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.


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