How to Rack Billiard Balls for a Game of 9 Ball

The only rule for a game of 9 ball is that the 9 ball be placed in the middle of the 9-ball rack. This procedure is easy to remember. In a game of 9 ball, all the balls are solid in color except for the striped 9 ball, which goes in the middle of the 9-ball rack.

1. Start by placing the solid yellow 1 ball in the front V of the 9-ball rack, with the 9-ball rack placed so that the front V is over the pool table dot at the end of the billiard (pool) table where you rack the balls.

2. Next, place the solid blue 2 ball behind the solid yellow 1 bal1 down the left side of the 9-ball rack, maintaining the numeric format

3. Place the solid red 3 ball to the right of the solid blue 2 ball with the red 3 forming a triangle inside the 9-ball rack.

4. Place the solid purple 4 ball in the left middle corner of the 9-ball rack behind the solid blue 2 ball.

5. Place the striped 9 ball in the middle of the 9-ball rack, right next to the solid purple 4 ball.

6. Place the solid orange 5 ball in the right middle corner of the 9-ball rack, filling the front triangle of the 9-ball rack.

7. Place the solid green 6 ball behind the purple 4 ball, along the left side of the 9-ball rack.

8. Place the solid burgundy 7 ball behind the solid orange 5 ball, along the right side of the 9-ball rack.

9. Place the solid black 8 ball in the bottom V of the rack, which will fill the 9-ball rack.

Use your thumbs and push on the black 8 ball, forcing all balls tight into the 9-ball rack, making sure that the solid yellow 1 ball is placed in the middle of the pool table dot. This is very important, since it is difficult for your opponent to make a ball on the break if hes shooting at a tight rack.