Play Straight Pool online free against a bot in your browser. Also known as 14.1 continuous pool, this is a called-shot scoring game built around long runs, controlled break shots and planning from one rack into the next.
How to play Straight Pool
Any object ball may be your first legal contact. Call an object ball and pocket, then make that shot without fouling. Every legally pocketed object ball scores one point, including additional balls that fall on the same called stroke. Your inning continues while you keep completing calls.
Choose a race to 25, 50, 100 or 150 points before the game. Unlike rack-winning games, Straight Pool carries the score across repeated racks until one player reaches the selected target.
Straight Pool begins with a full rack. Later, fourteen balls return to the triangle while the break ball normally stays in position.
Straight Pool rules used in this game
Called shots and scoring
Select the intended object ball and pocket before each scoring stroke. The call is successful only when that ball enters that pocket. Extra object balls pocketed on the same legal called shot also score. An uncalled or missed shot ends the inning and any balls made on it are spotted.
Opening break
The opening stroke begins with cue ball in hand behind the head string. A called ball may be pocketed, or the cue ball and at least two object balls must reach cushions. Failing both conditions is a breaking foul worth a two-point penalty. The opponent then chooses whether to accept the table or require a re-rack and repeat break.
The 14.1 rerack
When one object ball remains, the other fourteen are reracked without an apex ball. The final loose ball becomes the usual break ball. Pocket it with a called shot while driving the cue ball into the rack to continue the run. If the cue ball or last object ball interferes with the rack area, the game applies the required relocation and kitchen rules automatically.
Fouls and penalties
A standard foul subtracts one point. Common examples are a scratch, no object-ball contact, no cushion or pocket after contact, a ball off the table, illegal play from the kitchen and timeout. Three consecutive standard fouls after a warning subtract an additional fifteen points, produce a full rerack and require a new opening break. A legal called shot resets the consecutive-foul count.
Calling a ball, choosing a safety and using spin
Select an active object ball and its intended pocket. To play defense, choose the safety option before shooting; pocketed balls do not score and are spotted, and the inning passes. A safety still needs legal object-ball contact and a cushion or pocket.
Use the aiming guide for the first contact, set power for the full cue-ball route and apply follow or draw through the cue-ball selector. Straight Pool rewards small, repeatable movements. Center-ball speed and short position routes are usually more reliable than sending the cue ball around several cushions.
Straight Pool strategy
Plan the rack in phases
Open clusters first while several insurance balls remain. Then remove balls that block key pockets. Finish by preserving a key ball that positions the cue ball for the break ball and a break ball that can open the next rack.
Keep an insurance ball
An insurance ball is an easy shot available after a cluster-opening attempt. Without one, a small collision error can end the run. Before disturbing a cluster, identify where the cue ball is likely to finish and which ball remains playable from that zone.
Choose a useful break ball
The ideal break ball sits outside the rack with a natural angle into the triangle. Side-of-rack positions are common because they let the cue ball enter the pack and continue into open space. Do not pocket every attractive ball early; one of them may be your only path into the next rack.
Limit cue-ball travel
Long routes create more chances to collide with traffic or finish straight. Use soft stun, follow and draw to move between nearby zones. Straight Pool is a game of preserving options, not repeatedly recovering from distance.
Use safeties when the run has ended
A deliberate safety is better than a speculative call that opens the rack for the bot. Leave the cue ball on a cushion, hide direct access or keep the remaining balls clustered. Make sure the safety still satisfies the cushion requirement.
How Straight Pool differs from other pool games
| Game | Ball order | Scoring | Rack structure |
|---|
| Straight Pool | Any called ball | One point per legal ball | Continuous fourteen-ball reracks |
|---|
| 8-Ball | Assigned group | Win the rack by making the 8 last | One full rack per game |
|---|
| 9-Ball | Lowest ball first | Legally make the 9 | Nine-ball diamond |
|---|
| One Pocket | Any object ball | Eight balls in one assigned pocket | Neutral-pocket balls return to play |
|---|
This version implements WPA-style 14.1 scoring, break penalties, called safeties, consecutive-foul penalties and continuous reracks. It packages them as a browser match against a bot with selectable target scores. Tournament conditions may specify a different race and shot clock. See the World Pool Association Rules of Play.
Straight Pool FAQ
Is Straight Pool online free?
Yes. This Straight Pool browser game is free and needs no download.
Can I play Straight Pool against the computer?
Yes. Select the bot difficulty and a target of 25, 50, 100 or 150 points.
Why is it called 14.1 continuous pool?
Each legal ball scores one point, and fourteen balls are reracked when one remains. The game continues across racks until the target score is reached.
Does Straight Pool work on mobile?
Yes. Play Straight Pool on mobile in landscape orientation, or use a tablet or desktop.
