HOW TO PLAY 9-BALL - The “Official Rules” of Pool

Dr. Dave discusses and demonstrates the “official rules” of 9-ball pool, along with how to play the game well.
Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:18 - Basic Rules
4:36 - The Break
7:37 - Push Out
9:17 - Strategy
11:40 - 3 Foul Rule
13:23 - Wrap Up
Supporting Resources:
- concise summary of 8-ball and 9-ball rules: billiards.colostate.edu/resou...
- rules: billiards.colostate.edu/resou...
- fouls: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/f...
- double hit detection and avoidance: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/f...
- 9-ball break strategy: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/b...
- great pool shots: billiards.colostate.edu/video...
- Video Encyclopedia of Nine Ball and Ten Ball (VENT): drdavebilliards.com/videos/vent/
Subscribe to Dr. Dave's KZbin Channel:
kzbin.info...
Follow Dr. Dave on Facebook:
/ drdavebilliards
Show your Support (click on the donation button at the bottom of this page):
billiards.colostate.edu/
Purchase Dr. Dave's Instructional Videos and Merchandise:
DrDaveBilliards.com/stream/ (stream or download)
DrDaveBilliards.com/ (physical DVDs)
DrDaveBilliards.com/products/... (product info and purchasing advice)
drdavebilliardtshirts.com/ (T-shirts, polos, mugs, posters)
Find Answers to Any Pool Questions:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/
Look Up Definitions for Pool Terms and Phrases:
billiards.colostate.edu/gloss...
Get Your Pool Diploma:
billiarduniversity.org/
Attend a 3-Day Pool Boot Camp or Take a Private Lesson:
billiarduniversity.org/instru...
drdavebilliards.com/instructi...
Learn More About Dr. Dave:
billiards.colostate.edu/dr-dave
Good Luck With Your Game!!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

*Contents:* 0:00 - Intro 0:18 - Basic Rules 4:36 - The Break 7:37 - Push Out 9:17 - Strategy 11:40 - 3 Foul Rule 13:23 - Wrap Up *Supporting Resources:* - concise summary of 8-ball and 9-ball rules: billiards.colostate.edu/resource_files/rules_summary.pdf - rules: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/ - fouls: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/ - double hit detection and avoidance: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/double-hit/ - 9-ball break strategy: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/ - great pool shots: billiards.colostate.edu/videos/pool-shots/ - Video Encyclopedia of Nine Ball and Ten Ball (VENT): drdavebilliards.com/videos/vent/ *Subscribe to Dr. Dave's KZbin Channel:* kzbin.info

[@kurtkensson2059]

At least your comment came in before the spam. They're quick.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I suspect the spam is somehow automated, but I was fast on this one. I copied and pasted as quickly as I could. :)

[@koemansf]

3 foul rules have to be consecutive? 11:40

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@koemansf Yes.

[@dljeung]

I laughed when you said that if a player scratches in the break, any good player will be able to run out the rack. Thanks for always making me feel small and insignificant in the world of pool. 🤣

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Sorry. 😳 Maybe I should have used "totally amazing pro playing at a world class level" instead of "good player." 🤣

[@dljeung]

@@DrDaveBilliards Fervid!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@dljeung DAM right! 🤓✌️

[@thegodofpez]

Always appreciate these tutorials, Doc!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@crysylis5093]

Dr. Dave you’ve taught me more about pool than anyone. I’ve went from not being able to make 2 balls in a row to being able to break and run, kick 2/3/4 rails, and do caroms/billiard shots easily. My only question, can you PLEASE do a video like this on 10 ball, One Pocket, straight pool, and Filipino Rotation? I’m so sick of everyone believing only 8 or 9 ball exists and those aforementioned games (in my opinion) are by far more enjoyable and difficult.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I think I’m done with this series for a while, but for those interested, I cover these and many other games in detail via the links here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/game/

[@stephenkaake7016]

I came up with 'combo points pool' , its a more fun way to play, I have a video and google doc for it

[@Nunak91]

Solid and reliable as always!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks!

