Need straight pool help!!

[mnorwood]

Two weeks ago I began playing straight pool. To this point I have mostly played 8 ball,9 ball,and some one pocket. In these two weeks my high run has been 30. Can anyone give me some pointers on how to build high runs. I am slowly making observations about the game, but I feel that I can improve faster by drawing on experienced players' knowledge. I would especially appreciate advice about setting up the break.

Thanks,
Marcus

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

Two weeks ago I began playing straight pool. To this point I have mostly played 8 ball,9 ball,and some one pocket. In these two weeks my high run has been 30. Can anyone give me some pointers on how to build high runs. I am slowly making observations about the game, but I feel that I can improve faster by drawing on experienced players' knowledge. I would especially appreciate advice about setting up the break.

Thanks,
Marcus

The break? Surprisingly, there are MANY different types of break-shots in straight pool. Much of them you'll become more aware of as you continue playing. The key is to recognize which balls are best served as break-balls and if any can be moved into break-ball position. Below are a list of break-shots that typically come up and a few that are somewhat rare:


Traiditional Break shot. Should always be practiced. Most players will not only play for this shot, they'll even bump balls into position for it:

START(
%AM5T9%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%PT1T9
)END

Behind the rack Break Shot. Note how the cue-ball will hit the corner ball. Contrary to what you might think, this break shot should be struck with high-left so that the cue-ball will go three-rails and out for center-table position.

START(
%AF7M3%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%PF5R5
)END

This side-pocket breakshot should be considered when balls are laying too high from the rack:

START(
%AQ9S1%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%PQ7Y1
)END


A favorite among beginners because of the hanging object-ball, this breakshot can be rather unpredictable. The goal is to hit the top of the rack since striking the side will often result in a scratch:

START(
%A[9X6%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%Pa1V7
)END

This hanging-ball break shot is a little deceiving but can be quite productive. Strike it with stun-left and it will go directly into the rack. The key is how you hit the object ball. Too thick and you'll fly underneith the rack. Too thin and you'll fly right by. The left spin is good to have because in all liklihood, you'll strike the side-rail after contact. The spin should bring you toward center table:

START(
%AD5D4%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%PQ7D7
)END


The spotshot breakshot is obviously not a favorable position but if it becomes aparant that your final ball will rest in the rack and get spotted, you might as well position for something that will yield another shot. Strike the cue-ball firm with stun left-spin.

START(
%Ag5O6%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%Pf9U1
)END



Remember that the key to getting good shape on a break-shot is leaving a well positioned ball that will get you on the break-shot. Once you've selected that break-shot and a key-shot to get you there and you've cleared away any problems the rack might present, it's time to work out a pattern to easily get you to your goal.


I hope all this helps. I'm sure there are more competent straight pool players here that can also offer advice but I figure I'd get this started.

 

[Sweet Marissa]

Two weeks ago I began playing straight pool. To this point I have mostly played 8 ball,9 ball,and some one pocket. In these two weeks my high run has been 30. Can anyone give me some pointers on how to build high runs. I am slowly making observations about the game, but I feel that I can improve faster by drawing on experienced players' knowledge. I would especially appreciate advice about setting up the break.

Thanks,
Marcus

Don't neglect to practise your defense.

 

[mnorwood]

Thanks for the help.. Where do I go to download the table diagrams you provided?
Thanks,
marcus

The break? Surprisingly, there are MANY different types of break-shots in straight pool. Much of them you'll become more aware of as you continue playing. The key is to recognize which balls are best served as break-balls and if any can be moved into break-ball position. Below are a list of break-shots that typically come up and a few that are somewhat rare:


Traiditional Break shot. Should always be practiced. Most players will not only play for this shot, they'll even bump balls into position for it:

START(
%AM5T9%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%PT1T9
)END

Behind the rack Break Shot. Note how the cue-ball will hit the corner ball. Contrary to what you might think, this break shot should be struck with high-left so that the cue-ball will go three-rails and out for center-table position.

