The table is always open immediately after the break shot. The shooter's designated group (solids or stripes) will NOT be determined until a shooter legally pockets a called object ball. The table is considered an "open table" when the choice of group (solid or stripes) has not yet been determined. When the table is open, it is legal to hit one group of balls in order to pocket another ball from the opposite group.

When the table is open, if a shooter pockets an object ball and scratches, the table remains open. The incoming shooter has cue ball in hand.

When the table is open, if a shooter pockets an object ball in any pocket other than the designated pocket, the table remains open to the incoming shooter who must shoot the table from the current position. The incoming shooter does not have cue ball in hand unless the previous shooter has committed a foul.

NOTE: The 8-ball can NEVER be struck first on a combination; this action would result in a ball in hand foul.