9Ball Pool

9ball pool is a rotation game played with 9 object balls numbered 1 through 9 and the cue ball. The object of the game is to legally pocket the 9-ball at any stage of the game including on the opening break. 9ball is the pool game mostly favored by pool pros. The most important 9ball pool tournaments broadcast regularly on TV sports channels. 

9Ball Pool Object

On each shot throughout the 9ball pool game, the cue ball must hit the lowest numbered ball on the table. A legal shot entitles its shooter to continue playing at the table until he either misses fouls or wins the game by pocketing the 9-ball. If a player misses, his opponent continues shooting from the same position. If fouls, the opponent gets the cue ball anywhere on the table. 

Opening Break Shot

Opening break shot rules in 9ball are the same as in 8ball, except the breaker must first hit the 1-ball with the cue ball and then either pocket any numbered ball or drive at least 4 balls to the rail. 

Push Out

Push out is an optional rule applied only in 9ball and only immediately after a legal break shot. On a push out, the shooter is not required to meet with the requirements of a regular shot - i.e. causing the cue ball to hit an object ball or a rail. The purpose of push out is to move the cue ball to a better position for the next shot. 

Fouls

Following a foul, the player's turn ends and his opponent gets to put the cue ball anywhere on the table. Unless the 9-ball has been pocketed on a foul, any pocketed balls will remain in pocketed. If a player commits 3 consecutive fouls, he loses the game. 

End of the Game

The 9ball pool game ends with the legally pocketing of the 9-ball or by the loss of a player (who has committed 3 consecutive rules). To win a match, a player has to win a set number of games.