best table to play 14.1 on?

[jalapus logan]

In the main forum, I started a thread questioning the relative merits of tight pockets. What do you guys think over here on the 14.1 forum. I really don't play straight pool, as I really can't find an opponent in my area with any knowledge of the game (BOO!). Anyway, when I do attempt to play it, It is on my Diamond. It seems to me that this game in particular would be more fun to play on a gold crown or something with more forgiving pockets.

I would appreciate John Schmidt's opinion on this as well. I know he has that Super High Diamond run of 290-something, right?

Also, while I'm at it, I might as well find out if any of you guys are within say, 70 radial miles of Lexington, KY (Louisville or Cincy might be good candidates for a location, no?). I've got a cue and will travel and would love to play with another fan of this great game...

 

[Mitchorama]

The only table I have ever played 14.1 on is a Gold Crown. The other tables in other pool rooms did not have the quality or the sturdiness of the Brunswick. Now please remember thats all we mostly played back in the 1960's thru 1990's. The other big game was one pocket, nine ball game in third. Now its 10 ball and nine ball I see being played and I rarely see anuone play 14.1. Mitch

 

[14-1StraightMan]

14.1

The three best tables in my opinion are: The Brunswick Centennial, Anniversary & Gold Crown I.
Besides the table that I have, which is a copy of a Gold Crown. I would not have a table unless it was one of those three and they would have to have a ball return.

 

[tedkaufman]

Without question, a standard Gold Crown is easier to straight pool on than a Diamond with pro cut pockets. So you will see higher runs on a GC and get to finalize patterns that might not come to pass on a Diamond. And there is no doubt your confidence will go up faster on a GC.

However, as one who has played a lot of pool on GC's in my 45 years of playing time, I do enjoy the game on my friend's Diamond ProAm. It is a more demanding table, but it's fair. And you can run balls on it, but you can never take a shot--any shot!--for granted. It does teach one discipline--careful aim, careful shot selection, and attention to patterns (it's much harder to shoot your way out of mistakes). In these ways, you can look at straight pool on a Diamond as game improvement training. The more you play on it, the less intimidating it is, and the more your game will improve because of the demands it makes.

 

[14-1StraightMan]

Agree

Without question, a standard Gold Crown is easier to straight pool on than a Diamond with pro cut pockets. So you will see higher runs on a GC and get to finalize patterns that might not come to pass on a Diamond. And there is no doubt your confidence will go up faster on a GC.

However, as one who has played a lot of pool on GC's in my 45 years of playing time, I do enjoy the game on my friend's Diamond ProAm. It is a more demanding table, but it's fair. And you can run balls on it, but you can never take a shot--any shot!--for granted. It does teach one discipline--careful aim, careful shot selection, and attention to patterns (it's much harder to shoot your way out of mistakes). In these ways, you can look at straight pool on a Diamond as game improvement training. The more you play on it, the less intimidating it is, and the more your game will improve because of the demands it makes.

Really good points. I agree with you 100% about the Diamond table.
The three tables that I have listed are "Old School" like me.

 

[Salamander]

Excellent point about the Diamond compared to GC. I've been playing exlusively on Diamonds for the past two years, while is used to play only on GC2/3 the prior 10 years. While I'm capable of running some decent numbers on a Diamond, I've noticed that runs frequently end on shots that would normally go on a GC. It's frustrating, but I do feel that it can only help your precision. When practicing I would prefer to play on a GC, I think because I can get into the "flow" or rythm of the game easier. However, I prefer to compete on a Diamond. The runs are not as long, and both players will have more innings at the table. At least you have a chance to make a comeback, instead of your opponent running out on you.

Without question, a standard Gold Crown is easier to straight pool on than a Diamond with pro cut pockets. So you will see higher runs on a GC and get to finalize patterns that might not come to pass on a Diamond. And there is no doubt your confidence will go up faster on a GC.

However, as one who has played a lot of pool on GC's in my 45 years of playing time, I do enjoy the game on my friend's Diamond ProAm. It is a more demanding table, but it's fair. And you can run balls on it, but you can never take a shot--any shot!--for granted. It does teach one discipline--careful aim, careful shot selection, and attention to patterns (it's much harder to shoot your way out of mistakes). In these ways, you can look at straight pool on a Diamond as game improvement training. The more you play on it, the less intimidating it is, and the more your game will improve because of the demands it makes.

 

[jalapus logan]

In the main forum, I started a thread questioning the relative merits of tight pockets. What do you guys think over here on the 14.1 forum. I really don't play straight pool, as I really can't find an opponent in my area with any knowledge of the game (BOO!). Anyway, when I do attempt to play it, It is on my Diamond. It seems to me that this game in particular would be more fun to play on a gold crown or something with more forgiving pockets.

I would appreciate John Schmidt's opinion on this as well. I know he has that Super High Diamond run of 290-something, right?

Also, while I'm at it, I might as well find out if any of you guys are within say, 70 radial miles of Lexington, KY (Louisville or Cincy might be good candidates for a location, no?). I've got a cue and will travel and would love to play with another fan of this great game...

Surely there must be someone interested in straight pool within 70 miles of me. It's awfully lonely down here...