Nine-ball is a popular cue sport played with nine numbered balls and a cue ball. The objective is to legally pocket the nine ball by hitting the lowest numbered ball on the table first. Players take turns, and the game continues until one player pockets the nine ball, winning the game. In nine-ball, players must call their shots, meaning they must indicate which ball they intend to hit and where it will go. The game is often played in a race-to format, where players compete to be the first to reach a predetermined number of games won. Cue sports and pool are broader categories that include nine-ball.