Rules of Nine Ball

More complete rules can be found on the WPBA website and the BCA website.

Order of Play. The order of play is determined by the flip of a coin (one player flips a coin while the other players calls 'heads' or tails'). If both players agree, the order of play can be determined by 'lagging.' Lagging entails using two balls of equal size and weight (either two cue balls or two non-striped object balls) by the players. With the balls in hand behind the head string, the balls are shot simultaneously to the foot rail and back to the head of the table. Striking the side rails or pockets is an automatic loss of the lag. It is permissible to strike the head rail. The player whose ball is closest to the head rail wins the lag provided the ball did not scratch, hang in the pocket, or touch the side rails during the lag. If either player’s lagged ball crosses over the center of the table onto the opponent’s side during the lag, it is a foul and automatic loss of the lag. If the lagged balls make contact with each other, the lag is void and a new lag is required. If both players violate automatic-loss lag rules, or if the tournament director is unable to determine which ball is closer to the head rail, the lag is a tie and is replayed.

Legal Break. To be legal, the cue ball must travel from its initial spot behind the headstring and strike the 1-ball first, driving at least four balls to any rail or pocketing a ball. If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, or if the requirements of a legal break are not met, it is a foul, and the incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. If the breaker causes an object ball to jump off the table, it a foul, and the incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. The object ball is not re-spotted, unless it is the 9-ball. Once the cue ball has passed the headstring by striking the cue ball with the cue tip, it will be considered an attempt to break. If player attempts to break and the cue ball has traveled past the headstring, the player may not stop or impede cue ball by any means, or may not double hit cue ball. Such action will be considered a foul. If a legal break does not occur then the incoming player may take cue ball in hand, or may have balls re-racked and may break. If rack is undisturbed, cue ball must be placed behind the headstring. If a foul occurs during any break attempt that results in a legal break, then the incoming player has cue ball in hand. If a foul occurs during any break attempt that results in an illegal break, then the incoming player re-racks and breaks.

Legal Shot. To be a legal shot, the cue ball must always hit the lowest-numbered ball first and either cause an object ball to be pocketed or cause any ball, including the cue ball, to contact a rail. Failure to do so is a foul, with incoming player taking cue ball in hand.

Pocketed Balls. A ball is considered pocketed if, as the result of an otherwise legal shot, it drops off the bed of the table into the pocket and remains there. A ball that rebounds from a pocket back onto the bed of the table is not a pocketed ball. It is the sole responsibility of the player to clear the pockets of any numbered balls that may cause a rebound. If a ball rebounds from a pocket due to balls being in the pocket, it is not considered pocketed.

Continuing Play. If the breaker pockets one or more balls on a legal break, she continues to shoot until she misses, fouls, or wins the game. If the player misses or fouls, the other player begins her inning & shoots until she misses, fouls, or wins. The game is won when the 9-ball is pocketed on a legal shot.

Ball in Hand Fouls. Anytime a player commits a foul, the opponent shall receive cue ball in hand. All pocketed balls stay down, except the 9-ball which is spotted. All fouls must be declared and acknowledged before the next shot is taken. Questionable foul calls that are not observed by the tournament director generally go in the favor of the shooter. Players are advised to request that the tournament director observe all potential foul situations. The tournament director reserves the right to resolve a foul situation by any means necessary.

