Straight Pool Rules: Complete Tournament Guide for Players

January 3, 2025 By drew

Last Updated: October 25, 2025

Quick Takeaways

  • 14.1 Continuous (Straight Pool): Most points in a predetermined race wins—typically 100, 125, or 150 points
  • Call Your Shots: Must call ball and pocket on every shot (no slop)
  • Continuous Rack: Re-rack 14 balls when only one object ball remains, game continues without break
  • Break Shot Rules: Opening break is unique—must drive 2 balls to cushion AND pocket a ball, or 1 point penalty
  • Professional Standard: Most skill-intensive pool game—world champions run 100+ balls routinely

Overview

Straight Pool (officially “14.1 Continuous”) is widely considered the most demanding and prestigious cue sport. Unlike 8-ball or 9-ball where you clear the table and start fresh, straight pool continues indefinitely—you’re not done until you reach the target score (often 100-150 points).

Game Characteristics:

  • Duration: Professional matches can last 2-4 hours for 150-point race
  • Skill Focus: Position play, pattern recognition, strategic shot selection, safety play
  • Scoring: One point per legally pocketed ball
  • Game End: First player to reach predetermined point total wins

Why “14.1 Continuous”?

When 14 balls have been pocketed (only one remains), those 14 are re-racked while the last ball stays in position. The player continues shooting, breaking the new rack with a shot on the remaining ball. This creates continuous gameplay—hence “14.1 Continuous.”

Historical Significance:

Straight pool was the dominant professional game from the 1910s through the 1970s. Willie Mosconi’s record run of 526 consecutive balls (set in 1954) still stands as one of pool’s most impressive feats.

Equipment Required

Table Requirements

Official Table Size: 9-foot regulation table (50″ × 100″ playing surface)

  • Smaller tables (7-foot or 8-foot) can be used for casual play
  • Tournament and championship events require 9-foot tables

Table Specifications:

  • Slate bed (1-inch minimum)
  • Tournament-speed cloth (Simonis 860 or equivalent)
  • Standard cushions with proper rebound (4-5 rails on medium stroke)
  • Regulation pockets (4.5-5.0 inch corner pockets, 5.0-5.5 inch side pockets)

Balls

Standard Set: 15 numbered object balls (1-15) plus cue ball

  • Ball specifications: 2.25-inch diameter, regulation weight (5.5-6.0 oz)
  • Quality balls required: Aramith or equivalent for tournament play
  • Numbering: Solids (1-7) and stripes (9-15) plus 8-ball (used for full 15-ball set)

Rack

Triangle Rack:

  • Standard triangle rack used
  • Must produce tight rack with no gaps between balls

Cues

Player Cues: Players use personal cues

Break Cue: Optional—many players use separate break cue for opening break only

Game Setup

Racking Procedure

Initial Rack (Game Start):

  1. Position: Apex ball on foot spot
  2. Arrangement:
  • 1-ball at apex (on foot spot—official BCA standard)
  • 5-ball at back left corner of triangle
  • 15-ball at back right corner of triangle
  • Remaining balls placed randomly with solids and stripes mixed
  1. Tight Rack: All 15 balls must touch neighbors with no gaps
  2. Verification: Balls frozen together, front ball exactly on foot spot

Re-Rack During Game (After 14 Balls Pocketed):

  1. Leave final object ball in its position (do not move it)
  2. Rack the 14 pocketed balls in triangle formation
  3. Same positioning: 1-ball at apex, 5 and 15 in back corners
  4. Place rack with apex ball on foot spot
  5. Remove rack carefully without disturbing balls
  6. Player continues shooting at the remaining ball to break the new rack

Breaking Rules (Opening Break)

The opening break in straight pool is unique and has specific requirements.