START(
%AF7M3%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%PF5R5
)END

This side-pocket breakshot should be considered when balls are laying too high from the rack:

START(
%AQ9S1%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%PQ7Y1
)END


A favorite among beginners because of the hanging object-ball, this breakshot can be rather unpredictable. The goal is to hit the top of the rack since striking the side will often result in a scratch:

START(
%A[9X6%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%Pa1V7
)END

This hanging-ball break shot is a little deceiving but can be quite productive. Strike it with stun-left and it will go directly into the rack. The key is how you hit the object ball. Too thick and you'll fly underneith the rack. Too thin and you'll fly right by. The left spin is good to have because in all liklihood, you'll strike the side-rail after contact. The spin should bring you toward center table:

START(
%AD5D4%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%PQ7D7
)END


The spotshot breakshot is obviously not a favorable position but if it becomes aparant that your final ball will rest in the rack and get spotted, you might as well position for something that will yield another shot. Strike the cue-ball firm with stun left-spin.

START(
%Ag5O6%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%Pf9U1
)END



Remember that the key to getting good shape on a break-shot is leaving a well positioned ball that will get you on the break-shot. Once you've selected that break-shot and a key-shot to get you there and you've cleared away any problems the rack might present, it's time to work out a pattern to easily get you to your goal.


I hope all this helps. I'm sure there are more competent straight pool players here that can also offer advice but I figure I'd get this started.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

Thanks for the help.. Where do I go to download the table diagrams you provided?
Thanks,
marcus

Go to http://endeavor.med.nyu.edu/~wei/pool/pooltable2.html

Once there, copy the entire code from "start" to "end" and press the green "paste" button. Click "ok" a couple times and you'll see the shot. Save this to your favorites so that you can create your own shots and review others.

 

[Penrose Cues]

The spotshot breakshot is obviously not a favorable position but if it becomes aparant that your final ball will rest in the rack and get spotted, you might as well position for something that will yield another shot. Strike the cue-ball firm with stun left-spin.

START(
%Ag5O6%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%Pf9U1
)END


If you strike the cue-ball firm with stun left spin on this shot, 9 out of ten times, the cue-ball will hit the back of the pack and will be lounched in the opposite (of the pocket you pot the #1 ball) left bottom corner pocket.

you should hit it with top spin or with right side (just a little) spin....

START(
%AD1D1%BL7P8%CJ5O4%DL7N1%EM7P1%FK6P1%GK6N8%HM7N8%IL7O4%JK6M5
%KJ5P7%LJ5N2%MK6Q4%NJ5R0%OJ5M0%PK1E2%UJ0Z8%VC3T8%YE5E2%ZJ1E0
%]V3O7%^K1[3%eB7`7%_D1S8%`I4N0%aC5F0
)END

Tom Penrose

 

[bruin70]

30 in two weeks time is pretty good. you must be a low to mid B player. so you can shoot.......

let go of your ego and play as if you can't shoot. this'll force you to position for easy shots instead of doing something "bold" or "9ballish".

if you were a mailman delivering mail between 70th st and 78th st,,,would you deliver mail from 72-70-78-75-71-76-, or would you deliver mail from 70-71-72-73-74-75-76-? choose your shots in a logical manner.

put your cb in an area that gives you options in case you screw up.

concentrate on the last 5 balls. and the most important ball is NOT the setup ball,,,it's the third ball.

 

[Penrose Cues]

30 in two weeks time is pretty good. you must be a low to mid B player. so you can shoot.......

let go of your ego and play as if you can't shoot. this'll force you to position for easy shots instead of doing something "bold" or "9ballish".

if you were a mailman delivering mail between 70th st and 78th st,,,would you deliver mail from 72-70-78-75-71-76-, or would you deliver mail from 70-71-72-73-74-75-76-? choose your shots in a logical manner.

put your cb in an area that gives you options in case you screw up.

concentrate on the last 5 balls. and the most important ball is NOT the setup ball,,,it's the third ball.

If you try to keep three balls in mind, you can just shoot the rest as in practice

START(
%AN1U2%BZ0V0%CW6I2%PS8O1%QU0H2%RZ4U4%SM1V5%WZ4D7%XW9H2%YV5J9
%ZT3N3%[Z9Z3%\Z1W0%]Y8T2%^W6J4%eB4a8
)END

There might be variations, but this is the situation every straight pool player is working to... You just have to stun the last two balls for perfect positon.

The ball you'ld like to keep before these three is this one:

START(
%AN1U2%BZ0V0%CW6I2%DK2O0%PS8O1%QU0H2%RZ4U4%SM1V5%TH8N3%WZ4D7
%XW9H2%YV5J9%ZT3N3%[Z9Z3%\Z1W0%]Y8T2%^W6J4%eB4a8
)END

The 4 ball with the D permits you to get position on the red three from almost any position... you can pot in in almost every pocket and get position without to many difficulties.

