How has 14.1 improved your overall pool game?
- Thread starter gascoigne
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The word that comes to my mind is "awareness". Straight pool develops your awareness of precision CB movements, precision movements of secondary OBs, speed, creativity, sequence planning, traps on the table, common layouts that work well to connect the dots so to speak.
I'm sure there are many more that could be added, but one I don't want to leave out is the awareness that there exists a pool game that is so much richer and deeper than 8 ball,9 ball, or 10 ball. A game that allows you to find that zone, that dead stroke world for much longer periods of time than any other game.
That may be the part of the game I enjoy the most. The awareness that this extended zen land exists to enjoy, and this game gives you the opportunity to find it so much more than any other.
breaking up clusters!
I second that on "awarness" !!! Awesome advice 3andstop !!
Don't conform and stray to the darkside, play 14.1 it I the #1 dicipline in pool !!
Steve
Playing position to a dime-sized area. In 9b you usually play to send the cue ball on the right line and do your best guess on the speed. But in 14.1 you often are just nipping and stunning, following or going off 1 rail to an exact location.
You get used to those unusual quick little strokes that let you draw exactly 5 inches, or stun sideways 1 foot, or roll forward 14 inches (and not 12 or 16)... or stun forward to replace the object ball with the cue ball, or cheat the pocket to move over about 1 ball's width.
When those shots come up in other games (less in 9b but they're still there) you can get PERFECT on the next ball.
I'll second breaking up clusters, I now see the ideal ball to do it with and the best angle for it automatically.
You get used to those unusual quick little strokes that let you draw exactly 5 inches, or stun sideways 1 foot, or roll forward 14 inches (and not 12 or 16)... or stun forward to replace the object ball with the cue ball, or cheat the pocket to move over about 1 ball's width.
When those shots come up in other games (less in 9b but they're still there) you can get PERFECT on the next ball.
I'll second breaking up clusters, I now see the ideal ball to do it with and the best angle for it automatically.
Straight Pool helps develop your other play in so many ways that it is almost universally accepted that it is the best game for improving in other games. As "The Miz" said in his "Complete Book of Pool":
"Most pros agree that a solid Straight Pool background will make you a good player in any discipline. A good Straight Pool player can play Nine-Ball or Eight-Ball well. Proficiency at Nine-Ball, though, doesn't presume proficiency at Straight Pool. The reason is that Straight Pool encompasses all aspects of your pool game - position, shot making, thinking, safety play, and strategy."
Here are a few specific things:
1) Bridging and stroking over balls, and in tight areas where your bridge or stroke may be restricted.
2) Speed control. In 14.1 you often must be very precise.
3) Gaining confidence in shots you would not normally even play position for in 9Ball, like a shot to an up table corner pocket when both the CB and OB are down at the foot end.
4) Moving balls. This is a biggie. In 14.1 you are dealing with a 14 ball cluster every single rack, and then 6-7 ball groups and 3-4 ball groups. You also learn to move balls to open up shooting lanes and blocked pockets as well as create key balls and break shots. This skill is a big advantage when encountering those trouble balls or clusters in 9 Ball. Straight pool really develops your instincts for where balls are going to go when you run into them.
5) Adaptability/Creativity. Being more flexible in analyzing the situation as you go and being willing to change the plan if needed. Since there are so many choices in 14.1, you develop creativity.
6) Safety play.
7) Combinations, kisses, caroms. These are very much a part of straight pool.
"Most pros agree that a solid Straight Pool background will make you a good player in any discipline. A good Straight Pool player can play Nine-Ball or Eight-Ball well. Proficiency at Nine-Ball, though, doesn't presume proficiency at Straight Pool. The reason is that Straight Pool encompasses all aspects of your pool game - position, shot making, thinking, safety play, and strategy."
Here are a few specific things:
1) Bridging and stroking over balls, and in tight areas where your bridge or stroke may be restricted.
2) Speed control. In 14.1 you often must be very precise.
3) Gaining confidence in shots you would not normally even play position for in 9Ball, like a shot to an up table corner pocket when both the CB and OB are down at the foot end.
4) Moving balls. This is a biggie. In 14.1 you are dealing with a 14 ball cluster every single rack, and then 6-7 ball groups and 3-4 ball groups. You also learn to move balls to open up shooting lanes and blocked pockets as well as create key balls and break shots. This skill is a big advantage when encountering those trouble balls or clusters in 9 Ball. Straight pool really develops your instincts for where balls are going to go when you run into them.
