Some thoughts on playing one pocket (by a one pocket beginner)

Straightpool_99

Straightpool_99

I see dead balls
Silver Member
Like I've said before on the forum, I live in a region where one pocket is hardly ever played. You can literally count the one pocket players in the region on one hand! I've finally found some people who are willing to try, and we're having a blast. Since nobody has any real world experience in the game, our games look NOTHING like the Accu-stats pro games. The only thing that's similar is the opening break and some standard shots that are kind of intuitive. We invent the shots on the spot, only to find out that it is a standard shot when we watch matches later.

Nobody knows how to stall and drag the games out and a lot of aggressive shots are being made and sometimes missed of course. It really helps to be able to read the pack, and since a lot of people play straight pool, most of the people I play have those skills allready. We've picked up a few safes from the accu stats tapes, but since the table layouts look a lot different than when the pros play, it's hard to play standard shots. We're playing on standard tables, with fairly easy pockets so that has a part in keeping the games aggressive and fast, I suppose? I know that the players who try to be extra careful and conservative often loses the exchange, in our games.

I remember watching pro games that took 2 hours, and to be honest I've got no idea how they even did that? IOur games are always kind of fast. You leave a bank, and you're toast! It's such a fun game, but I suppose in time it will become boring, when all we do is to shoot standard "stall" shots over and over? I sure hope not, but from what I'm seeing it looks like that might be inevitable?

The one thing I don't get about one pocket is this: Lets say you have a shot that is a bit tough but you should probably make and I'm playing a player of equal ability, I'm unlikely to get anything that's a lot easier, why would I actually stall? Am I not as likely to mess up as he is, and if he is competent he probably won't leave me a hanger anyway, right? That part always puzzled me a bit. Everyone must be convinced they've got more patience and skill than anybody else? Also it appears that the way one pocket players judge the percentages are different than straight pool players. If I have any kind of shot at a ball in straight pool, I shoot it unless I have an actual dead nuts lock up safety to shoot. The players I'm playing is liable to make anything, even if all they see is a 90 degree cut a table length away. A saftety in straightpool has got to be frozen to a rail or behind a ball and with no object ball even close to the pocket to have any chance at success. That kind of makes you a bit paranoid when you play one pocket, I think you understand?

It's kind of hard to leave the straightpool mentality behind (monkey see, monkey shoot), especially when it looks like it's paying off at the moment.

Just some random thoughts from a beginner at one pocket.
 
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Straightpool_99 said:
Our games are always kind of fast. You leave a bank, and you're toast! It's such a fun game, but I suppose in time it will become boring, when all we do is to shoot standard "stall" shots over and over? I sure hope not, but from what I'm seeing it looks like that might be inevitable?


Just some random thoughts from a beginner at one pocket.
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You are not playing correctly. There is a rythym/approach to the game. I'm new also but so far..... Turn defense into offense..move balls into your quadrant, protect balls near your pocket. Set up for the Trap. Don't take a shot if there is nothing after it...go for multiple ball runs. Cue ball control is everything on every shot. Know how to Take Out.
At first if I did not have a shot I would push balls up table and play safe and so on. Had no idea what I was doing and it was slightly boring. We would wait for each other to make a mistake instead of being aggressive. (being intelligently aggressive not recklessly). I'm always going to be a beginner but I'm getting better. One pocket has to played against a higher level player in order to improve.
Go to OnePocket.org for your best advice...... have fun...1p is a game in a game. .
 
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I have never intentionally stalled (as you put it), nor have I dragged a game out (again, as you put it). You haven't been playing the game long enough to fully appreciate it.
 
1) Give yourself 3 options for every scenario

2) know your banks and double kisses

3) When in complete and total doubt, take a foul

4) If you get a 3-4 ball lead, start moving em up table. (This is what drags games out)

5) POCKET SPEED (by far, the most important part of the game)

One pocket is indeed a game of percentages. If I can shoot and get 3-4 and only sell out 1, its worth it. In the scenario you mentioned, if you have an open shot that isn't too difficult but there is even a shadow of doubt, don't shoot unless you need em all and can't sell out.