[@dangoodwin8469]

Always good stuff. Thank you, Dr. Dave

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you, and you're welcome. I aim to swerve. 🤓

[@E3cubed]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad you liked it. FYI, I have more videos and info dealing with game rules here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/ Check it out.

[@thetowndrunk988]

Who was that pro that kept getting snookered after the jump, and made 3 good jump shots in a row, then ran out? That was an incredible display.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The clips I included are from Fedor Gorst and Jayson Shaw, but I have other great jump sequences in my "Greatest JUMP SHOTS of All Time" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inXdqpWpaMlrg5o

[@thetowndrunk988]

@@DrDaveBilliards thanks. I love watching pros make my game look pathetic.

[@thxgxm79]

Monica Webb.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@thxgxm79 She is included in the video linked above.

[@MoeBro07]

​@@DrDaveBilliardsFedor v Filler, jump shots only, who wins?

[@tetsuomiyaki]

"here's a good example" my man that is easily top 3 of efren's highlights, if not #1 loool

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I have all of Efren's "greatest shot" highlights documented here: billiards.colostate.edu/videos/pool-shots/ with the most noteworthy in my Efren Tribute video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIK0pXd_rKh5rNk

[@prawnstar9213]

Nice back spin shot! Those are hard

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. They are a lot easier if you follow all the technique advice here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/advice-and-drills/

[@360PhoenixFlip]

Just yesterday I played by 9ball rules starting with just 1, 2 and 9 and if I pass, add another ball. I got to 6 balls but couldn’t run out after that. Practicing 9 ball really makes me think harder about cue ball control as opposed to 8 ball.

[@guhnome]

I know that one pocket isnt as widespread as other games on a pool table but you should do an official rules of one pocket because, the game deserves for love and there are a lot of things about the game that are hard to explain to those who are new to the game

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have a good summary of one-pocket rules here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/game/one-pocket/ And Bob Jewett and I cover literally everything about one-pocket (including the rules) in detail in VEOP: drdavebilliards.com/veop/

[@eliosanchez6517]

Love it

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad.

[@jassy6046]

Hey @DrDaveBillards thanks for this awesome "How To Play.." series. Could you do one on 14.1 / Straight Pool as well? Looking forward! Cheers J.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I have already done an introductory straight pool video. Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJilmodqrruYgNk

[@jassy6046]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks mate. Of course I know it already ;-)))

[@reedr7142]

I always thought I knew the 9 ball rules, because of all the “house” rules in 8 ball, making 9 ball more straightforward. I was wrong. I’m confused with the push out. Why can’t a player use one to avoid the 3 straight fouls rule?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The push out is an option only immediately after the break.

[@6020e3]

i have a question in regards to the soft break rule: let's say that my opponent breaks and less than 3 balls pass the head string/are pocketed and now i can choose to have him shoot again. in this case can he still opt for a push-out? also if i choose to shoot after my opponent's soft break can i still opt for a push out as well? thanks!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Excellent question. A push out is not allowed after an illegal break. See Rule 2.4 and Regulation 18 here: wpapool.com/rules/

[@Brian-nu8ss]

If your opponent completely whiffs the rack on the break (e.g., by miscuing), under WPA rules this is just a foul. So you can take ball in hand and try to 3-foul them by playing lightly off the 1 and going to the bottom rail behind the pack. I've seen this happen in league, but are there any video examples of this happening in, say, a professional tournament? (This is even more relevant in 10-ball, because if the same thing happens in 10-ball, you can't just re-break, because you'd have to call a ball!)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good situation post. I have never seen this in a pro tournament or video, but hopefully some league players can benefit from your comment.

[@datnguyenhuu5547]

Excuse me! May I ask for the following case: when my opponent committed two consecutive fouls, I shot successfully one ball into the pocket, then I played safety again. My rival still got another foul after the two previous ones. But he said that because I made the shot previously, so the two fouls were clear. What is your answer in this case Dr. Dave? Thank you so much!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It doesn't matter what you do in between your opponent fouls. If they foul on 3 consecutives visits to the table, you win.

