How is 9-ball won?

The object of 9-ball is to win by legally pocketing the 9-ball. The cue ball must strike the lowest numbered ball first for a legal hit to occur. After the lowest ball is struck, either the cue ball or any numbered ball may hit the 9-ball into any pocket for the win.

How do you know who wins in 9-ball?

The winner is the player who legally pockets the nine-ball, the game's money ball , regardless of how many balls have been pocketed beforehand. This can happen earlier than the nine-ball being the sole remaining object ball on the table if it is pocketed via a combination or other indirect method.

Do you win 9-ball from the break?

Making the nine ball on the break is an automatic win for the player breaking. However, if the cue ball is scratched when making the nine ball, the nine ball is respotted.

How is 9-ball scored?

The game consists of ten innings of Nine Ball in which each player attempts to run all nine balls in each inning. Balls must be made in rotation. Strike the current object ball first and any balls legally pocketed are counted as part of the player's score.

How many games are in a 9-ball tournament?

At the U.S. Open, matches are played in races to 11, with the winner breaking. However, the final match, as is customary with most professional nine-ball tournaments today, is one extended race.

The Rules of 9 Ball Pool (Nine Ball Pool) - EXPLAINED!

How much does the winner of the US Open 9 ball get?

Prize fund. The tournament prize fund was a total of $300,000 with the winner receiving $50,000.

How did I lose 9-ball?

If a player fouls three consecutive times on three successive shots without making an intervening legal shot, he loses the game. The three fouls must occur in one game. The warning must be given between the second and third fouls.

What is a golden break in 9-ball?

When you see a golden break where the 9 ball rolls directly towards a corner pocket, what you're actually seeing is the result of a bad rack. The 9 moves there because there was a gap in the rack.

What happens if you hit the wrong ball in 9-ball?

"Wrong Ball First" and "No Rail" fouls are suspended for the shot. If no foul is committed on a push out, the other player may play the next shot, or may pass the shot to the opponent. A player is entitled to continue shooting until he fails to legally pocket a ball.

What is the best break in 9-ball?

Start From the Side with a Square (Center) Hit

If you are a fan of 9-ball tournaments, you will see most professionals choose to break from the side. This technique is also called a cut break. It brings a lot of advantages: It can help to have a golden break – the best break: pocket the 9-ball in one shot.

Who is the best player in 9-ball?

Earl Strickland. Earl Strickland is considered to be the greatest 9-ball player of all time.

What is the diamond around the 9-ball?

The balls are racked in a diamond shape using a traditional 9 ball diamond rack. The 1-ball must be placed be at the top of the diamond (apex). The 9-ball will go in the center of the rack.

Do I win if I hit the 8-ball on the break?

SAN DIEGO, April 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In the game of 8-Ball Pool, a player who pockets the 8 ball on the break is typically considered an automatic winner. Even though 8 ball breaks may sound easy, they are actually so difficult that most professional pool players don't attempt them.

Why is 9-ball harder than 8-ball?

Nine Ball is less forgiving and demands more shot-making skills. At the pro level, the shot-maker generally wins more at 9-Ball, while the thinker wins more at 8-Ball. Physical skills are rather finite, but the options in the shot selection are almost infinite, so imagination and experience are invaluable.

How much do you get paid to be a ball boy at the U.S. Open?

While most ballperson positions are completely voluntary, those working the U.S. Open are paid an hourly wage of about $11. Not bad, considering it's more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour and they get to keep the official Ralph Lauren gear, which, in some cases, is worth more than their total paycheck.

What is the prize money for the world 9 Ball Championship 2023?

The World Pool Championship 2023 is set to take place in Kielce, Poland from February 1-5 as the best 128 players on the Nineball World Rankings go toe-to-toe for a slice of the $325,000 prize fund and the chance to become champion of the world.

Do U.S. Open ball boys get paid?

Ballpersons at the U.S. Open are paid an hourly wage. Some are paid New York's minimum wage, and returning ballpersons are paid more. They also get a daily food allowance, and they get to keep their Ralph Lauren uniforms. In addition, ballpersons can watch any match for free and get to see the players.

Do you call every shot in 9-ball?

You are not required to call your shots when playing 9-ball pool. Nor do you need to call the pocket when sinking the 9-ball.

Do you lose if you scratch on the break in 9-ball?

If you scratch on the break, your opponent gets ball-in-hand. 16. On the first shot after the break, the player at the table (the breaker if a ball was pocketed; otherwise the opponent) has the option to “push out,” where the cue ball can be hit anywhere, with or without contact with object balls or rails.

What is a push out in 9-ball?

push out (plural push outs) (billiards) In nine ball pool, an optional shot after a legal break shot where a player is allowed to hit any ball first, or not any, as well as not hit a rail, and the opponent can choose who shoots the next shot.

What happens when the cue ball doesn't hit anything?

3.18 FAILURE TO CONTACT OBJECT BALL

It is a foul if on a stroke the cue ball fails to make contact with any legal object ball first. Playing away from a touching ball does not constitute having hit that ball.