Game Object

The object of 9-ball is to legally pocket the 9-ball first.

Balls must be played in order from 1-9. The lowest ball on the table must always be struck first. Shots do not have to be called. The game is won after the 9-ball is pocketed on any legal shot, including the break.

Rules

1. Rack
   The balls are racked always with the 1-ball in front, and the 9-ball in the middle in a diamond formation. All other balls are randomly placed.
2. The Break
   The break in one game matches is determined randomly. In multi-game matches the break will alternate.
   1. The player breaking has ball-in-hand anywhere behind the headstring.
   2. The break shot must hit the 1-ball first, and drive at least four object balls to rail, or pocket a ball.
3. Pushout
   The shooter immediately following any legal break shot has the option to pushout.
   When a pushout is declared, the shooter may make any shot with the cue ball. It is not required to hit another object ball. Foul rules on rails do not apply for a pushout shot. After the pushout, the other player has the option to accept or decline taking the next shot.
   The pushout option must be selected prior to shooting or it will be considered a normal shot.
   1. It is a foul to pocket the cue ball.
   2. It is a foul to jump an object ball off the table.
   3. If the 9-ball is pocketed on a pushout, then it is re-spotted on the foot spot, all other balls pocketed remain down.

4. Play
   A player retains the right to shoot, as long as a ball is legally pocketed during their previous shot. A player loses their turn when they fails to pocket a ball, or fouls.
5. Fouls
   A foul is considered any violation of the rules of play. After a foul, the offending player loses their turn, and their opponent has ball-in-hand.
   1. A player committing three fouls in consecutive shots loses the game.
   2. The amount of fouls committed consecutively is shown with a red “F” next to the players name.
   3. If the 9-ball is pocketed on any shot constituting a foul, then it is re-spotted on the foot spot.
6. Rails Hit
   A ball must either be pocketed, or a ball (including the cue ball) must touch a rail a rail after the lowest ball has been hit legally or else it is a foul.
7. Balls Driven from Table
   It is a foul to hit an object ball off the table.
   1. Object balls driven from the table are not re-spotted, except if it is the 9-ball.
   2. When the 9-ball is driven from the table it is re-spotted on the foot spot.
8. Scratch
   It is a foul to pocket the cue ball at any time.
9. Timer
   It is considered a foul for the timer to expire.
10. Special Cases
    In the event of a discrepancy in the software with these rules (such as a “bug”), the software’s functionality shall prevail in determining the outcome. PoolStars reserves the right to modify or changes these rules at any time. PoolStars reserves the right to void any results to any matches deemed to be technically abnormal.