9 Ball Pool is a popular and fast-paced billiards game that is played with nine numbered balls and a cue ball. The objective is to legally pocket the 9-ball while adhering to specific 9 Ball rules regarding the order in which balls are struck. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play 9 Ball Pool.

(This is also a great game to play when you’re playing solo to help increase your skills since you don’t have a choice at which ball to hit next – which can help you practice taking harder shots.)

Equipment Needed

• Cue Ball: The white ball used to strike the numbered balls.
• Numbered Balls: Balls numbered 1 through 9.
• Pool Table: Standard size pool table with six pockets.
• Cue Stick: Used to strike the cue ball.
• Rack: Some pool halls or bars will have a special diamond shaped 9 Ball rack, but 9 Ball can also be racked utilizing a standard triangle rack. Magic Rack also makes a 9 Ball rack.

Objective of the Game

The primary objective of 9 Ball Pool is to pocket the 9-ball legally. Players must always strike the lowest numbered ball on the table first, but they can sink any ball during a shot (there is no “call shot” in standard 9 Ball). The game can end as soon as the 9-ball is pocketed legally.

Setting Up the Game

Rack the Balls: The balls are racked in a diamond shape with the 1-ball at the front of the rack (the apex), the 9-ball in the center, and the rest of the balls placed randomly around them. The apex of the rack is positioned over the foot spot (commonly notated by a dot in a circle) on the table.

See our post on how to rack pool balls for step by step instructions and photos for 9 Ball racks.

Note – some tournaments, games or leagues may require that the 2-ball be placed in the back of the rack – if that is the case, the 1-ball still does in the front, the 9-ball in the center, the 2-ball in the back, and the rest of the balls randomly placed around them.

Additionally, it is most common to have the 1-ball placed on the dot (foot spot). However, more rarely, the rules in a specific game or tournament may call for the 9-ball to be placed on the dot (foot spot).

Determine Breaker: Players can flip a coin, lag, or use any agreed-upon method to decide who breaks first.

The 9 Ball Break

Legal Break Requirements: The player breaking must hit the 1-ball first. For the break to be legal, at least one ball must be pocketed or at least four balls must hit a rail.

Ball Pocketed on the Break: If a ball is pocketed on the break, the player continues their turn. If the 9-ball is pocketed on the break, the game is over, and the breaker wins. If no balls are pocketed, the opposing player takes their turn.

Note – some tournaments, bars, or leagues may have rules that making the 9-ball on the break only counts as a win if it is pocketed in certain pockets (most commonly, the 4 front pockets and not the two in the back of the table behind the rack). If that’s the case, and the 9-ball goes into a pocket on the break that does not count as a win, it is spotted on the dot (foot spot) and play continues.

Scratch on the Break: If the cue ball is pocketed (scratch) on the break, the incoming player gets ball-in-hand anywhere on the table, and they must shoot at the 1-ball. There is no “behind the line” rule in 9 Ball except for the initial break shot.

Playing the Game

Sequential Shooting: Players must always hit the lowest numbered ball on the table first. If any ball is legally pocketed, the player continues their turn. There is no “call pocket” in standard 9 Ball.

Combination Shots: Players can use the cue ball to strike the lowest numbered ball, which in turn can hit other balls, including the 9-ball, into a pocket. As long as the lowest numbered ball is hit first, the shot is legal. If the 9-ball is combo’ed in legally, it is an automatic win for the shooter.

Fouls: Common fouls include failing to hit the lowest numbered ball first, not hitting any ball, or pocketing the cue ball. When a foul occurs, the opponent is awarded ball-in-hand, meaning they can place the cue ball anywhere on the table for their next shot.

Safeties: You cannot call safeties in 9 Ball. Player A may hit a ball as if they were hitting a safety to make the next shot hard on their opponent (Player B), but if any ball goes into a pocket during the shot, it will be Player A’s turn again.

Winning the Game

Pocketing the 9-Ball: The game ends when the 9-ball is legally pocketed. The player who pockets the 9-ball wins, regardless of how many other balls are left on the table.

Endgame Strategy: Skilled players often set up shots that either pocket the 9-ball or leave their opponent in a difficult position. Planning ahead and controlling the table are key to success in 9 Ball Pool.

Additional 9 Ball Rules and Variations

Push Out: After the break, the player may declare a “push out,” allowing them to hit the cue ball in any direction without penalty. This is typically used to get out of a difficult situation. The opponent then decides whether to take the shot or force the original player to continue. This can also be referred to as a “roll out” shot.

3 Foul Rule: In some versions of 9 Ball, if a player commits three consecutive fouls, they automatically lose the game. This rule adds an additional strategic element, where players may try to force their opponents into fouls. Note – most games or tournaments that use a 3 foul rule require that you notify your opponent when they have committed two fouls in a row, so they are aware they are at a risk of a loss with the next foul. If that is the case, failure to do so will result in not being able to win as a result of your opponent’s third consecutive foul.

Jump and Masse Shots: Depending on the house rules, jump shots and masse shots may or may not be allowed. These shots can be used to navigate around obstructing balls but require skill to execute correctly.

No Early 9: Some games or tournaments may have a rule stating “9-ball last” or “no early 9” which means pocketing the 9-ball only counts as a win if it is pocketed after all the other balls on the table are pocketed. If this rule is in play and the 9-ball is pocketed early, it is spotted on the dot (foot spot) and the game continues.

Call 9: Some games, tournaments or leagues may require you to call the 9-ball for the shot on the 9-ball to be a legal shot. In those cases, the 9-ball can still be pocketed at any time for a win, as long as the shooter calls the pocket the 9-ball will sink in prior to taking the shot. If this rule is in play and the 9-ball is pocketed in a pocket other than the called pocket, it is spotted on the dot (foot spot) and the game continues.

Spotting the 9-ball: If you are playing a variation of 9 Ball where the 9 can be in a position where it needs to be spotted, the ball is to be spotted on the dot (foot spot) on the table. If there is another ball directly or partially obscuring the dot (foot spot), then the 9-ball is to be placed as close as possible to the center of the foot spot and the ball obscuring the foot spot behind the ball obscuring it.

In the case that a 9-ball is pocketed in a manner that it needs to be spotted, play continues as if the ball sunk was a legal shot, with the player who pocketed the 9-ball in a manner that required spotting continuing their turn with the cue ball where it lies.

Exceptions to this include if the game or tournament has a rule specifically stating otherwise or if the player also pocketed the cue ball when pocketing the 9-ball (scratched). In the case of a scratch in combination with the need for a 9-ball spot, the ball is spotted per the above and the opponent begins their next turn with ball-in-hand.

Conclusion

9 Ball Pool is an exciting game that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. By understanding the rules and practicing your shots, you can enjoy this dynamic and challenging game, whether you’re playing casually with friends or in a competitive setting. Remember, the key to winning is not just sinking the 9-ball, but doing so legally while navigating the challenges of each shot. Enjoy the game!