[@ryankessens8503]

Under the regular WPA rules for a break in 9-ball (no 3-point rule) does a rack get reracked if 4 balls don't touch a rail and a ball isn't pocketed? This is often a point of confusion in my league. My understanding is there are no rebreaks in rotation games, even if the break doesn't result in any balls touching a rail or being pocketed. The WPA rules make no mention of an "illegal break" for 9-ball as there is for 8-ball.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If 4 balls are not driven to a rail, the break is a foul, giving BIH to the opponent.

[@str8up_15]

Random question,What kind of mantra do you tell yourself when the pressure is on playing ?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

"Take a Deep Breath, Focus." I also like "FERVID." See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/mental/ Specifically, the bottom of the page here: billiards.colostate.edu/resource_files/mental_game_handout.pdf

[@azhunt]

This would be a cool video. I play at a bar with people walking and talking. Any tips besides don't play at a bar?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@azhunt If you are truly focused on the table and on your shot, there are no distractions.

[@trekamp99]

Brilliant as always! Bought your book years ago, and nothing has taught me more about the game of pool. Ever. Just curious, how do you rule if there is a push shot when cueball is frozen to object ball? As far as I understand, it’s legal to shoot in the OB direction, but wouldn’t that automatically constitute a push shot (foul)?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you. I'm glad to here it. in pool, you are allowed to hit into a CB frozen to an OB. It is not a "push." See the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/frozen/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/push/ Enjoy!

[@trekamp99]

Thank you very much! Damn, that was fast😂

[@Sir_Pumpington_Of_Dumpenshire]

2:04 Just to be clear, "No cushion contact after the hit", means that, even if the object ball was not driven to a cushion, the hit would have been legal if the cue ball hit the cushion _after_ striking the object ball, correct?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Correct.

[@nikolabarun5422]

I have a question about golden break in 3 point rule. In which situations are you winning the game if pot the 9 ball on the break in 3 point rule? Thanks for the answer

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If the 3-point rule is in force, the golden break counts only if you satisfy the requirement. Otherwise, the 9 spots.

[@AndreBolo14]

Hi, i play tournaments with the three point rule but i hardly satisfy it, leaving the table often with a dry break. I don't know if that's because i don't use enough power on the break or if i don't hit the right spot of the one ball (or both). Do you have any advice about it? I usually break from the side and the one ball goes in the center pocket, but the other balls hit each other on the bottom of the table so they don't pass the head string

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have lots of good 9-ball break strategy and technique advice here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/advice/

[@zanethind]

I'm not a fan of the break box rule I get that it's to test your break but I prefer breaking anyway behind the line

[@klawiehr]

I might have included a couple of Corey Deuel clips when it came to break rules

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I thought about it, but I’ve already “featured” Corey enough in many other break videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/pattern/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Also, the current alternative break rules (9 on spot, break from the box, forceful break) defeat most of Corey's "antics" from the past.

[@ErikaRodriguez-gr6tr]

Corporate games brought me here, I hope I don’t make a fool of myself 😂🤣🤣

[@philderrderr616]

My guess is the felt pad prevents a burn out spot. Am I correct?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Correct.

[@FreecGod]

If the cue ball is touching an object ball at rest, blocking the path to the legal ball, if your opponent hits the kissed ball first, is that a foul?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes. Hitting into a frozen ball counts as ball contact.

[@bad2mx]

What about when the object ball is close to another ball and cue hits them both at the same time or too close to tell which was hit first?

[@alexparxy]

If no additional resources, like slow-motion replay, are available to determine whether or not a shot in such a situation would be good, the benefit of the doubt would go in favour of the player who played the shot. If two object balls, provided one of them is the ‘ball on’ - the lowest numbered ball, are struck by the cue ball simultaneously, the shot is legal.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Well stated. There are often ways to determine which was hit first based on how the balls move. This is covered in detail in the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/wrong-ball-first/

[@bad2mx]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks! When I clicked on the link the video was already at the exact time stamp for the situation I described.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@bad2mx You’re welcome.