5) Adaptability/Creativity. Being more flexible in analyzing the situation as you go and being willing to change the plan if needed. Since there are so many choices in 14.1, you develop creativity.
6) Safety play.
7) Combinations, kisses, caroms. These are very much a part of straight pool.
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Great Advise
All the above comments are 100% correct.
I big thing for me along with "3andstop's" & "DogsPlayingPool" comments, which go into detail & are 100% correct.
To recognize patterns as they lay out on the table & being able to bump balls to areas to set up break shots or key ball situations. Also, breaking out clusters and Defense, which is so important.
In 8-ball, 9-ball & 10-ball. I find it so easy to recognize these patterns. 8-ball is a lot like 14.1 That is why I like 8-ball second best to 14.1 Many times in all 3 of those games. I see players with ball in hand and they are afraid to set up a break shot on a cluster b/c they are so unsure on how to go into the cluster. Also, they often will take incorrect patterns which leads to getting in trouble few shots down the road and they will lose a game that there is no doubt they should of won. In 14.1 you learn all of these points.
The only thing that is different about those 3 games is: Jumping balls.
To be a good 9-ball & 10-ball player. You must learn & learn to do it well,
how to Jump. It does come up in 8-ball too. In 14.1 you do not see Jumping.
All the above comments are 100% correct.
I big thing for me along with "3andstop's" & "DogsPlayingPool" comments, which go into detail & are 100% correct.
To recognize patterns as they lay out on the table & being able to bump balls to areas to set up break shots or key ball situations. Also, breaking out clusters and Defense, which is so important.
In 8-ball, 9-ball & 10-ball. I find it so easy to recognize these patterns. 8-ball is a lot like 14.1 That is why I like 8-ball second best to 14.1 Many times in all 3 of those games. I see players with ball in hand and they are afraid to set up a break shot on a cluster b/c they are so unsure on how to go into the cluster. Also, they often will take incorrect patterns which leads to getting in trouble few shots down the road and they will lose a game that there is no doubt they should of won. In 14.1 you learn all of these points.
The only thing that is different about those 3 games is: Jumping balls.
To be a good 9-ball & 10-ball player. You must learn & learn to do it well,
how to Jump. It does come up in 8-ball too. In 14.1 you do not see Jumping.
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think it has helped me the most with my cue ball control. When I used to play 9 ball I bad a habbit if " banging balls" since playing 14.1 and having to teach myself to slow down and think before I shoot and how soft or hard to hit it to get to my next ball. I have seen much improvement in my other games
I agree with all the previous comments as well. Especially the comment about bridging over balls, etc. It comes up so often, that it helps develop that skill.
I believe improvement in one's (ball-making) consistency is inevitable after playing 14.1 for some time. To know that if you miss and leave a shot that might keep you in the chair for a long time is a big motivator to play a more focused game.
With respect to its affect on my 8-ball game, it is clear that the ball before the 8 may need to be carefully chosen like the key ball to the break ball in 14.1. Obviously, it's not as crucial, but if you can plan a pattern where you have an easy shot like a stop shot on your last ball (before the 8) as opposed to going three rails and having to judge speed, you will reduce the risk of getting ugly on the 8.
As for 9-ball, I play with a lot of guys that play "zone" shape to get on the next ball, never identifying the exact shape needed. Then they find themselves in a position where they have a difference in cut angle of 5 - 20 degrees from ideal which ends up complicating shape for the next ball. As others have said, it's about more precise position play.
I believe improvement in one's (ball-making) consistency is inevitable after playing 14.1 for some time. To know that if you miss and leave a shot that might keep you in the chair for a long time is a big motivator to play a more focused game.
With respect to its affect on my 8-ball game, it is clear that the ball before the 8 may need to be carefully chosen like the key ball to the break ball in 14.1. Obviously, it's not as crucial, but if you can plan a pattern where you have an easy shot like a stop shot on your last ball (before the 8) as opposed to going three rails and having to judge speed, you will reduce the risk of getting ugly on the 8.
