9-Ball Rules | How to Play 9-ball Pool [Explained] (2024)

9-Ball Rules | How to Play 9-ball Pool [Explained] (1)

By Phill Williams
09th Mar, 2023, 12 min read

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9-Ball Pool is the slightly lesser-known cousin to 8-Ball within the Billiard family. Whereas 8-Ball seems to be the default game of casual Pool players, 9-Ball is equally fun, albeit slightly less known.

We've covered the exact differences between the two games 8-ball and 9-ball, in details here.

Many casual players will admit that they do not know the exact rules of 9-Ball, and for that reason, they simply choose not to play it. However, you could be missing out on a whole world of fun, and strategy if all you are playing is 8-Ball. While 8-Ball is popular for a reason, 9-Ball can be equally rewarding or players who enjoy cue games.

Let’s take a quick look at what 9-Ball is, and how it is played.

Quick Navigation

The Rules of 9-Ball Pool - Explained

Commonly Used Terminology

>> Cue Ball

>> Cue Stick

>> Target/Object Ball

>> Cushion/Rail

>> Pockets

>> The Kitchen

>> Head Spot/String

>> Racking

>> Scratch

Getting Started

Taking Turns

Common Fouls

BCA vs. APA

9-Ball Rules Summary

The concept of 9-Ball is fairly simple, to ultimately pocket the 9-Ball. Much like with the 8-Ball pool, the 9-Ball is the key focus of the game. The game is played with 9 object balls, and is racked similarly to 8-Ball.

Upon the ‘break’ the players will take turns shooting, however they must aim at the lowest numerical ball on the table. They will take turns shooting until the 9-Ball is ultimately pocketed, resulting in a win.

9-Ball Rules | How to Play 9-ball Pool [Explained] (3)

The player who pockets the 9-Ball, regardless of how many balls they have previously pocketed, will win the game. It is typically a more fast-paced take on the traditional 8-Ball concept.

Commonly Used Terminology

There are a few different terms and phrases when referring to cue games in general that you should be familiar with before we continue, here are the important ones:

>> Cue Ball

The solid white ball that is used to strike into the object balls.

>> Cue Stick

The long stick that is used to strike the cue ball into the object balls.

>> Target/Object Ball

These are the balls that are targeted for scoring. There are 9 of them, each numbered, and designated with a stripe or solid color. They will be numbered from 1-9 for the 9-Ball game.

>> Cushion/Rail

The cushion, or commonly known as the ‘rail’, is the soft padding that lines the sides of the table and is used to protect the table from damage, as well as an aid in the bounce back of target balls in certain circumstances.

>> Pockets

The 6 pockets or ‘pots’ that are used to catch the balls for scoring. There is one in each corner, and two at the midway point of the table.

>> The Kitchen

This is a term used to describe the area of the table behind the ‘head string’, which is an often imaginary line on the table behind the second diamond marks on the side rails. This is the area where the cue ball for the ‘break’ to start the game must typically start from. In addition, there are some rules that will require the cue ball to be placed back in the ‘kitchen’ after a scratch.

>> Head Spot/String

The headspot is an area of the table where the head string, and the long string intersect. These are points from end to end on the table, either vertically or horizontally, that are marked by diamond markers along the outside rail. Where these two ‘points’ meet, in the ‘kitchen’, is where the cue ball will be placed to begin the game for breaking. The opposite of this is the ‘foot spot’ where the rack will be placed.

>> Racking

The placement of the object balls in a uniform diamond formation, with the 9-Ball at the center and the 1-Ball at the front or ‘apex’. This is only done to start the game prior to striking the object balls for the starting ‘break’.

>> Scratch

A scratch is a foul in which the cue ball goes into the pocket at any time. This typically results in the forfeiture of the turn, and no points awarded.

Now that we have the basic terminology established, let’s talk about how to start your game of 9-Ball.

How to play 9-ball Pool

The Game of 9-Ball will begin when one player ‘breaks’ by striking the cue ball from the head spot, or ‘kitchen’ into the racked object balls. The balls will be racked in a diamond formation, as opposed to the triangle formation used in 8-Ball. The placement of the balls within the rack is random, with the exception of the 9-Ball at the center, and the 1-Ball at the front.

9-Ball Rules | How to Play 9-ball Pool [Explained] (4)

You will determine who breaks by either flipping a coin, or simply establishing who goes first among yourselves. The game will begin when the cue ball is struck from behind the head line, and into the 1-Ball. The break is successful if an object ball is pocketed, or if at least 3 balls hit the sides. If neither of these things happen upon the break, the balls should be re-racked and the other player will be given the chance to break.

Including the break, a player will continue to shoot until they fail to pocket a ball or commit a foul. If they fail to pocket a ball, or commit a foul, they forfeit their turn to the opposing player.

