9-Ball is considered the most popular pool game behind 8-ball. It’s generally a quicker game not only because it is played with fewer balls than 8-ball, but because the rules are different, as well. Many people consider it to be a simpler game than 8-ball, while others say the opposite is true. The fact is that 9-ball is easy to learn, fun to play, and a favorite by many pool players. It’s a great game for developing skill— especially in regards to combination shots. So, here’s how to play 9-ball.
How to Win
9-ball is played with 9 object balls, numbered 1 through 9, and the cue ball. The rest of the balls are left in the pockets or removed from the table for the duration of the game.
The object of the game is to legally pocket the 9-ball. For a shot to be legal, the cue ball must first strike the lowest numbered ball on the table. After that, the cue ball, or any other ball, can legally sink the 9-ball at any point during the game. For that matter, once the lowest numbered ball on the table is hit, it’s legal to pocket any other ball on the table during that shot. But the 9-ball is the only one that results in a win.
So, it would be possible to win the game with all 9-balls on the table, provided the shooter hit the 1-ball with the cue ball first.
Unlike 8-ball, the players don’t have their own set of balls to shoot. Instead, they’re both using the same balls and each has the same objective: to legally sink the 9-ball first.
Racking
In 9-ball, the object balls are racked in a diamond shape. Three of the nine balls need to be specifically placed in order for the break to be legal.
- The 1-ball needs to be at the top of the diamond and located on the foot spot of the table.
- The 9-ball needs to be in the middle of the diamond.
- The 2-ball needs to be at the bottom of the diamond.
Although it’s easier to rack 9-ball with a diamond rack, it’s also possible to do it with the 8-ball triangle rack. To do this, set the triangle rack on the foot spot like you would in 8-ball. Place the 1-ball at the apex of the triangle, and then build out the rest of the diamond, taking care to make sure the balls are touching.
Breaking
Once you have a legal rack, it’s time to break. Like in 8-ball, the breaker can shoot from anywhere behind the head string (designated by the middle diamonds at the head of the table).
In order for the break to be legal, a ball needs to be pocketed OR at least 3 object balls must contact a rail or rails. If neither of these two requirements are met, it’s an illegal break. In the event of an illegal break, the balls are re-racked and the opposing player can either choose to break himself or have the original breaker re-break.
Break Fouls
It is possible for a breaker to commit a legal break as defined above but to also foul on the break shot. Here are the break shot fouls:
- If any ball is driven off the table.
- If the cue ball is pocketed.
- If the 1-ball was not the first struck by the cue ball.
All of these fouls result in ball in hand for the opposing player. Any object ball that is driven off the table on the break needs to be pocketed to remain out of play. The only exception is the 9-ball, which should be spotted at the foot spot before play can continue.
Winning on the Break
If the breaking player hits the 1-ball with the cue ball and manages to sink the 9-ball on the break, she automatically wins the game, provided no fouls were committed during the break.
This is incredibly hard to do, but it’s definitely possible.
Determining Break
It’s fairly common for players in a friendly game to determine who breaks first with a coin flip or a best-out-of-three roshambo. From then on, players alternate breaking. However, in professional tournaments or league play, it’s often decided by a player’s rating. If they have no rating or the same rating, a lag shot is often used.
Lag Shot or “Lagging”
A lag shot between two players is done at the head of the table. Each player gets a ball placed behind the head string. The objective is to shoot the ball down the table, make contact with the foot rail, then cause the ball to come to rest as close to the head rail as possible without touching it.
A bad lag shot is one in which a player’s ball:
- Contacts any side rails.
- Contacts more than one rail.
- Is pocketed.
- Goes across the long string of the table.
- Contacts the other player’s ball.
Gameplay
If the breaker legally pockets a ball on the break shot, he can continue shooting until he misses or commits a foul.
The lowest numbered ball on the table must always be contacted first by the cue ball in order for the shot to be legal. As long as the player is making legal shots, he can continue shooting.
For this reason, it’s not uncommon to see good players win a game without their opponent ever having a chance to shoot. But then it’s the opponent’s turn to break and she can do the same thing if she’s good enough. The winner is determined by the winner of a set number of games, or whoever is ahead when one player leaves.
Fouls During Gameplay
There are several ways to foul during gameplay. Here are the most common, and all of them result in ball in hand for the opposing player.
- Scratching
- Driving the cue ball from the table or pocketing it.
- Cue Ball Foul
- Moving the cue ball intentionally or unintentionally unless it is a ball in hand penalty and the player is allowed to move the ball.
- Moving Object Balls
- Moving any object ball in any other way than a legal shot is considered a foul. Even if it is done accidentally. This applies to both moving and still object balls.
- Illegal Hit
- When the cue ball fails to contact the lowest numbered ball on the table, it’s a ball in hand foul.
- No Rail Contact
- When the legal ball is hit, but neither that ball, the cue ball, or any other ball is pocketed or driven to a rail, it’s a foul.
- Balls Off the Table or Accidentally Pocketed
- Any balls that leave the table during the course of a shot are to be pocketed (except for the 9-ball, which should be spotted at the foot spot).
- The same goes for any balls that are accidentally pocketed for any reason. They remain pocketed and out of play.
- Jump Shots
- Scooping and miscues both result in a foul on jump shots.
- One Foot Down
- It’s also a foul if the shooting player fails to keep at least one foot in contact with the floor.
- Shooting While Balls Are Moving
- Any player that shoots while any balls are still moving on the table forfeits their turn. The opposing player gets ball in hand.
- Double Hit and Push Shots
- A double hit is a foul in which the cue touches the cue ball twice in one shot. This most often happens in tight shots on “frozen” balls that are up against the rail.
- Push shots are when the cue is used to “push” the cue ball instead of striking it as happens during a normal shot.
Winning/Losing 9-Ball
The first player to legally pocket the 9-ball wins the game. However, there are other ways that a player can lose the game.
Three Fouls in a Row
When a player commits three fouls in a row, meaning they don’t make a legal shot between any of the fouls, the other player wins the game. However, it is the duty of the other player (or referee, if one is present) to notify the offending player when the second foul has occurred. This usually entails telling the offending player that if they make one more foul, they lose the game.
If the player is not notified beforehand and makes another foul, he or she does not lose the game. The player must be notified in order for the game to end legally due to three consecutive fouls.
Leaving While the Game is Underway
Like in most other billiard games, if one player leaves without notifying anyone, the game is automatically forfeit. But, if the player’s property remains (jacket, cue, etc.) and it can be reasonably assumed that the player will return shortly, it’s not an automatic forfeit. Generally, the rule is to give the absent player 15 minutes to return before the game is forfeit.
In Conclusion
9-Ball is a fun, quick game that many people like for its unique challenges. The fact that you can win the game with a combination shot helps players develop combo shot skills that are essential for advancing as a player. Overall, the rules are easy to learn and are pretty standard throughout the pool world.
