As facing the pool shooter, you are to rack the set of 9 object balls so that the even numbers go on your left hand side, the odd numbers on your right, for a fine game of 9 ball pool. The yellow 1 ball goes to the front of the rack for courtesy, making for the simplest possible hit as it must be struck first.
You need not rack 9 ball as shown with the exception of the 1 ball to the front, the 9 ball in the middle of the rack per official 9 ball rules and to prevent the nine from sinking easily out of the rack.
For more on 9 ball rules, 9 ball racking and 9 ball setup see our related story. Next, let me show you two quick ways to get more from your 9 ball rack open break.
