<P> In cutthroat, there are (usually) three sets of balls . Balls 1--5 are called the "low" balls, the "mid" balls are 6--10, and the "high" balls are 11--15 . Each of the three players will eventually "own" one of these sets of five balls . Winning is accomplished by legally pocketing (potting) all of the other players' balls . Whether each shot must be called is determined before the game . </P> <P> Each set of five balls is initially unclaimed--the ball sets remain "open" until at least one ball from two sets have been pocketed . For example, if the breaking player pockets the 6 then the 9, that player definitely does not own the 6--10 group, but does not yet clearly own either 1--5 or 11--15 . If the player had pocketed the 6 then the 2, the player would definitely be group 11--15 . A foul break thus includes the possibility that the fouling breaker may eventually be assigned a group from which a ball was pocketed on the foul break shot . However, if there was a foul on the break, no set can be claimed and the table is still open, no matter what balls may have been pocketed . </P> <P> A player's turn continues so long as he legally pockets one or more object balls with each shot . A shooter can even knock in his own ball, allowing him to continue a turn in exchange for his now - weakened position . This circumstance is called "cutting one's own throat". If a player sinks his own last ball (intentionally or otherwise), he must sit out the rest of the game, except as noted below . </P> <P> A scratch (knocking the cue ball into a pocket or off the table) is subject to special penalties, covered below, and results in the incoming player receiving cue ball in - hand . </P>

Can you hit your own ball in cutthroat