Billards Tutorial

The following outlines the rules for 9-ball in the original form, that is, having the options "Push-out" and "All Fouls" activated.

In 9-ball, the goal is to sink the 9. The first person to do this wins.

If the player commits a foul, his/her turn ends. The next player then can place the cue ball anywhere on the table. If the 9-ball is sunk with a foul, the ball is put back to the start position. If a player commits three fouls in a row, he/she loses the game.

The game always begins with the break. The player can continue after the break, if

1. he/she sinks a ball
2. at least 4 colored balls hit the cushions

If he/she fails or sinks the white, then he/she commits a foul.

Each player who is breaking first can play a "Push-out." That means that the play will not be considered a foul even if no balls are sunk or bands are hit. On the other hand, no balls sunk during such a shot are considered legal. Sunk balls stay in the pockets with the exception of the 9-ball. After a "Push-Out", the next player has two choices:

1. He/she can continue playing from that position or
2. let the first player continue playing

A shot is correct when first the ball with the lowest number is sunk and then

1. a chosen ball (other than white) is sunk or
2. a chosen ball (other than white) hits the side after the first hit.

Otherwise it is considered a foul.

If the white ball is sunk, the shot is a foul.

If a player sinks a ball, the player keeps playing.

The player who sinks the 9-ball wins.

Before a push out shot, the player must call "Push-Out" (see above).

If this option is not activated, changes are:

• Every opening shot is correct and will not result in a foul.
• A shot is also correct when no balls hit the sides.