How long before a pot is invalid?

[Billy]

When a player plays a pot which results in the ball on teetering on the edge of the pocket, is there an official duration at which should the ball eventually drop it no longer counts?

[Mark187187]

I think there was a thread on this, and the rules don't specify a time. Rule of thumb for me is 2 or 3 seconds, or until the other player takes their turn, whichever is sooner.

[Billy]

I think there was a thread on this, and the rules don't specify a time. Rule of thumb for me is 2 or 3 seconds, or until the other player takes their turn, whichever is sooner.

Thanks. 2-3 seconds seems a little harsh, but it answers my question somewhat.

[DeanH]

yes this has been asked previously
as you say WPBSA rules do not mention any specific time duration.
(the only set of rules that I have found that does is Black Ball Pool rules where they stipulate 5 seconds)

I use the word (that is used in the rules) "momentarily" and say it in my head and exaggerate the syllables

[JimMalone]

yes this has been asked previously
as you say WPBSA rules do not mention any specific time duration.
(the only set of rules that I have found that does is Black Ball Pool rules where they stipulate 5 seconds)

I use the word (that is used in the rules) "momentarily" and say it in my head and exaggerate the syllables

I would guess this is left to the referees discretion?

[Cue crafty]

yes this has been asked previously
as you say WPBSA rules do not mention any specific time duration.
(the only set of rules that I have found that does is Black Ball Pool rules where they stipulate 5 seconds)

I use the word (that is used in the rules) "momentarily" and say it in my head and exaggerate the syllables

I think Dennis Taylor mentioned the other day, if the ball falls in after the momentary period and the ref replaces it AND then it falls in again... it counts as a scoring pot and the break can continue?!? Of course as it was DT who said this it could well be wrong....

[DeanH]

I think Dennis Taylor mentioned the other day, if the ball falls in after the momentary period and the ref replaces it AND then it falls in again... it counts as a scoring pot and the break can continue?!? Of course as it was DT who said this it could well be wrong....

ouch - no!
if a ball falls again AND every time it falls the rules are applied as below as per the scenario at that time. and not Mr Taylor's "oh I cant be bothered to pick it out of the pocket again" attitude


Rule 3.9. Ball on Edge of Pocket
When a ball falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball, and:
(a) being no part of any stroke in progress, it shall be replaced and any points scored shall count.
(b) If it would have been hit by any ball involved in a stroke:
(i) with no infringement of these Rules (including cases where an infringement would have occurred but for the ball falling into a pocket), all balls will be replaced and the same stroke played again, or a different stroke may be played by the same striker at their discretion;
(ii) if a foul is committed, the striker incurs the penalty prescribed in Section 3 Rule 11, all balls will be replaced and the next player has the usual options after a foul.
(c) If a ball balances momentarily on the edge of a pocket and then falls in, it shall be considered potted or pocketed and shall not be replaced.

[John Flaf]

I always thought ( prob wrongly ) that if a ball hovers over the pocket and the opponent has walked to the table, if the ball drops in then its a foul, 4 points to the player who left it over the pocket.