Quick answer: In one pocket, each player has just one pocket, one of the two corner pockets at the foot end of the table, where the balls are racked. Any ball counts for you if it goes in your pocket. Under common standard rules, the first player to pocket eight balls in their pocket wins. Balls made in your opponent’s pocket count for your opponent, and balls made in the other four pockets are spotted. Fouls usually cost you one ball. Local rules vary, so agree on them first.
One pocket is a slow, thinking game. Players spend a lot of time moving balls toward their own pocket and away from their opponent’s pocket. Many people call it a chess match on a pool table. Here are the basic rules.
What You Need
- A standard pool table
- All 15 object balls and the cue ball
- Two players (or two teams)
How to Rack for One Pocket
Rack all 15 balls in a triangle at the foot of the table, the same way you would for a full rack game. The order of the balls does not matter because every ball is worth the same.
How Are Pockets Chosen?
The two corner pockets at the foot of the table, near the rack, are the only pockets that count. Under common standard rules, the breaker picks one of these two pockets before the break. The other player gets the other one. Your pocket stays the same for the whole game.
How Do You Win?
Under common standard rules, the first player to legally pocket eight balls in their own pocket wins. Some players give a weaker player a handicap, like needing fewer balls.
What Happens to Balls in Other Pockets?
- Your pocket: the ball counts for you, and you keep shooting.
- Your opponent’s pocket: the ball counts for your opponent. Your turn usually ends unless you also made a ball in your own pocket.
- The other four pockets: the ball does not count. Under common standard rules, these balls are spotted on the foot spot.
What Is a Foul in One Pocket?
Common fouls are like other pool games:
- Scratching, which means the cue ball goes in a pocket
- Not hitting any ball
- No ball hitting a rail after the cue ball hits an object ball, when nothing is pocketed
- Knocking a ball off the table
What Is the Foul Penalty?
Under common standard rules, when you foul you lose one ball. You spot one of the balls you have already made. If you have not made any yet, you “owe” a ball, and you spot one when you make it later. After a scratch, the next player usually gets the cue ball in hand behind the head string.
How Does the Break Work?
The one pocket break is not a power break. Most players hit softly, often thinning the corner ball of the rack, to move a ball or two toward their own pocket while sending the cue ball back up table, far from the rack. This leaves the opponent with a tough shot.
Basic Strategy Tips
- Think defense. Do not leave easy balls near your opponent’s pocket.
- Move balls toward your side. Even if you cannot make a ball, push balls toward your pocket.
- Send the cue ball far away. A cue ball near the head rail is hard for your opponent to use.
- Be patient. Many turns end with no ball made, and that is normal.
- Bank shots matter. Learning to bank balls into your pocket is a big part of the game.
Why Play One Pocket?
One pocket teaches cue ball control, safety play, and planning ahead. Even if you love 8 ball or 9 ball, a few games of one pocket can make you a smarter player.
Agree on the rules before the first break, take your time, and enjoy the strategy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many balls do you need to win in one pocket?
Under common standard rules, the first player to make eight balls in their own pocket wins.
Which pockets are used in one pocket?
Only the two corner pockets at the foot of the table, near the rack. Each player gets one of them.
What happens if I make a ball in my opponent's pocket?
It counts for your opponent.
What is the penalty for a foul in one pocket?
Under common standard rules, you lose one ball. If you have none, you owe one and spot it when you make it.