Discover another derivative game of billiards in ScratchBall

ScratchBall is a new game that is played in an 8-ball or 9-ball format, but the object of the game is to make a ball, and scratch the cue ball in the same shot.

Played with 14 solid black balls, one red ball, and of course, the cue ball, you derive points by sinking one or more of the colored balls, and then directing the cue to scratch in a pocket.

Developed for the trickshot artist in mind, the game actually is a wonderful tool to help players of any skill level to grow their mastery of ball control, follow, English, and even masse.

Rules of the game:

The object of the game is to scratch (pocket the cue ball). A scratch allows you to shoot again. Fail to scratch and your inning ends and the next player approaches the billiard table. Scratch and pocket a ball to make points. Rack using a standard triangle with the apex ball on the foot spot and the red ball in the top center of the rack. Break from behind the head string.

SCORING & PLAY

Scratch and do not sink a ball = 0 pts + continue your turn

and sink a counter ball = 5 pts per ball + continue your turn

and sink the dead ball = 10 pts + continue your turn

Fail to scratch but sink counter balls = 1 pt per ball + end your turn

but sink dead ball = 0 pts for that turn + end your turn

Foul = subtract 5 pts + end your turn.

(Score does not go below 0) (See terms to describe a foul)

KEY INFORMATION

- After a scratch, reset the cue ball anywhere on the table.

- The dead ball returns to the foot spot after it is pocketed.

- Missing all the balls is a foul. The cue ball must hit a ball to continue your turn.

- If the object ball is the dead ball, failure to scratch ends the turn plus receive 0 points even if you also sunk a counter ball.

- The game is over when there is only one ball left on the table.

- The highest score at the end of the game is the winner.

RULES THAT APPLY ONLY DURING THE RESET SHOT

- If the cue ball goes in the same pocket as the object ball that ends your inning and get 0 points.

- The dead ball cannot be the object ball. If the the dead ball becomes the object ball, your turn ends and lose any points gained during that inning.

TURNS

- Failure to scratch ends your turn.

- Committing a foul ends your turn.

- When shooting the dead ball, you must scratch the cue ball and pocket the dead ball or your turn ends.

END GAME

- When any one ball is left alone on the table or if the table is cleared, through foul or pocketing of the balls, the game ends.

HINTS

1. Concentrate on sinking the cue ball. Scratch if you do not have a good shot, then reset the cue ball anywhere on the table.

2. Keep the counters in play for the highest scoring game.

3. Avoid the dead ball unless you have a good shot.

4. If you get too far behind in points, go after the dead ball for the 10 point shot. You have nothing to lose.

5. The dead ball cannot be the object ball on a reset shot but it can be pocketed by the object ball.

6. Jump balls and masse shots are legal but remember that many places do not allow them because they can damage their tables.

7. Many prefer playing on 7' tables with a fast felt for lots of ball action.

You can find out more on the game of ScratchBall by going to their website, and also by checking out their Facebook page.