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 in the 1961 film The Hustler. Jayshaw established the current straight-pool record of 714 point in 2022.
Unlike other games, there are no restrictions on how many object balls can be pocketed in a straight pool game. Except for the apex, the shooter may pocket any ball that is visible on the table. The shooter is allowed to pocket any ball that is in an open position, or on a safety. However the pocketing ball doesn't count as a points. It is also possible for a shooter to pocket a ball when it is in a tie up or dead ball.
Straight pool only allows ten balls per shooter. The shooter will always keep the last remaining object ball in the rack after the cueball is taken. He will then take the last object ball from the table when he is done.
Straight Pool can be played by two people. It can be played with a standard 15ball rack. Each player can pocket the last ball in a set and then break the next 14 balls. The game goes to the winner if the player scores the most points.
The first shot in straight pool is called the opening break. It is normally a soft break, designed to nick the bottom corner ball off the pack. The cueball can be then rolled along three rails into the corner.