As for 9-ball, I play with a lot of guys that play "zone" shape to get on the next ball, never identifying the exact shape needed. Then they find themselves in a position where they have a difference in cut angle of 5 - 20 degrees from ideal which ends up complicating shape for the next ball. As others have said, it's about more precise position play.
I have to say it has improved my overall game whether it be shotmaking or position play. I find nine ball has gotten easier thanks to straight pool as well.
It has help my game tremendously. I started playing straight pool 2 months ago on a weekly basis with and old pro around here. The previous posters pretty well summed it up with regard to CB control, bridging, clusters, etc. The biggest help to me has been the awareness earlier posters talked about. I now see push shots, throw shots, and combos with any number of balls that I never would have seen before. The old guy I play with has drilled it in my head that if I can get to running racks consistantly, I can win at any of the normal games. With only 2 months down I tend to agree with him. Good luck with it, it's my new game of choice.
sausage
Banned
14.1 really didn't help my 9ball game at all but it will definitely improve your 8ball play for all the aformentioned reasons.
the amazing thing about 14.1 is that you don't need an opponent to improve and enjoy the game. don't worry right now if you can't find other players. just keep plugging along and when folks watch you run racks, they will succumb to the straight-pool sirens song.
this has been my experience in north dallAss, where 9ball is king. i was the ONLY one playing 14.1 in the entire area circa 1990 except for mcchesney and lane. others began joining in. it's an addiction.... be forewarned however, this game might cost you your job, your family and your sanity.
the amazing thing about 14.1 is that you don't need an opponent to improve and enjoy the game. don't worry right now if you can't find other players. just keep plugging along and when folks watch you run racks, they will succumb to the straight-pool sirens song.
this has been my experience in north dallAss, where 9ball is king. i was the ONLY one playing 14.1 in the entire area circa 1990 except for mcchesney and lane. others began joining in. it's an addiction.... be forewarned however, this game might cost you your job, your family and your sanity.
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Well,
we started to play 1984 with a 14-1 team-league. We were 4 guys who started without knowing how..lol- but we all were young and trained like crazy- first season i think we had an average of balls per inning about 2,5-3 (and were proud, lol)- next season then we won the league and we 4 reached a score from 4 to 8,5 balls per inning (the 4 teamplayers) over the whole season. So it really increased the game a lot for sure. The team average was 4,75 at the end. It was a great time
Have to say that in germany each inning is counted- also if you play safety or miss a ball the inning counts.
I think i personally played nothin than 14-1 at this time and a bit 8-ball.
Wish i would have again that much time to play^^
Finally straight-pool taught me (next to shotmakin because played whole day, lol) many things about strategy and physics. Gave me personally the greatest boost in the first 2 years.
And all-in-all in my mind at least in a game between 2 players with same lvl the better straight-pool player has an advantage.
we started to play 1984 with a 14-1 team-league. We were 4 guys who started without knowing how..lol- but we all were young and trained like crazy- first season i think we had an average of balls per inning about 2,5-3 (and were proud, lol)- next season then we won the league and we 4 reached a score from 4 to 8,5 balls per inning (the 4 teamplayers) over the whole season. So it really increased the game a lot for sure. The team average was 4,75 at the end. It was a great time
Have to say that in germany each inning is counted- also if you play safety or miss a ball the inning counts.
I think i personally played nothin than 14-1 at this time and a bit 8-ball.
Wish i would have again that much time to play^^
Finally straight-pool taught me (next to shotmakin because played whole day, lol) many things about strategy and physics. Gave me personally the greatest boost in the first 2 years.
And all-in-all in my mind at least in a game between 2 players with same lvl the better straight-pool player has an advantage.
I played about 3 hours of 14.1 and my high run was only 23...quite discouraging after seeing all the big numbers in this forum ahhaha
I'm still very weak in going into the rack....always get stuck in the middle...watched quite a few 14.1 videos...My standard is still very very far away from a 50-100 run...
On a lighter note, someone did take notice...but he came over to challenge me to 9 ball...so...no 14.1 game for me yet...only training..
Thanks guys for all your comments..
I'm still very weak in going into the rack....always get stuck in the middle...watched quite a few 14.1 videos...My standard is still very very far away from a 50-100 run...
On a lighter note, someone did take notice...but he came over to challenge me to 9 ball...so...no 14.1 game for me yet...only training..
Thanks guys for all your comments..
