One-pocket

One-pocket is similar to straight pool in that a player can shoot at any object ball regardless of its color or number.

Penalties for a foul are the loss of 1 point, re-spotting a previously pocketed ball if possible, and in the case of a scratch, the incoming player gets ball-in-hand behind the head string.

On the other hand, Wanderone's public rival, Willie Mosconi, called one-pocket a gimmick game for gamblers.

Well known one pocket players and commentators such as Hall of famer Danny DiLiberto, Accu-Stats host Billy Incardona, and Mosconi Cup coach Jeremy Jones have often compared the game to chess, with a beginning, middle, and end game, and similar strategic elements.

The game is very popular with gamblers, and frequently attracts high stakes.

Before the break shot, the player breaking (typically after winning the lag or coin flip) chooses a foot corner pocket for the rest of the game; all of that shooter's balls must be shot into that pocket.

Handicapping one player by allowing points to be scored on bank and kick shots only is a particularly challenging spot, as the free-scoring opponent has a much greater variety of options for both balls to pocket and safeties (defensive positioning of the cue ball after a shot) to play against the opponent.