Expert: Pool_Teacher - 4/16/2005

Question
I have two questions about straight pool rules:

1) Is it correct that the rules for the opening break (pocket a ball or send the cue and two object balls to a rail) *only* apply for the opening break, and not for subsequent "breaks" of the 14-ball re-racked balls? In other words, for *all* shots other than the opening break the standard rules apply, i.e., pocket a ball or hit an object ball and drive either the cue ball or the object ball to a rail?

2) If the triangle is not marked on the felt, may a player use the triangle to determine whether or not a ball will be in the rack *at any time* during his or her inning? The rule from the BCA specifies: "the triangle may be employed to ascertain whether a ball is in the rack when a match is unofficiated and the table has not been pencil marked around the triangle area." This is rule 1.3, regarding general rules and not specifically 14.1 straight pool; my friend insists that this rule is meant to apply to, say, eight-ball or another game when initially racking the balls (I know, this doesn't make sense to me either in *any* universe. . . )

Thanks,

Jamie Hubbard

Answer
1) Yes, you have stated the rule correctly. Note that if you read Rule 6.6 carefully, the rule which states that two object balls have to be driven to a rail, etc., you'll see that it comes under the header: "OPENING BREAK" and thus, by default, does not apply to any subsequent, inter-game breaks.

I can also tell you that in the approximate fourteen thousand to the hundredth power games of straight pool I have watched and played, this is the rule that is followed, i.e., for example, on an inter-game break, it is legal to just brush a ball and have the cueball contact a rail. Note also that, whereas a foul on the opening break is considered a loss of two points, it is only a one point loss if committed on any other break.

2) Yes, you can use the triangle in straight pool to check whether a ball is in the rack area at any time during any inning if and only if the game is not officiated and the table is not pre-marked. There is no ambiguity whatsoever in the rule, which is exactly as you have stated it and contains no time constraint. Now having said that, can I ask you what your friend is smoking? You already said his belief makes no sense. Well I'm confirming that that's true, and for every sentient being who has a scrap of logical reasoning ability in any series of infinite universes.

Applying this rule to eight ball leads to a non sequitur.  In eight ball you only rack once and that's for racking all the balls; what would your friend be checking? He already know all the balls are in the rack area because he or his opponent is RACKING THE BALLS IN THE RACK AREA! Tell you friend this rule is meant specifically for straight pool and, possibly, to seek help from a mental health professional.