Taking Turns

The goal of 9-Ball Pool is to pocket the 9-Ball. However, it isn’t as simple as it sounds. In order to make a legal shot, a player must first strike the lowest numbered ball on the table. Bear in mind, that if you strike the lowest numbered ball, and that ball in turn pockets a higher numbered ball, that is ok and is perfectly legal. You simply must strike the lowest numbered ball with the cue ball first, you may pocket a different ball as a result of this action. You can even win the game by pocketing the 9-Ball by striking a lower numbered ball.

If the 9-Ball is pocketed on the break, the player who broke wins the game automatically. The turn changes if a player fails to pocket the correct ball, or commits a foul. On a given turn, the player must pocket a ball, or have one of their balls hit the rail, if neither of these happen the player commits a foul. However, bear in mind that while not a foul, simply

Because 9-Ball typically ends much faster than other cue games, many players will agree to play until a certain player has won an agreed upon number of matches. This is most commonly done as a ‘best of 3’ format. However, you and your friends can decide on how many matches you wish to play, before establishing a clear winner.

Common Fouls

9-Ball Rules | How to Play 9-ball Pool [Explained] (5)

In the case of a foul in a game of 9-Ball, the other player will almost always take over the turn, and be allowed to place the cue ball wherever they wish on the table. This is called ‘Ball-in-Hand’. A foul is not the same as the end of a turn, however a foul will always result in the end of a turn. The most common foul occurrences are:

  • Failing to strike the lowest numbered ball first.
  • The object balls failing to go into a pocket or hit the rails after being struck by the cue ball.
  • The cue ball not striking an object ball.
  • Pocketing the cue ball, or a ‘scratch’.
  • The cue ball being struck off the table.
  • Pushing the cue ball as opposed to striking it.
  • Hitting the cue ball twice in a row.
  • Touching the cue ball, or any of the object balls with your hands or otherwise aside from with the cue tip.
  • Striking the balls before they have settled and come to a stop.

Unlike 8-Ball, there is really only one way to lose at 9-Ball. That is, simply failing to pocket the 9-Ball. If the 9-Ball is pocketed during a fouling play, or is knocked off the table, instead of a loss the 9-Ball is simply placed back on the ‘foot spot’ or as close to it as possible.

If a player touches any of the object balls in an illegal manner, the player forfeits their turn and the opposing player has the choice to leave the moved ball where it is, or move it back to the spot before the foul occurred.

BCA vs. APA

9-Ball Rules | How to Play 9-ball Pool [Explained] (6)

In the United States, there are two major associations that play 9-Ball officially, and there are some slight variances to their rules that you may want to be aware of. The two leagues are the American Poolplayers Association (APA), and the Billiard Congress of America (BCA).

The rule variances between 9-Ball and 8-Ball among these associations are typically the same, unless the rules of 9-Ball, in general, directly oppose the rules of the governing bodies.

Scratching

  • APA: If a scratch occurs, the opposing player will set the cue ball anywhere within the ‘kitchen’, and make their shot from there.
  • BCA: The opposing player gets the cue ball as ‘ball-in-hand’. This means that they will be allowed to place the cue ball anywhere on the table they wish.

Scratching on the 9-Ball Shot

  • APA: Scratching on the 9-Ball shot simply ends the turn in a foul, and will result in the 9-Ball being spotted on the ‘foot spot’. The opposing player will follow typical APA scratch rules.
  • BCA: This will not result in a loss, and instead will result in a ‘ball-in-hand’ placement of the cue ball by the opposing player after the 9-Ball has been spotted, and the game will continue as normal.

Aside from these simple variances, the rules of 9-Ball are the same across both governing bodies. You may find that in bars or pool halls, local rules may vary slightly, and this can be discussed with the opposing players you are playing with.

However, in organized settings, the rules for 9-Ball are almost completely uniform.

Summing it up

9-Ball Pool is often a much faster-paced game than its other cue game cousins. As a result of this, it has become incredibly popular across the United States in particular. It can be played anywhere you will find a pool table, and does not require any extra equipment or table other than the standard for Pool in general.

Now that you know the rules, give it a try! Instead of playing the common 8-Ball, try a fast game of 9-Ball, you might be surprised at how fun it is!

Are you looking to try a new pool game? Check out these equally fun and challenging games:

  • 8-ball Rules
  • Cutthroat pool Rules
9-Ball Rules | How to Play 9-ball Pool [Explained] (2024)

FAQs

9-Ball Rules | How to Play 9-ball Pool [Explained]? ›

On each shot the first ball the cue

cue
A cue stick (or simply cue, more specifically billiards cue, pool cue, or snooker cue) is an item of sporting equipment essential to the games of pool, snooker and carom billiards. It is used to strike a ball, usually the cue ball .
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Cue_stick
ball contacts must be the lowest-numbered ball on the table, but the balls
balls
A billiard ball is a small, hard ball used in cue sports, such as carom billiards, pool, and snooker. The number, type, diameter, color, and pattern of the balls differ depending upon the specific game being played.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Billiard_ball
need not be pocketed in order
. If a player pockets any ball on a legal shot, he remains at the table for another shot, and continues until he misses, fouls, or wins the game by pocketing the 9-ball
9-ball
Nine-ball (sometimes written 9-ball) is a cue sport and a type of pool. The game was first played in the United States in the 1920s. It is played on a rectangular billiard table with pockets at each of the four corners and in the middle of each long side.
https://simple.wikipedia.org › wiki › Nine-ball
.

