Essential Rules of Chinese 9-Ball for Enthusiasts

I. Detailed Explanation of Table Markings
Break Line
Located at 1/4 of the table’s inner length, this horizontal line runs parallel to the table’s width, guiding the break position.
Rack Spot
Situated at the intersection of 3/4 of the table’s inner length and the central vertical line of its inner width, this is the designated spot for ball arrangement.

II. Proper Racking of Nine Colored Balls
Balls must be racked in a diamond formation:
The 1-ball is placed on the rack spot.
The 9-ball is positioned at the diamond’s center.
Remaining balls can be freely arranged but must be tightly packed without gaps.
III. Determining the Break Right
In Chinese 9-ball, three-player matches determine the first break via rock-paper-scissors.
IV. Detailed Shooting Rules
Sequential Shooting
Players must strike balls in numerical order, with the smallest-numbered ball always the target. Creating fouls by intentional blocking is prohibited. If a player is blocked, they may choose to let the previous shooter continue.

V. Game Win and Scoring Rules
1. Win Types
General Win: The basic victory condition.
Small Gold Win: A specific scoring victory.
Big Gold Win: The highest-value victory.
2. Scoring System (Example: 1-3-3-5 Format)
Foul: -1 point for the offender, +1 point for the previous shooter.
General Win: Winner +3 points, previous shooter -3 points.
Small Gold Win: Winner +6 points, other non-eliminated players -3 points each.
Big Gold Win: Winner +10 points, other players -5 points each.
VI. Definitions of Wins
Big Gold Win
The breaker pots the 9-ball in sequence after the break.
Small Gold Win
The breaker pots the 9-ball legally after a valid break, following the smallest-numbered ball.
Non-breakers pot the 9-ball in sequence when the 1-ball is still on the table.
General Win
All victories excluding Big Gold and Small Gold, including wins due to opponent fouls.

VII. Order of Play
General/Small Gold Wins: The winner becomes the next breaker.
Big Gold Win: The order remains unchanged.
Foul/Block Wins: The winner’s next player becomes the breaker.
VIII. Break Rules
Valid Break Conditions
The breaker must stand behind the break line, hit the 1-ball first, and ensure:
At least four object balls hit the rails, or
At least one ball is potted.
If the cue ball is potted or goes off the table, the opponent takes a free ball.
If an object ball is knocked off the table, the opponent takes a free ball (no re-racking).
If the 9-ball is knocked off:
Replace it on the rack spot (or the nearest valid spot if occupied), then the opponent takes a free ball.

If any ball is potted on the break, the breaker continues shooting.
Potting the 9-ball on the break wins the game, and the breaker retains the break right.
The game winner breaks the next frame.
IX. Foul Rules for the 9-Ball
In addition to specific 9-ball clauses, all foul rules applicable to Snooker also apply here.
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