Nine-ball is a fast-paced game played with only the first nine numbered balls and the cue ball. Players must always strike the lowest-numbered ball currently on the table to start a shot. You do not have to pocket the balls in numerical order to keep playing. As long as you hit the correct ball first, any ball that falls into a pocket counts. The ultimate goal is to pocket the nine ball using a legal hit on the target ball. This creates many opportunities for creative combination shots and early victories. For example, a player hits the one ball which then knocks the nine ball into a pocket. This results in an immediate win even though eight other balls remain on the felt. It is a favorite among professionals because it rewards aggressive play and precise cue ball control. The game is known for its speed and dramatic momentum shifts.
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