Scared to ask this question.

poolplayerpatti

poolplayerpatti
Could someone fill me in on what exactly is 'straight pool' and what is 14.1? I guess I'm not up with a lot of stuff in the billiards world but willing to learn.:embarrassed2:
 
No takers? Come on, I know its running racks and consecutive balls run, but how is it played? Do you run all the balls out or leave one on the table to start another run (I heard someone say this once). I think you run them all out and break a fresh rack but you have to make at least one on the break to keep going, right? And you probable shoot at any ball you want meaning there is no order to follow, is this correct? I really want to know.
 
14.1 is a game of finesse, very precise, with simple rules.

I guess it's hard for me to give a simple description in writing.

Yes, you need to call your break shot, so you try to set up a high percentage shot on the last ball to break up the stack. The last ball and cue ball stay in position, and you re-rack 14 and keep going (hence the name 14.1 continuous)

I see you are in Colorado. Pete Way runs the Denver SPA, I'm not sure how far away that is from you. Here is the DSPA website:
http://dspa.sammspocket.com/

I also have some links up on my site (MNSPA).

http://www.mnstraightpool.com/links.html
 
Following the links to the rules of the game is the best way to grasp the basic concept as the above posters have mentioned.

I just wanted to post and say it does my heart good to see that after a full generation of new players who couldn't even spell 14.1, finally a new interest is beginning to grow for the game. After 45+ yrs playing this game, it nice to think 14.1 may enjoy a rebirth.

One Pocket has captured the analogy of being the "chess of pool" and rightfully so in many respects. I feel that 14.1 can share that depth of play as well.

Nine ball on the other hand IMO is merely the checkers of pool. :)

GREAT to read of new players interest, it's truly the game that allows you some quality time alone with Mr. Dead Stroke!
 
As had been said, follow the links. Straight pool will improve your game no matter what game you play other than Straight pool. Every game has it's own peculiarities, but Straight pool will teach you an amazing amount of things that can be applied to the other games such as speed control, speed of stroke, precision position by millimeters, kiss shots, banks, defense, you name it. In the opinion of some, it's enjoying a resurgence and I certainly hope that is true.
 
I would also suggest that you find the thread about video's here in the straightpool forum, then you can watch several players practise this game, and you will quickly understand the basics of the game.
 
Thanks for the info from everyone, some great advice. I actually lived in the Denver area for 24 years before moving to Pueblo a year and a half ago. It sounds like a very interesting and fun game, can't wait to try it out! I really like strategy and something challenging to improve my game. I love practicing by myself, I get more turns that way, lol.
 
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The only stupid question...

is the one that doesn't get asked. The many members here on AZB are very happy to answer questions from newcomers. It's usually best to try the search key at the top of the screen before some of the less patient members blast you for asking without searching first.

14.1, also know as straight pool is one of the most challenging games to excell at. Easy to pick up the basics but challenging for eternity. Hope you decide to give it a try.
 
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How would the ABCD 9-ball rating map to straight pool runs?

gregoryg said:
is the one that doesn't get asked. The many members here on AZB are very happy to answer questions from newcomers. It's usually best to try the search key at the top of the screen before some of the less patient members blast you for asking without searching first.

14.1, also know as straight pool is one of the most challenging games to excell at. Easy to pick up the basics but challenging for eternity. Hope you decide to give it a try.
 
IMO these are very different games. You can have a solid "A" player in nine ball that rarely gets through 2 racks in straight pool.

However, (again in my opinion) It is more likely that an "A" player in 14.1 who can run multiple racks, will be able to play high level 9 ball as well.

Now, and lastly, I think an "A" player in 8 ball (if there is such a thing) will be the better overall player when compared to the 9 ball only player.

I think this is because the 8 ball player sees patterns, and is able to be creative with clusters when choosing maps in their mind to get through the rack and around opposing balls.

In 9 ball you don't have any choices since you must play in order, the only choices you have are the choices of which way to play position on the next ball with the third ball in mind. Not that that is automatic or easy, its just that it requires far less creativity since there are far fewer options available IMO.

You might think that a 9 ball player has the edge in 14.1 when it comes to the long shots, but ( I think it was Danny DiLiberto who said this) the same long shot a 9 ball player makes like candy when playing 9 ball, becomes a difficult shot when playing 14.1 because of the added confusion on where and why to choose the next position.

Also the penalty for missing a shot in 9 ball is far less than the penalty for missing a shot in 14.1 so the tendency to free stroke more in 9 ball always makes pocketing balls somewhat easier. Just different games.
 
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