based on the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World Standardized Rules (the “official rules of pool”)

Is it a foul to hit “into” a cue ball frozen to an object ball?

Under the WPA “official rules of pool,” when the cue ball is frozen to the object ball, you are allowed to hit into the cue ball toward the frozen ball with a normal stroke since the shot does not result in a push or a double hit:

In fact there are aiming systems devised just for this type of shot. High-speed video footage clearly shows that hitting into a CB frozen to an OB, with a normal stroke, results in a non-pushing, clean hit, just like any other legal shot. Examples can be found in NV B.48, HSV A.96, and HSV A.97. These shots might “feel” like push shots, but they are not. Examples of true push shots can be found on the push shot foul resource page.

Now, if there is a miscue during a frozen CB shot, it could be ruled a foul if there are obviously multiple hits or if the miscue is intentional. HSV 7.5 is an example that is tough to call, even with high-speed video.

For many example calls along with explanations, see the following videos:

Here’s an interesting example of a frozen-CB shot. The CB is frozen to the 8. Both the CB and 8 are driven toward the 9 with a slight cut angle. The CB hits the 8 a 2nd time after the 8 deflects off the 9. There is no double hit or push with this shot.

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