Straight pool , also called 14.1 continuous or simply 14.1 , is a pocket billiards ( pool ) game . It was the common sport of championship competition until faster-playing games like nine-ball and to a lesser extent eight-ball became more popular . Straight pool , also called 14.1 continuous or simply 14.1 , is a pocket billiards game , and was the common sport of championship competition until overtaken by faster-playing games like nine-ball ( and to a lesser extent eight-ball ) .