9-Ball Rules: How the Game Is Played in Tournaments
9-Ball is the classic tournament game: fast, open and exciting. Most events play close to the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) rules. Here is how it works.
The goal
Balls 1 through 9 are racked in a diamond with the 1 at the front and the 9 in the middle. On every shot you must hit the lowest-numbered ball on the table first. Any ball can go in after that. Whoever legally pockets the 9-ball wins the game — even on the break.
The break and the push out
The breaker must hit the 1-ball first and drive enough balls to the rails. On the shot right after the break, the shooter may choose to push out: move the cue ball to a new spot without having to hit the lowest ball. The opponent then decides who shoots next.
Fouls
Scratching, hitting the wrong ball first, or no ball reaching a rail after contact are fouls. A foul gives the opponent ball in hand anywhere on the table.
Three fouls
Under WPA rules, three fouls in a row by the same player in one game is a loss of that game — but the opponent must warn you after your second foul.
Handicaps and races
Many 9-Ball events are handicapped by rating. Learn how in our Fargo guide.
Find 9-Ball tournaments near you.
Test yourself: take the 12-question pool rules quiz and share your score with your league. Settling an argument? See the pool rules Q&A.