a) Scratch – Pocketing the cue ball, illegally pocketing numbered balls, or driving either off the table is a foul. A cue ball scratch on the break with the rack undisturbed is not a cue ball in hand. Refer to LEGAL BREAK.
b) No Rail – After a legal hit, if the cue ball or a legally struck numbered ball fails to hit a rail, it is a foul (except during a push out or if a numbered ball is legally pocketed). A ball is considered driven to a rail if it touches the cloth on the rail or a pocket facing or pocket liner.
c) Bad Hit – If the first ball struck by the cue ball is not the lowest numbered ball on the table, or if the cue ball does not contact any ball, the shot is a foul.
d) Miscue – A miscue is a foul (on any shot) if any part of the cue stick other than the chalked tip comes into contact with the cue ball.
e) One Foot On The Floor – Striking the cue without at least one foot on the floor is a foul.
f) Object Ball Frozen to a Rail – If the lowest numbered ball (object ball) is frozen to a rail, the player must drive the object ball to another rail, or the cue ball must strike a rail after contact with the frozen object ball, or a numbered ball must be legally pocketed, or another numbered ball must strike a rail with which it was not already in contact. Failure to satisfy one of these requirements is a foul. For this rule to be in effect, the frozen object ball must be declared by the non-shooting player and acknowledged by the shooting player prior to the shot taking place.
g) Balls Off The Table – If any action causes a numbered ball to come to rest off the playing surface (not legally pocketed), it is a foul (except during the break when an illegal break occurs). No numbered balls are spotted except for the 9-ball. If any action (accidental or intentional movement) other than a legal shot causes a numbered ball to be pocketed, it is a foul.
h) Illegal Jump Shot – An illegal jump shot is a foul and occurs when the cue ball is struck below the center line by the cue stick tip which causes the cue ball to jump or lift above the playing surface (scooping or digging under the cue ball).
I) Cue Ball In Hand Placement – Touching any numbered ball with the cue ball while placing the cue ball on the playing surface is a foul.
j) Adjustment To The Cue Ball – If a player uses the chalked area of the cue tip while in the bridge and stance position to push the cue ball into position, it will be determined to be an attempt to shoot and considered a foul.
k) Cue Tip On The Cue Ball – When the cue tip remains on the cue ball past the momentary time commensurate with a legal struck shot (push shot), it is a foul.
l) Touching The Cue Ball – Touching by any means or causing the cue ball to have any movement (other than a legally struck shot) is a foul.
m) Cue Ball In Motion – The cue ball may not be touched or picked up until all balls have come to rest and/or been pocketed. If the cue ball is picked up or touched while it is still in motion, it is a foul, regardless of the intent by the player or the path of the cue ball.
n) Moving Ball – Shooting while any ball is in motion or spinning is a foul. (Note: If a ball shifts, settles, or otherwise moves "by itself," it is not considered a foul, and the ball shall remain in the position it assumed with play continuing.
o) Touching Moving Balls – It is a foul to touch any moving ball or to allow a ball to strike any foreign object.
p) Touching or Moving Numbered Balls at Rest (Prior to Shot) – It is not a foul to accidentally move or touch a single numbered ball other than the lowest numbered ball on the table. Any time the lowest numbered ball is touched in any way, it is a foul. Anytime a player is placing the cue ball on the table (cue ball in hand), it may not contact any numbered ball, or it is a foul. If a single numbered ball is accidentally moved prior to a shot, the opponent may replace it in its original position only, or the opponent has the option to leave the numbered ball in the moved position (leave lie). Anytime two or more numbered balls are moved prior to a shot, it is an automatic foul, and the opponent has the option to replace all moved balls only in their original positions or leave them lie. The shooter may never replace a ball without permission from the opponent, or it is a foul.
q) Touching or Moving Numbered Balls During a Shot – If a player moves a single numbered ball during a shot and the moved ball interferes with a legally struck numbered ball or the cue ball, it is a foul. If the general area vacated by the moved numbered ball could have had an outcome on the shot, the cue ball, or the path of either or both, it is a foul. The opponent has the option to replace the moved numbered ball to its original position or leave lie. If the numbered ball that was moved contacts another numbered ball, it is an automatic foul, and the opponent has the option to replace all moved balls only in their original positions or leave lie. The shooter may never replace the balls without permission by the opponent, or it is a foul.
r) Numbered Balls Struck By The Cue Stick – If a numbered ball is struck by the chalked area of the tip of the cue stick prior to or at the same time as it strikes the cue ball, it is a foul. (Note: It is possible to strike the cue ball and have the ferrule or shaft contact a numbered ball at the same time and not result in a foul. This situation is generally when a player has to elevate the cue by hand or bridge over a numbered ball in order to strike the cue ball. If a single numbered ball is moved in this manner and has no outcome on the shot, it may be placed in the original position by the opponent or leave lie.)
s) Foreign Object Fouls – The player is responsible for chalk, bridges, files, and any other items or equipment brought to or used at the table. If, for example, a piece of chalk is dropped or a mechanical bridge head is knocked off, a foul will occur should such an object make contact with the cue ball. If a foreign object makes contact with a numbered ball, the preceding rules shall apply.
t) Jump and Masse Shot Foul – If a match is not refereed, it will be considered a foul if during an attempt to jump, curve, or masse the cue ball over or around an impeding numbered ball, the impeding ball moves (regardless of whether it was moved by hand, cue stick follow-through, or bridge).
u) Strategic Intentional Foul – A player has the option to intentional foul by shooting the cue ball into any numbered ball on the table and into any area on the table to strategically tie up other numbered balls. The only ball to spot (if pocketed) is the 9-ball.
v) Shot Clock - If the shot clock is implemented and a player exceeds the time limit for shooting, it is a foul.
w) Marking The Table or Use of Foreign Objects– It is a foul to mark the table or rail or place a foreign object on the table or rail to assist in providing a player an advantage in executing a shot, unless marks and objects are removed prior to the shot to the satisfaction of the opponent and/or the tournament director. If a player uses a cue stick, bridge, or foreign object to determine the angle and in the process releases the cue stick, bridge, or foreign object from the hand, it is a foul. A player may not use any object to determine "clearance" or "gaps" between balls or rails on the table, except with the cue ball when the player has ball in hand, or a cue stick or bridge provided it is being held by the player. Numbered balls that are pocketed (out of play) may never be used to determine angles, clearances, or gaps or be spotted, or it is a foul.
x) Opponent or Spectator Interference– Failure to remain seated and quiet while the opponent is at the table will result in a single warning or no warning from the tournament director and may result in an interference foul. If a player shoots out of turn, moves any ball, except during the player’s turn at the table, or interferes with the opponent in any manner, it is a foul. The above infractions allow the opponent ball in hand. If a spectator or others cause interference, the tournament director may have those persons interfering removed from the area. If a player is accidentally "bumped" by anyone (other than his opponent) and, as a result, any balls are moved, all balls may be replaced in their original positions by the tournament director.
y) Coaching – Players soliciting and/or receiving coaching are subject to a single warning or no warning. A violation will result in a foul with the opponent receiving ball in hand. Any spectator who spontaneously offers advice to a player is subject to removal from the tournament area. If a player calls a foul as a result of being prompted to do so by any others, the tournament director may determine to disallow the foul call. The decision of the tournament director is final.

