The Derby City Classic in January is not your average tournament. It is a marathon. It’s where the best all-around players in the world go to gamble, grind, and see who is actually the best “Master of the Table.”
While the cameras focus on the 9-Ball and One-Pocket divisions, the Straight Pool Challenge has always been special.
The Ultimate Test of Focus Professor Q-Ball Magazine covered these challenges religiously because Straight Pool (14.1 Continuous) is the ultimate test of a player’s mental stamina. It’s not about getting lucky on the break. It’s about pattern play. You have to break the rack, run the balls, leave a precise break ball, and do it all over again—sometimes for 100+ balls in a row.
It is a game where you cannot hide.
The Gear You Need for Straight Pool Straight pool exposes every weakness in your game, and your equipment. If your table rolls off, you miss the crucial break shot. If your cue tip is too hard, you lose the finesse needed to nudge balls into position.
- The Cue Matters: In 14.1, you aren’t smashing the balls; you are massaging them. You need a cue with incredible “feel.” We have a rotating stock of high-end used cues (like Schon, Joss, and Predator) that give you that professional touch without the brand-new price tag.
- The Table Must Be True: Consistency is the only thing that matters. If your home table has dead rails or loose cloth, you can’t trust your position play. We can install professional cloth and replacement cushions to bring your table back to life, giving you the consistent rebound you need to practice high runs.
Preserving the Record We are hosting this page to ensure the history of those legendary Derby City runs isn’t lost. The players who stayed up until 4:00 AM grinding out runs of 150+ in the side room deserve to have those stats remembered.
If you are looking to build your own practice room to train for the next Derby, check out our selection of used pool tables. We can help you find a commercial-grade table that fits your budget and your basement.