Earl Strickland: More Straight Pool

I recall something similar that was around in the 1980s.

You started with a rotation break (or any kind of break you would like). Your max run stopped at 20. You shoot 10 frames.

So a perfect score is 200.

Anyone remember that?

BTW, it's awesome to see a living legend post on our humble forum!
 
pt109 said:
Hmmm....thread started in 2005....12th annual Straight pool Challenge in 2017 at DCC...
....I wonder who actually did something about Earl's idea? :confused:

View attachment 448554

Could it be Bob Jewett?

Melling is already a monster, Bob...now you're gonna show him some safeties? :eek:
Click to expand...

Nice detective work.
even in pool, the top tier pros have a lot of weight and can make things happen.
 
fjk said:
I recall something similar that was around in the 1980s.

You started with a rotation break (or any kind of break you would like). Your max run stopped at 20. You shoot 10 frames.

So a perfect score is 200.

Anyone remember that?

BTW, it's awesome to see a living legend post on our humble forum!
Click to expand...

Sounds like something I was involved in with Pool and Billiard Magazine.
 
I'm guessing someone told Bob about this long lost thread..... Someone named Earl, possibly...?.:D
 
Tooler said:
I'm guessing someone told Bob about this long lost thread..... Someone named Earl, possibly...?.:D
Click to expand...
Someone named Dolan actually reminded me of the thread.

In a touch of irony, Earl has never participated in the DCC Straight Pool Challenge.
 
Pushout said:
Sounds like something I was involved in with Pool and Billiard Magazine.
Click to expand...
Yes. It lasted for a couple of years. There was some kind of handicapping or rating system involved, IIRC. There was some play in San Jose. It is based on the practice game Equal Offense which was promoted by Jerry Briesath and is in the BCA rule book.
 
I remember this thread from right after I joined. I thought it was awesome that Earl posted and posted about straight pool of all things. Little did I know it was the last we'd hear from him here.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
 
Bob Jewett said:
I would like to thank Earl for starting this thread.
Click to expand...

I am surprised it burnt out as fast as it did. Goes to show that today's generation of pool players are more interested in rotation games, and the generation before them have gravitated towards 1-pocket.

There are only two straight-pool leagues that I am aware of in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex, and I have never heard of a 14.1 tourney in this area of late.

It's a wonderful game to play in its original form (or should I say in the form they were playing it in during the 50's, 60's, etc.), but like 1-pocket, you have to be a purist for the game to enjoy watching it for an extended period of time. :boring2:

Earl's idea was valid and certainly could revive the game for those not interested in long, slow play.

Maniac
 
Last edited:
Earl posted this on FB less than a day ago.....hmmm.

"Play straight pool on 4 inch pockets, now that would be a great professional pool game."

So my question is, why just straight pool?

We have industry standards for balls, and we have industry standards for table size(somewhat). Why not an industry standard for pocket size.

At the pro level:
All basketball hoops are a specific diameter.
All hockey nets are a specific size.
All goalpost are a specific size.

I'm not real keen with the Snooker industry, but don't they have pocket size standards?

Why do pool playing "Pros" need to play with different size pockets?
 
Earl Strickland said:
I have been reading what people are posting about 14.1 straight pool . Straight pool is the most difficult game if it is put in a proper perspective,meaning the table has to have small pockets and cannot play phony or have bouncy or unpredictable cushions.I believe14.1 was meant to be played with a 30 second shot clock,really small pockets and total offense.I read some one posted they did not understand how to play offensive straight pool.I will explain.There are 4 or 5 of the standard straight pool break ball shots or hash marks around the triangle .You lag for the 1st break and you choose your designated break ball area and the ball is placed on the hash mark or spot.Then you take the cue ball and position it yourself and the match begins.Every time a player misses a shot you rack up 14 balls select your break ball area and you start pocketing balls.There is no defense,this is total offensive straight pool.I would like to know if anybody would be intersted in seeing a tournament like this. And Thanks for the nice pictures.Sincerely Earl Strickland
Click to expand...

That game was played fairly regularly at Grover's in West Palm about 8-10 years ago.
 
Kerry Impson said:
This format sounds great. Way to go, Earl!! I think this game would be excellent for a whole tour, not just a special event once a year. In fact, I absolutely think this game should replace 9-ball in professional events (although admittedly I would miss smashing those balls on the break).

Danny, good luck and hope you get everything worked out.
Click to expand...

Thank you.
 
Earl Strickland said:
... this is total offensive straight pool.I would like to know if anybody would be intersted in seeing a tournament like this. ...
Click to expand...

Sure, I'd be interested in seeing a tournament like this. But I wouldn't want it to entirely replace normal straight pool. The defensive and tactical elements of 14.1 are a significant part of the game's beauty and fun.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top