How do you play nine ball pool?

Answer 1

The game uses 10 balls; the 1 through 9 balls, plus the cue ball. Any number of players can play, but typically only two players play.

The setup:

The numbered balls are arranged in a four-sided 'diamond formation' with the 1 ball up front and on the spot and the 9 ball in the center of the formation. The arrangement of the other balls is not important. To see a proper starting formation, click on the RELATED LINK below.

The first shooter 'breaks' the formation when he shoots the cue ball from behind the foul line and hits the 1 ball. If any numbered ball except the 9 ball sinks, the player shoots again. If the 9 ball is sunk on the break, that player wins, and a new game is set up.

The object is to sink the 9 ball. Trick is to accomplish this by hitting the lowest numbered ball on the table with the cue ball first.

Failure to hit the lowest numbered ball first is a foul, and the opponent then gets 'ball in hand' which means he can place the cue ball anywhere in the table top he wants in preparation for his shot. Sinking the cue ball in a pocket is also a foul, with the same penalty.

The shooting player gets to continue shooting as long as he doesn't foul and if he sinks any numbered ball on each shot. If the player fouls or if he fails to sink a numbered ball, the shot passes to the next player.

The player who sinks the 9 ball without a foul on the shot wins the game.

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Answer 2

In the US, the most common set of 8 Ball rules is the American Poolplayers Association Rules, but modified versions of these might be found in some pool halls or bars. This is referred to as House Rules. The APA Rules can be viewed or downloaded at the link provided below -

Answer 3

• Place the rack at the foot spot of the table.
• Insert the 1-ball at the corner of the rack touching the foot spot. Place two balls other than the 9-ball behind it, touching tightly.
• Put the 9-ball behind the two balls and place one ball on each side of it. Place the remaining 3 balls in the rack to form a diamond shape, with the 9-ball at the center. Remove the rack.
• Designate which player breaks. That player shoots the cue ball at the 1-ball to drive it into the other balls and separate them. The break must cause either four balls to hit the rail or one or more balls to be sunk, or it is ruled a foul. If the shooter sinks the 9-ball on the break, he wins. The player continues shooting if she sinks any other numbered ball. The other player shoots if the first player fails to sink any ball.