A New World Record S a Long Forgotten Clas By Brad Swain
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s you may have heard by now Jayson Shaw set a new 14.1 straight pool high run world record of 714 continuous balls pocketed. A feat that I find absolutely incredible considering that Willie Mosconi held the all-time high run of 526 balls (running over 36 consecutive racks) on March 19, 1954, and he held that record for 65 years. After several weeks of effort John Schmidt tipped the record up to 626 On May 27, 2019. Many folks were shocked to see Mosconi’s record topped by an additional 100 shots and not without good reason. Which really makes Shaw’s run of 714 even more impressive especially considering doesn’t have the reputation of being a long time 14.1. For the last few months several of the pros have taken their attempts to beat the record including SVB and Earl Strickland and I think this has stirred up a new curiosity amongst pool players. 14.1 was once considered the standard pool game amongst avid players much how we would look at 9-ball by today’s standard. But why has the game seemingly disappeared over the decades? The short answer is: 1. It’s a tough game that requires knowledge of patterns, precision in shotmaking, and a plethora of strategies 2. The game can be pretty time consuming many people prefer a quicker and more convenient game to play.
14.1 straight pool has always been preferred by the more experienced and highly skilled players however I would love to see more beginner-intermediate players take up the game. In recent years One pocket has gained popularity amongst players who want to improve their games and as a long time 14.1 player myself I would be thrilled to see an influx towards the old classic game. Recently on Facebook Phillip Capelle suggested that we name the newly popularized 14.1 “1 player mode” designed to work on your personal high runs appropriately “High run 14.1” and personally I hope that this idea spreads like wildfire! Of course, the fastest way to improve your game is to practice drills. You’ll hear players say all the time that you just won’t improve your game by tossing balls up and hitting them around. However, 14.1 is the perfect solution to play and improve your skills at the same time! I always recommend playing only drills for practice but maybe I can make an exception if someone wants to practice a game that requires more skills and strategies such as 14.1 or one pocket. believe that a player’s 14.1 high run reflects their all-around abilities of all billiards skills. I believe that a player’s 14.1 high run is a direction reflection of their all-around skills of all billiards games. After a few months of playing 14.1 you might just be shocked at how much your 8-ball and 9-ball games have improved! Two more huge benefits of playing straight pool are that your
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