Straight Pool was invented in the 15th Century. It was popular in the United States from the 1960s until it was abandoned by eight-ball or nine-ball. It was also featured on the 1961 film The Hustler. Jayshaw established the current straight-pool record of 714 point in 2022.
In a straight pool game, there is no limit on how many objects can be stolen. Any ball that is spotted on a table can be taken by the shooter, except the apex. The shooter can either pocket the ball in an open or safety position, but it does not count towards a point. 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. He will then take the last object ball from the table when he is done.
Straight Pool is one of the few games that can be played with two players. Straight Pool is played using a standard 15-ball rack. Each player has the option to pocket the last ball of a set, and then break the 14 remaining balls. The game is won by the player with the highest number of points.
The opening break is the first shot in straight pool. This break is typically a soft break and is intended to remove the bottom corner ball from the pack. The cueball can be then rolled along three rails into the corner.