How to Play 9 Ball Pool
Although 8 ball is the most widely played pool game throughout the world, 9 ball definitely comes in second. If you were to rank which is played in tournaments more then 9 ball would likely be the winner. The main reason 9 ball is used more for tournament play is the speed of play that it provides thus making it easier to hold tournaments. So let’s take a look at how 9 ball is being played.
Racking 9 ball is quite easy. If you have your own indoor or outdoor pool table at your home I suggest having both an 8 ball and 9 ball rack to go with your table. If you are playing at a bar or pool hall they may or may not have a 9 ball rack. If you do own a pool table you can pick up a 9 ball rack anywhere they have pool tables for sale or, anywhere where pool table accessories are sold. Set the 9 ball rack on the table and place the 1 ball at the head (top) of the rack. The 2 ball goes at the bottom of the rack and the 9 ball in the middle. The rest of the object balls numbered 3,4,5,6,7,8 go around the 9 ball in the center. The 9 ball rack will make it quite easy to place the object balls and rack them tightly. You can use an 8 ball rack for racking 9 ball but more often than not the rack won’t end up as tight as with a 9 ball rack. Alright on to the break and rules of play.
One person opens up play by breaking the racked balls. The person breaking must hit the lowest numbered ball on the break (hence why the 1 ball is placed at the head of the rack). The cue ball or an object ball must hit a rail or be pocketed in order for the shot to be legal. If a ball is pocketed the player may shoot again. The player must strike the lowest numbered ball remaining on the table first, however may pocket any ball on the table as long as the lowest is struck first. Shots do not have to be called. If a foul is committed primarily scratching, knocking a ball off the table, or not striking the lowest numbered ball first, the opponent gets ball in hand. One push out may be called immediately after the break by the player at the table. The player pushes the cue ball to any part of the table not having to hit the lowest numbered object ball remaining. The opponent has the choice to either play the table or give it back to the person who pushed.
The first player to sink the 9 ball wins the game. As long as you strike the lowest numbered ball first the 9 ball may enter any pocket resulting in a win. If all numbered balls have been pocketed on the table leaving the 9 then the player shoots directly at the 9 ball and wins by pocketing it in any one of the 6 pockets on the table.
Playing 9 ball is a fun and fast way to play pool. These basic rules are easy to follow if you would like to give 9 ball a try.
Related posts: