Learning one pocket

S

silver2k

Registered
I am learning the game one pocket. My friend and I play it once or twice a week. I understand the rules completely, however as far as strategy is concerned, I don't know much.

I know how to bank, and how to play safeties in regular pool, I just don't know any of the intricacies of one pocket. Nobody at my regular pool room plays this game...all of the local good people are obsessed with 9-ball. I really would like to learn a lot of the important shots and what not, but can't really find anywhere to do so. I am not about to spend a lot of money for the book winning one pocket.

Does anyone have any internet sites that explain how to play it, strategies, shots, etc.?
 
For 25 dollars, you can purchase Bill Incardona's one-pocket video through Accu-Stats. The guy knows a thing or two about one-hole...cheaper than paying up everytime you lose your rock.
 
First if you are a reader get Jack Koehlers book about one pocket. Wade through some of that stuff. It is great. If you are not a reader pick out specific chapters that interest you and read those first. You could probably find a used copy at Amazon.

Then get accustats tape from Legends of One Pocket. Try to get the one where Buddy Hall beats (my favorite) Efren or Shannon Daulton beats Efren. These show great strategy and great banks.

If you can get to a billiard table try to find someone to show you the Carom game. It will open you up to a whole idea of the table as a whole unit and not just pocketing balls.

But finally there is no other way than playing a one pocket specialist. Find an old timer who is willing to play cheap. I did that for many years. Losing to a pretty good one pocket player who was getting on in years. $5 a game or race to 3 for $20 and the time. With a little spot. This is called "paying dues". Eventually your game will rise.

Good luck!
 
condor said:
For 25 dollars, you can purchase Bill Incardona's one-pocket video through Accu-Stats. The guy knows a thing or two about one-hole...cheaper than paying up everytime you lose your rock.
Click to expand...

It's cheaper than "Winning one-pocket" :-) That's _the_ book about one hole if you can get your hands on a copy of the book. I've read it through and it's really information-packed book. I always seem to find new aspects and ideas when reading it...
 
silver2k said:
I am learning the game one pocket. My friend and I play it once or twice a week. I understand the rules completely, however as far as strategy is concerned, I don't know much.
Click to expand...

Your three best friends in one-hole are distance, the rail, and the stack.

Also, remember that the first one to make 8 wins, so don't be afraid to shoot a shot that can win you the game.
 
silver2k said:
I am learning the game one pocket. My friend and I play it once or twice a week. I understand the rules completely, however as far as strategy is concerned, I don't know much.

Does anyone have any internet sites that explain how to play it, strategies, shots, etc.?
Click to expand...

IMO, it is not just safes, it is the type of strategy that goes over the line into mental warfare. I am not an expert in that game, by any means, but some mean strategy seems to be in order. I also think that that kind of strategy comes natural to some. But to many, it is a time of learning to think different. i know from watching 8 and 9 ball, most of it is traditional safes rather than mental warfare.

The run and gun player, unless he is someone like effren loses to the player who is patient, does not care how long the match takes, and has that rather devious mind for games of war.

It seems that in one pocket, u almost gotta think backwards compared to 8 ball, just do whatever you can to leave them bad and wait for an opening to put balls in ur pocket. JMHO from what little I have played and watched of good 1p players.

1p sure gave me some mean strategies that I can adapt to 8 ball, that only a 1p player would ever think of doing. :cool:

Laura
 
I like to call one pocket "the thinking man's chess"

Always gets a laugh, but i'm serious. I play chess and play one pocket the same way. I like to leave fairly safe shots that tempt my opponent to take a risk. If I can get a guy to shoot a 50% shot that has a 51% chance of selling out, I'll do it.

As the esteemed Mr. Don Purdy can attest, I'm not a great shotmaker. Still only a couple of years into playing pool at all, I'm more drawn to one pocket than any other game. I play as often as I can and usually against the stronger players at my room. I can keep up better in one pocket than any other game. Of course, I know that shotmaking and every other skill are necessary in this game, but I come to the table with a certain creativity and intelligence and that somewhat neutralizes the other guy's shotmaking advantage.

Yesterday I played a guy who is MUCH better a couple of racks. I won 1 and lost 1. The match I won shouldn't have been mine, though, because during my 5 ball run to the finish (playing even) I made three banks then choked on a very simple cut shot. If I were playing for anything but fun, I'd probably avoid the game for 10 more years, until ALL my skills were at least presentable.

As for learning, play other folks, order Accu-stats vids, and go ahead and get Winning One Pocket. The copy I have is a total mess, but I'm not a collector, I'm a learner -- and it's taught me a hell of a lot.
 