I love One Pocket and its what I play the most of. Watch a lot of youtube videos and you'll learn all sorts of little tricks. Jerry Calderon showed me a shot last night where his cueball was close to his pocket and the last ball was below the opposite side pocket. Its over 45 deg of angle. He shoots it rail first with inside. Object ball goes to the head rail and drops in his pocket while the cue ball spins around 3 rails to go up table.
 
Straightpool_99 said:
Like I've said before on the forum, I live in a region where one pocket is hardly ever played. You can literally count the one pocket players in the region on one hand! I've finally found some people who are willing to try, and we're having a blast. Since nobody has any real world experience in the game, our games look NOTHING like the Accu-stats pro games. The only thing that's similar is the opening break and some standard shots that are kind of intuitive. We invent the shots on the spot, only to find out that it is a standard shot when we watch matches later.

Nobody knows how to stall and drag the games out and a lot of aggressive shots are being made and sometimes missed of course. It really helps to be able to read the pack, and since a lot of people play straight pool, most of the people I play have those skills allready. We've picked up a few safes from the accu stats tapes, but since the table layouts look a lot different than when the pros play, it's hard to play standard shots. We're playing on standard tables, with fairly easy pockets so that has a part in keeping the games aggressive and fast, I suppose? I know that the players who try to be extra careful and conservative often loses the exchange, in our games.

I remember watching pro games that took 2 hours, and to be honest I've got no idea how they even did that? IOur games are always kind of fast. You leave a bank, and you're toast! It's such a fun game, but I suppose in time it will become boring, when all we do is to shoot standard "stall" shots over and over? I sure hope not, but from what I'm seeing it looks like that might be inevitable?

The one thing I don't get about one pocket is this: Lets say you have a shot that is a bit tough but you should probably make and I'm playing a player of equal ability, I'm unlikely to get anything that's a lot easier, why would I actually stall? Am I not as likely to mess up as he is, and if he is competent he probably won't leave me a hanger anyway, right? That part always puzzled me a bit. Everyone must be convinced they've got more patience and skill than anybody else? Also it appears that the way one pocket players judge the percentages are different than straight pool players. If I have any kind of shot at a ball in straight pool, I shoot it unless I have an actual dead nuts lock up safety to shoot. The players I'm playing is liable to make anything, even if all they see is a 90 degree cut a table length away. A saftety in straightpool has got to be frozen to a rail or behind a ball and with no object ball even close to the pocket to have any chance at success. That kind of makes you a bit paranoid when you play one pocket, I think you understand?

It's kind of hard to leave the straightpool mentality behind (monkey see, monkey shoot), especially when it looks like it's paying off at the moment.

Just some random thoughts from a beginner at one pocket.
Click to expand...


A couple of quick comments:

First off the shot percentages change at 1pocket because in many scenarios you are playing the shots at speeds and with position plays you'd never dream of at 9ball much less 14.1. That makes them tougher.

The other thing is that it's not "stalling." It is improving your table position so that you put more balls on your side so you get more than one, or take something off your opponent's side and lock him up, or maybe both. It's all about applying more pressure and making sure you get a bunch or get out, instead of getting one and ducking.

Lou Figueroa
 
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When considering a given shot, you can question:
Ca I win from here?
Can I lose from here?

Usually a good starting point, imo
 
Black-Balled said:
When considering a given shot, you can question:
Ca I win from here?
Can I lose from here?

Usually a good starting point, imo
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I was thinking the same exact thing. If you can win, shoot it, if it's only going to be one ball and you could very well lose, pass it up. Often the best moves really don't even involve making a ball. Loosen up the rack to your pocket, and keep your opponent locked down with no shot or way to see ball by your hole.
 
