Bad Hit Meaning in Billiards

A bad hit is a foul that occurs when the cue ball strikes the wrong ball first. In most games, you must hit your own group (solids or stripes) or the lowest-numbered ball. If the white ball touches an opponent’s ball or a prohibited ball first, it is a bad hit. This results in the end of your turn and usually gives the opponent ball-in-hand. It often happens when you are trying to kick out of a difficult snooker or safety play. For example, a player targeting solids accidentally clips a striped ball first on their way to the target. The referee calls a bad hit, and the opponent gets to place the cue ball anywhere they want. Avoiding bad hits is the first rule of playing a clean and competitive game. It requires careful planning and a steady hand on every shot.