What are the basic rules of a 9-ball pool? ›

The Start of the Match

Start with the 1, then the 2, and so forth until you sink the nine ball. The person that sinks the nine ball wins the match. The person who is shooting must hit the lowest numbered ball on the table first. If the 1 ball is sunk, then the player must shoot at the 2, and so forth.

What happens if a 9-ball is pocketed out of order? ›

NOTE: If the 9-ball is pocketed illegally, then it is to be spotted on the foot spot with the incoming player having ball in hand. The player with the lowest Speed (Rating) shall break first with an alternating break format thereafter.

What happens if you make the 9-ball in 9-ball pool? ›

If the nine-ball is successfully potted, the player automatically wins the rack. This is sometimes known as a golden break . Additional rules in some tournaments exist, such as a number of balls having to reach the head string , and players can be chosen to break alternately or whoever won the preceding rack.

What are the rules for the 9-ball in APA pool? ›

9-Ball is a rotation game, meaning the balls are shot in numerical order. The shooter must strike the lowest numbered ball on the table first. The game is over when the 9-ball is legally pocketed. A player retains his turn at the table as long as he strikes the lowest numbered ball first and legally pockets a ball.

What are the basic rules of pool? ›

The basic rules of pool are you hit the cue ball into the other colored balls, trying to hit them into the pockets around the table. You'll know which balls you hit depending on what game you are playing. If you are able to get one of your balls into a pocket on your turn, then you get to go again.

Do you have to hit a cushion in 9-ball? ›

For a legal shot, the cue ball must contact a legal object ball first (see the specifics for 8- ball and 9-ball that follow); then, if an object ball is not pocketed, a ball (the cue ball or any object ball) must contact a cushion.

What is the new break rule in 9-ball? ›

The 9-ball is in the center and the rest of the object balls can be placed in any numerical order. To be a legal break, players must break from behind the head string. The head ball must be struck first and at least four object balls must be driven to the rails or a ball must be pocketed.

Do you have to call every pocket in 9-ball? ›

Sequence of Shots and Calling

For example, the 2-ball is the lowest ball on the table. You must shoot the cue ball at the 2-ball and can use the 2-ball to hit another ball into a pocket. You are not required to call your shots when playing 9-ball pool. Nor do you need to call the pocket when sinking the 9-ball.

What is the 3 point break rule in 9-ball? ›

The 3-point rule requires that, on a legal break shot, at least three balls must pass an imaginary line known as the headstring or enter a pocket, or any combination of the two. In simple terms, the sum of balls pocketed and those crossing the headstring must be three or more for a break to be considered legal.

What is the push rule in 9-ball? ›

PUSH OUT.

Any ball pocketed on a push out does not count and remains pocketed except the 9-ball. Following a legal push out, the incoming player is permitted to shoot from that position or to pass the shot back to the player who pushed out. A push out is not considered to be a foul as long as no rule (except rules 7.

What does spotted mean in 9-ball? ›

If the nine ball is pocketed on a foul or push out, or driven off the table, it is spotted.

How many extensions are allowed in 9-ball pool? ›

Each player has one 30 second extension available per rack, this can be called at any time within the initial 30 seconds verbally by the player and must be acknowledged by the referee.

How do you keep score in a 9-ball pool? ›

NOTE: Balls 1 through 8 are worth one point each. The 9-ball is worth two points. Score: There are two score lines provided, one for each player (singles) or team (doubles). Record the number of points earned by the player (singles) or team (doubles) at the end of each rack.

What happens if you scratch on the break in 9-ball? ›

The exception concerning scratching on the break does not apply to 9-Ball. Scratching on the break is ball- in-hand anywhere just as other fouls. 2. The foul concerning striking the correct ball first applies, but ignore the reference to stripes or solids.

What are the ways to win in 9-ball pool? ›

Aim to hit the lowest-numbered ball first when you're making a shot. It's okay to pocket the balls out of order. Keep making shots until you get a foul or fail to pocket a ball on your turn. Win the game if you hit the 9-ball into a pocket during any legal shot.

How is 9-ball pool scored? ›

Balls 1 through 8 count as one point each. The 9-Ball counts as two points. Keep track of any balls not credited to either player. You should account for these balls to avoid confusion.

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