American Billiard Association Nine Ball Rules

Nine-ball pool is one of the most popular and widely known forms of pool. Players will often play a number of games until one player has won the set number required to win. All billiard associations (including the American chapter) follow the World Standardized Rules, which are easily accessed and downloaded online.

  1. Rule 1: Object of the Game

    • The object of nine ball is to legally sink the ninth ball after potting the previous eight balls. All nine ball games require visually numbered balls so that both players know exactly which ball is the winning number nine ball. Players then continue to play a set number of games until one player has won the amount needed to become the victor. The number of games required to win often changes between individuals and tournaments.

    Rule 2: Racking

    • In nine ball, the balls must be racked in a diamond shape. The first ball, or one ball, must be placed at the tip of the diamond closest to the breaking player. The nine ball must always be placed in the center of the diamond. (See Resources section).

    Rule 3: Breaking the Game

    • The breaking player must always hit the one ball. If that player then pockets a ball or manages to strike at least four balls onto a rail (cushion), then this is considered a legal break and the player can continue to pocket balls. At this point in the game - and only at this point - the controlling player can opt to play a "Push Out".

    Rule 4: The Push Out

    • If no foul is committed during the break shot, the breaking player may choose to play a Push Out. A Push Out allows the player to move the ball into a more favorable position for the upcoming shots. A Push Out shot is not required to touch any ball. After the Push Out is played, the opposition player chooses who will take the next shot. Push Outs are entirely optional.

    Rule 5: Continuing Play

    • The player in control must always strike the lowest numbered ball on the table. However, players are not required to pot the balls in order. For example, if the first three balls have been potted, then the player must always strike the number four ball: if that ricochets and pots the six ball, then the player can continue.

    Rule 6: Fouls

    • A foul occurs when any of the following happens: the ball hit is not the lowest numbered on the table; the cue ball does not hit a cushion if no ball is pocketed; any ball is hit off of the pool table. In any case, the player who committed the foul must then relinquish control to the incoming player: that player is allowed to place the cue ball anywhere on the table except touching another ball.

      If the nine ball is pocketed or driven off the table, a foul is called and the nine ball is re-spotted.

    Rule 7: Winning

    • When a player legally pockets the nine ball the game is over. A new game then begins depending on how many games are needed to win a game. For example, players may play nine ball games until a player wins eight games, or best out of 15.