9 Ball Pool - Rules of the Game

A beginner's guide to 9 ball pool.

9-ball pool isn't a game that the UK is particularly familiar with. Most pool games in the UK are based on potting a set of 7 assigned balls followed by the black ball to win the game. The game of 9 ball is very different but is undoubtedly increasing in popularity throughout the UK. Below is a beginner's guide to playing it.

The object of the Game.

As the name suggests, 9 ball is played using object balls numbered one through to nine, as well as a cue ball. You must always hit the lowest-numbered ball on each shot, aiming to pot each ball numerically. The person who pots the 9 ball is the winner.

In 9-ball pool, it is perfectly legal for a player hit the correct numbered ball and then for another ball to go in. This is not classed as a foul. This rule makes the game exciting as it means you can win the game early. For example, you would win if you hit the correct numbered ball, which then cannons into and sinks the 9 ball.

The great thing about the game is that you are never out of it until the very end. Your opponent could sink balls 1 through 8 and then miss the 9 ball. You then have the opportunity to steal the game by only potting 1 ball.

It is also possible to win the game on your very first shot. You must hit the number 1 ball when breaking off, but you will win the game if the 9 ball goes in off the break. This is known as a 'Golden Break'.

Racking Up The Balls

In 8 ball UK pool, a triangle is used to rack up the balls, but in 9 ball pool, a diamond is the rack of choice. The number 1 ball is positioned at the head of the diamond, and the 9 ball sits in the centre of the pack. The other object balls are randomly placed within the diamond. The game begins with the cue ball in hand, which is then hit from behind the string/spot.

Making a Legal Break.

When taking the break-off shot in 9 ball pool, you must always hit the cue ball into the number 1 ball positioned at the diamond's head. The rules for the break shot are the same as for regular shots except that the breaker must either pocket one of the balls or at least make 4 object balls hit into the cushion rails. If the cue ball goes into the pocket or the above requirements aren't met, it is deemed a foul, and the incoming player has the cue ball in hand.

Cue Ball in Hand.

The phrase cue ball in hand is mainly used after a foul shot in 9 ball pool. It allows the non-fouling player to position the cue ball anywhere on the table other than if it touches one of the object balls. The player may continue moving and re-positioning the cue ball until they take their next shot.

Continuing Game Play.

If the person who breaks off pockets a ball on a legal break, they will continue to shoot until they miss, foul, or win the game. If the player misses or hits a foul shot, the other player has their turn until they either foul, miss or win the game.

Fouls

The player who hit the foul shot loses their turn when a foul is committed. The incoming player is awarded the ball in hand before they play their first shot. The game is forfeited if a player commits three fouls in a row.

A foul is called if a player hits an object ball on the table first that isn't the lowest numbered ball. This type of foul is called a 'Bad hit.'

No Rail foul - this is when no object ball makes contact with a cushion rail or when the ball jumps off the table and comes to rest anywhere other than the playfield.

To win a game of 9 ball, you must be the first person to pot the number 9 ball legally. Once potted, the game ends, and you can rack em up again.