Rule of the Week - Stalemates

November 24, 2024 11:05 PM

by San Diego APA

Rule of the Week - Stalemates

November 24, 2024 11:05 PM

by San Diego APA


Situation: During our match we get to a point were neither myself nor my opponent is attempting to make a legal hit. Is this a stalemate? 

No, not until both players no longer make use of ball in hand does the rack become a stalemate. Meaning if at least one player is hitting the cue ball into another ball on the table even if it is not a legal hit, then the game continues. Your opponent maybe gradually moving balls into position to eventually take a legal shot therefore the game is still in progress.

In the unlikely event that a game should become stalemated, meaning that neither player can, or wants to, make use of ball-in-hand, the balls are reracked and the player that had the break at the start of the stalemated game breaks again.

There is no minimum number of turns that must occur before a game is stalemated.

Rule: Official Team Manual (OTM) page 51 “Stalemates”: https://media.poolplayers.com/TMRB/Team-Manual-English.pdf

This section also covers:
  • Scoring a 8 or 9ball game once a stalemate is determined.

You can submit a "Rule of the Week" to the league office:

  • Email to sandiego@apaleagues.com.
  • Email Subject Line must read “SDAPA Rule of the Week”
  • Clearly state the rule/situation and if you know where the answer is found please provide those details.


Spring Session 2026 is Around the Corner
12/3/25 - 12:00 am
Be(e) On The Lookout Sun–Thurs Spring Session Divisions Early Release Is Now Done (see below for next release date) The purpose of posting early / pre-release divisions is to give teams a chance to review and request any needed changes before the official Spring Session schedules are released. Please note: Accounting and SLs may not be fully updated until we post the official Spring Session sched
Pocketed Balls (outside forces) - Rule of the Week
12/29/25 - 6:00 pm
Situation: While shooting my opponent doesn't make a ball but one of their balls sits on the edge of the pocket. They walk away from the table and it falls into the pocket. Is it still their turn? No, Once a ball has stopped all motion, it cannot move again without outside forces affecting it. Therefore, if a ball which has been hanging in a pocket for more than a few seconds suddenly drops, it
Congratulations, MVPs from 2025 Fall Session!
12/24/25 - 1:00 am
Congratulations to the following 127 players who each earn a plaque and $30 vouchers to participate in the Singles Program! Awards can be picked up at the upcoming Summer Tri-Annuals (BLAST)8-Ball on January 31- February 1, 20269-Ball on January 24-25, 2026 at Pockets Billiards & Brew! 2025 Fall Session 8-Ball MVPs Full Name>Team>%.Won.of.Points.Available>Avg.Points.Per.Match>Win%&