Actually checking this out can be easier than all of the above. Remove your distributor cap and turn the engine over by hand till the points are closed, Turn on the key and open the points by hand. If you don't see a slight spark at the points when you open them your missing voltage somewhere, or your ground wire on the breaker plate has separated inside. If you think you don't have volts to the + on the coil, put some there with a jumper wire and try to start. If you have a meter, check to see if you have volts going into the coil and coming out….but you will only measure volts at the - side IF the points are OPEN. Now also make sure your condenser is tight (this will give you a bigger spark across the points). If you take your wire from the coil and prop it up about ¼ inch from your block, when you open your points with the key on you should have a spark, nice and blue. Check some of these things and eventually there isn't that many things that can go out on you, you'll get it. Good luck.