Legal One Pocket Break

[thebigdog]

I have a question about the break. What is the criteria for a legal one pocket break? How many balls have to hit a rail and does the cue ball have to hit a rail as well? I have heard different answers from different players. I have seen some players go rail first on the break and bury the cue ball into the rack while driving maybe one ball to a rail. Is that a legal break?

[NH Steve]

I have a question about the break. What is the criteria for a legal one pocket break? How many balls have to hit a rail and does the cue ball have to hit a rail as well? I have heard different answers from different players. I have seen some players go rail first on the break and bury the cue ball into the rack while driving maybe one ball to a rail. Is that a legal break?
According to traditional rules, as well as the overwhelming majority here on OnePocket.org, for a legal break either at least one object ball or the cue ball must hit a rail after contacting the rack -- or an object ball must go into a pocket.

Take a look at this discussion here:
http://onepocket.org/forum/showthread.php?t=130

According to the BCA, it's otherwise -- but fuggedabout their rules -- to be blunt, they can't even spell One Pocket :) :)

[thebigdog]

According to traditional rules, as well as the overwhelming majority here on OnePocket.org, for a legal break either at least one object ball or the cue ball must hit a rail after contacting the rack -- or an object ball must go into a pocket.

Take a look at this discussion here:
http://onepocket.org/forum/showthread.php?t=130

According to the BCA, it's otherwise -- but fuggedabout their rules -- to be blunt, they can't even spell One Pocket :) :)
So the rail first break is legal so long as one ball makes it to a rail after contact?

[gulfportdoc]

I have a question about the break. What is the criteria for a legal one pocket break? How many balls have to hit a rail and does the cue ball have to hit a rail as well? I have heard different answers from different players. I have seen some players go rail first on the break and bury the cue ball into the rack while driving maybe one ball to a rail. Is that a legal break?

Bigdog,

Where do you play in SF? If you haven't already-- get to know Gene Miller: lowleft@aol.com He runs lots of tournaments at the SF and Peninsula rooms. He knows all the players since he's been in the scene there since the 60's. Tell him you know me --Art "Doc" Tripp-- and that you're interested in one pocket, and get some suggestions from him. He'd be able to match you up with other guys who are just learning onehole.

Go over to Family Billiards on Geary and introduce yourself to the owner, Delbert Wong. There should be some one hole action in there. One of the best 1P players today --Billy Palmer-- plays in SF.

Good luck!

Doc

[thebigdog]

Bigdog,

Where do you play in SF? If you haven't already-- get to know Gene Miller: lowleft@aol.com He runs lots of tournaments at the SF and Peninsula rooms. He knows all the players since he's been in the scene there since the 60's. Tell him you know me --Art "Doc" Tripp-- and that you're interested in one pocket, and get some suggestions from him. He'd be able to match you up with other guys who are just learning onehole.

Go over to Family Billiards on Geary and introduce yourself to the owner, Delbert Wong. There should be some one hole action in there. One of the best 1P players today --Billy Palmer-- plays in SF.

Good luck!

Doc
I play at Family Billiards regularly, and I know Gene Miller and Billy Palmer. Although there is regular one pocket action at Family it is more advanced than my game. I usually play one pocket at Brocken Rack in Emeryville, One Pocket is the preferred game there and there is cheap action for all speeds. I play Gonzo sometimes at Family we play $5 a game, cheap lessons for sure.
I am just learning to think one pocket and trying to learn the moves, right now I am relying on my shooting ability to keep me in the game and I know that I need to learn how to move because these veteran players know I can shoot and bank and they leave me nothing.

[NH Steve]

So the rail first break is legal so long as one ball makes it to a rail after contact?
By traditional play it is indeed legal -- but there are regional variations where you will find the locals disagree. The idea of the Rules page here on OnePocket.org is to create a uniform standard. That's why we've been having some of these discussion here on the forum. After the little points of contention seem to be settled, the OnePocket.org members will have a chance to vote on the whole package, to see if we are ready to adopt these rules as 'Official'.

[gulfportdoc]

I play at Family Billiards regularly, and I know Gene Miller and Billy Palmer. Although there is regular one pocket action at Family it is more advanced than my game. I usually play one pocket at Brocken Rack in Emeryville, One Pocket is the preferred game there and there is cheap action for all speeds. I play Gonzo sometimes at Family we play $5 a game, cheap lessons for sure.

Bigdog,

Well it sounds like you're doing the right thing. Does Gonzo still whine and rag on himself? He's a funny guy-- I always liked him. Please say hello to Gene Miller for me. Gene has put a ton of time, effort, and dedication into pool in SF. Without him I doubt that the tournament opportunities y'all have would exist. Did Phillipino Gene ever quit drinkin'?

Doc

[Pelican]

BCA.............. to be blunt, they can't even spell One Pocket :) :)

Gotta love it!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D

[thebigdog]

Bigdog,

Well it sounds like you're doing the right thing. Does Gonzo still whine and rag on himself? He's a funny guy-- I always liked him. Please say hello to Gene Miller for me. Gene has put a ton of time, effort, and dedication into pool in SF. Without him I doubt that the tournament opportunities y'all have would exist. Did Phillipino Gene ever quit drinkin'?

Doc
I will do that, Gene runs about 3-4 tournaments weekly in the area, he is a real good guy. Gonzo is the same. As for Philipino Gene, he still likes his budweiser from what I can tell.

[James Nelson]

It all depends on where you play and the pool hall you play at. When a group of friends and I went on the road, I must have had to break five different ways because of house rules, and the way they played One Pocket. The cue to the rail and one ball, Two balls to the rail, but the cue ball does not have to hit a rail, The cue ball and two balls two the rail, one ball to the rail, ECT... So it all depends on where you play. Just always remember to ask, because you could end up owning a ball for a careless action.