The choice of stripes or solids is not determined on the break even if balls are made from only one or both groups, because the table is always open immediately after the break shot. The choice of group is determined only when a player legally pockets a called object ball after the break shot. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul. A safety shot is defined as a legal shot. If this is not done, and one of the shooter's object balls is pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again.
Any ball pocketed on a safety shot remains pocketed.
A player is entitled to continue shooting until failing to legally pocket a ball of his group. After a player has legally pocketed all of his group of balls, he shoots to pocket the 8-ball. This rule prevents a player from making intentional fouls which would put an opponent at a disadvantage. When placing the cue ball in position, any forward stroke motion contacting the cue ball will be a foul, if not a legal shot. Illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed.