BCA/CSI and world-rules lane
WPA 14.1 rules are the primary reference. Both players race to the same total score such as 75, 100, 125, or 150.
Pocket Billiards · Straight Pool (14.1)
Straight Pool (14.1): rules, races, and table control.
Use the same table with the correct rule set. This guide separates open competition from handicap competition before walking through the rack, decisions, fouls, practice plan, and tournament paths.
Current as of July 26, 2026Schedules and tour details can change. Confirm entries, rules, and dates with the official organizer before traveling.
Two formats of competition
Open play and handicap play are not the same match.
Local handicap lane; APA is reference only
APA does not operate a standard national Straight Pool league. Local leagues commonly use unequal target scores based on FargoRate, average run, or established league rating.
A local handicap chart must state each player’s target score, foul penalties, and maximum innings.
ObjectiveCall and pocket any legal object ball for one point, continuing until the agreed target score is reached.
RackFifteen balls begin in a triangle. After fourteen are pocketed, those fourteen are re-racked while the fifteenth and cue ball remain for the break shot when possible.
Rules firstEvent guide → sanctioning rules → local bylaws
Best starting habitPlan the next two decisions before shooting.
Step-by-step match flow
Play the rack from start to finish.
- Step 1.Agree on target score, break procedure, foul penalties, and rack handling.
- Step 2.Call both ball and pocket before each scoring shot.
- Step 3.Build small patterns while preserving key balls, a break ball, and a key ball to reach it.
- Step 4.Pocket the fourteenth ball with position for the break shot.
- Step 5.Re-rack fourteen without disturbing the break ball or cue ball when the rules allow.
- Step 6.Continue the inning until a miss or foul; track score and consecutive fouls accurately.
Rules comparison
Know which rule book controls the table.
| Rule lane | What it controls | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| WPA 14.1 | Official Straight Pool rules. | Open rules |
| EPBF | European Championship 14.1 events and calendar. | Open rules |
| PBS special events | Straight Pool feature matches and exhibitions. | Open rules |
Regional competition by play lane
Find the U.S. or European route that matches the event format.
Non-handicap and equal-race routes
- Professional 14.1 invitationals and featured matches
- American Straight Pool championship events
- Regional room-based high-run and race-to-score events
Federation and open routes
- EPBF European 14.1 Championship
- National federation Straight Pool events
- Club and open 14.1 championships
Handicap and skill-band routes
- Different target scores based on rating
- Local innings or score handicaps
- APA has no national Straight Pool format
Local handicap and development routes
- Club target-score handicaps
- Rating bands or separate divisions
- Local event chart controls; no Europe-wide APA Straight Pool system
Entry rule: verify the player guide. “Open,” “division,” “rated,” and “handicap” are not interchangeable terms, and the event’s published chart controls.
Tours and events
Where this game appears.
- EPBF European Championships 14.1
- American Straight Pool Championship and regional 14.1 events
- Pro Billiard Series Straight Pool feature matches
- Local 14.1 leagues and high-run challenges listed on AZBilliards
Practice plan
Build the skill in deliberate practice.
1
Drill 1
Fifteen-ball pattern drill: identify break ball, key ball, and insurance ball before starting.
2
Drill 2
Break-ball drill: practice side-of-rack, behind-rack, and above-rack break shots.
3
Drill 3
High-run ladder: goals of 10, 20, 30, then 50 with full scorekeeping.
4
Drill 4
Foul-control drill: practice opening safeties and avoid three-foul penalties.
Before the lag
Final match checklist.
Confirm the rule set
Confirm handicap or race
Confirm rack and break
Confirm call-shot rules
Confirm jump cue policy
Confirm scorekeeping