Straight pool popularity and beginner league play

[bk-banger]

Hello!

First question: Over the last few months I've started following the pool scene and watching matches online. As someone new to the scene it seems that straight pool is having a resurgence. Is it having a come back or has it always been this popular in the competitive scene?

Second question: I'm interested in 14.1 because the strategy is deep and the play is very competitive. Fortunately, there are two leagues I could try (Amsterdam near Union Square or Status Q in Bay Ridge). I'm hesitant to join because I'm fairly new to league play and am still working on fundamentals. So basically, what level should I get to before I think 14.1 league play?

Thanks

 

[Bob Jewett]

Hello!

First question: Over the last few months I've started following the pool scene and watching matches online. As someone new to the scene it seems that straight pool is having a resurgence. Is it having a come back or has it always been this popular in the competitive scene?

Second question: I'm interested in 14.1 because the strategy is deep and the play is very competitive. Fortunately, there are two leagues I could try (Amsterdam near Union Square or Status Q in Bay Ridge). I'm hesitant to join because I'm fairly new to league play and am still working on fundamentals. So basically, what level should I get to before I think 14.1 league play?

Thanks

For a while 14.1 seemed nearly wiped out by nine ball. There was a US Open (14.1) in 2000 and a few other events, but around that time there was not much tournament play in the US.

Several annual events started that helped the current resurgence. The New Jersey State Championship was almost at the competitive level of the US Open. I think it ran about five years. The Maryland State Championship has morphed into the American 14.1 Championship and boasts a top-level field. The World Tournament (by Dragon Promotions) is in about its ninth or tenth year. The George Fels Memorial 14.1 challenge at Derby City just finished its 11th consecutive year with a record turnout and the highest set of qualifying scores ever.

As for playing in a league, if you are comfortable competing, then go ahead and play. You need to be in competition against knowledgeable players to really learn the game. Work on your fundamentals, too, but spend some time in matches.

 

[john coloccia]

When I started playing, everyone played 9-ball, so I played 9-ball (and 8 ball, to some extent). I liked 14.1 better, but no one wanted to play. Now, I'm a 9 ball refugee and joined a little straight pool league.

I just started playing again after about 15 years off, and I've mostly just played 14.1 over the last month or so. Now, when I toss out a rack of 9 ball, it seems WAY easier than I remember it being. I don't always get out in one, but I can usually get out in two. 14.1 is a very difficult game.

If the league is handicapped (and I have to think it is), just go for it. You'll learn a lot and the rest of your game will improve by leaps and bounds. So far, 14.1 is kicking my butt. It's a great deal harder than I had imagined it would be and I don't think I'll ever get better unless I watch what these other guys are doing in terms of strategy and shot selection.

 

[ctyhntr]

I've been a league player at Amsterdam for over 8 years, and played in Team 8-ball, Team 9-ball, Individual 9-ball, and 14.1 leagues at Amsterdam. Team 8-ball is their beginner/intermediate level product. Individual 9-ball and 14.1 are ideally suited for those who don't like teams and Team 9-ball is their most advanced/competitive league product. If you have any questions about their leagues, I can answer as a player and customer.

Team 8-ball is a format where you play both 8-ball and 9-ball, not unlike double jeopardy APA. If you're a casual player, social, beginner, or APA refugee then this league is perfect for you. When I came back to pool, my choices were APA or Amsterdam. Looking back I'm glad I made the right choice for me, and picked Amsterdam (Team 8-ball). Otherwise, I don't think I would still enjoy playing pool.

The 14.1 league at Amsterdam have at least 3 skill brackets. Depending the bracket, you go to a race of 75, 100, 125 or higher. I re-joined 14.1 this season, and they put me in a bracket where I play to 100. Last week, and this week my high-run was 10, and 9 balls. I consider myself a high beginner, low intermediate player.

I think 14.1 is having a comeback. When I joined Amsterdam years ago, it was the only 14.1 league around in 60 miles. It was not uncommon for owners of other poolhalls to play at Amsterdam's 14.1 league because of the concentration of skilled players.

