Skip to content
Cueing Academy

Pool glossary · Games & Rules

9-ball

Also called: Nine ball, Rotation

What are the rules of 9-ball?

9-ball is played with balls 1 to 9. The cue ball must hit the lowest-numbered ball on the table first on every shot; any ball pocketed on a legal shot counts, and legally pocketing the 9 — even on the break — wins.

In more detail

After the break, the incoming player may 'push out'. Under WPA rules any foul gives ball in hand anywhere, and three consecutive fouls lose the rack. The fixed order makes 9-ball a game of position and safeties.

People also ask

Do you call shots in 9-ball?

Not under standard WPA 9-ball rules — a legal shot that pockets any ball counts. 10-ball, by contrast, is call shot.

Train it at the table

More guides on 9-ball