How to Play 9-Ball

Try 9-Ball once you've become familiar with 8-Ball. You'll need a little more finesse to pocket the balls in numerical order before your opponent does.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Billiard Lighting
• Bridges For Pool
• Cue Stick Chalk
• Pool Balls
• Pool Cue Carrying Cases
• Pool Cues
• Pool Table Covers
• Pool Table Horsehair Brushes
• Pool Tables
• Pool Triangles

1. Put balls 1 to 9 on the table.

2. Rack balls 1 to 8 in a diamond shape with the 1-ball in front.

3. Put the 9-ball in the middle of the diamond shape.

4. Break.

5. Shoot at the lowest number ball on the table.

6. Shoot at the next-highest number ball if you sink the first ball.

7. End your turn if you hit the ball but don't sink it, or if you miss the ball entirely.

8. Let your opponent take his or her turn by placing the cue ball anywhere on the table to line up a shot.

9. Continue shooting in turn until the 9-ball is sunk.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can hit the 9-ball in on a combo - hit the 1-ball into the 9-ball, for example - you can win the game quickly.

Who Can Help:

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on 3/2/2006 It may be self evident, but the 1-ball is racked at the foot spot because a legal must contact the lowest numbered ball (1-ball) first.

Play defensively! A defensive shot is much better than a missed shot that may give your opponent ball-in-hand.

on 11/22/2005 In any pool game your stance is everything. Your stance should be the same on every shot,Get low over your cue take your time and shoot. Practice this and your game will improve!!

on 11/22/2005 You should think about your next shot. If you have to hit the 5 ball in the middle pocket and the six ball is on the same side behind it you should put a back spin, or stop the ball. Always think ahead.

on 11/22/2005 If you didn't already know, you can hit the lowest numbered ball on the table, make it hit the 9-ball, and win the game. But, don't always try to get the 9 combo. If you think it will be a difficult shot, you are better off shooting the ball in an easier pocket and maybe getting set up for another easier 9 combo, or maybe even running the table!

on 11/22/2005 Nine ball is a very difficult game to play because it is a game that tests your accuracy and ball control. One of the most important keys to winning a game is to sink a ball on the break because, if your opponent is better than you, he will run the table.