The game of 9-ball deserves to be a lot more popular among casual pool players than it currently is. It is a lot of fun, has easy rules, and is quick to play since it uses only 9 object balls. If you are looking to expand your current pool game beyond 8-ball, then 9-ball is the perfect place to start.
In 9-ball, the goal of each player is to pocket the 9 ball. To make things a little more challenging, you must always hit the lowest numbered ball on the table first. Thus, in order to win the game, you can either pocket balls 1 to 8 and then pocket the 9 ball, or you can go straight for the 9 ball and try shooting it off of the lowest numbered ball on the table. 9-ball pits straight shooting skill against gutsy shot making, and will probably become one of your favorite pool games. And if you're a movie buff, then you probably already know that 9-ball was the game favored by Tom Cruise in "The Color of Money."
Ultimate Pool includes a house version of 9-ball with a simplified set of rules regarding the opening break and fouling and the official tournament version sanctioned by the Professional Billiard Tour Association.
House 9-ball is played with 9 object balls, numbered 1 to 9, and a cue ball. The goal of each player is to be the first to legally pocket the 9 ball and win the game.
Players need not call shot. However, the first ball the cue ball contacts must always be the lowest numbered ball on the table. A player's inning at the table ends if he fails to pocket a ball or if he fouls (see the section called Fouls below).
The opening break in House 9-ball is made by the Starting Player, as set in the Preferences menu. The break must be made from behind the head string. That is the only requirement for the opening break; however, "gentlemen's play" dictates that the starting player should attempt an open break even though this is not enforced.
On the opening break, the player must hit the 1 ball first (as it is the lowest numbered ball on the table). Failure to do so is not a foul; however, the player will be asked to reshoot the break.
If a player scratches on the break, then that is a foul. The normal rules for scratching apply (see the section Fouls below).
If a player pockets the 9 ball on a legal opening break, then he wins the game.
A player must always strike the lowest numbered object ball on the table first. However, he need not pocket that ball, and may instead strike another ball off of the lowest numbered ball in an attempt to pocket it.
If a player fails to pocket an object ball, then his inning ends and the table is turned over to his opponent.
If a player fouls for any of the reasons listed below, his inning at the table ends. Any object balls that he pocketed while fouling are spotted and the table is turned over to his opponent.
Scratching. A player may not pocket the cue ball. After a scratch, the incoming player is awarded ball in hand. (Note: ball in hand means the incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere on the table he chooses, and not just behind the head string.)
Failure to execute a legal shot. A player must execute a legal shot as defined above in the section called Legal shot.
There is no scoring in House 9-ball. The first player to legally pocket the 9 ball wins the game.
Tournament 9-ball is played with 9 object balls, numbered 1 to 9, and a cue ball. The goal of each player is to be the first to legally pocket the 9 ball and win the game.
Players need not call shot. However, the first ball the cue ball contacts must always be the lowest numbered ball on the table. A player's inning at the table ends if he fails to pocket a ball or if he fouls (see the section called Fouls below).
The opening break in Tournament 9-ball is made by the Starting Player, as set in the Preferences menu. The break must be made from behind the head string and it must be an open break. If the player fails to execute an open break, then that is a foul and the incoming player receives ball in hand.
On the opening break, the player must hit the 1 ball first (as it is the lowest numbered ball on the table). Failure to do so is not a foul; however, the player will be asked to reshoot the break.
If a player scratches on the break, then his inning ends. Any balls pocketed on the break are spotted, and the incoming player receives ball in hand behind the head string. If the 1 ball lies behind the head string, then it is spotted on the foot spot. The incoming player can either accept the table as is and shoot, or he can pass the table back to his opponent.
If a player pockets the 9 ball on a legal opening break, then he wins the game.
A player must always strike the lowest numbered object ball on the table first. However, he need not pocket that ball, and may instead strike another ball off of the lowest numbered ball in an attempt to pocket it.
For a shot to be legal, a player must either pocket an object ball, or after the cue ball strikes an object ball cause the cue ball or any object ball to contact a cushion.
If a player fails to pocket an object ball, then his inning ends and the table is turned over to his opponent.
A push out is a special play permitted in Tournament 9-ball in the shot immediately following the opening break. It allows a player to reposition the cue ball if it is in an unfavorable location to shoot the lowest numbered object ball on the table. After playing a push out, the player's inning ends and the table is turned over to his opponent. When playing a push out, the cue ball is not required to contact any object ball or cushion, but all other foul rules still apply.
After a legal opening break, the player will be asked if he wishes to play a push out. He may either choose to play a push out or to continue his normal inning at the table. If a push out is played, the incoming player is given the option of accepting the table as is and shooting or passing the table back to his opponent (who played the push out).
Thus, it is not advantageous for a player to reposition the cue ball into an unfavorable location, since he may have the table passed back to him and will have to shoot from that position.
If a player fouls for any of the reasons listed below, his inning at the table ends. Any object balls that he pocketed while fouling are spotted and the table is turned over to his opponent who receives ball in hand. (Note: ball in hand means the incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere on the table he chooses, and not just behind the head string.)
Scratching. A player may not pocket the cue ball.
Failure to execute a legal shot. A player must execute a legal shot as defined above in the section called Legal shot.
A player who commits three consecutive fouls loses the game. When coming to the table, players are warned of any fouls they have from previous innings.
Once a player executes a legal shot, his foul count is cleared and he cannot lose the game unless he commits three more consecutive fouls.
There is no scoring in Tournament 9-ball. The first player to legally pocket the 9 ball wins the game.