U.S.A 9 Ball - Rules

BALL SET - 8 SPOTS numbered 1-8, 1 STRIPE numbered 9, 1 WHITE.

RULE TERMS:
CUE BALL-The white ball.
OPEN TABLE-Player allowed to hit spot or stripe.
BREAK OFF AREA-Small area behind the line drawn across the table width.
BALL IN HAND-Player may place the ball anywhere on the table.
TARGET BALL-Ball the player must strike for a legal shot; lowest numbered ball on the table.
9 BALL-Striped number 9 ball.
COMBINATION SHOT-A cannon or carom shot.

1) BREAK OFF
Player chosen to go first may place the CUE BALL anywhere in the BREAKOFF AREA and has an OPEN TABLE. The player must perform a legal break. 
An Illegal break occurs if:
CUE BALL potted or jumps from the table. The opponent gets BALL IN HAND.
CUE BALL fails to strike any ball. The opponent takes the break off shot.
The number 1 ball on the table is not struck. The opponent gets BALL IN HAND
2) SELECTING A BALL TYPE
TARGET BALL is always the lowest number ball.
3) MAIN PLAY
Play continues each player potting the lowest number ball.
4) RE-SPOT
9 BALL potted as the result of a COMBINATION SHOT and a foul committed. The 9 BALL is re-spotted and the opponent gets BALL IN HAND.
5) FOUL SHOTS
CUE BALL potted or jumps from the table. The opponent gets BALL IN HAND.
TARGET BALL missed. The opponent gets BALL IN HAND.
6) WINNING
9 BALL potted as part of a COMBINATION SHOT or when it is the only ball.
7) LOSING
9 BALL potted as the TARGET BALL and foul committed