[@cecilchan1988]

Please do 10 ball too!!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I think I'm done with the rules series for now, but 10-ball is covered in detail via the links here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/game/10-ball/

[@huyhoangnguyen6939]

What cue are you using, Doc?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

billiards.colostate.edu/dr-dave/interview/#Case

[@AndrewT]

Nice shooting in these clips. What is your skill level if you don't mind sharing?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I don’t have a Fargo Rating, but I’ve been told it is probably close to 650.

[@ZeldaGames852]

At 0:06 I thought it was solid stripe all the way around? The 6 solid and the 9 stripe maybe switched?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m not sure what you mean. There is only one stripe (the 9), and it must be in the center.

[@ZeldaGames852]

@@DrDaveBilliards I was talking about the 8 Ball picture at 0:06.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@ZeldaGames852 Under the official rules of 8-ball, there must be a stripe and solid on the back corners. See: HOW TO PLAY 8 BALL … The “Official Rules” of Pool kzbin.info/www/bejne/mV6XhoWwq8aqntU

[@ZeldaGames852]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks for the tip.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@ZeldaGames852 Sorry I ignored your 0:06 the first time.

[@andrijabujosevic1295]

Are we sure that this is indead really faul? On 1:50. Since ball croseed the line of the edge of the table.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Foul. Nothing was driven to a cushion. The rule is clear on this.

[@arthursandomine5464]

So what’s the difference between a safety and push out?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

A "push out" can be played only after the break, and the incoming player has the option to shoot or return control back to the other player.

[@arthursandomine5464]

@@DrDaveBilliards Mucuh obliged!

[@yanaal]

For what the dots on your table?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/training/teaching/

[@austinmoore1689]

People come up to me sometimes in my local bar and tell me that’s the cheaters game or is that the diamond rack game I love to use and play 9 ball for practice cause then once I’m done I take the other balls and set them up for long shots or to play position

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I like practicing running out in 8-ball, and the running the remaining balls in rotation like 9-ball.

[@austinmoore1689]

@@DrDaveBilliards I do that sometimes when I’m alone mostly is to practice my break make sure everything is in line was able to make the 8 on break tonight so I just ran the remaining for English and speed control

[@CocoboloCowboy]

Now do PLEASE do ONE POCKET Rules please.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I have lots of videos and resources dealing with one pocket here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/game/one-pocket/

[@thongnguyen5874]

please make a guide to break with new rules Dr

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I cover 9-ball breaking strategy in detail (under all rules variations) in the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/

[@thongnguyen5874]

@@DrDaveBilliards thank you so much🥹

[@john_vin]

Hi Dr Dave, hope you received my email.More power!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I just replied.

[@zanethind]

Efren's mistake gave us the greatest shot in history

[@DrDaveBilliards]

He GOaT lucky! :)

[@zanethind]

@@DrDaveBilliards 👍😂

[@1202jazzman]

I don't follow your explanation of double hits...I only see the double hit in one or two of your examples...really hard to see.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You don’t need to see the double hit to know it is a double hit. The motion of the CB is a dead giveaway. See the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/double-hit/

[@Doodlebob4894]

I think i get it... I dont understand the wierd cushon rules thouhg

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Once you get it, it is very simple: After the CB contacts the legal OB, something (the CB or any OB) must be driven to a cushion (or be pocketed).

[@sahelaria993]

I am here because of 8 ball pool game

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I have lots of good 8-ball videos and other resources here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/game/8-ball/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/ Check them out.

[@mikewest712]

Those thin cuts down the rail are always sex on a stick.

[@DulceDeAraujo-yh1zw]

Biliar

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Is that a request for a 3-cushion bIlliards video? If so, I don’t have convenient access to equipment or much experience. Sorry.

[@johnallison5955]

Dave.....please get rid of that little sound that little tinkle ring tone sound in your videos...it does something to my brain and I can't watch the video after

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Sorry, but the chapter announcement sounds are here to stay. You could just mute the audio at the beginning of each chapter. Problem solved. :)

[@mellsfunni9204]

Slop supremacy! Don’t call your balls! Take the chance on the wacky and wild pockets!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That’s 9-ball at its worst. :)