What are 10 or less rules you would give to a player learning 14.1?

1) Plan and evaluate before and after each shot.
2) Break up clusters as soon as possible and get rid of problem balls early.
3) If you break up clusters - make sure you always have an insurance ball.
4) If you already have a break ball - don't move it.
5) Break up rack area clusters AWAY from your break ball & key ball
6) If you are lucky enough to have 2 or more break balls - try to fall into the opportunity where you can use one of them as your key ball.
7) Never underestimate the power (or the importance) of the stop shot.
8) The distance between your cue ball and break ball should never be longer than the shaft of your cue.
9) The distance between the break ball and the stack should never be greater than the distance between the break ball and your intended pocket.
10) Don't miss.
 
Blackjack said:
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5) Break up rack area clusters AWAY from your break ball & key ball
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This is a very sound, commonsensical nicety, BJ, that's too infrequently mentioned when 14.1 is being discussed. This would have easily qualified as a fine "WP" (Whenever Possible) gem for any of the estimable George Fels 14.1 videos, books or articles.

Arnaldo
 
1. Learn to control the break, because you're not gonna win every coin flip or lag.
2. Learn the subltlties of safety play, especially full rack safeties.
3. Learn defensive tactics such as back scratching.
4. Learn your opponents weaknesses
5. Learn the clear lanes to pockets
6. Solve problems within the first half a rack when possible.
7. Identify the breakball, and possible keyballs early before you inadvertently shoot them off. (Side pocket key balls are not always the holy grail of keyballs)(they only truly work when you have a perfect key to the key)
8. Walk around the table often to figure out patterns from all perspectives.
9. Do not shoot balls off without purpose.
10. Don't worry so much about how many balls you ran or want to run. Play the game properly and the numbers will come.

11 (lol, I think we need about 25 rules of thumb) try to plan at least 5 or 6 balls ahead, this does not mean you have to play them in this order in case things go a rye.

Steve
 
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stevekur1 said:
11 (lol, I think we need about 25 rules of thumb) try to plan at least 5 or 6 balls ahead, this does not mean you have to play them in this order in case things go a rye.
Steve
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Steve, what do you do in case things go "a pumpernickel"? :D
 
brandoncook26 said:
I have two Jim Rempe DVDs with straight pool instruction that I can loan you. For most they are considered the best video instruction available on the game.
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Would also suggest Phil Capelle's book "Play Your Best Straight Pool" and "Break Shot Patterns" which also comes with a DVD. There may be a new version of this out now.
 
Ky Boy said:
Really! I thought anyone who played long enough would run 100.

I am playing on a brand new 9ft. Diamond Pro Am with 4.5" pockets and my goal is to run 100 by end of year. And I just started playing the game last week.:eek:

Now, rethinking it my goal may be a bit lofty. But no matter, I always like a challenge. Hopefully, I can get it on video when it happens!



Gary
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Kentucky? Any chance you could get instruction from Nick Varner? He'll turn anyone into a 100-ball runner.

Never mind the "lofty" goal, I love that kind of attitude - as long as it makes people study the game and not get frustrated.

Have fun! :thumbup:

Greetings from Switzerland, David.
_________________

„J'ai gâché vingt ans de mes plus belles années au billard. Si c'était à refaire, je recommencerais.“ – Roger Conti
 
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