If the 9-ball is sinks during play (intentional or not, on a break, without other human intervention) immediate win is declared by the opponent who caused it to sink That opponent progresses to the next round.)
1. Balls 1-9 are placed in numerical order into a diamond on the dot on the North side of the billiard tables. Toss a coin to call for the break. Please offer sportsmanship if you are an outstanding player and allow the other player to break. (Psst, rack’em tight please for competition play. If you don't know how, ask and someone will probably show you.)
2. Each player in turn shoots to hit and potentially sink the balls into a pool table pocket in numerical order. If you do not at least touch the cue-ball to the numerically sequenced one next in order, your opponent has a "ball in hand" opportunity. I like this game because it lets people of any skill level win.
3. The balls must be impacted in numerical order unless you sink one or more balls per turn -- then you’ll obviously skip the ones which have already dropped. Slop pays in 9-ball, if you sink a ball, you shoot again (as long as the cue ball touched the next numeric first). The player who sinks the 9-ball progresses to the next round. So take those lucky shot chances!
9-ball is preferred because more people can play that way, with 9-ball everyone can play no matter their skill level. *smiles*
Terminology for non-pool sharks (like me) LOL:
Break: Impacting the cue ball hard, you cause the formation of balls on the table to break and hopefully you experience a sink on the break!
Sink: By impacting the cue ball with your stick, you cause the ball in play to drop into one of the 6 pockets on your table of play.
Ball-in-Hand: You get to place the cue ball onto the table to your best advantage. You may place the ball anywhere but once in play you may not touch the cue ball directly until your next Ball-in-Hand opportunity.
Bumpers: In 9-ball you may bounce the cue ball off any bumper in order to attempt to impact the next ball in play to remain competitive and not allow your opponent to have a "ball-in-hand" opportunity.
Slop: You do not have to call your shots, as long as you sink a ball or more after impacting the numerically sequential ball in order, since slop counts -- you continue to play. Sinking the 9-ball during play will allow you to progress to the next round… on purpose or not LOL!
Miscue: Intending to impact the cue ball, you inadvertently miss and the cue ball does not move or moves minutely. You opponent is given Ball-in-Hand.
Scratch: You drop the cue ball into a pocket while in play… your opponent gets to begin their turn "Ball-in-Hand". Also, if the cue ball leaves the table surface, it also becomes a "Ball-in-Hand" opportunity to your opponent.
In Play: Anytime the balls are still in motion during or following the actions of a player. Please wait until all balls come to a complete stop before shooting next.
Rack: When all balls (numerically sequenced 1-9) are placed on the table for play again. Someone who knows how to Rack ‘em can show you… when done right you can even win off the break. The highest number of balls sunk in the previous game determines who breaks and ties are broken with a coin toss.
Etiquette: Please refrain from handling the balls (except Ball-in-Hand) on the table surface. You may not make any manual "adjustments", no handicaps, no physical assists while during tournaments or competition.
Please be courteous to your opponents as they are here to enjoy playing too. If a tournament/competition player asks for quiet, please respect their right to shoot in peace. (Des polished her B*tch boots just in case! *twinkling eyes*)
Some people have expressed an interest in going out as a group – got an idea? The Old Spaghetti Factory (maybe -- then ??? Dancing? 8 ball? Gaming? Rumble? LOL – lemme know!
