Having the cueball cleaned to gain an advantage

[the_unrepentant]

I had something happen in a match last week. I played for a red around the black spot but the white got in-between the black and another red in line with the pocket. As the cueball was hampering the view bewteen the black and the red I wasn't playing, I couldn't 100% see if the black went or not from either side. I then said to my opponent if getting the cueball cleaned was legal so I could clearly see if the black went or not when the cueball was off the table. We both agreed it probably was legal but clear gamesmanship if I did, so I didn't. I've never seen that situation on TV so I don't know what the pro's would do! I suspect there is nothing in the rules to say you can't as something really could have been on the cueball at that moment.

[mikee]

Happend a couple of weeks ago ,Yan Bintoe wanted the ball cleaned when it was right the middle surrounded by reds and the pink ,the ref refused and said he would clean it after the next shot ,sensible really ,and no complaint from Yan .

[the_unrepentant]

Happend a couple of weeks ago ,Yan Bintoe wanted the ball cleaned when it was right the middle surrounded by reds and the pink ,the ref refused and said he would clean it after the next shot ,sensible really ,and no complaint from Yan .

Ah, I missed that match. Funny it happened recently. I am glad I didn't lower myself to do it (plus the black only just went for me). I'm glad the ref did that but I do wonder if its in the rulebook?

[mikee]

Yes I think it’s bordering on gamesmanship ,or getting there ,so I think it’s a fair decision from the ref .

[cueman]

I think it's happened a few times down the years. I think Alan Chamberlain was the first ref I remember to refuse to clean cueball, as he believed player was looking for an advantage. May have been Selby who was playing.

[mikee]

Alex Higgins was involved in one years ago too I think ,no surprise there then

[Danger Steve]

Happened today in the Gilbert match…