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onepocketron said:
I was thinking the same exact thing. If you can win, shoot it, if it's only going to be one ball and you could very well lose, pass it up. Often the best moves really don't even involve making a ball. Loosen up the rack to your pocket, and keep your opponent locked down with no shot or way to see ball by your hole.
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easier said then done sometimes. watch youtube videos, search here, onepocket.org,
old guys at the pool hall are a great reference.

unfortunately you will accept spots you cant win from and pay for your knowledge like the rest of us.

it s like pringles, once you pop, you just cant stop.

its just that good of a game.

welcome to the struggle and bad words for the cueball.
 
The preceding comments are a helpful beginning. These guys know a thing or two about this game. Take their advice and practice.

Here is an excerpt from the preface of my book, One Pocket: A Game of Controlled Aggression. This too should help you formulate a solid approach to playing this game on a higher level.

“The shot you choose should be determined by weighing the anticipated reward against an objective perception of risk according to your skills. Don’t be in a hurry to jump at the obvious. The most aggressive shot will not always be one where you will pocket a ball. Sometimes the more aggressive shot will move balls from one area of the table to another while playing the cue ball safely behind a cluster. This may even mean rejecting an opportunity to pocket a ball and choosing instead, a move that immediately creates monumental problems for your opponent.

Constantly search for ways to better your position or diminish even the slightest advantage your opponent may hold. A single ball near a small cluster located near the foot spot happens to be favoring your opponent. Seek a way to disturb this potential danger. It may take a few innings to accomplish this task but set and prioritize goals which help reduce the problems you may otherwise face later in the game. Maybe you see an opportunity to create a dead combination for your pocket by lightly skimming off a single ball which is part of a group of balls. Always be on the search for opportunities to improve on your position. There are countless ways to effectively use an inning. These seemingly simple undertakings can cause great havoc for your opponent.

A defensively thinking player will overlook many opportunities readily visible to the player constantly thinking aggressively. This does not mean that every situation has an offensive answer. Adopting an aggressive attitude every time you step to the table will allow you to discover the highest possible yield with acceptable risk. This attitude is all about maintaining a constant, positive approach to every situation. An aggressive but controlled attitude requires training to improve your abilities but also your imagination.”

Use the practice table to exercise that imagination.

TRWpool

trwirth369@gmail.com
 
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deanoc said:
quit while you still can
Dean
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Run is right or get a part time job....you will start buying videos, books and lessons (if you want to get an understanding). Your mind on OnePocket will distract you. You will always think about what happened last game...the great things you did...the sell outs. It will effect your life...you will be thinking when I'm I playing again. Your time in a pool room or home table will extend by hours as you'll never want to stop playing. You will become part of an exclusive group of players. It becomes a lifetime of fun. Who needs that?
 
If you have a strong background in 14.1 and are capable of running balls, 1 pkt does probably seem easy. You only need 8 balls not 125! As you play the game more you will find more moves,have a better risk vs reward mentallity. Games dont have to last 2 hrs,but sometimes playing conditions warrant it.
My favorite analogy on 1 pkt comes from the late great George Fels. 1pkt really is not like chess,it more closely resembles war. Dig in your trenches wait for a ball to stick it's headout,and fire.When the shooting begins,the squirmish soon is over. Try to be a survivor not a casuality.


I dont know where you live but Im in a similar situation in S.Dak.
 
Winning One Pocket and Shots, Moves and Strategies. These books, while expensive, have been the go to guides for one pocket players for years. Spend the money, get a used set of these books and read what some of the greatest minds of the game think when facing shots.
 
TRWpool said:
The preceding comments are a helpful beginning. These guys know a thing or two about this game. Take their advice and practice.

Here is an excerpt from the preface of my book, One Pocket: A Game of Controlled Aggression. This too should help you formulate a solid approach to playing this game on a higher level.

“The shot you choose should be determined by weighing the anticipated reward against an objective perception of risk according to your skills. Don’t be in a hurry to jump at the obvious. The most aggressive shot will not always be one where you will pocket a ball. Sometimes the more aggressive shot will move balls from one area of the table to another while playing the cue ball safely behind a cluster. This may even mean rejecting an opportunity to pocket a ball and choosing instead, a move that immediately creates monumental problems for your opponent.