Object Ball Frozen to a Rail. This rule applies to any shot in which the cue ball’s first contact is with a ball that is frozen to a rail. After the cue ball makes contact with the frozen object ball, the shot must result in either:

Failure to satisfy one of these four requirements is a foul. Note that a ball which is touching a rail at the start of a shot and then forced into the same rail is not considered to have been driven to that rail unless it leaves the rail, contacts another ball, and then contacts the rail again. An object ball is not considered frozen to a rail unless it is examined and declared as such by the opponent and acknowledged by the shooter prior to the object ball being involved in a shot..

Illegal Push Shot & Double Hit. When the cue ball and the lowest numbered ball are separated by less than the width of a chalk cube, the player may not shoot directly towards the object ball if the action causes a push shot or a double hit. Note: Players are advised to have the tournament director observe any shot where the cue ball and lowest numbered ball are close together. In such a situation, unless the tournament director can positively determine that a legal shot has been performed, the following guideline may apply: If the cue ball follows through the object ball more than ½ ball, it is a foul. Shooting at an angle away from the object ball and not directly through it lowers the possibility of committing a push shot foul. Note that if the cue ball and the object ball are actually touching (frozen), the player may shoot directly toward the object ball with a normal stroke without committing a foul, provided no other rule is violated.

Touching or Moving Numbered Balls. If a single numbered ball, other than the object ball, is accidentally moved prior to a shot, the opponent may replace it in its original position only, or the opponent has the option to leave the numbered ball in its moved position (leave lie). Anytime two or more numbered balls are moved prior to a shot, it is an automatic foul, and the opponent has the option to replace all moved balls only in their original positions or leave them lie. The shooter may never replace a ball without permission from the opponent, or it is a foul. Note that touching the object ball in any way is a foul. See BALL IN HAND FOULS below for further details.

