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Playing from behind the string -- When a player has the cue ball in hand behind the string (in the kitchen), he must drive the cue ball to a point outside the kitchen before it contacts either a cushion or an object ball. Failure to do so is a foul if a referee is presiding over a match. If no referee, the opponent has the option to call it either a foul or to require the offending player to replay the shot again with the balls restored to their positions prior to the shot (and with no foul penalty imposed). (Continued below)
Exception: If an object ball lies on or outside the head string (and is thus playable) but so close that the cue ball contacts it before the cue ball is out of the kitchen, the ball can be legally played. If, with cue ball in hand behind the head string and while the shooter is attempting a legitimate shot, the cue ball accidentally hits a ball behind the head string, and the cue ball crosses the line, it is a foul. If the cue ball is in hand behind the head string, the shooter causes the cue ball to accidentally hit an object ball, and the cue ball does not cross the head string, the following applies: The incoming player has the option of calling a foul and having the cue ball in hand, or having the balls returned to their original position, and having the offending player replay the shot. If a player under the same conditions intentionally causes the cue ball to contact an object ball behind the head string, it is considered unsportsmanlike conduct. Cue-ball-in-hand foul -- During cue-ball-in-hand placement, the player may use his or her hand or any part of his or her cue (including the tip) to position the cue ball. When placing the cue ball in position, any forward-stroke motion contacting the cue ball will be a foul, if not a legal shot. Interference -- If the nonshooting player distracts his or her opponent or interferes with play, he or she has fouled. If a player shoots out of turn, or moves any ball except during his or her inning, it is considered to be interference. Devices -- Players are not allowed to use a ball, the triangle or any other width-measuring device to see whether the cue ball or an object ball would travel through a gap, etc. Only the cue stick may be used as an aid to judge gaps, etc., so long as the cue is held by the hand. To do so otherwise is a foul and unsportsmanlike conduct. Illegal marking -- If a player intentionally marks the table in any way to assist in executing the shot, whether by wetting the cloth, by placing a cube of chalk on the rail or by any other means, he or she has fouled. If the player removes the mark prior to the shot, no penalty is imposed.
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