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 is 9-ball different from 8-ball?

In 8-ball, all 15 balls are used, and in 9-ball only the balls numbered 1 through 9 are used. In an 8-ball rack, the only requirements are that the 8-ball must be in the center, one corner ball must be a solid (balls 1 through 7), and the other corner ball must be a stripe (balls 9 through 15).

Can you push out in 9-ball?

PUSH OUT.

The player who shoots the shot immediately after a legal break may play a push out in an attempt to move the cue ball into a better position for the option that follows. On a push out, the cue ball is not required to contact any object ball nor any rail, but all other foul rules still apply.

Why is 10-ball harder than 9-ball?

In contrast to nine-ball, it is slightly harder to pocket any balls on the break shot with the more crowded rack , the initial shooter cannot instantly win the game by pocketing the 10 on the break, all shots must be called , and performing a string of break-and-runs on successive racks is statistically more difficult ...

Is 8-ball or 9-ball harder?

Since 9-Ball is more of a shooter's game and 8-Ball more of a thinker's game, 8-Ball is harder to master. Eight Ball is the better game for the novice because they can more easily cover up their mistakes with a little strategy. Nine Ball is less forgiving and demands more shot-making skills.

How are 8 Ball and 9 Ball Pool Different? - Pool Table Buying Advice

Why can't you hit the 8-ball?

You can only hit the 8-ball as part of a combination shot at this point during the game. If you make a direct strike on the 8-ball, you lose your turn and any pocketed balls remain pocketed. Your opponent can continue to play on the open table at this point.

Do you lose if you sink the 9-ball?

If a player sinks the 9 Ball on their break, they will automatically win. This is referred to as the "Golden Break." If both the 9 Ball and the Cue Ball are sunk on break, the 9 Ball is spotted back to its original position and the other player is given Ball in Hand.

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

NOTE: If the 9-ball was pocketed by a player's hand or cue, it is a ball in hand foul to the opponent, and the opponent has the option of placing the 9-ball back to its original position or having it placed on the foot spot.

What is a golden break?

The break consists of hitting the 1-ball, with the attempt to pocket any ball. If the nine-ball is successfully potted, the player automatically wins the rack. This is sometimes known as a golden break .

What is the 3 foul rule in 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. This rule is optional for local league and tournament play.

What is the 3 foul rule in pool?

Three-foul rule

After three consecutive fouls, the game is considered lost. However, as in rotational games, a player must be advised by the referee or opponent that he already has two fouls before taking the next shot and committing a third foul.

Can you scratch in 9-ball?

The 9-ball is pocketed. This is a win unless the player scratches, in which case the 9-ball (any other available high numbered ball is adequate) is spotted and the turn passes to the opponent with ball-in-hand anywhere on the table.

Can you hit the 8-ball in 9-ball?

Players must always hit the lowest-numbered ball with the cue ball first to make a legal shot. For this purpose, the lowest-numbered ball still in play is considered the “object ball”. You can hit any other ball with your cue ball as long as the object ball is the first getting hit in the same shot.

What is the 3 point break rule?

The 3-point break rule is in effect. For a break to be legal a player must drive 3 object balls past the head string, or a combination of 3 pocketed balls and balls above the head string. Failure to execute a legal break is not a foul.

What happens if you sink the 8-ball?

Likewise, if you sink the 8 ball on the break, you don't win. You either spot the 8 ball or re-rack. Traditionally, 8 ball is a "call shot" game. That means you have to choose the pocket where you're shooting before taking your shot.

Can you break an 8 ball?

Even though 8 ball breaks may sound easy, they are actually so difficult that most professional pool players don't attempt them. If you want to try an 8-Ball break for yourself, you can dramatically increase your chances of success with these 3 simple tips on How To Make The 8-Ball On The Break.

Is a push shot legal in pool?

It is a foul if the cue ball is pushed by the cue tip, with contact being maintained for more than the momentary time commensurate with a stroked shot. (Such shots are usually referred to as push shots.)

How do you legally sink the 8 ball?

Eight-Ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and 15 object balls, numbered 1 through 15. One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7 (solid colors), while the other player has 9 through 15 (stripes). The player pocketing either group first and then legally pocketing the 8-ball wins the game.

Is it illegal to hit the 8-ball first?

When the table is open it is legal to hit any solid or stripe or the 8-ball first in the process of pocketing the called stripe or solid. However, when the table is open and the 8-ball is the first ball contacted, no stripe or solid may be scored in favor of the shooter.