Quick answer: In straight pool, also called 14.1 continuous, you can shoot any ball, but you must call the ball and the pocket on every shot. Each ball you make counts as one point. When only one object ball is left, the other fourteen are racked again with the front spot left open, and you keep shooting. Players agree on a point total before the game, like 100 or 150, and the first player to reach it wins. Fouls usually cost one point, and some rule sets add a bigger penalty for three fouls in a row.
Straight pool was one of the most popular pool games in America for many years. Many great players say it is the best game for learning cue ball control. Here are the basic rules in plain English.
Step 1: Set Up the Game
- Use all fifteen object balls.
- Rack them in a triangle, with the front ball on the foot spot.
- Agree on the point total. Common games go to 100, 125, or 150 points, but you can pick any number.
Step 2: The Opening Break
The opening break in straight pool is not like 8 ball or 9 ball. Under many standard rules, the breaker must either call a ball and pocket and make it, or drive at least two object balls plus the cue ball to a rail. Because it is hard to make a called ball on the break, most players play a safe break. They try to send just a couple of balls to the rail and leave the cue ball near the far rail.
If the break is not legal, the breaker usually loses points and the other player can choose what happens next. The exact penalty depends on the rules you use.
Step 3: Call Every Shot
In straight pool, any ball can be shot at any time. There are no solids or stripes and no order. But you must call the ball and the pocket. You do not have to call kisses, banks, or combinations under many rules, but the called ball must go in the called pocket. If it does, you get a point and keep shooting.
Step 4: Scoring
- One point for each called ball you make.
- Balls that fall by accident on a legal shot are often counted too, under many rule sets.
- You keep shooting until you miss, foul, or play a safety.
Step 5: The Re Rack
This is what makes the game “continuous.” When fourteen balls have been made and only one object ball is left, play stops for a moment. The fourteen balls are racked again with the front spot left empty. The last object ball and the cue ball stay where they are. Then you keep shooting.
The goal is to make the fifteenth ball and have the cue ball roll into the rack to spread the balls. This is called a break shot. Planning a good break shot is a big part of straight pool skill.
Step 6: Fouls and Penalties
Common fouls include:
- Scratching the cue ball
- Not hitting a ball with the cue ball
- Not having a ball hit a rail after contact, when no ball is made
Under many rules, each foul costs one point. Many rule sets also have a three foul penalty, where three fouls in a row cost extra points and may lead to a re rack. Your score can go below zero.
How Do You Win?
The first player to reach the agreed point total wins. Games can last a long time, because a good player can make many balls in one turn.
Straight Pool vs 8 Ball vs 9 Ball
| Straight Pool | 8 Ball | 9 Ball | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Which balls can you shoot? | Any ball | Your group, then the 8 | Lowest numbered first |
| Call shots? | Every shot | Many rules, yes | Usually no |
| How do you win? | Reach a point total | Make the 8 ball | Make the 9 ball |
| Re racks? | Yes, every fourteen balls | No | No |
Why Learn Straight Pool?
Because you can shoot any ball, straight pool teaches you to plan patterns and control the cue ball with soft speed. Those skills carry over to 8 ball and 9 ball. If you want to learn more about other games, see our pages on one pocket rules and pool table sizes.
Straight pool is a great test of patience. Learn the rules, practice short runs, and try to beat your best run each week.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Play Bank Pool: Rules and 5 Tips for Better Bank Shots
- One Pocket Rules: How to Play the Pool Game of Patience and Defense
- Pool Table Sizes: 7, 8, and 9 Foot Tables and How Much Room You Need
- How to Play Billiards: 8 Steps From Setup to Your First Game
- What Is the Difference Between Pool and Billiards? A Simple Guide
- How to Play Cutthroat Pool: Rules for 3 Players in 6 Simple Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
What is straight pool?
It is a call shot game, also called 14.1 continuous, where each ball made is one point and players race to a set total.
Do you have to call shots in straight pool?
Yes. You must call the ball and the pocket on every shot.
Why is it called 14.1 continuous?
Because when one ball is left, the other fourteen are racked again and play continues.
How many points is a game of straight pool?
Players agree before the game. Common totals are 100, 125, or 150 points.