Quick Rules

9-ball is played with balls numbered 1 through 9 and a cue ball. Players must always hit the lowest-numbered ball on the table first, but do not need to pocket it—combinations and caroms are allowed. The goal is to legally pocket the 9-ball at any time during a legal shot. The game ends when the 9-ball is sunk. Fouls include failing to hit the lowest-numbered ball first, scratching, or not driving any ball to a rail. After a foul, the opponent gets ball-in-hand anywhere on the table.