that isnt legal under traditional pool rules.
There are different types of scratches in pool, and each has its own set of rules and penalties assigned to it. For example, in almost every version of 8-ball pool, scratching is considered a foul when shooting at object balls other than the 8 ball. When scratching on an 8 ball shot, the offending player forfeits the game to his or her opponent and the game is over. If a player scratches on a break, the opposing player gets the cue ball-in-hand behind the head string, and any object balls pocketed during the break remain pocketed and the table remains open.
It is always best to discuss the rules with your opponent prior to playing just to make sure everyone is on the same page.
