One pocket is reasonably difficult, although it does take about 3 weeks to learn how the game strategically works and the "touch" shots required.
Earl Strickland hardly ever plays one pocket and finished 2nd in the Derby City and if he would have made ONE crucial shot he would have beat Shane in the finals (Shane isn't really a one pocket player either but picked up the game rather well).
I think one pocket is a beautiful game, but 'Two Shot Shoot Out' is still more challenging mentally, physically and strategically. If anyone ever wants to debate this live on streaming with a pool table I'll cover any bets that I can prove my opinion beyond a reasonable doubt. I say this in the best interest of the game and disclosing the truth about the inner most strategic integrity that's been kept secret for the last 30 years.
'The Game is the Teacher'
You have made some very bold, and possibly irrational statements !..That I have a problem with !
#1, Neither Earl, nor SVB were polished 1 pocket players, when they played in the finals at DCC...They both got very lucky to get that far, and that was ONLY due to the 'short race' factor ! (soft draws helped a lot too) The top Filipino's, were busy knocking each other off !!!
# 2, It takes longer to learn the finer points of one pocket, than ANY other game on a pool table. This is a well known fact, to ALL the top player's, some, (like you) just won't admit it !..Try telling that to Billy Incardona, or Buddy Hall, both of whom were 9 ball champions, for most of their carreer's...Neither one would tangle with a top one pocket player like Ronnie Allen, Efren, (or SEVERAL others) even up for the cash, until they eventually, after many years, learned the game ! (but you knew that, didn't you ?)
#3, You would be hard pressed, to convince me, (or any other quality player, who has been around pool as long as I have) that you have some "well kept, ultra strategic secret", regarding a simple game like 9ball that, that only YOU have kept secret for 30 yrs., from the hundreds of players who played near your speed (or better) That is just a little bit 'over the top', isn't it ?
You are quite safe, waving your challenge wagers around, as it is obvious NO ONE is going to convince you, you are mistaken !.."The game is the teacher" in one pocket too, it just takes a LOT longer !

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