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. Straight Pool was also featured in The Hustler, a 1961 film. Jayshaw has set the current straight pool score of 714 points.
Unlike other games, there are no restrictions on how many object balls can be pocketed in a straight pool game. The shooter can take any ball that is found on the table except for 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. A tie-up ball or dead ball can also be used as a pocket.
Straight pool has one restriction: the shooter cannot run more than ten balls. When the cue ball is pocketed, the shooter will pocket the last object ball left in the rack. When the shooter is done, he will return the cue ball to the rack and take the last remaining object ball to the table.
Straight Pool is one the few games that can easily be played with two players. It is played on a standard 15-ball rack. Each player may take one ball and break the other 14 in a set. The game is won if one player has the most points.
The opening break is the first shot in straight pool. It is normally a soft break, designed to nick the bottom corner ball off the pack. The cueball is then rolled onto three rails, and into the corner of your table where you broke.