There are different forms of pool that you can play, apart from the 8-Ball pool. If you are thinking about changing your game for a while, or if you are bored playing 8-ball poll, they why not try 9 ball pool? This is a fast-paced pool game, and needless to say, it is fun and exciting as well.

But how to you play 9 ball pool? The rules are quite simple and straightforward. The main aim of the game is to get the new players accustomed to the game and learn fast. But players who are pro now might find it amusing to play this fast-paced game, which is different from the other pool games. 

This is also a game where you can show off your precise positioning skills. All you require is the standard pool table equipment. Unlike the 8-ball pool, this game, just like the name suggests, requires 9 balls to start with.

Objective Of The Game

To begin with, a 9-ball pool is played with nine object balls that are numbered from one to nine, and obviously, there is one Cue Ball. With every shot you make, you have to make sure that the cue ball hits the lowest number of balls on the table. But that does not mean that you have to pocket the ball in order from the lowest to the highest number.

If you pocket a ball with a legal shot, then you stay on the table, take another shot, and continue like this until you miss a shot or make a foul, or you win the game by putting the 9-ball in the pocket.

When you miss the next player, get the opportunity to take a shot from the position you left. But if you make a foul move, then the next player gets to place the cue ball anywhere on the table and take the shot. There is no requirement to call a shot in a 9-ball pool. The game ends when you or your opponent have won the number of games required.

Racking The Balls

To rack the balls in a 9-ball pool game, you will require a diamond-shaped rack to start the game. Let’s see how you can rack the balls.

• You will need a special diamond-shaped rack.
• Place the ball numbered 1 at the top of the rack, just over the foot. Make sure that you place the 9-ball in the middle position of the third row.
• You can arrange the rest of the balls that are numbered from 2 to 8 anyway you, please. If you want, you can place them in order, but it is not mandatory to do so.

But what if you dont have a diamond-shaped rack? Then, you use the triangular one, which you use for the 8-ball pool.

• Place the ball numbered 1 at the top of the rack, just over the foot.
• Place two other balls just below that ball.
• The third row will need to have three balls, and you have to place the 9-ball in the middle of the third row here as well.
• Then, place any two balls in the next row and one ball in the fifth row.
• Take care that you have racked all the balls tightly before you remove the rack.

Breaking 

Keep the cue ball just behind the head string and the second length-side mark on the opposite side. While breaking the cluster, make sure that you hit the ball that is numbered 1. To consider a break legal, you have to at least put one ball in the pocket after you break, except for the 9-ball. 

Order Of Play

You and your opponent will take turns pocketing the balls. After you are done with all the balls, it is your turn to sink the 9-ball in the pocket. You or the opponent will continue to play until you miss to pocket one ball. When you miss one or make a foul move, the chance automatically goes to the other player.

Shot Sequence And Calling

You have to start the game keeping in mind that the cue ball should hit the lowest-numbered ball on the table. But it is not necessary to pocket them in the numerical order. And you do not need to call the shots when you are playing 9-ball pool.

Winning The Game

You win the game when you put the 9-ball in the pocket. Most of the players like this game because it can be cut short. For example, you can win the game if you have won three consecutive matches.

Penalties/Foul shots

If you were thinking how to play 9 ball poll, you must have gathered some idea by now. But before you start playing the game, you have to be aware of the penalties and the foul shots.

Fouls 

• While taking a shot, if you scratch, the opponent gets to place the cue ball wherever they want and take the next shot.
• If you are taking the first shot, and the cue ball does not hit the lowest number of balls, then it is again a foul.
• If you pocket a ball or hit the cue ball to take a shot, and the ball does not hit the rail, then it is also a foul.

Penalties 

• If you made an invalid break, meaning you could not sink any ball or less than four balls hit the rain, then it is a penalty, and the opponent gets to place the cue ball wherever they want.
• If you could not hit the 1-ball while breaking, then also it is a penalty.
• Shooting a ball off the table is also a penalty.

Push Out Rule Variation

Push-out is another variation of the standard rules. After you make a legal break, the player who takes the second turn gets to declare a push-out. Pushout is basically a legal shot that allows you to hit the cue ball but does not necessarily require you to hit the lowest number of balls present on the table. This is the overall answer to your question, “how to play 9 ball pool.”

Additional Reading:

• Learn How To Rack Pool Balls Like A Pro
• Best Ping Pong Pool Table. 2023 Edition
• Top Pool Cues Brands Ranked [2023 Edition]
• 10 Greatest Pool Player Of All Time You Should Know

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