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 prominently in The Hustler (61). Jayshaw established the current straight-pool record of 714 point in 2022.
There are no limits on the number of object balls that can be taken in straight pool games. Any ball that is spotted on a table can be taken by the shooter, except the apex. A shooter may pocket a ball in open positions or on safety. However, the point earned by pocketing a ball is not included. If the ball is tied up or dead, it is possible to pocket it.
The only restriction in straight pool is that the shooter can never run ten balls. The shooter will take the cue ball and keep the rest in his pocket. The shooter will finish the game by taking the last object from the table.
Straight Pool is one of few games that can only be played with 2 players. Straight Pool 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 is won if one player has the most points.
The first shot in straight pool is called the opening break. This is usually a soft break that aims to take the bottom ball from the pack. The cue ball is then rolled over three rails and into the corner of the table where you broke.