Keeping count in straight pool
- Thread starter Nature Boy
- Start date
CreeDo, I'm very curious as to the answers to this one as well. I play in a straight pool league and it seems like every opponent does it differently, and each is adamant that his is the correct way. Four options:
Current Rack on right, total on left
Current Rack on left, total on right
Current Rack on inside, total on outside
Current Rack on outside, total on inside
And one guy insists on using the beads overhead for the current rack, even though they are for 9 Ball matches and only go to 11.
I just go with whatever the opponent wants, but would love to hear the reasoning or story behind anyone's answer.
Current Rack on right, total on left
Current Rack on left, total on right
Current Rack on inside, total on outside
Current Rack on outside, total on inside
And one guy insists on using the beads overhead for the current rack, even though they are for 9 Ball matches and only go to 11.
I just go with whatever the opponent wants, but would love to hear the reasoning or story behind anyone's answer.
I put the rack on the left, total on the right simply because rack sort of comes first and total second reading from left to right. Sort of like a baseball / basketball / hockey box score. The score for each inning is to the left of the total score on the right.
Really though, either way it becomes fairly obvious which is which once one player has more than 14 points.
BTW I downloaded that caromsoft scoring software but seem to have a problem with it. After the first rack it seems to make each rack 15 balls so the score at the end of the second rack it is 29, not 28 for example. Also there doesn't appear to be anyway to correct an incorrect entry. If anyone is familiar with this software, please PM me, I need some help figuring it out.
Thanks.
Really though, either way it becomes fairly obvious which is which once one player has more than 14 points.
BTW I downloaded that caromsoft scoring software but seem to have a problem with it. After the first rack it seems to make each rack 15 balls so the score at the end of the second rack it is 29, not 28 for example. Also there doesn't appear to be anyway to correct an incorrect entry. If anyone is familiar with this software, please PM me, I need some help figuring it out.
Thanks.
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String of beads above the table is my preferred method. I learned that way, and I just have a hard time with anything else.
Beads seem to work for just about everything. We leave a gap at the start of the current rack, so when somebody runs a few balls they know how many without having to keep count the whole time. All counting up is done when the table turns over, or when racking balls.
Beads don't cut it for me. I find it very difficult to keep the rack score separate. When the cue hits the wire the beads slide and want to run together and BOOM, your separate rack score is gone and your screwed unless both players can remember (and be honest about it) what their respective rack scores and total scores were before the beads got co-mingled. Also, I just hate to use my cue in that way. I've dinged enough shafts in the past that I no longer will use my own cue. If there is no house cue available I will use the bridge. But I dislike scoring beads, period.
Get a tauter wire.
Eric -- your 14.1 ball pocketing may be better than your 14.1 score keeping. Each rack counts for 14, not 15. So if the coin is on spot 4 with 5 balls left on the table, the run was 66, not 70. :smile:
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It really doesn't matter which of the 4 possibilities is used. But it's amazing how some people are totally inflexible about this; they insist it has to be a certain way and can't seem to manage it any other way. My solution these days is just to say that I am totally indifferent, and I let the other guy pick whatever way he wants.
LOL. In my experience is doesn't seem to matter how tight the wire is. When a cue stick bumps it the beads move. And you can still scratch your shaft. I just don't like them.
Hand held tally counters.
http://www.marathonwatch.com/site/catalog.php?cid=180&gclid=CIPyy9XF2aACFSVI5wod_yhaBQ
http://www.marathonwatch.com/site/catalog.php?cid=180&gclid=CIPyy9XF2aACFSVI5wod_yhaBQ
Either Way
Both the "Score Counter" and "Beads" are the best way to go. The Score Counter built into the table has one problem. I have seen players take shots from the lower rail and accidentally roll the numbers, messing up the score. If you do use a Score Counter make sure that you are aware of the score each rack. Also, put your total score on the right side and the rack you are playing on the left. Deduct fouls from your totally score side.
As for the "Beads" it comes with a string. Change that out to a thin wire and there are tighteners to stretch that wire as tight as it can be. The ceiling in my game room is the normal hight for most rooms 8'.
My beads hang down from the ceiling about 10". It is very easy for me to reach up and move the beads by hand, if you are worried about scratching your shaft of your cue.
Once again, Your total points should be pushed to the far center and the rack you are working at will be scored in the middle between your total score & the beads to come in future racks.
Both the "Score Counter" and "Beads" are the best way to go. The Score Counter built into the table has one problem. I have seen players take shots from the lower rail and accidentally roll the numbers, messing up the score. If you do use a Score Counter make sure that you are aware of the score each rack. Also, put your total score on the right side and the rack you are playing on the left. Deduct fouls from your totally score side.
As for the "Beads" it comes with a string. Change that out to a thin wire and there are tighteners to stretch that wire as tight as it can be. The ceiling in my game room is the normal hight for most rooms 8'.
My beads hang down from the ceiling about 10". It is very easy for me to reach up and move the beads by hand, if you are worried about scratching your shaft of your cue.
Once again, Your total points should be pushed to the far center and the rack you are working at will be scored in the middle between your total score & the beads to come in future racks.
God, I miss those old bead counters that used to hang above the tables between the light supports. Reach up with the cue stick and move a few beads toward the center.
Ahhhhhh, the good ole days!
If anyone is interested in a score keeper for straight pool or any other game for that matter I have designed and built one. It is digital with one inch lcd numbers and specifically designed for straight pool. Manual or remote control. I have a couple of them left. If you send me your email on pm I will send you photos and explain how they function.
I looked all over for one and finally decided to build my own.
I looked all over for one and finally decided to build my own.
PM sent!:thumbup:
Count von count
I like to use this guy:
He's enthusiastic about his job, makes it unmistakable the count of your current run ("eight-five... eighty-five pocketed balls! AH AH AH AH."), and has no qualms about following along with you when you miss, and start on a new run.
Only caveats? That flash of lightning and crack of thunder each time he announces your current run!
-Sean
I like to use this guy:
He's enthusiastic about his job, makes it unmistakable the count of your current run ("eight-five... eighty-five pocketed balls! AH AH AH AH."), and has no qualms about following along with you when you miss, and start on a new run.
Only caveats? That flash of lightning and crack of thunder each time he announces your current run!
-Sean
I like to use this guy:
He's enthusiastic about his job, makes it unmistakable the count of your current run ("eight-five... eighty-five pocketed balls! AH AH AH AH."), and has no qualms about following along with you when you miss, and start on a new run.
Only caveats? That flash of lightning and crack of thunder each time he announces your current run!
-Sean
thats awsome. me, i use a score sheet...how much the count charge?
www.clanforsaken.net/cues/14-1_scoresheet.xls
rep to you
1 of the funniest posts I have seen on this forum.
I like to use this guy:
He's enthusiastic about his job, makes it unmistakable the count of your current run ("eight-five... eighty-five pocketed balls! AH AH AH AH."), and has no qualms about following along with you when you miss, and start on a new run.
Only caveats? That flash of lightning and crack of thunder each time he announces your current run!
-Sean
1 of the funniest posts I have seen on this forum.
I received a PM from Mitchell (DogsPlayingPool) and I believe I have fixed the problem with the scoring. I will also add an undo before I repost it to my web site. I'll post again in this thread when it is ready!
Thanks
Tom