Originally conceived in the 15th century, Straight Pool was popular in the United States until the 1980s when it was replaced by eight-ball and nine-ball. It was also featured in the 1961 film The Hustler. Jayshaw has set the current straight pool score of 714 points.
There are no restrictions on how many object ball can be pocketed in straight pool, unlike other games. Except for the apex, the shooter may pocket any ball that is visible on the table. The shooter has the option to pocket a ball while it is in open position or while it is on a safety. But, the pocketing of a ball does not count for a point. It is also possible for a shooter to pocket a ball when it is in a tie up or dead ball.
Straight pool does not allow for more than ten players. The shooter will always keep the last remaining object ball in the rack after the cueball is taken. The shooter will finish the game by taking the last object from the table.
Straight Pool can be played by two people. It is played on a standard 15-ball rack. Each player can keep the last ball in the set and then take out the next 14 balls. The game goes to the winner if the player scores the most points.
The opening break refers to the first shot of straight pool. It is normally a soft break, designed to nick the bottom corner ball off the pack. The cue ball can then be rolled over the rails and into the corner where you broke.