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If you’re going to learn to play pool, pocket billiards, pocket pool or 9 ball, then you’ll need to know the rules of the game. From being a leisure pastime enjoyed by millions to a high stakes game of strategy in tournaments around the world, pool has become more than just a game for many people. Nine ball, the game generally played by most pool players in tournaments, is played with nine object balls that are numbered from one through nine, plus a cue ball. The balls are marked in stripes or solids in order to differentiate one player’s balls from another’s. The first ball that the cue ball strikes must be the lowest numbered ball on the table, however the balls do not need to be pocketed in numerical order.

First the balls are racked in a diamond shape with a pool rack. The 1 ball is at the top of the diamond resting on the foot spot, a white mark on the pool table felt. The 9 ball is in the center of the rack and the remaining balls are racked randomly but as tightly as possible in order to facilitate a better break. The game is started with cue ball in hand behind the head string. Winner of the lag generally breaks. In 9-ball the winner of each game generally breaks in the next game unless the tournament rules specify otherwise.

If a player manages to pocket any ball on a legal shot he will remain at the table for another shot and will continue on that way until he either misses a shot, commits a foul or wins the game by pocketing the 9 ball. When the previous player has missed, the following player must shoot from the position left by the previous player. If the player committed a foul then the next incoming player can start with the cue ball from anywhere on the table. Players do not need to call out any of their shots and a match is finished when a player wins the required number of games. This is generally determined by the specific tournament rules.

As you can see, having the proper equipment to play 9-ball is very important. You can spend a fortune on pool balls, cues, racks, chalk and pool cue repair kits, but you don’t have to do so. It’s very important to keep your pool cue in excellent shape so it your slip shots will work perfectly. Shop around and you’ll find some excellent equipment to play 9-ball with. Winning a 9-ball tournament is exciting and you can do it if you know the rules, practice and have the proper equipment.

Jason Marco is an expert on the subject of Pool and operates a discount billiards store where you can get great equipment and Pool Table Accessories. Click here: http://www.ThePoolHustler.com

Source: www.articlesbase.com