Currently playing 1 pocket...winning, learning, having fun but...

[GoldCrown]

Have only played 1p a few times, but would like to understand the game a little better. So tonite I ordered Tom's book and I hope its as good as everyone says

Every page will come into play as you progress. One pocket is a complicated game. It is a puzzle. It gets better. The learning never stops. The fun never stops....and the game never leaves your head. It keeps you thinking.

Tom's book...work on one page at a time. Have fun and enjoy. Controlled Aggression is a masterpiece.....and your best friend.

 

[TheBook]

One year at the Derby one player told me that he liked playing one pocket the best but doesn't play it because being older it was too hard on his legs and didn't enter that part of the tournament.

I asked why is that and he said because of the constant sitting and getting back up was hard on his knees. To me banks would be another unless there was a long run.

Thinking about that makes me wonder why it is considered a old man sport.

 

[GoldCrown]

Yes you are dead. It's not about the eyes, stroke, age, blah blah. 1Pocket is a hell of a game. It's loved or hated. It's an art, it's a puzzle, it's game of know how. I'm not knocking any games or comparing...but 1pocket has the juice. A 1pocket player with some knowledge can stand against a stronger player. Also two people are playing against each other...not the table. It's a constant exchange of moves....you don't sit there and watch your opponent run balls/racks.

Gold Crown, you and I have played one pocket, eight ball, and nine ball. I am not that bad at one pocket. I like to think I hold my own. I know given a choice you would strictly play one pocket. I just haven't been quite as hooked as you. Maybe I am missing something.
By the way, your pens are beautiful pieces of art and functional. Looking forward to you coming back up north. I'll work on my one pocket and maybe take you to school when you come up. LOL.

Philly...you know we're buddies. I'm just busting balls pun intended. Aside from one pocket every game is great. Each one requires a skill and knowledge. I enjoy playing/competing with you...win or lose. You are a fierce opponent. You take the game seriously. As far as you playing OnePocket you will be a force if and when you get into it. I understand that not everyone likes the game. My neighbor ( a very strong 9ball guy) will not play OnePocket. It slows him up. He likes to keep a pace. He will be playing in the Super Seniors at SBE. Anyway I do appreciate your enthusiasm to pool. It encourages me to push harder. You're all about concentrating and being the best you can be.....not like the jokers I'm currently involved with in my community room. See you in a few months. And I'll gladly take advantage of you in 1P...until you get serious about it. You have the skills and mind set to be a very good player...plus knowing Jimmy at Classic is a big factor. He will work with you. We can have fun competing and discussing the game itself. Once get started you're in for good. You are obvious....inside of you is a OnePocket player trying to get out.
Thanks for the pen compliment....this is a Gear Shift pen for the motorhead.

 

[pdcue]

One year at the Derby one player told me that he liked playing one pocket the best but doesn't play it because being older it was too hard on his legs and didn't enter that part of the tournament.

I asked why is that and he said because of the constant sitting and getting back up was hard on his knees. To me banks would be another unless there was a long run.

Thinking about that makes me wonder why it is considered a old man sport.

Yes indeed - One Pocket is the most fatiguing game to play because you never really
have time to sit down.

The 'old man' myth comes from young 9 Ballers who lack the patience and knowledge needed to play good One Pocket.

Dale(forever young)

 

[galipeau]

When I first started, I played only 8 and 9 ball. I knew guys who played 3 cushion, One Pocket, and 14.1, but I never got into those early on because I felt it was too much to take on. I had no idea where to start with those games when my fundamentals were still being slowly developed. As soon as I got to where I was more comfortable with my game, I started playing everything. Snooker, 1 hole, carom games, bar table 8 ball, 9 ball on 9 footers, straight pool on 10 footers, you name it. My philosophy is to play and learn any new games that I come across. It's virtually endless.

Out of all these, I found the One Pocket is the most balanced cue sport. It has a ton of cool banks that games like snooker and straight pool don't afford you. It has plenty of safety opportunities. As someone else mentioned, you actually can get to the table even playing good opponents (this is often not the case in other games like 14.1 or winner break nine ball). There are many chances to shoot creative multi-rail shots similar to Three Cushion. Position play for running balls is also very exciting. One Pocket picks out all the cool stuff from other disciplines and combines it into one package.

I think it's also a game for people, "in the know" if you know what I mean. Snooker and 3c, good luck finding a table. Straight pool is a nice exercise, but there's no action. Everybody and their mother plays eight ball (a great game with a couple very cool variants). And any banger can shoot nine ball... but the cool kids, they play one pocket.

It has the most simple of rules and most complex of strategy, and I love it.

 

[TRWpool]

Nice post. Keep promoting this fine game. It needs guys like you.

Tom

 

[GoldCrown]

Nice post. Keep promoting this fine game. It needs guys like you.

Tom

And mostly a person like you that was born to play and teach 1p. It's books like Controlled Aggression and an instructor like yourself that knows how to deliver. It's the knowledge you pass on to us that keeps the game interesting. Keeps the game alive for new & experienced players. Alive for the next generation. As for myself I'm jealous of your talent. Yes there are a lot of great players around. For every great one there is one better. But you set the standard of the game. I'd like to learn what you forgot. I'd like to play 1/2 as good as you....I'll go as low as 25%. Can I persuade you to offer a DVD that illustrates the pages in Controlled Aggression. You would be doing the OnePocket world a great service....but for now I'll settle for your book. My wife told me if I don't put it down she will take it and leave. I will miss that book!!!!!!!