How to Play One Pocket Pool: The Chess of Billiards

One pocket pool stands as one of the most strategic and intellectually challenging variants of pocket billiards, often referred to as "the chess of pool" due to its emphasis on strategy, position play, and tactical thinking. Unlike other pool games where players can use any pocket on the table, one pocket restricts each player to scoring in just one designated pocket, creating a fascinating battle of skill, patience, and foresight. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about playing one pocket pool, from basic rules to advanced strategies.

The Origins and History of One Pocket

One pocket pool has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, with most pool historians crediting its invention to Oklahoma in the years leading up to the Great Depression. While there's some debate about who exactly created the game, many attribute its invention to either Hayden Lingo or Jack Hill around 1931. The game gained significant popularity when the first official one pocket tournament was held in 1961, promoted by the Jansco brothers, with Johnny Vives emerging as the winner.

The game's reputation was further enhanced when legendary pool player Rudolph "Minnesota Fats" Wanderone compared it to chess, highlighting its strategic depth. Today, one pocket is celebrated in specialized international tournaments including the US Open One Pocket Championship and the popular Derby City Classic.

Basic Rules and Setup

Equipment Needed

To play one pocket, you'll need:

• A standard pool table with six pockets
• A full set of 15 numbered object balls
• A cue ball
• Pool cues for each player

Table Setup and Pocket Assignment

The game begins with all 15 object balls racked in a standard triangle at the foot of the table. Each player is assigned one of the two corner pockets at the foot end of the table as their scoring pocket. The other four pockets on the table are neutral and don't count toward either player's score.

Objective of the Game

The goal is straightforward: be the first player to legally pocket eight balls into your designated pocket. Unlike games such as 8-ball or 9-ball, in one pocket there is no specific order or significance to any numbered ball - all object balls are equal in value.

Breaking

The player who wins the lag (a method to determine who goes first) chooses who will break the first rack. The break shot is taken from anywhere behind the head string (the imaginary line at the head of the table). Unlike in games like 9-ball where a powerful, scattering break is desired, the one pocket break is typically more controlled and strategic.

A traditional one pocket break aims to:

• Drive balls toward your side of the table
• Avoid leaving easy shots for your opponent
• Maintain control of the table

Many players use a "soft break" that strikes the first and second balls evenly with inside English, leaving the cue ball on the rail close to the second or third diamond.

Scoring and Fouls

Scoring Points

Scoring in one pocket is straightforward:

• Each ball legally pocketed in your designated pocket counts as one point
• The first player to reach eight points (eight balls in their pocket) wins the game
• If you pocket a ball in your opponent's pocket, it counts as a point for them

Fouls and Penalties

Understanding fouls is crucial to playing one pocket correctly:

• Common fouls include:
  • Scratching (pocketing the cue ball)
  • Failing to hit a rail after the cue ball makes contact with an object ball
  • Jumping the cue ball off the table
  • Pocketing a ball in your opponent's pocket
• Penalties for fouls:
  • Loss of one point (if you have any)
  • Any ball made on the foul shot is spotted
  • You must spot an additional ball from your pocket for the foul
  • If you don't have a ball to spot, you "owe" a ball and will have to spot one when available
  • In the case of a scratch, the incoming player gets ball-in-hand behind the head string

Ball Spotting Rules

When balls are pocketed in neutral pockets (the side pockets or the two corner pockets at the head of the table), they are spotted at the end of the shooter's inning. This means these balls remain in play, adding to the strategic complexity of the game.

Three Consecutive Fouls Rule

Similar to other pool games, committing three consecutive fouls in one pocket results in a loss of game. This rule prevents players from repeatedly making defensive fouls to avoid leaving shots for their opponents.

Basic Strategy and Techniques

Offensive Play

Effective offensive play in one pocket requires:

1. Shot Selection: Choose shots that not only pocket balls but also leave the cue ball in a favorable position for your next shot.
2. Combination Shots: Master combinations to pocket multiple balls or set up future shots.
3. Position Play: Always think several shots ahead to maintain control of the table and create scoring opportunities.
4. Cue Ball Control: Learn to control the speed and spin of the cue ball to position it perfectly for subsequent shots.

Defensive Play

Defense is equally important in one pocket:

1. Safety Shots: Play shots that leave the cue ball in a difficult position for your opponent, reducing their scoring opportunities.
2. Blocking Pockets: Strategically place balls near your opponent's pocket to block their shots and limit their options.
3. Rail-First Safeties: Use rail-first shots to control both the cue ball and object ball, making it difficult for your opponent to score.
4. Defensive Positioning: Keep the cue ball on your side of the table when playing defensively to maintain better control of the game.

Advanced Techniques and Strategies

Cue Ball Control Mastery

Advanced one pocket players excel at controlling the cue ball with precision:

1. Draw Shots: Hitting below center on the cue ball causes it to draw back after contact with an object ball.
2. Follow Shots: Hitting above center makes the cue ball follow through after contact.
3. Stop Shots: Hitting the center of the cue ball with the right speed causes it to stop after contact.
4. English (Side Spin): Applying left or right spin to influence the cue ball's path after contact with rails or object balls.

