What kind of game?
The shape of the rack is the same as the 9-ball, but the rules are completely different, and it is a game that requires a high level of skill. Shooting, which is the basis of pocket billiards and involves hitting the cue ball with the target ball and putting it directly into the pocket, does not score points. Additionally, combination shots, cannon shots, and kiss shots are not allowed, and all target balls must be pocketed using only bank shots.
The basic rules of the game
■Ball used
Nine target balls from balls 1 to 9 and a cue ball.
■How to assemble a rack
You can place them in any position (Figure 1), but most players set up a regular 9-ball rack.
Figure 1
■Game purpose
Pocket 5 target balls with a bank shot in one rack before your opponent.
■Basic rule points
All target balls are worth 1 point, and all shots except for break shots are called shots (Figure 2).
Figure 2
Game flow and wins/losses
Step 1: Deciding on the match format and order
The player who gets 5 points in 1 rack gets 1 point, and 1 rack (1 game) ends. Decide on the format of the match. After that, the game starts with banking to decide who goes first and who goes second (Figure 3).
Figure 3
If there is a difference in ability, you can handicap them by the number of racks earned, such as “My opponent is 5-3,” or “I get 1 rack with 5 points, and my opponent gets 1 rack with 3 points.” Another method is to handicap players by the number of balls.
Step 2: From break shot to end of game
The game begins with the first player making a break shot from any position in the kitchen (Figure 4). The condition for a safe break is that the cue ball hits the target ball at the head of the ruck and at least one of the target balls crosses the line connecting the side pockets; if this is not met, the opponent remains free. You can choose to take over play or request a re-break.
Figure 4
Nine-ball banks only have break shots, not called shots. If one of the nine target balls enters the pocket without fouling on the break shot, play continues. However, a target ball that enters on a break will not be scored and will be returned to the foot spot at the time of change of turn. If there is a foul or none of the target balls are pocketed, the players take turns, and then both players take turns and pocket the target balls using only bank shots (Figure 5).
Figure 5
The player who repeats this cycle and pockets 5 target balls first wins 1 rack.
Points of rules to have fun playing
Foul1: Type of foul
In addition to the common fouls (*) in pocket billiards, in nine-ball banks, if the shot cue ball does not hit any target ball (no-hit), and after the shot cue ball hits any target ball, the cue ball If neither of the target balls reaches the cushion (no cushion), it is a foul (Figure 6).
Figure 6
Foul2: If you foul
If you commit a foul on the 9-ball bank, you will in all cases receive a one-point deduction and one already pocketed target ball will be returned to the foot spot (Figure 7). In the case of a scratch and a hand out of bounds, including a break shot, the opposing player places the cue ball anywhere in the kitchen and play resumes. For all other fouls, play will resume from the current position.
Figure 7
If you commit a foul before any balls have been pocketed, including a foul on a break shot, record -1 point at the time of the foul, and then when you score and change turns, hit the target ball. Return one piece to the foot spot.
Original Rule 1: Invalid shot
Even if it is a shot using a cushion, the shot uses the cushion closest to the target ball and is pocketed along that cushion.Even if it is a bank shot, it ends up being pocketed after hitting another target ball. is invalid (Figure 8).
Figure 8
Original Rule2: When other target balls are pocketed at the same time
If two or more target balls are pocketed at the same time during play, if there is no foul at the time of the shot and the target balls are in as called, play continues and the target balls other than those that were called and pocketed at the time of change of turn are played. Return the ball to the foot spot. If the target ball is not pocketed as called, return the target ball to the foot spot and exchange turns with your opponent.
Common fouls in pocket billiards
- A foul is where the cue ball from a scratch
shot falls into the pocket, either directly or after hitting some target ball. The subsequent processing will vary depending on the type of game. - Touching the Ball
The only thing you can touch the cue ball with when shooting is the leather tap attached to the cue tip. Touching any other part will result in a foul. It is also a foul if you touch the target ball. - Outside the Ballpark
If the cue ball is shot and goes off the table, it is a foul if the target ball goes off the table as a result of the shot. - Double Hit
The tap may only touch the cue ball once during a single shot. If you hit the cue ball more than once once it has been shot, it will be a foul. - Both Feet Leave the Floor
At the moment of the shot, one foot must be touching the ground, even just the toes. For example, if you sit on a table and shoot with your feet in the air, it will be a foul. - Adding a landmark
When taking a shot, it is a foul if you place any kind of landmark to help you identify where you want to aim.