 

[bk-banger]

For a while 14.1 seemed nearly wiped out by nine ball. There was a US Open (14.1) in 2000 and a few other events, but around that time there was not much tournament play in the US.

Mr Jewett; what kind of competitive turnout are you expecting for the upcoming US Open in Windsor Locks, CT?

 

[bk-banger]

Thank you all for the responses; it would seem that 14.1 is making a come-back. Next season I will probably join one of those two 14.1 leagues.

The 14.1 league at Amsterdam have at least 3 skill brackets. Depending the bracket, you go to a race of 75, 100, 125 or higher. I re-joined 14.1 this season, and they put me in a bracket where I play to 100. Last week, and this week my high-run was 10, and 9 balls. I consider myself a high beginner, low intermediate player.

I practice 14.1 by setting up a mid-game rack with 1 OB bih and the CB bih, the rest racked. A normal practice session will have high runs of like 5-6; so by your metric I'd be a low/mid-beginner, which isn't a bad place to start. Does Amsterdam happen to have cue lockers(Status Q does)? I don't like carrying stuff all over the city

 

[Bob Jewett]

Mr Jewett; what kind of competitive turnout are you expecting for the upcoming US Open in Windsor Locks, CT?

I'd expect it to be comparable to the American Straight Pool or the World Tournament. I see it's limited to 48 players.

 

[ctyhntr]

Amsterdam does offer locker rentals. FWIW, we're in week 2 of the new season. It's not too late to join, just reach out to your opponents from week 1/2 for a make-up match. Make-up matches have to be completed before the start of the playoffs. When I started 14.1 league I think my high run was 5-6 balls. First season helped me with basic decision making (make a shot or play safe).

You'll start off playing even, race, and then at the end of the season you will be handicapped for the playoffs.

Thank you all for the responses; it would seem that 14.1 is making a come-back. Next season I will probably join one of those two 14.1 leagues.

I practice 14.1 by setting up a mid-game rack with 1 OB bih and the CB bih, the rest racked. A normal practice session will have high runs of like 5-6; so by your metric I'd be a low/mid-beginner, which isn't a bad place to start. Does Amsterdam happen to have cue lockers(Status Q does)? I don't like carrying stuff all over the city

 

[DaveM]

I joined a 14.1 league that starts on Long Island in about 3 weeks. Looking forward to it.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

Hello!

First question: Over the last few months I've started following the pool scene and watching matches online. As someone new to the scene it seems that straight pool is having a resurgence. Is it having a come back or has it always been this popular in the competitive scene?

Second question: I'm interested in 14.1 because the strategy is deep and the play is very competitive. Fortunately, there are two leagues I could try (Amsterdam near Union Square or Status Q in Bay Ridge). I'm hesitant to join because I'm fairly new to league play and am still working on fundamentals. So basically, what level should I get to before I think 14.1 league play?

Thanks

As the former league director of Amsterdam's 14.1 league, I can personally attest that there are divisions for all calibers. Personally, I think 14.1 is the best game and it's the one I started playing seriously shortly after getting my first cue. Your strategy will evolve as your game (and your opponents' game) improve. The league also features many top caliber players and offers you the opportunity to meet many of them.

I'm not sure if there are spots still available for this season but you should give Michael Yednak a call. I'm sure he'll be happy to discuss this more with you.

 

[aj6788]

If you're unsure of league play or tournament play. I would suggest watching some better players at the game. Try to learn how each player might play out some basic patterns of a rack. Common safety plays. Also just practicing pocketing balls and cue ball control. I've learned that 14.1 players have some of the best cue ball control, stringing it around a rack for break out shots and setting up for future safety plays.

Try attending this qualifier as a spectator (I'm going to try to stream this event online BTW) or attending this years U.S. Open Straight Pool Championship.

Joining a league has many benefits, even as a beginner some players might give you their time and give you some pointers. You might have to loose a few bucks to play certain people, but as I've learned sometimes they are the ones with the best advice because time is money to them. Thankfully most players will generously help you out on what you might have done wrong for an out or the wrong break out ball. Listening is key, practicing is the best advice though. I wouldn't be where I am today without playing in an 8 ball league from the start. Now I am a solid B player in straight pool and it has helped my game tremendously!