9ball

9ball is a rotation pool game played on a standard billiards table using nine object balls numbered 1 through 9 and a cue ball. The aim is to legally pocket the 9-ball by always striking the lowest-numbered ball remaining on the table first. Balls potted before the 9-ball are allowed, and a player continues their turn after a legal shot.

Setup and play are centered on a diamond-shaped rack with the 1-ball at the apex and the 9-ball placed in the center. The break shot must strike the 1-ball first, and at least four object balls must contact a cushion or be pocketed to avoid a foul. If a ball is pocketed on the break, the player’s turn continues; if not, it passes to the opponent.

After the break, players continue their turns while legally pocketing balls and avoiding fouls. A foul typically results in the opponent receiving ball-in-hand, depending on the governing rules in use. A shot is legal if the cue ball first contacts the lowest-numbered ball on the table.

To win, a player must legally pocket the 9-ball after contacting the 1-ball first. The 9-ball may be potted on any shot during a run, provided the shot meets the legal contact requirement; committing a foul prevents the win on that shot.

Strategy in 9-ball emphasizes position play to leave the lowest-numbered ball in favorable contact and safety play to control the table. Variations exist in different leagues, including differences in how the break is executed and how fouls are handled. The game has a long professional lineage and is governed internationally by organizations such as the World Pool-Billiard Association.