Straight Pool was originally created in the 15th century. It was very popular in America until the 1980s, when it was replaced with eight-ball and nine ball. It was also featured on the 1961 film The Hustler. The current straight pool record is 714 points, set in 2022 by Jayshaw.
There are no limits on the number of object balls that can be taken in straight pool games. The shooter can pocket any ball that is spotted on the table, unless it is the apex ball. The shooter can either pocket the ball in an open or safety position, but it does not count towards a point. It is also possible to pocket a ball if it is on a tie-up or a dead ball.
The only restriction in straight pool is that the shooter can never run ten balls. After the cue ball has been taken, the shooter will keep the last object ball in the rack. When he finishes, he will pocket the last object ball left in the table.
Straight Pool can be played by two people. It can be played with a standard 15ball rack. Each player can pocket the last ball in a set and then break the next 14 balls. The game goes to the winner if the player scores the most points.
The first shot in straight pool is called the opening break. It is normally a soft break, designed to nick the bottom corner ball off the pack. The cue ball is then rolled over three rails and into the corner of the table where you broke.