Calling of Fouls. It is the player’s responsibility to call fouls when they occur. If a player allows the opponent to continue play and shoot again without having called the foul at the time of the infraction and prior to the next shot, then the player relinquishes the right to call the foul (assumed concession). If a player calls a foul and the opponent acknowledges the call, and the opponent continues to shoot prior to having the foul determined or concluded, then the tournament director shall be summoned and may use any means necessary to determine if a foul call and/or a foul occurred. The decision of the tournament director is final.

Devices. Players are not allowed to use a ball, chalk, rack or any width measuring device to see if the cue ball or an object ball would travel through a space between two balls or ball and cushion etc. Doing so is a foul. Only the cue stick may be used as an aid to judge gaps, etc., so long as the cue is held by the hand. To do so otherwise is a foul.

Ball in Hand. When the cue ball is in hand, the player may place the cue ball anywhere on the bed of the table. She may continue to adjust the position of the cue ball until she takes the shot. If the end of the tip touches the cue ball during adjustment it is also a foul. If cue ball touches any object ball during placement it is a foul.

Object Balls Jumped off the Table. Object balls jumped from the table or pocketed on a foul stay down, except the 9-ball, which is spotted on the foot spot.

Split Hits. If the cue ball strikes the object ball and another numbered ball at approximately the same instant, and it cannot be clearly determined which ball was struck first and a referee is not present, the judgment will go in favor of the shooter.

Conceding the 9-Ball. The OB Cues Ladies 9-Ball Tour is a stepping stone which can lead to the WPBA. Although the OB Cues Ladies 9-Ball Tour will not consider conceding the 9-ball as a foul on our Tour, we do ask that you please show good sportsmanship by not conceding the 9-ball in your matches.

Three Consecutive Fouls. If a player fouls three consecutive times on three successive shots in the same game without making an intervening legal shot, it is loss of game. Warning must be given to the player by the opponent at any time between the second and third fouls, and the player must acknowledge the warning, for the three-foul rule to be in effect.

If the same player commits three consecutive fouls during a game, it is loss of game. Any foul committed on the break counts towards the three foul rule. The opponent (or referee if present) must warn the player that she is on two fouls, for third foul to result in loss of game; otherwise player remains on two fouls unless a legal hit is executed.

Cease Play Request/shot Observance. A player may make a request at any time to have the tournament director observe a shot. The opponent is required to wait until the tournament director declares that he is in position and ready to observe the shot. If a player shoots prior to the tournament director declaring that he is in position and ready, it will be a foul.

Jawed Balls. If two balls are jawed in the facing of a pocket as the result of a legally struck shot and no numbered ball was pocketed, the tournament director shall determine if either or both of the numbered balls shall be manually pocketed or leave lie, contingent upon the position of the numbered balls over the pocket (over the edge of the slate in pocket). The tournament director shall visually (or physically if he desires) project each ball directly downward from its locked position, and any ball that in his judgment would fall in the pocket if so moved directly downward is a pocketed ball, while any ball that would come to rest on the bed of the table is not a pocketed ball. If the tournament director manually pockets a numbered ball(s), the player shall remain at the table for another shot. If no legally pocketed or manually pocketed numbered ball is executed, the balls are then placed according to the tournament director’s assessment, and the opponent shall receive the table as is.

5-second Rule. A hanging ball that falls into a pocket "by itself" after being motionless for 5 seconds or longer shall be replaced as closely as possible to its position prior to falling, and play shall continue. If an object ball drops into a pocket "by itself" as a player shoots at it, so that the cue ball passes over the spot where the ball had been, unable to hit it, the cue ball and object ball are to be replaced as closely as possible to their positions prior to the stroke, and the player may shoot again. Any other object balls disturbed on the stroke are also to be replaced to their original positions before the shooter replays.

Other Comments. Any rules not covered here that are printed in the WPBA Handbook or BCA rule book are valid and in effect.

• Dress Code
• Structure
• Join the Tour
• Rules
• About the Tour