2010 - 2011
9-BALL
2.9-BALL RULES
Text appearing in bold and italics highlights rules that are either new or that have significant changes.
3.1The Game
9-Ball is played with a cue ball and nine object balls numbered 1 through 9. You shoot the balls in ascending numerical order, continuing to shoot as long as any ball is legally pocketed. The 9-ball is the game-winning ball. The object of the game is to pocket the 9-ball on any legal shot. The game is played by two players or two teams.
3.29-Ball Rack
The balls are racked as follows:
a.in a diamond shape with the 1-ball as the apex ball on the foot spot;
b.the rows behind the apex are parallel to the foot string;
c.the 9-ball is in the middle of the rack;
d.the remaining balls are placed at random.
3.3Break Requirements
1.You begin the break with ball in hand behind the head string. The cue ball must contact the 1-ball before any other ball or cushion or it is a foul. You must either pocket a ball or cause at least four object balls to contact one or more cushions, or it is a foul.
2.Jumped object balls other than the 9-ball are not returned to the table. If the 9-ball is jumped, it is spotted.
3.If you legally pocket a ball, you continue to shoot. Your inning ends if you do not pocket a ball or if you foul. If you legally pocket the 9-ball on the break, you win the game. If you foul on the break and pocket the 9-ball, it is spotted.
3.4Push-out After the Break
1.If there was no foul on the break, the player taking the first shot after the break has the option to shoot a push-out. On a push-out:
a.you must notify your opponent before the shot and your opponent must acknowledge your intention;
b.the cue ball does not have to contact the lowest numbered ball first, or any object ball at all;
c.no ball has to contact a cushion
d.all other rules and fouls still apply.
2.Any object balls except the 9-ball that are pocketed on a push-out remain pocketed. If the 9-ball is pocketed it is spotted.
3.After a push-out, your opponent may:
a.accept the table in position and shoot, or;
b.require you to shoot again with the table in position.
3.5Continuing Play
1.After the break (and push-out, if one occurs), play continues as follows:
a.the lowest numbered ball on the table must be the first object ball contacted by the cue ball or it is a foul;
b.if you legally pocket any ball your inning must continue;
c.the 9-ball is spotted if it is illegally pocketed or if it is jumped;
d.other jumped balls and illegally pocketed balls are not returned to the table.
2.When it is your inning, you must continue to shoot as long as you legally pocket a ball on each shot. Your inning ends if you do not legally pocket a ball.
3.The game is won by the player who legally pockets the 9-ball.
3.6Three Successive Fouls
You lose the game if you commit three successive fouls in one game.
3.7Stalemate
If a referee judges that the table is in a position such that any attempt to pocket or move a ball will result in loss of game, and each player has had three consecutive innings without significantly changing the position, the referee will declare a stalemate. The game will be replayed with the player who broke the game breaking again. (AR p. 89)
