Straight Pool Rules
The game is played with a cue ball (the white ball) and fifteen object balls numbered 1-15.
The object is to reach a set number of points (15 by default). One point is scored for each ball pocketed where no foul is made.
Opening break
- The balls are racked in a triangle.
- The game begins with the cue ball in hand behind the head string.
- Any ball can be hit first by the cue ball.
- Either a ball must be pocketed or the cue ball and at least two additional balls must touch a rail.
- The failure to accomplish one of these two options results in a foul. Fouling on the initial break results in a special penalty of a loss of 2 points.
Continuing play
The shooter remains at the table as long as he continues to legally pocket called balls or wins the game by scoring the required number of points. When fourteen balls from a rack have been legally pocketed, the balls are re-racked.
Call shots (only in PRO mode)
Shots must be called in PRO mode of the game.
The shooter may call "safety" in which case play passes to the opponent at the end of the shot and any object ball pocketed on the safety is spotted.
Fouls
If the shooter commits a standard foul, a point is subtracted from his score, and play passes to his opponent.
Standard fouls are:
- The cue ball does not hit an object ball.
- The cue ball is pocketed.
- When the cue ball is in hand behind the head string, and the first ball the cue ball contacts is also behind the head string, the shot is a foul unless the cue ball crosses the head string before that contact.
- None of the balls is driven to the rail after contact.
- The shot is not completed in 60 seconds.
There is an additional 15 points penalty for three consecutive fouls (except for breaking fouls), and the balls are re-racked.
Winning the game
A player wins the game by scoring the required number of points.
The player who reaches -15 points loses the game.
Further help