Free Ball Or Not?

[dmorley85]

If your opponent breaks off, misses all the reds, gives you a foul 4 points, and leaves the white so you can hit the reds, is this a free ball or not as you can't hit both sides of any of the reds as the pack hasn't been opened?

[DeanH]

This has been asked a few times through the years
When considering whether a Free ball exists with more than one Red on the table and ball-on; EACH red is considered on its OWN, as if it is the only Red on the table; and if ANY Red is NOT snookered by a colour, then no Free Ball.

Now, your scenario, with the pyramid of Reds undisturbed then the Free Ball must be considered from where the cue ball lies; each Red considered on its own.
IF you are playing from In-Hand (i.e. the cue ball went into a pocket) the two outside base reds are not snookered so a Free Ball does not exist.

for further info see the great posts starting with this one:
http://www.thesnookerforum.co.uk/boa...ad.php?t=15560

[Bigmeek]

Old ref who I knew always used the phrase "a red cannae snooker a red". Clear enough to me.

Note:- For non Scottish members "cannae" means "cannot". Lol.

[DeanH]

Old ref who I knew always used the phrase "a red cannae snooker a red". Clear enough to me.

Note:- For non Scottish members "cannae" means "cannot". Lol.

yep, heard that one before, but I think it was a Brummie accent :wink:

[tmax]

A Ball-on is not snookered by another ball-on OR a cushion.