Opening Break Shot Requirements

Legal Break Criteria (Player must achieve ONE of the following):

Option 1: Pocket ball + drive 2 balls to cushion

  • Pocket any object ball in called pocket
  • AND cause at least 2 object balls (including pocketed ball) to contact a cushion

Option 2: Drive 2 balls to cushion (safety break)

  • Drive at least 2 object balls to a cushion
  • Cue ball must contact an object ball first
  • No pocketed balls (intentional safety)

Penalty for Illegal Break:

  • -2 points from shooter’s score (or -2 from starting score of zero = start at -2)
  • Incoming player has three options:
  1. Accept table as-is and shoot
  2. Require original breaker to break again
  3. Break themselves

Break Shot Strategy:

Most professional players opt for a safety break:

  • Hit first object ball softly at an angle
  • Drive 2-3 balls to cushions without pocketing
  • Leave difficult shot for opponent
  • Safer than attempting to pocket a ball and potentially leaving an easy shot

Aggressive Break:

  • Attempt to pocket 1-ball into corner pocket
  • Risky—if you miss and leave an easy shot, opponent has advantage
  • Used less frequently in professional play

Gameplay Rules

Turn Sequence

  1. Player Continues: As long as player legally pockets called balls, their turn continues
  2. Innings: A turn at the table is called an “inning”
  3. High Run: The number of consecutive balls pocketed in one inning
  4. Turn Ends When:
  • Player misses a shot
  • Player commits a foul
  • Player executes a legal safety (intentionally ends turn)

Call Shot Requirements

Must Call:

  • Ball: Which numbered ball you intend to pocket
  • Pocket: Which pocket the ball will go into

“Obvious” Shots:

In casual play, obvious straight-in shots don’t need verbal call. In tournament play, ALL shots must be called clearly.

Calling Format:

  • Verbal: “5-ball, corner pocket” or “12 in the side”
  • Point with cue: Indicate ball and pocket
  • Must call before shooting

Bank Shots, Combinations, Caroms:

  • Must call ball and pocket
  • Do NOT need to call details of how ball gets to pocket (unless local rules require)
  • Example: Calling “9-ball, corner pocket” is sufficient for a bank shot—don’t need to say “9-ball, banked off short rail to corner”

Safeties:

Player may declare “safety” before shooting. In this case:

  • No need to call ball or pocket
  • Turn ends after the shot (even if ball is pocketed)
  • Pocketed ball stays down (counts for opponent if opponent shoots next)
  • Used strategically to avoid risky shots

Scoring

Basic Scoring

Points Awarded:

  • +1 point: Each legally pocketed ball
  • No bonus points: All balls worth one point regardless of number

Accumulation:

  • Points accumulate throughout the game
  • No subtraction except for fouls (which can result in point penalties)

Winning:

  • First player to reach predetermined point total wins
  • Common race lengths:
  • Casual games: 25-50 points
  • League play: 50-100 points
  • Tournament play: 100-150 points
  • Championship matches: 150+ points

Foul Penalties

Standard Foul: -1 point

Includes:

  • Failure to hit called ball
  • Pocketing ball into wrong pocket
  • Pocketing cue ball (scratch)
  • Failure to drive object ball or cue ball to cushion on safety
  • Touching any ball during stroke (except cue tip to cue ball)
  • Shooting out of turn
  • Double hit (cue tip contacts cue ball twice)

Serious Foul: -15 points

Includes:

  • Three consecutive fouls in a row: If player commits three fouls in three consecutive turns, additional -15 point penalty (on top of the -1 for each individual foul = -18 total)
  • Jumped ball: If object ball jumps off table, -15 points
  • Intentional foul: Deliberately committing foul, -15 points at referee’s discretion

After a Foul:

  • Incoming player receives cue ball in hand
  • May place cue ball anywhere on table (not restricted to behind head string)
  • Player must call ball and pocket as normal

Re-Rack Procedure (The Continuous Aspect)

The “14.1” in the game’s name comes from this re-racking rule.

