04/20/2026
I think the most common mistake I see players who are unfamiliar with the game of straight pool is not taking an intentional foul when they are hooked and their opponent is on a foul. The three foul rule in straight pool requires the person making the third foul in a row to take that foul and 15 more points deducted, a re-rack by the person who fouled three times in a row and then break just like they did when starting the game. When your opponent is on a foul it is VERY important that you remember it, ESPECIALLY if they leave you hooked or with no shot. Take an intentional foul and leave them worse off than you are at the time. They are on a foul first, so you are in control. If they take another intentional foul you must tell them they are on two. You then take another intentional foul and force them to try and play safe or lose 16 points. Chances are, there is no safe play or you would have taken it. When they come to the table again you MUST tell them they are on two again. If they do not achieve a safe play you re-rack and force them to break and leave you a possible shot. The mistake I see most inexperienced players make is not taking the intentional foul because they don’t want to lose a point. That’s silly. If you just avoid losing a point and play a legal safe and leave them a shot, most times it will cost you lots more than one ball. Lesson? Remember when your opponent is on a foul ESPECIALLY when you are hooked and have no shot. Make them try and play safe off the hook. You’ll be on two but you will probably have a makable shot.
