How to play 10 ball

There are a lot of different games you can play with a billiard, or "pool" table. In most games, you strike a white "cue" billiard ball and try to make another colored ball into a pocket. I will be discussing the rules of 9-ball; one of the most popular games in pool.

First, you have to understand what it is you are playing on. There is a lot of equipment that goes into playing pool. The biggest, and most expensive part you need is a pool table. Pool tables vary in size depending on the space the consumer has available for use. Pool tables are rectangular in shape; with parallel long sides and parallel short sides. The pool table has six pockets to hit balls into. There are one in each corner, and one on either side of the center of the long side of the table.

To legally hit a ball under the confines of pool games you need a pool cue. A pool cue, or pool stick is a cylindric piece of wood that slightly thins toward the end of the sick, and has a tip appropriate for hitting. The purpose of the tip is to create friction between the ball and the stick. This will provide accuracy and prevent miscues. To use the pool cue properly, you must create a "Bridge" with your off- hand and hold toward the back of the cue with your dominant hand. The purpose of the bridge it to provide stability and control in your shot. You then, under control, thrust the stick forward toward the cue ball, striking it.

The final thing you need to play pool are the balls. There are 16 balls necessary to play all games of pool. There is a white cue ball, and 15 numbered balls. The numbered balls are split, 1-9 are solid and 10-15 have a stripe. these are the balls you are supposed to knock into the holes after striking them with the cue ball.

Okay, now that we know what we need, we can start. 9 ball only uses 9 balls plus the white cue ball. In order to win the game you have to make the 9 ball into a pocket. Before you can hit the 9 ball into a pocket, you must hit the 1-8 balls in in numerical order. If you fail to knock one of these balls in, or miss the target ball, you forfeit your turn to your opponent.

There are a few tricks in 9 ball. If you hit the cue ball into a pocket at any time, it is your opponents turn and he may place it wherever he pleases. This is known as "Ball in hand"

If you hit the target ball first, then pocket another ball after contact, it is a fair play and you keep your turn. This rule will actually allow you to hit the one ball into the 9 ball and hit the 9 ball into a pocket. This is very rare, and will win you the game, assuming you do not scratch the cue ball as well.

the only rule of racking 9 ball is that the balls must be in a triangular pattern with the 9 ball in the middle. Players often alternate the "Brake" where you hit the triangular rack of balls as hard as you can with the cue ball, trying to spread the balls around the table, and possible make a ball in a pocket to continue your turn.