Read this if the game doesn't load.
Learn About the Game 9 Ball Knockout (Billiards)
Have you ever gathered a group of friends around a pool table and turned the usual game of nine-ball into a fast-paced elimination contest? That’s basically what 9 Ball Knockout is all about. You rack the balls in the familiar diamond shape, assign each player a turn order, and then let the break decide who stays alive. If someone misses the object ball, scratches, or otherwise fouls, they’re knocked out of the rotation—and the rack resets for the next two contenders. It’s simple, but the pressure really ramps up as the field whittles down.
What makes it so fun is how quickly momentum can swing. One player might squeak through a tricky combo to stay in the game, while another can be sent packing in a heartbeat for leaving the cue ball behind the head string or failing to hit the lowest-numbered ball first. Once you’ve lost your life, you get to cheer on the survivors and watch as they jockey for position, break after break, until only one person remains standing. There’s no Second Chance rule here—you’re either in or you’re out.
Because the format is so social, 9 Ball Knockout is perfect for casual bar leagues or a rowdy Saturday afternoon at the local pool hall. Beginners love it because they only need to focus on one shot at a time, while seasoned players relish the tactical dance of safeties and early 9-ball attempts. By the time the last rack is broken, you’ve usually had enough drama, laughter, and “Oh no!” moments to fill an entire evening of banter. It’s a quick, competitive spin on classic nine-ball that everyone can pick up in minutes and then obsess over for hours.