Generations of barroom athletes have enjoyed billiards as contests of
skill. Whether you play for fun in the local pub, or play for keeps on the
professional circuit, there are many variations to keep you and your
friends entertained. Nine Ball billiards is one favorite take on the
age-old game.
Nine Ball billiards is a contest of skill and a test
of concentration. This is because in Nine Ball, each player must be
mindful of every ball that's on the table. Rather than simply focusing on
a group of specific balls, Nine Ball requires that all players begin each
shot with the cue ball striking the lowest numbered ball on the table. As
long as that happens, the player is free to pocket any ball to keep his or
her turn in play. In theory, the first shot should contact the one ball
and all shots should initially contact the lowest number until that nine
ball is finally pocketed.
A major variation of the basic billiards
game play is that only balls played are those numbered one through nine,
and the balls are racked in a diamond shape as opposed to the traditional
triangle. Most of the balls can be set randomly within the diamond,
however the one ball must be at the tip and the nine ball must be at the
center. When the balls have been properly set, play begins as usually with
the cue ball set behind the head string.
Upon breaking, the shooter
must either pocket one ball or send four balls to the rails, to continue
in his or her turn. If the breaking shooter should pocket the cue ball or
knock a ball off of the table, the shot is lost. The opponent re-spots the
ball and begins his or her turn. Any balls that are pocketed by a foul
shot must be re-spotted before the opposing shooter can take a legal shot.
A
shot is considered foul if the break shot is unsuccessful, and if
succeeding shots don't result in pocketing a ball or contacting the lowest
numbered ball first. If a player fouls, he or she has three opportunities
to correct the mistake. The player is notified after the second foul and
if the third shot also results in a foul, the game is called and the
fouling player is declared the loser. If a player is not eliminated as a
result of a foul, the Nine Ball billiards game continues until the nine
ball is legally pocketed.
Billiards is a fun game that can easily
be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. Many people make
billiards a part of their regular nights out, and variations on the game,
like Nine Ball, ensure that no two nights will be the same.
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