When does a ball count as pocketed in pool?
A · Advanced · The general rules · 1 of 8A ball is pocketed if it comes to rest in a pocket or the ball return, or hangs on the edge held up only by another ball. A ball still on the edge for five seconds that then drops by itself does not count and is put back. If nobody can make progress, the referee can declare a stalemate.
How it works
- Pocketed: at rest in a pocket below the surface, or in the ball return.
- Held up by another ball: counts as pocketed if removing the supporting ball would make it drop.
- Five seconds: a ball still on the edge five seconds after the shot is not pocketed if it falls later; play stops during that time.
- Settling: a ball that settles slightly is part of the game unless it drops into a pocket, in which case it is put back.
- Rebounds: an object ball that bounces back out of a pocket is not pocketed.
- Cue ball on a pocketed ball: if the cue ball touches a ball already in the pocket, it counts as pocketed.
- Driven off: a ball that comes to rest off the playing surface, or would have but for hitting a light or a person.
- Outside interference: if it affected the shot, balls are put back and the shot replayed.
- Stalemate: after no progress, each player gets three more turns; then the game's stalemate procedure applies.
- Concession: a player who concedes loses the match.
The glossary has the stalemate, the scratch, the rack, the inning, the frozen ball and the discipline.
Tricky cases
A ball stops on the edge, then drops ten seconds later. Does it count?
No. After five seconds still, a ball that drops by itself is not pocketed. It is put back.
The cue ball goes into a full pocket and touches a ball already there, then bounces out. Is that a scratch?
Yes. Touching a pocketed ball counts as the cue ball being pocketed.
A ball hits the top of the rail and rolls back on to the table. Was it driven off?
No. A ball that touches the rail top and returns, or goes into a pocket, is not driven off.
A player unscrews their cue while the opponent is on the match-winning rack. What does that mean?
It is treated as conceding the match.
Why the rule exists
Clear tests for when a ball counts stop arguments at the pocket. The stalemate rule ends racks that would otherwise go on with neither player willing to take a risk.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball | The original breaker breaks again after a stalemate | WPA 4.11, 5.9, 6.11 |
| Straight pool | Players lag again; scores carry over | WPA 7.12 |
| One-pocket and bank pool | Re-rack, lag for the next shot, partial scores carry over | WPA 12.10, 13.11 |
| Snooker | A ball that balances on the edge and then falls in counts | WPBSA Snooker 3.9(c) |
From the rule book
World Pool-Billiard Association, Rules of Play (effective 15 September 2025), General Rules 1.8 to 1.13 and Definitions 2.2, 2.6 and 2.15. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the WPA Rules of Play, revised from time to time.