9-Ball (Nine-Ball) is played with only the cue ball and the balls labeled 1 through 9. The player up (players rotate) must shoot the lowest numbered ball on the table. If the player pockets the correct ball they continue, otherwise a foul is called. The game is won by the player who legally pockets the 9-ball.

Played competitively in both North America and Europe, 9-Ball is a billiard sport where players attempt to be the first to pocket the 9-ball. To do so, players must strike the lowest-numbered ball on the table before striking anything else.

Pocket the 9-ball before the opposing player, without committing a foul.

Play starts with the racking of the 1-9 balls in a diamond shape, with the 1-ball at the front tip of the diamond. A player then breaks the formation with the cue ball. Regardless of the result, the player at the table can call a push-out. If the opposing players accepts the push-out, the cue ball can be shot at any ball on the table. If the push-out is not called or is not accepted, the player at the table must attempt to pocket the lowest numerical ball on the table. The lowest number ball must always be contacted with the cue ball before another ball can be hit. If not, a foul has been committed and next player takes a turn. The 9-ball can be pocketed at any time, so long as a foul isn't committed. Whoever pockets the 9-ball without a foul is the winner.

Billiards was first played in 15th century England, and has been a popular game throughout Europe and the United States ever since. Many styles and variations have been created using the same basic rules and equipment. 9-Ball originated in the United States in the 1920's. As the game spread, rule alterations like the push-out were developed, and then accepted as standard. Today, 9-Ball is the preferred tournament game in the United States and Europe.

Cue
Cue Ball
Object Balls
Rack
Six Pocket Billiard Table

Players must use caution when handling a cue, as eye injuries can sometimes occur.

Training consists of minor aerobic exercises to maintain modest flexibility in the back, shoulders and arms. A basic knowledge of angles and trajectory is also a plus.

Cue - a long, straight, tapering wooden rod for striking the ball

Cue Ball - white ball that is struck with the cue

Foul - any number of illegal plays, including pocketing the cue ball or knocking a ball of the table

Object Balls - any ball other than the cue ball

Push-Out - an option a player can call immediately after the break, which if accepted by the opposing player, allows for the striking of any ball on the table

Rack - a triangular, diamond or straight shaped structure for positioning object balls

Six Pocket Billiard Table - a smooth rectangular cloth- covered table used for billiards and some forms of pool, with six pockets at the corners and sides into which the balls can be struck

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_ball