Malcolm Rivera
Nine-ball pool is a cue sport that originated in the 1920s in the United States. The aim of the game is to legally pocket the 9-ball, but what constitutes a legal hit? For a legal hit to occur, the cue ball must strike the lowest-numbered ball first. After the lowest ball is struck, either the cue ball or any numbered ball may then hit the 9-ball into any pocket for a win. If no ball is pocketed, the cue ball or any numbered ball must touch a rail after the cue ball contacts the lowest numbered ball for the shot to be legal.
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What You'll Learn
The cue ball must strike the lowest-numbered ball first
In 9-ball, the cue ball must strike the lowest-numbered ball first for a legal hit to occur. The aim of the game is to legally pocket the 9-ball, but this can only be done by first hitting the lowest-numbered ball on the table. This is often referred to as the 'ball on'.
The 9-ball is the game's 'money ball', and the game is won by the player who legally pockets it, regardless of how many other balls have been pocketed. The 9-ball is typically placed in the centre of the diamond formation at the start of the game, with the 1-ball at the top, the 2-ball at the bottom, and the other balls randomly distributed.
If the 9-ball is pocketed illegally, it is to be spotted on the foot spot, and the incoming player has 'ball in hand'. This means they can place the cue ball anywhere on the table to start their inning. If the lowest-numbered ball is pocketed legally, or any other numbered ball after a legal hit, the shooting player continues their inning.
It is important to note that if no ball is pocketed after the cue ball strikes the lowest-numbered ball, either the cue ball or any numbered ball must touch a rail for the shot to be legal. This rule ensures that the game continues and players must strategise their next moves.
In summary, the 9-ball is a challenging and strategic game that requires players to follow specific rules, such as striking the lowest-numbered ball first, to legally pocket the 9-ball and ultimately win the game.
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The 9-ball must be legally pocketed to win
To achieve a legal pocket, the cue ball must strike the lowest-numbered ball first. After the lowest ball is struck, either the cue ball or any numbered ball may then hit the 9-ball into any pocket to win the game. If the 9-ball is illegally pocketed, it is to be spotted on the foot spot, and the incoming player has "ball in hand".
A "Push Out" can be called immediately following the break, where the shooter is required to hit the cue ball, but not any other ball or rail. If the 9-ball is pocketed on a Push Out, it is spotted and the incoming player can take the shot from the new position or pass the shot back to the player who pushed out.
If the 9-ball is knocked off the table, it is a foul, and the 9-ball is placed back on the foot spot. If the 9-ball is pocketed by a player's hand or cue, it is also a foul, and the opponent can choose to place the 9-ball back at its original position or on the foot spot.
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A Push Out can be called immediately after the break
In the game of 9-ball, a player wins by legally pocketing the 9-ball. The break is often the most crucial shot as it is possible to win a rack without the opponent taking a shot. The rules of a Push Out are different from those of a regular shot, as the shot does not need to hit a rail or ball.
The Push Out rule has evolved over time. In earlier versions of 9-ball, the Push Out could be called at any time during the game, but now it is only allowed after the break. The Push Out rule also varies by region, with some local rules differing from the official regulations.
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Hitting the cue ball and another ball simultaneously is a foul
In 9-ball, the rules specify that a player must always hit the cue ball first to make a legal hit. If a player hits the cue ball and another ball simultaneously, it is considered a foul. This is because, in 9-ball, the cue ball must strike the lowest-numbered ball first for a legal hit to occur. If a player hits the cue ball and another ball simultaneously, it means that the lowest-numbered ball was not struck first, resulting in a foul.
The rules further state that touching or causing any movement of the cue ball, even accidentally, is considered a foul. This includes touching the cue ball with anything other than the ferrule or shaft of the cue during a "cue ball in hand" situation. Using the tip of the cue is a foul, resulting in a "ball in hand" situation for the opponent.
Additionally, it is important to note that if the cue ball is the first object ball contacted by the cue, and it is not the lowest-numbered ball, it is also considered a "ball in hand" foul. This means that the opponent can place the cue ball anywhere on the table to start their turn.
To avoid committing a foul when playing 9-ball, it is crucial for players to ensure that they only strike the cue ball first and that it makes contact with the lowest-numbered ball before any other ball on the table. Any infraction can result in a foul call and a penalty, affecting the outcome of the game.
In summary, hitting the cue ball and another ball simultaneously is indeed a foul in 9-ball. This rule is in place to ensure that players adhere to the proper sequence of hitting the lowest-numbered ball first and maintain the strategic integrity of the game.
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A player must have at least one foot on the floor when striking the cue ball
To understand the rule that 'a player must have at least one foot on the floor when striking the cue ball', it is important to first understand the basic rules of 9-ball pool. The objective of 9-ball is to legally pocket the 9-ball to win the game. The game ends when the 9-ball is pocketed on a legal shot or when the game is forfeited by either player. A legal hit occurs when the cue ball strikes the lowest-numbered ball first. After the lowest ball is struck, either the cue ball or any numbered ball may hit the 9-ball into any pocket for a win.
Now, let's delve into the specific rule regarding foot placement during a shot. In 9-ball pool, it is indeed a requirement that a player must have at least one foot on the floor when striking the cue ball. This rule ensures stability and helps prevent fouls or unfair advantages during play. By keeping one foot grounded, players are encouraged to maintain a controlled and balanced stance while executing their shots.
This rule is particularly important in preventing jumping or excessive body movement during the stroke, which could provide an unfair advantage or disrupt the natural flow of the game. Having at least one foot on the floor promotes a steady and consistent approach to shooting, ensuring that all players compete on a level playing field.
It's worth noting that while this rule maintains stability, the game of 9-ball does allow for the cue ball to leave the surface of the table during specific types of shots, such as jump shots. However, even in these instances, the rule of having one foot on the floor still applies to ensure fairness and consistency in shot execution.
In summary, the requirement to have at least one foot on the floor when striking the cue ball in 9-ball is essential to uphold the integrity of the game. It promotes fair play, discourages fouls, and ensures that players execute their shots with control and balance, adhering to the established rules and etiquette of the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
The main objective of 9-ball is to legally pocket the 9-ball.
A legal hit occurs when the cue ball strikes the lowest-numbered ball first. After the lowest ball is struck, either the cue ball or any numbered ball may then hit the 9-ball into any pocket.
If the 9-ball is pocketed illegally, it is spotted on the foot spot and the incoming player has the option of ball in hand.
A "Push Out" is a shot where the shooter is only required to hit the cue ball, but the cue ball does not need to touch another ball or a rail. The player must declare their intention to push out, otherwise, the shot is considered a normal shot.
If the 9-ball is pocketed on a "Push Out", it is spotted on the foot spot and the incoming player has the option to take the shot from the new position or pass the shot back to the player who pushed out.
