9 Ball Pool Tips

People that play 9 Ball usually don't play on a whim at a bar. 9 Ball is a game for competitive players, professionals and hustlers. It's a volatile game that can change in a second. It's one of the few pool games that can be easily won on the break, which is why people often play 9 Ball in races to a certain number of games. Shots, except for the 9 ball, do not have to be called, although some 9 Ball players require that the 9 ball be called and spot it if it's pocketed early.

  1. Break

    • A good 9 Ball break requires a lot of power. Adjust your break by straightening up a little and holding your cue farther back than usual. This gives you more power and shifts your weight to the front. Break from the right or the left, even with the middle spot and the first dot on the head of the table. Aim at the first ball dead center and use no English. Hit the balls as hard as possible for a good spread. If nothing is pocketed and there is no good shot, you usually have the option to push the cue ball somewhere else and give your opponent a chance to shoot it.

    Position

    • Unlike 8 Ball, 9 Ball is a game of position and defense. The ball you shoot is determined for you every time by the lowest-numbered ball on the table, meaning you must hit that ball first every shot. Of course, you can hit the object ball into the 9 ball and pocket it to win the game as well. Visualize your shots and where the cue ball will end up, trying to get positioned for the next ball. Hit the ball hard enough to get it to the pocket but don't let the cue ball loose by striking too hard. If you don't have a realistic shot, leave the cue ball somewhere where your opponent is denied a clear shot.

    Strategy

    • 9 Ball is incredibly tricky because the balls are all community balls, meaning that either player can pocket them. Even if you make the first eight balls, the 9 ball is the one that wins the game. This is why a lot of people who don't play much often get hustled playing 9 Ball. If you're used to 8 Ball, 9 Ball may seem easy, but it's not. Always think about leaving yourself in position for your next shot and never leave your opponent an easy shot. If you have a reasonable shot at hitting the object ball into the 9 ball and making it, take it, especially if you're playing for money. The trick with these combination shots is not leaving the cue ball hanging and your opponent with the same shot. It's better to hit these kinds of shots harder so if you miss it, you won't give away the same shot.