What is a push out in 9-ball?
I · Intermediate · 9-ball and 10-ball · 6 of 8The break is played from above the head string. If nothing drops, four balls must reach a cushion, or it is a foul, and three must cross the head string. After a legal break, the next shooter may play a push out, a shot free of the first-contact and cushion rules, and the opponent then chooses who plays.
How it works
- From: ball in hand above the head string.
- Four to cushions: if no ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to cushions, or the break is a foul.
- Three past the head string: if no ball is pocketed, three balls must cross the head string, or the break is illegal under the three-ball rule.
- After a legal break: the shooter of the next shot may choose a push out.
- Declaring: the player must tell the referee before the push out.
- Suspended: the wrong-ball-first and no-rail rules do not apply to the push out.
- The choice: if no foul is made on the push out, the opponent decides who shoots next.
- A 9-ball pocketed on the push out: spotted, not a win.
- Other fouls: a push out can still be a foul, for example a scratch.
The glossary has the push out, the break shot, the nine-ball, the ball in hand, the standard fouls and the safety.
Tricky cases
The player pushes out to a spot with an easy shot. Must the opponent take it?
No. The opponent chooses who shoots, so they may hand the shot back.
Can a push out be played later in the rack?
No. It is the second shot of the rack only, right after the break.
What does the three-ball rule require?
That three balls cross the head string if none is pocketed. The details are in Regulation 16, which is not in this document.
The 9-ball drops on the push out. Win?
No. It is spotted, and the opponent then chooses who shoots.
Why the rule exists
A break can leave the next player with no fair shot at the 1-ball. The push out lets them move the cue ball to a better place, at the cost of handing the choice to the opponent.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 9-ball break | Four to cushions and three past the head string | WPA 5.3 |
| 10-ball break | Four to cushions | WPA 6.3 |
| Push out | 9-ball and 10-ball | WPA 5.4, 6.4 |
| Three-ball break rule | In the WPA Regulations | Not saved |
From the rule book
World Pool-Billiard Association, Rules of Play (effective 15 September 2025), 9-Ball 5.3, 5.4 and 5.6 and 10-Ball 6.3 and 6.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the WPA Rules of Play, revised from time to time.