Rules for Modified Straight Pool (Sur De 44)
Update 1/13/26
This game uses the scoring system used in bowling.
Score a perfect bowling score of 150 points in 5 frames (innings) in
match play. Scoring uses bowling rules. Each pocketed ball is 1 point.
Opponents
Two players.
Balls
Set of balls (Any 10 balls) plus cue ball.
Racking
Balls are racked in a four-row triangle.
Breaking
Free break to start inning. Balls pocketed remain down. If scratch, no
penalty. Cue ball in hand on first shot after break. Any object balls
knocked off table will be spotted as close to the foot spot as possible.
Breaker is allowed to stop the CB on the break shot without penalty
on a miscue IF the rack is not disturbed. If rack is disturbed, must be
played as is.
Regular play
Player must call ball and pocket, no slop*Two innings for each rack (a “Frame”). First inning starts after break.
On a Foul, first inning ends. Player scores number of balls pocketed.
Player takes ball in hand for second inning and Frame ends on a
Foul. Player scores number of balls pocketed.
If all balls are pocketed on the first inning, scores as a "strike". (10
points for Frame plus points from next two innings).
If all remaining balls pocketed in the second inning, scores as a
"spare". (10 points for Frame plus points in first inning of next frame).
If a strike or spare in 5th frame, additional innings as necessary.
*Any balls pocketed after a successful called shot remain down, and
are counted in players score for that inning. If a ball missed a called
pocket, but any balls are pocketed in other pockets, they are spotted
as close as possible to the foot spot, counts as a miss. If you call a
ball and pocket, and are successful, you score a point, even if you
scratch BEFORE the called ball is successfully pocketed.
Maximum score for 5 Frames is 150 Points Player with highest score
wins match. Score 2 points for a win.
In the event of a tie after 5 Frames, each player scores one (1) point.
Fouls
Any scratch after the break, Any miss, Failure to hit a rail after impact with a non-pocketed object ball.
See the attached “Sample Scoresheet” for examples of MSP scoring.
A Great app for scorekeeping:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bowling-calculator/id1219153440
Session
Start time is 9 am
Players will play each opponent in their Division twice. Each match will consist
of:
3 games of 8-ball. Each game will be worth 1 point to the winner. Total of 3
Points.
3 games of 9-ball. Each game will be worth 1 point to the winner. Total of 3
Points.
I game of Modified Straight Pool (MSP). This game will be worth 2 points**.
Maximum score for any given week: 8 points WSR rules will apply unless
otherwise noted.
We will play in Riverbend, Water Lily, and Burnsed Rec Ctrs. We have the
billiard rooms reserved every Wednesday morning from 8 am to 11:30 am.
Come early to practice and warm up.
** In case of a tie, each player is awarded 1 point.
Scoresheets/Schedule:
All Rec Centers have copies of the scoresheets at the front desk. However, you are encouraged to print out a copy of the scoresheet and bring it to your match.
IMPORTANT: You are responsible to re-schedule any matches that you
cannot make at the designated time! Call your opponent !
If you are a NO-SHOW, you forfeit the match!***
$20 buy in. Payout: 1-3 places.
Upload a picture of your scoresheet on this website
Matches must be completed NLT one week after they were scheduled.
When filling out a scoresheet, put the date the match was SCHEDULED TO
BE PLAYED, NOT the actual date you played it, if it’s a Makeup Match.
The weekly results will be posted on this website by the evening of the Wednesday they are
played. Ask any returning player if you are unsure of a rule. Get another player to watch the shot if you think a FOUL is possible.
***If a match is forfeit, player will be awarded 8 points, and their current MSP
average will be added to their MSP tiebreaker total.
Match is forfeit if player is more than 15 minutes late, AND has not contacted
their opponent and agreed to makeup terms.
8-Ball VS 9 Ball:
9 ball is a slop game. You ARE NOT required to call ANY ball, including the 9
Ball. As long as you make a legal shot, if the 9 ball is pocketed, you win the
game.
Three shot FOUL rule is in effect for 9-Ball. NO SUCH RULE for 8-ball.
There are no (Called) SAFETY’s in 9 ball. If you legally pocket a ball, your turn
continues.
In our league, we play 8 & 9-ball per World Standardized Rules with the following
exceptions:
For 9-ball only:
If you miscue on the break, AND DO NOT HIT THE RACK, you may break again.
If your cue ball hits any part of the rack, then you must proceed. You CAN stop
the cue ball if you miscue, without penalty, before it hits the rack.
For 8-ball and 9-ball:
BIH after any scratch, including the Break shot.
Ball off table:
If an object ball is knocked off the table, it stays down (except if 9-ball, then it is
spotted on the foot spot). It is a FOUL, and BIH for the opponent.
For 8-ball:
8-ball on break…if called correctly: WIN
8-ball pocketed on break (no call) spotted, breaker continues.
For 9-ball:
Three foul rule is in effect.
Slop: no balls, including the 9-ball need to be called.
See ‘WSR vs APA Rule Differences for more information.