Rack the 9 balls in a diamond shape with the 1-ball at the front and the 9-ball in the center
Break the rack from behind the head string
On the break, the shooter must hit the lowest-numbered ball on the table first
A legal break requires at least 4 object balls to hit a rail or a ball to be pocketed
If the 9-ball is pocketed on a legal break, the breaker wins the game
After the break, the shooter continues if a ball is pocketed legally
On every shot, the cue ball must first contact the lowest-numbered ball on the table
The shooter may use combination shots and caroms to pocket the 9-ball
Any ball pocketed on a legal shot remains down, except the 9-ball on a foul or illegal pocket
If a player pockets a ball legally, they keep shooting
If no ball is pocketed, the turn passes to the opponent
Fouls include failing to hit the lowest-numbered ball first, scratching the cue ball, or failing to make a legal hit
After a foul, the incoming player gets ball-in-hand according to the table rules
The 9-ball can be pocketed at any time on a legal shot to win the game
The game ends immediately when the 9-ball is legally pocketed
If the 9-ball is pocketed on a foul, it is spotted back on the table if required by the rules being used
Players must call shots only if the rules of the match require it
The player must continue shooting until they miss, foul, or win the game
The lowest-numbered ball rule always applies unless a special rule or format states otherwise