Tom Penrose

 

[pete lafond]

Two weeks ago I began playing straight pool. To this point I have mostly played 8 ball,9 ball,and some one pocket. In these two weeks my high run has been 30. Can anyone give me some pointers on how to build high runs. I am slowly making observations about the game, but I feel that I can improve faster by drawing on experienced players' knowledge. I would especially appreciate advice about setting up the break.

Thanks,
Marcus

When I was 19 Babe Cranfield used to always call me over to play 14.1 with him. What a player. Anyway, almost rack after rack you could count on where the positions of the last 3 balls to close the rack were. Each new racks break shot was almost identicle to the one before. I do not know if there are any tapes of his runs, but if you can get your hands on any go for it. You will be impressed. Babe ran 350,450,550,650, and higher.

 

[Eric.]

The ball you'ld like to keep before these three is this one:

START(
%AN1U2%BZ0V0%CW6I2%DK2O0%PS8O1%QU0H2%RZ4U4%SM1V5%TH8N3%WZ4D7
%XW9H2%YV5J9%ZT3N3%[Z9Z3%\Z1W0%]Y8T2%^W6J4%eB4a8
)END

The 4 ball with the D permits you to get position on the red three from almost any position... you can pot in in almost every pocket and get position without to many difficulties.

Tom Penrose

Another out with those balls is to save the 4 ball for last. Play to get straight on the 4 and stop the CB in the rack area. This gives you ball in hand in the kitchen, for the break shot. While I would rather not have a longer break shot, this is just another alternative.


Eric

 

[Penrose Cues]

Another out with those balls is to save the 4 ball for last. Play to get straight on the 4 and stop the CB in the rack area. This gives you ball in hand in the kitchen, for the break shot. While I would rather not have a longer break shot, this is just another alternative.


Eric

That's exactly the reason I put the 4 ball in the rack. I totally agree with you.
Whenever the "ideal situation" (the way the 1, 2 and 3 balls are placed) is not obtained, you can do whatever you want with the 4 ball.....

I saw that being done so many times here at the European Championships this year. Hohmann did it several times in one game.

Tom Penrose

 

[JLW]

Buy the Mike Sigel and Jim Rempe tapes. Both are excellent at showing how to run a rack. And Sigel's tape goes into great detail showing endless types of break shots and how to hit them.

 

[Williebetmore]

Two weeks ago I began playing straight pool. Can anyone give me some pointers
Thanks,
Marcus

Marcus,
It's so easy.... become a student of the game. As Pete Lafond suggests, get tapes of the greats (basically get all the AccuStats straight pool tapes, or at least all of their player review straight pool tapes). As JLW says, the Jim Rempe tapes ("How to Run 100 Balls" and "How to Run a Rack of Straight Pool") are a GREAT way to start (a former #1 in the world player borrowed my copies a year ago, and STILL hasn't given them back).

Study the literature. The very best is probably Phil Capelle's "Play Your Best Straight Pool." Start with that, memorize it, master the concepts. I don't believe Mike Sigel or Danny D. have an instructional straight pool book (though Danny D.'s autobiography is being released in August); if Richard Cranium knows of one, let him post it here so I can get it.

Play competitive straight pool. Practice helps, but playing by yourself is TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY different than competition with something on the line (ego, pride, or cash). Get in a 14.1 league if they have one, if not; start your own league or move to NYC or Cincinnati, or Indy.

Practice the shots that come up in straight pool. I'll try to find one of my posts that describe such a practice regimen, and put a link to it in a P.S. at the bottom of this post when I have the time.

Take lessons from a stroke guru. Most BCA instructors will build you a reliable, simple, pressure resistant stroke. I've "used" Mark Wilson and Jerry Briesath. You CANNOT run lots of balls without being a good shotmaker. If you have an unorthodox stance and stroke, chances are against you becoming one of the greats (though it can be done). If you have limited time and resources, resort to proven, simpler methodologies - why re-invent the wheel?

Take lessons from a top professional (straight pool specialist if you can find one). Since we are blessed/cursed with a game where the top players are not automatically wealthy, we have access to their knowledge. When players like Danny DiLiberto and Grady Mathews are not around any more, who will be the repository of all of the arcane straight pool knowledge??? Let a stroke guru build you a stroke, let the pro's teach you what to do with it and why. These guys are freakin' 400 ball runners, the knowledge they will give you will save you years of trying to figure it out on your own. I have studied every book available, but the knowledge you will get from these pro's is NOT in the books; make use of these invaluable resources. If you need a list of pro's to start with, P.M. me and I'll give you some names. Look up SJM at a tournament and pick his brain. Stop by Indy and play some.

