Yahoo! Pool 9 Ball Rules

Object of the game

9-ball is played with nine balls numbered 1-9 plus the cue ball. With each shot the cue ball must first contact the lowest ball on the table or it is a foul. A player's turn continues until he misses, fouls, or wins the game by sinking the 9-ball. After a missed shot, the other player must shoot the ball from where it lies unless a foul has occurred, in which case the player has ball in hand. Players are not required to call any shots, including the 9-ball. The game ends when a player legally sinks the 9-ball or when a player fouls out.

The Break

The player who breaks first is randomly chosen. The break alternates in subsequent games. For a break to be legal, the shooter must strike the 1-ball first and either pocket a ball or hit four or more balls to the rail.

Fouls

If a player fouls he loses his turn. No balls are re-spotted with the exception of the 9-ball. After a foul the other player gains ball in hand. The following are considered fouls:

If the first ball contacted by the cue ball is not the lowest ball on the table.
If no balls are pocketed and no balls are driven to the rail.
An illegal break, as described above.
If a player fouls on three consecutive shots in a game he loses.

End of the game

The game ends when a player legally sinks the 9-ball or when a player forfeits the game as a result of a foul.