One Hole

Hey Toby, how ya doing buddy? I love the game. I have spent many a Sunday playing with a couple old timers. Two of them have passed. We called one of them "Studini" King of the four rail bank. They buried him with his cue by his side. You are absolutely correct, a smart player will beat a good shooter any time. You gotta let me read your book man. One day soon, we will spend the day playing one pocket. Talk to ya soon.
Don :cool:
 
Smart shooter vs. Straight thinker

Well, the good shooter will actually win quite a few times, at least in tourney play. As an example, I point to Mike Davis' 3rd place finish in the Carolinas 1-hole event last year (Carolinas Open?). I don't see Mike looking to play many of those guys any 1-hole for $$.

-pigy
 
$$$$$$

You won't see Mike Davis looking to play anybody for the $$$. He doesn't like to gamble! I talk to him a couple times a month. He has really worked on his game. He is also one of the nicest guys out there playing pool.
Don :cool:
 
Don, you know you can borrow it once I read it another 200 times (which will probably happen by tomorrow. i can't put it down!)

I'd LOVE to play 1P with ya. We can play with the reds on the 12' snooker table at Buffalo, haha!

I agree with the idea that shotmaking matters a ton in all games, but you have to admit, there is something else involved in 1P - something additional that other games don't quite have in the same way. I won't be a rockstar shotmaker for another decade, probably, but if I can keep the cue ball under tight control and keep my chess game up, I can keep the other guy tied up until he leaves me an easy shot. Then, if need be, I can duck back into the safes.

I find that this method works really well when playing in a hall, since people generally want to play lots of games since they're paying by the hour. I would rather play one tense game for an hour and a half than 30 quick racks of 9 ball. Some folks get impatient so easily you don't even have to beat them at 1P -- they beat themselves!
 
Table Time

There ain't no table time at my house Toby. You just got to find the time my friend. I just purchased some Quick-Clean from Frank Glen at VF. Unbelievable stuff man. Table looks better than ever, ready to play.
Don :cool:
 
Mike Davis.. doesn't like to gamble? He's a great tournament player. He came down here and busted a friend of mine giving him the 7 and the last 2. Of course I guess when you're him a few hundred dollar bet isn't that bad when you can get out like him.
 
shawnNC said:
Mike Davis.. doesn't like to gamble? He's a great tournament player. He came down here and busted a friend of mine giving him the 7 and the last 2. Of course I guess when you're him a few hundred dollar bet isn't that bad when you can get out like him.
Click to expand...

I said he doesn't like to bet. I don't either. What you are talking about is more like an investment. I have seen guys who couldn't play a lick want to bet. If he gave your buddy the 7 and the last 2 and busted him, it was an investment, I can assure you. :cool:
 
I go to college in Pittsburgh. I asked around, and it turns out Jerry Slivka plays a lot at a pool hall around here....I just need to go watch him...

Anyone have any info on him? From what I hear he shoots a really good game :) .
 
Learning One Pocket

Be Sensible...if You Could Learn From Books And Tapes Anyone With The Desire Could Go Buy A Cue And A Table And Become A Champion.

No Matter Who Writes The Books They Are Never Perfectly Clear In The Explanations.

The Tapes Are Two Dimensional And Are Difficult To Understand.

The Only Way To Learn To Play One Pocket Is To Find Someone Who Plays It Well And Pay Your Dues.

Would Be Golfers Think Nothing Of Paying For Golf Lessons But Think Pool Lessons Should Be Free.

The Debate As To What Is The Best Game To Play Will Never Be Decided Because There. Are Too Many Variables.

In My Humble Opinion One Pocket Satisfies More Than The Other Games. You Feel Better Winning At One Pocket Than The Other Games.

To Improve Your Overall Playing Ability Play Straight Pool. Every Shot Comes Up But The Importance Of Cue Ball Control Is Incredible.you Also Find That You Do Not Have The Finesse You Think You Have Until You Play Straight Pool.

But........one Pocket Is The Greatest Challenge Of Them All......you Are Limited To Only One Pocket To Score In And Right Across The Table Is Your Opponents Pocket.not Only Do You Have To Try To Pocket Balls In Your Hole You Must Make Sure Even If You Miss You Do Not Leave A Shot For The Other Person.

The Only Tried And True Way To Learn Anything Is To Learn From Someone Who Knows.

Everyone Has Heard Of The Finest Violin Being A Stradivarius.....but The Reality Is The Finest Violin Is An Amati......the Teacher Of Stradivarius.

Any Of The Old Timers Will Help You Out In One Pocket But They Won't Do It For Free.

Why Should They .......nobody Did It For Them...

Titanic Jerry
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top