When to Re-Rack

When 14 balls have been legally pocketed and only 1 object ball remains on the table:

  1. Leave the final ball in its position (do not touch it)
  2. Retrieve the 14 pocketed balls
  3. Rack the 14 balls in triangle formation with apex on foot spot
  4. Player’s turn continues—they shoot at the remaining ball to break open the new rack
  5. Game continues seamlessly—player attempts to pocket ball(s) from the newly broken rack

Strategic Break Ball

Purpose of Last Ball:

The remaining ball becomes the “break ball”—used to break open the newly racked 14 balls.

Ideal Break Ball Position:

  • Near head of table (opposite end from rack)
  • Angle allowing player to send cue ball into rack with control
  • Leaves option for safety if break shot isn’t ideal

Position Play for Break Ball:

Advanced players “manufacture” the break ball position 3-4 shots before re-racking. They position the 14th ball in an ideal location before pocketing the 13th ball.

Break Shot on Re-Rack

Requirements:

  • Must call ball and pocket as normal
  • Must pocket a ball OR drive object ball and cue ball to cushion (same as any safety shot)
  • If player fails to meet requirements: Foul (-1 point), opponent gets ball in hand

Strategy:

Professional players often play position during the break shot to:

  • Pocket break ball
  • Send cue ball into rack to spread balls
  • Leave themselves a makeable shot on a ball from the rack
  • Execute in one continuous motion for maximum runout potential

Legal Shots and Shot Requirements

Basic Shot Requirements

Every shot must meet these criteria:

1. Cue ball must contact object ball first

  • Hitting a cushion before object ball = foul
  • Simultaneous contact with ball and cushion = legal (benefit to shooter)

2. After contact, must occur ONE of the following:

  • Object ball is pocketed in called pocket
  • ANY object ball (including called ball) contacts a cushion
  • Cue ball contacts a cushion

Purpose: Prevents “lazy” shots where balls barely move. Forces player to execute complete shots.

Exception: If object ball is frozen to cushion, must drive it to different cushion or pocket it

Combination and Carom Shots

Legal if:

  • Call the final ball and pocket
  • Cue ball contacts called ball first (can be direct or via another ball in combination)
  • Called ball goes into called pocket

Strategy:

Combinations add complexity and options for running balls. Advanced players use combinations to:

  • Clear problem balls blocking position routes
  • Pocket multiple balls in one inning (one called, others incidental)
  • Create new angles when direct shot unavailable

Fouls and Penalties

Standard Fouls (-1 Point Each)

Scratching (Cueing Ball Into Pocket):

  • Cue ball falls into any pocket
  • -1 point penalty
  • Opponent gets ball in hand anywhere on table

Wrong Ball First:

  • Cue ball contacts object ball other than called ball first
  • -1 point penalty
  • Opponent gets ball in hand

Wrong Pocket:

  • Pocketed ball goes into pocket other than called pocket
  • Ball stays pocketed but does NOT count for point
  • -1 point penalty
  • Opponent takes over (no ball in hand unless combined with another foul like scratch)

No Rail After Contact:

  • After cue ball contacts object ball, neither ball contacts a cushion
  • AND object ball is not pocketed
  • -1 point penalty

Touching Balls:

  • Touching any ball with hand, clothing, cue, bridge, etc. during stroke
  • -1 point penalty
  • Ball(s) remain where they stopped (not replaced unless ref determines replacement necessary)

Serious Fouls (-15 Points Each)

Three Consecutive Fouls:

  • If player commits fouls on three consecutive innings at the table
  • Third foul results in -1 (for the foul) + -15 (for three-foul penalty) = -16 total
  • Player is warned after second consecutive foul in tournament play
  • Counter resets if player legally pockets a ball

Jumped Balls:

  • If object ball jumps off table and stays off
  • -15 point penalty
  • Ball is not replaced (remains pocketed)
  • Opponent gets ball in hand

Intentional Fouls:

  • Referee determines player deliberately committed foul for advantage
  • -15 point penalty
  • Rare in practice—used to punish unsportsmanlike conduct

Safety Play

Declaring a Safety

Before the Shot:

Player must clearly announce “Safety” before executing the shot.