Constantly search for ways to better your position or diminish even the slightest advantage your opponent may hold. A single ball near a small cluster located near the foot spot happens to be favoring your opponent. Seek a way to disturb this potential danger. It may take a few innings to accomplish this task but set and prioritize goals which help reduce the problems you may otherwise face later in the game. Maybe you see an opportunity to create a dead combination for your pocket by lightly skimming off a single ball which is part of a group of balls. Always be on the search for opportunities to improve on your position. There are countless ways to effectively use an inning. These seemingly simple undertakings can cause great havoc for your opponent.

A defensively thinking player will overlook many opportunities readily visible to the player constantly thinking aggressively. This does not mean that every situation has an offensive answer. Adopting an aggressive attitude every time you step to the table will allow you to discover the highest possible yield with acceptable risk. This attitude is all about maintaining a constant, positive approach to every situation. An aggressive but controlled attitude requires training to improve your abilities but also your imagination.”

Use the practice table to exercise that imagination.

TRWpool

trwirth369@gmail.com
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Good points Tom ,, I've been playing Reggie lately even for 5 just for the learning expierence ,, the first 2 times we played I won 1 game out of 17 , I was taking to many chances early in the rack ,,his break is so good that one mistake would cost me the game then I remembered I couple of simple things I read in your book taking fouls or shooting balls in his pocket and then I started stretching the games out and winning some here and there ,,
Yesterday we played almost 5 hours he ended up 4 games ,, not to bad for me ,,love playing that guy told him I'll donate to him every week just for the experience

Mark
 
Well done Mark, Reggie was and still is an excellent player. Many years ago he and I went to Baton Rouge for one of the Legends of One Pocket tournaments. He played amazingly! Player after player, he knocked 'em off. Many were top pros. Ask him about that event. I'm sure he can tell you all the name players he destroyed. Your hanging tough with him should tell you a lot about your own progress.

TRWpool
 
bbb said:
buy tom's book
One Pocket: A Game of Controlled Aggression.
inquiries trwirth369@gmail.com
best purchase for one pocket you will ever make
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mattb said:
Winning One Pocket and Shots, Moves and Strategies. These books, while expensive, have been the go to guides for one pocket players for years. Spend the money, get a used set of these books and read what some of the greatest minds of the game think when facing shots.
Click to expand...


Both authors are excellent reference points.

For the money the Tom Wirth book is a much
better value as well as being spiral bound so
you can open it up on the table and set up
the shots he is talking about to work on.
 
asiasdad said:
Both authors are excellent reference points.

For the money the Tom Wirth book is a much
better value as well as being spiral bound so
you can open it up on the table and set up
the shots he is talking about to work on.
Click to expand...

Tom's book is as good as it gets. The price? It's WIRTH more. Gonna be a collectible someday. By that time I'll be worthless but the book will be a nice thing to own.
 
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Tramp Steamer said:
I have never intentionally stalled (as you put it), nor have I dragged a game out (again, as you put it). You haven't been playing the game long enough to fully appreciate it.
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sounds like to me they are moving bad and stalling, where players play it well we duck and position and trap set....which isn't stalling one bit. Its crafting a win ala the art of war.

one pocket is a war game...shots moves and strategy

the red coats are coming......wiat till you can see their eyes before you jump out the bushes and scalp them
 
greyghost said:
sounds like to me they are moving bad and stalling, where players play it well we duck and position and trap set....which isn't stalling one bit. Its crafting a win ala the art of war.

one pocket is a war game...shots moves and strategy

the red coats are coming......wiat till you can see their eyes before you jump out the bushes and scalp them
Click to expand...

Well put.
I probably came off a bit harsh on that one, to which I apologize, but like so many here we take the game very seriously.
I believe the reason for that is because we've been playing it for so damn long and have a great deal invested in it.
I like the 'art of war' analogy. :)
 
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