Play all games. Shots from one-pocket, 9-ball, banks, and Irish billiards come up all the time in straight pool; every little bit of knowledge helps.

Pretty easy isn't it?? Good luck.

P.S. - Here's the link to my post on the way to practice specific straight pool shots.
http://www.azbilliards.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=9065&page=2&pp=15

 

[sjm]

Welcome, Marcus, to the glorious game of straight pool. You've already gotten lots of good advice in this thread, in particular that you must practice reserving three balls for the pattern at the end of the rack and that you must practice your break shots.

Still, my observation is that the biggest reason inexperienced, yet competent, players seem to run a lot of tens but often don't get out of their racks is that they don't clear their rails early enough. It's always tempting to shoot the balls that are out in the middle of the table first, but if you do that, you always end up with a difficult end-rack pattern. Balls that are along the rails, with some exceptions, present a problem. Make sure you know what your problem balls are in every layout and make sure you have a plan to get rid of the problems they present. If you just keep taking what's easy and available, you won't get out very often.

In days of yore, clearing the rails early was sometimes referred to as "playing the table from the outside in" or, for you real old-timers, "playing the flower".

If you plan well, the end-rack pattern will consist chiefly of balls that are out in the middle of the table, which will make your work far easier when it comes to setting up your next break shot.

Good luck with your game.

 

[Tommyd]

Straight Pool Help!

Find a Thread by BLACKJACK-click on his name. Then go to his profile and read ALL THREADS BY BLACKJACK. He has some super stuff with diagrams.

A really good section on Breaks.

Enjoy!

Tom Richert-Michigan

 

[Danny Harriman]

For the love of 14.1

I will add some small piece of wisdom that I learned from Mike Sigel's tape which helped me a great deal. When addressing a break shot make sure you pay attention to how much distance the object ball is in relation to the rack, if there is alot of space between the object ball and the rack you may want to apply plenty of top english. But if the object ball is close to the rack you should probably draw the cue ball, keep in mind that newer cloth and well polished balls attract higher runs.

Hope this helps,
'Little' Danny Harriman

 

[pbat2751]

I will add some small piece of wisdom that I learned from Mike Sigel's tape which helped me a great deal. When addressing a break shot make sure you pay attention to how much distance the object ball is in relation to the rack, if there is alot of space between the object ball and the rack you may want to apply plenty of top english. But if the object ball is close to the rack you should probably draw the cue ball, keep in mind that newer cloth and well polished balls attract higher runs.

Hope this helps,
'Little' Danny Harriman

Thanks Danny!


I just learned something..

 

[dmgwalsh]

If you try to keep three balls in mind, you can just shoot the rest as in practice

START(
%AN1U2%BZ0V0%CW6I2%PS8O1%QU0H2%RZ4U4%SM1V5%WZ4D7%XW9H2%YV5J9
%ZT3N3%[Z9Z3%\Z1W0%]Y8T2%^W6J4%eB4a8
)END

There might be variations, but this is the situation every straight pool player is working to... You just have to stun the last two balls for perfect positon.

The ball you'ld like to keep before these three is this one:

START(
%AN1U2%BZ0V0%CW6I2%DK2O0%PS8O1%QU0H2%RZ4U4%SM1V5%TH8N3%WZ4D7
%XW9H2%YV5J9%ZT3N3%[Z9Z3%\Z1W0%]Y8T2%^W6J4%eB4a8
)END

The 4 ball with the D permits you to get position on the red three from almost any position... you can pot in in almost every pocket and get position without to many difficulties.

Tom Penrose

Those setups sure look nice. but it's hard to find them when you're struggling to get through the rack.

 

[dmgwalsh]

I will add some small piece of wisdom that I learned from Mike Sigel's tape which helped me a great deal. When addressing a break shot make sure you pay attention to how much distance the object ball is in relation to the rack, if there is alot of space between the object ball and the rack you may want to apply plenty of top english. But if the object ball is close to the rack you should probably draw the cue ball, keep in mind that newer cloth and well polished balls attract higher runs.

Hope this helps,
'Little' Danny Harriman

with distance from the rack, do you apply high regardless of angle? I though Sigel said if the cue ball is closer to the center of the table than the object ball, draw, but if the cue ball is closer to the side rail than the object ball follow.