After a Safety:

  • Turn ends (even if ball is accidentally pocketed)
  • If ball is pocketed, it remains pocketed
  • No points awarded to shooter
  • Opponent comes to table (no ball in hand unless foul occurred)

Strategic Use:

  • When no good shot available (risky position)
  • To avoid leaving opponent an easy shot
  • To play defensive and limit opponent’s options

Safety Shot Requirements:

  • Must meet standard shot requirements (cue ball to object ball, then ball or cue ball to cushion)
  • Failure to meet requirements = foul even on called safety

Tournament vs. Casual Play Differences

Tournament Play (Official BCA/WPA Rules)

Strict Requirements:

  • All shots must be called clearly (ball and pocket)
  • Referee present to observe and rule on close situations
  • Three-foul rule strictly enforced with warnings
  • Rack your own (players rack for themselves in rotation)
  • Shot clock may be enforced (30-60 seconds per shot depending on tournament rules)

Rack Specifications:

  • Specific ball placement (1 at apex, 5 and 15 in back corners)
  • Tight rack verified by referee
  • Re-rack if balls not frozen together

Break Rules:

  • Must meet legal break criteria or face -2 penalty
  • Incoming player options clearly defined if break is illegal

Casual/Bar Play

Relaxed Calling:

  • Obvious shots often don’t need to be called verbally
  • Opponent typically agrees on what constitutes “obvious”
  • Bank shots, combinations, and trick shots still require call

Gentlemen’s Rules:

  • Players may agree to overlook minor fouls (accidental ball touches, etc.)
  • Three-foul rule may not be tracked
  • Often play “call ball only” (pocket assumed if obvious)

Shorter Games:

  • Casual games often race to 25-50 points instead of 100-150
  • Faster pace, less strategy required

Racking:

  • May not follow strict ball positioning (1, 5, 15 placement)
  • Tight rack still required but less formal verification

Strategy Tips

For Beginners

1. Focus on Position, Not Just Pocketing:

Straight pool rewards careful position play over flashy shot-making. Leave yourself an easy next shot rather than attempting a difficult shot with poor position.

2. Play Safe Early and Often:

When no good shot is available, play a safety. Giving opponent a difficult shot is better than missing and leaving them an easy runout opportunity.

3. Think 2-3 Balls Ahead:

Plan which ball you’ll shoot after your current ball. Beginners who only think one ball at a time get stuck with no shot.

4. Control the Break Ball:

As you approach 14 balls pocketed, start thinking about which ball will be left for the re-rack break. Position it ideally 3-4 shots before you rack.

5. Avoid Clusters:

Balls bunched together limit your options. If possible, break up clusters early in your run while you have other shot options.

For Intermediate Players

1. Pattern Play:

Develop “routes” around the table. Visualize clearing one section (e.g., balls near side pocket) then moving to another section.

2. Distance Control:

Leave yourself 12-18 inch shots when possible. Too close (<6 inches) limits cue ball control. Too far (>36 inches) increases miss risk.

3. Use of English:

Learn to control cue ball with English (sidespin) to:

  • Navigate around clusters
  • Hold position in zones
  • Execute safeties more effectively

4. Two-Way Shots:

Plan shots that have a built-in safety if you miss. This reduces risk and keeps opponent from capitalizing on your misses.

5. Keep Ball Count:

Always know how many balls you’ve pocketed. When approaching 14, shift strategy to set up ideal break ball position.

For Advanced Players

1. Manufacturing Position:

Work 5-6 balls ahead, setting up key balls strategically for later in your run. Create “insurance balls” (easy shots you can use to reset if position goes wrong).

2. Precision Break Ball Control:

Position break ball within 6-inch target zone near head rail at specific angle. This allows controlled break with high probability of continuing run.

