Thought I'd give this a bump.
I started this about six months ago asking for advice about how improve my straight pool game.
Admittedly, I have barely played any 14.1 since I started this thread but I've been lurking in the 14.1 forum since then and reading a lot.
I feel like I'm starting to get a grasp on how to approach the rack after the break now. My first priority after the break is getting under the stack and clearing the bottom rail as soon as possible. While I'm working that out, I'm looking for balls I can make that will clear paths for other balls and I try, if possible, to leave a ball close to a corner pocket and use a secondary break ball to push the stack open and away from that insurance ball. Next on my list is any remaining problem clusters or tough shots that need to be taken care of. And of course, somewhere in that process I try to pick out a break ball, key ball, and end pattern. That's a far cry from where my mind was at in regards to 14.1 six months ago, lol.
I finally got my home table set up and have been playing straight pool almost exclusively since then...about two weeks now. So here is a 41 on my home table last night for your perusal. It's a GC III with Diamond cushions and 4.25" pockets. It plays TOUGH....but I like it.
https://youtu.be/x_lx5EC1HQg
I posted a new thread in the 14.1 forum and after 12hrs and 70 some odd views...not one comment. I'm just impatient, I guess. I know there's not much traffic over there. That's why I decided to bump this thread again, which is probably what I should've done in the first place anyway. I had to mute the video.
So what do you guys think of my overall approach compared to before? I think I've improved in my decision making and patterns, even though this run probably doesn't reflect it. I did get a couple of good rolls too...and sorry about my slow pace. I'm still having a hard time seeing a decent pattern and making up my mind.
Thanks for any additional insight you can offer. I'll put it to good use!!
I love this thread. Everyone has been super helpful.
My two cents, avoid the rules. You shouldn't try to put an entire rack through a cookie cutter. It just doesn't work that way and it'll only frustrate you. Instead, in an open rack scenario, try to evaluate which balls can help you make an end pattern and which balls are unnecessary. Then, work in zones. The very best players figure out a way to move into a zone, move the cue-ball minimally while in that zone and then find a neat route to the next zone. Which zone you address first or last is often arbitrary so long as you're leaving a couple balls that lead to a nice break shot.
When you don't have an open table, you have to view it as a series of mini-goals. Can you open clusters while maintaining position? Will your break shot possibly create new clusters? These are things you learn through experience but being deliberate and having a plan help.
You shoot well. You clearly have some pocketing talent and that's really the most valuable asset of a good 14.1 player. Contrary to what others might think, only the best pocketers excel in this game and it's incredibly valuable to be able to rely on your talent to get you out of trouble. You just need to learn to make things easier for yourself. Once you do, these 40s and 50s will come with greater regularity.