Banking and Kicking Techniques

Banking and kicking are essential skills in one pocket:

1. Bank Shots: These involve bouncing an object ball off a rail into your pocket.
   • Mirror Systems: Visualize equal angles (angle in equals angle out) for basic banks.
   • Speed Control: Different speeds affect how banks react off the rails.
2. Kick Shots: These involve hitting the cue ball off one or more rails to contact an object ball.
   • Rail-First Kicks: Often preferred as they provide a higher margin of error and can prevent scratches.
   • Multiple-Rail Kicks: Advanced players can use two, three, or even four rails to reach difficult shots.

Breakout Shots

When balls are clustered together, strategic breakout shots become necessary:

1. Controlled Power: Use just enough force to break up clusters while maintaining position.
2. Combination Breakouts: Use one ball to break up a cluster while pocketing another.
3. Safety Breakouts: Break up clusters in ways that don't leave easy shots for your opponent.

Game Phases and Strategic Thinking

One pocket can be divided into three distinct phases, similar to chess:

Opening Game (The Break and Early Moves)

The opening phase focuses on:

• Executing a strategic break
• Establishing defensive positions
• Preventing your opponent from gaining early advantages

During this phase, players often engage in safety battles, trying to gain positional advantages before attempting to score.

Middle Game (Tactical Exchanges)

The middle game involves:

• Tactical shot exchanges
• Creating and exploiting weaknesses in your opponent's position
• Breaking up clusters strategically
• Building scoring opportunities

This phase often determines who will gain the upper hand for the end game.

End Game (Execution and Closing)

The end game focuses on:

• Efficient execution of scoring opportunities
• Preventing comebacks
• Managing the score carefully
• Strategic decision-making based on the score

When ahead in score, players often adopt more conservative strategies to protect their lead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced players can fall into these traps:

1. Overly Aggressive Play: Avoid always going for difficult shots; sometimes a defensive shot is the best move.
2. Neglecting Defense: Remember to balance offense with solid defensive strategies.
3. Poor Cue Ball Control: Failing to plan where the cue ball will go after your shot can leave you out of position.
4. Inconsistent Stance and Grip: Maintain a stable stance and consistent grip for accurate shots.
5. Rushing Shots: Take your time to assess the table and plan your strategy before shooting.

Practice Drills for Improvement

To improve your one pocket skills, incorporate these drills into your practice routine:

1. Basic Ball Racking and Break Shots: Practice controlled breaks that cluster balls toward your side of the table.
2. Short Bank Shots: Place an object ball near your opponent's pocket and practice banking it into your own pocket.
3. Long Bank Shots: Position balls near the head or foot rail and practice banking them diagonally across the table.
4. Spot Shot Drills: Set up an object ball on the foot spot and practice soft draw shots, focusing on cue ball control.
5. Kick Shot Practice: Set up situations where you need to use the rails to hit object balls, practicing both one-rail and multiple-rail kicks.

Handicapping in One Pocket

One pocket offers a flexible handicapping system that allows players of different skill levels to compete fairly:

1. Ball Count Adjustment: The most common handicap adjusts the number of balls each player needs to pocket.
   • For example, in a 9-7 game, the stronger player needs to pocket 9 balls while the weaker player only needs 7.
   • Common handicaps include 10-6, 11-5, or even more extreme splits for larger skill differences.
2. Break-Dependent Handicaps: Since the break is advantageous, some games use different handicaps depending on who breaks.
   • For example, when the stronger player breaks, the handicap might be 13-3, but when the weaker player breaks, it might change to 13-4.
3. N-and-Stop: This handicap limits the stronger player to running only N balls (typically 1, 2, or 3) before they must end their turn.

Famous One Pocket Players

Throughout history, several players have distinguished themselves in one pocket:

1. Efren "Bata" Reyes: Known as "The Magician," the Filipino player is widely considered the greatest one pocket player of all time, with six Derby City Classic One Pocket titles.
2. Ronnie Allen: Nicknamed "Fast Eddie," Allen dominated one pocket in the 1960s and 1970s, winning four World One-Pocket Championships and five U.S. Open One-Pocket Championships.
3. Rudolph "Minnesota Fats" Wanderone: While not known for tournament wins, Wanderone helped popularize the game and compared it to chess.
4. Hayden Lingo: Credited by many as the inventor of one pocket, Lingo played a crucial role in the game's development.

Conclusion

One pocket pool represents the perfect blend of strategy, skill, and psychological warfare in the world of billiards. Its chess-like qualities make it both challenging and deeply rewarding for those willing to invest the time to master its intricacies. Whether you're drawn to its defensive battles, strategic depth, or the satisfaction of executing the perfect run, one pocket offers a lifetime of learning and enjoyment for pool enthusiasts.

By understanding the rules, practicing the fundamental techniques, and developing your strategic thinking, you can begin your journey into what many consider the ultimate test of a pool player's ability. Remember that patience, practice, and persistence are key to improving in this complex and fascinating game.