One Pocket: The Basics of Pool's Chess Game
One Pocket is often called "pool's chess game." Each player gets just one corner pocket, and every shot is about offense and defense at the same time.
The basics
- All 15 balls are racked. Before the break, the breaker picks one of the two foot corner pockets; the opponent gets the other.
- Any ball counts, but only when it goes in your pocket.
- The first player to get eight balls in their pocket wins the game.
- Balls made in your opponent's pocket count for them.
Fouls
A foul usually costs a ball: you spot one of the balls you have already made. If you have none, you owe one.
Why it is different
Because you only have one target, much of One Pocket is moving balls toward your side of the table and leaving your opponent nothing. Games can be long and tactical, which is why One Pocket events often use short races.
Find One Pocket tournaments near you.
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