3. Defensive Runouts:

When ahead in score, employ defensive strategy—make only safe shots, play safeties when appropriate. Force opponent to take risks while you maintain lead.

4. Cluster Management:

Develop systems for breaking clusters at optimal moments:

  • When several escape routes exist
  • When nearby balls provide insurance
  • When failure to break cluster won’t end your run

5. Score Management:

Track opponent’s score relative to yours. Adjust risk tolerance based on score differential—aggressive when behind, conservative when ahead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Not Planning Beyond Current Shot

The Problem:

Players focus solely on pocketing the current ball and don’t consider position for the next ball.

The Consequence:

Pocket a ball, then have no shot. Miss and opponent runs the table.

The Fix:

Before every shot, identify your next two balls. If you can’t see a path forward, play a safety instead.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the Break Ball

The Problem:

Players pocket balls randomly, leaving poorly positioned break ball when rack time comes.

The Consequence:

Difficult or impossible break shot ends your run after investing 13 balls of work.

The Fix:

Starting at 11-12 balls pocketed, begin planning which ball will be your break ball. Position it ideally before pocketing the 13th ball.

Mistake #3: Attempting Low-Percentage Shots

The Problem:

Player attempts difficult bank or combination with 40% success rate instead of playing safe.

The Consequence:

Miss the shot, leave opponent with easy runout opportunity.

The Fix:

If shot success rate is below 70%, strongly consider playing a safety. Straight pool rewards patience and smart play, not gambling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I pocket the wrong ball by accident?

A: If you pocket a ball that is not the called ball (even if you make the called ball too), the uncalled pocketed ball stays down but you receive no point for it. Your turn ends (unless the called ball was also pocketed in the called pocket). This is not a foul unless the wrong ball went in first (then it’s a foul for wrong ball first contact).

Q: Can I shoot any ball on the table after my opponent fouls?

A: No. Even with ball in hand after opponent fouls, you must still call your shot (ball and pocket). Ball in hand only means you can place the cue ball anywhere on the table before shooting.

Q: What if the 1-ball is the last ball before re-racking?

A: You still use it as the break ball even though tournament racks require the 1-ball at apex. The current ball position takes priority. When you re-rack the 14 balls, the 1-ball will be absent from that rack.

Q: How do professional players run 100+ balls?

A: Through exceptional pattern recognition, precise position play, and conservative shot selection. They:

  • Plan 5-6 balls ahead
  • Maintain ideal position in the 12-24 inch range
  • Play safe if position isn’t perfect
  • Execute flawless break shots on re-racks to continue runs

Official Governing Bodies

Billiard Congress of America (BCA):

  • Official rulebook available at BCA Website
  • Governs most North American straight pool tournaments
  • Rules updated periodically

World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA):

  • International governing body
  • Slightly different rules from BCA in some areas
  • WPA Website

United States Professional Poolplayers Association (UPA):

  • Professional tour organization
  • Uses BCA rules with minor modifications for pro events

Related Articles & Resources

Continue Learning:

Other Game Rules:

External Resources:

About the Author

Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen has competed in professional straight pool tournaments for 12 years and holds a high run of 127 balls in tournament play. As a certified instructor and tournament player, she specializes in teaching pattern recognition and strategic shot selection for continuous games. Sarah’s analytical approach to straight pool emphasizes mathematics and probability over feel, making her instruction especially effective for systematic learners.

Expertise: Straight pool strategy, pattern recognition, position play systems, tournament competition

Experience: 12 years professional competition, high run 127 balls, certified instructor, APA 7-skill level

Specialties: Teaching advanced position play, break ball management, safety strategy, tournament preparation

Read more articles by Sarah Chen

Note: Rules may vary slightly by venue and tournament organization. Always confirm specific rules before competitive play. When in doubt, refer to the BCA or WPA official rulebook for your jurisdiction.