9 BALL RULES

9-ball is a pool game (pocket billiard) played with 9 object balls. When it was first introduced to the pool players' crowd, around the 20s of the 20th century, it has a somehow dubious reputation since it was attracting gamblers and hustlers. Since those wild days, 9ball reputation has improved and the game is played in respectable pool tournaments around the world and broadcast on TV often.

9ball vs. 8ball

It is arguable whether 9ball is a more complicated game comparing to 8ball. Due to its status as the professional games, 9ball enjoys an image of less amateur game comparing to 8ball. However, it is argued that 9ball rules are simple to learn. Here you can find a simplified guide to 9ball pool rules.

9 ball Pool Rules

9 Ball Definition:

• 9ball pool is a rotation game in which the lowest numbered object ball on the table has to be hit by the cue ball.
• The object of 9ball pool is simply to pocket the 9-ball. Just to emphasize, whenever you pocket the 9-ball legally, including during the open break shot, you win the game! (Unless the 9-ball has been pocketed on a foul).
• On the opening break shot, the breaker has to contact the 1-ball with the cue ball and/or send minimum 4 balls to the rails.

The Push Out is a unique rule of 9ball:

• On the first shot following a legal opening break shot, the player is entitled to perform a push out shot.
• On the push out shot, the player must not cause the cue ball to hit an object ball or a cushion.
• The purpose of the push out shot is to improve the position of the cue ball.
• The push out shot can be performed only once. Afterwards, the 9ball pool game continues normally.
• Legal shot – the cue ball must first contact the lowest numbered ball on the table, pocket an object ball (regardless to its numeric value) or cause an object ball (or more) to hit a cushion.

• Fouls:

• The cue ball does not contact the lowest numbered ball on the table.
• Scratch (the cue ball is pocketed).
• Illegal shot (i.e., none of the object balls are neither pocketed nor hit a cushion).
• When a player commits a foul, his inning ends and his opponents gets the cue ball in hand.
• A player who commits three consecutive fouls will lose the game.
• The 9ball pool game ends with the (legal) pocketing of the 9-ball or with the loss of a game due to a commitment of three consecutive fouls.



PLAY BILLIARD LIKE A FOOL

If you want to hustle in pool, you must have two qualities: the ability to perform sophisticated looking trick shots and an acting skill. Morals of a sweat shop manage would be an advantage as well.
Since we are not talking about a career of a traveling pool hustler; just about the ability to step out of a pool hall with deeper pockets and chubbier ego, these qualities can certainly be practiced and sharpened.

You don't have to be a professional pool player nor an acting student to hustle some strangers at a pool hall. All you have to do is to handle some amazing trick shots while looking indifferent about your money. Here you are the top seven ways to hustle in pool without being recognized as a pool hustler:

1. Practice your shot making technique constantly. You must be able to shoot the cue ball at ease as well as carry at least one difficult shot such as cut shot, throw, etc.

2. Don't reveal your tricks too soon. No one would volunteer to hand you their money. Therefore, you should start by playing sloppily, lose in a few games and wait till some sucker gets caught in your trap before showing them what you've got.

3. Don't use your personal pool cue (if you have any). Play with the house cue in order to create the impression of a player who does not take his pool hobby too seriously.

4. Start by playing a game or two for fun and then bet on some small amounts of money. Raise the stake only after the sucker seems to be convinced of his advantages over you.

5. If you can, bring along a friend who would pretend to be a stranger that beats you up and chooses to quit while he is ahead.

6. Act as if you are drunk or just stupid. Fail in some really easy shots and then perform some difficult shots successfully, but react surprised as if it all happened by accident.

7. Pay attention to your victim. If he loses on easy shots but wins on difficult ones; plays with the house cue and agrees to raise the bets gradually, he might be a pool hustler.