One Pocket - the best game of billiards

As most of you know, One Pocket is my preferred game when playing pool, and by doing this blog-article I hope that I can get a few more players interested in the game.

First of all, I recommend everyone to visit the OnePocket.org, which is the best website when it comes to information, history and knowledge about this game.

A lot of people think One Pocket is very easy, because it is just to pick a pocket and make 8 balls in it before your opponent does. Well, yes, that is the extreme short summary of the rules, and the purpose of the game.

The game itself is however a lot more complicated, and you need all kind of skills to execute the many different shots needed in this game. You need to play dead perfect safeties, have to be able to bank at a high level, controlling the speed of the cueball and all shots, and when finally given a chance to shoot at your pocket you have to be able to execute it perfectly. As a player you must have the gifts of patience, confidence and creativity.

Many times you can be stuck playing safeties for 15-20 shots in a row, trying to move the balls around the table where they will be in a more favourable position and at the same time a disadvantage for your opponent.

After longer periods of not shooting a ball at a pocket, and then be able to execute a long cut-shot when finally given a chance, that demands focus, concentration and determination. Add some extra pressure on the shot if your chance is a result of a miss by your opponent, and a ball is hanging in his pocket, waiting for you to miss. If you miss, he will run out.

For me, One Pocket is the ultimate pool game.

Yes, some games can last forever, but others can last 3 minutes. It all depends on the level, creativity and style of the players. Matches with Eren Reyes are very seldom boring to watch ;)

If you haven’t played the game, try it for a while. I am sure you will improve on certain areas in your game, and don’t be surprised if you will be playing better 9-ball after just a short period of playing one-pocket.

Here’s some useful stuff for you, books, dvd’s, drills and a couple of great shots. Check it out!




Incardona's instructional DVD

Banking with the Beard. A book and DVD by one of the most famous bankers in the world, Fred Bentivegna. Will definitely teach you how to play better bankpool!

Drills (PAT). In the PAT-books you can find a lot of useful drills that will improve your one-pocket play.

OnePocket.org

Some great shots everyone should try to memorize.