Book Description
The Science of Pocket Billiards covers the entire spectrum from basics to the most advanced concepts of pool. There are 262 pages (81/2 X 11) crammed with information along with 33 photographs and 277 illustrations to help clarify the material presented. The occasional player can skim through the book and learn enough for a lifetime of casual play while a serious student of pool can study this book for months or even years and continue to gain valuable knowledge. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Very thorough coverage suitable for all levels of player
I purchased this book as a total beginner to pool and it has really jumpstarted my learning process.Normally I'd have learned by trial and error and would eventually develop a 'feel' for it.This book explains scientifically, geometrically and physically what is taking place on the table so that I understand what it is I'm attempting to make happen.Feel will always be necessary, that's much of the fun, but understanding the logic behind each shot is a great guide and really helps me get back online when I lose that elusive feel.

Koehler's book starts with the basics of equipment and terminology and proceeds through technique, strategy, psychology and more.One thing that I really like is that the book offers many alternatives so that I can choose the ones that suit me best, or have options when my usual approach isn't available.The author offers some opinions on which might be a better choice but provides enough information on each to allow an informed decision.

Though I'm still a beginner I am confident that this book would benefit players of all levels.I've got a pool buddy (also a beginner) that lives a few hours away.I sent him a copy of this book so that I won't have an unfair advantage next time we get together!

Full of Details
This technical guide is full of tables and statistics, along with lots of tips to make you shoot a better game of pool.

Very comprehensive but technical
The book is very comprehensive going into a lot of detail and at times is very technical.There are lots of tables and statistics.However, it does a great job of explaining how the various aspects of the game impact the outcome of each shot.Things like cue ball and object ball movement, best cue stick positions for type of shot, how english and top and bottom spin impact cue ball placement, and much more.If you focus on the less technical aspects taught in this book you will come out with a much better understanding of how to shoot better pool.I'm still reading it but have learned alot and I consider myself a better than average pool player already.It is at times tough reading but you can get into it as deeply as you desire and several readings over time will glean more information.

My opinion
First of all, please excuse my English - it is not my native.
I've bought this book and really happy with this purchase, even Byrne's books were not even close to improve my skills in pool. The were commercially composed so that I had to buy more and more books, but fortunately I've found "Science of pocket billiards". Beleive me, its amazing, right now with a small practice after reading this book I beat my friends.
The best one.

Real Magic
Sometimes people feel that explaining wonderful things makes them somehow less magical, as if a bit of knowledge could rub the awe off of us. I'm inclined to disagree and fortunately for me, there's a whole genre of books devoted to the related jobs of explaining the wonderful and unravelling the mysteries behind ordinary stuff.

This book stands out in that world and also in the world of books about pool. The author has taken the ordinary, sometimes despised game of pocket billiards and subjected its truths to rigorous experimentation. He built apparatus for standardizing speed and direction of balls and developed a simple device for recording where balls struck a cushion.

Koehler's attention to details is pretty wonderful in itself. Consider this:"Theoretically, the center of the tip doesn't need chalk because it makes contact with the cue ball only when it's struck dead-center. When the cue ball is struck dead-center, there's no chance of the tip slipping off and thus, no need for chalk." A tiny matter? sure. Admire the mind behind it? you bet.

The same thorough approach can be seen in chapters like

1. Equipment
2. Shooting stance and technique
3. Pocketing the object ball
4. Shot selection
5. Cue-ball deflection path
6. English
7. Positioning the cue ball
8. Rail shot
9. Combination shots
10.Bank shots

If you love the game or if you simply marvel at a job well done, this is a book for you. Any pool player will find his or her appeite for practice increased and game improved



Lynn Hoffman, author of The New Short Course in Wine from Prentice-Hall and bang-BANG, a novel from Kunati to be published in 2007 ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (17)

The Best
I would say outright the easiest billiards book I have came across.It goes from the basics to the strong techniques.A step by step program to improve your game.My game has increased dramatically using the simple guidelines in this book.

Excellenttool for all levels
I bought this book for myself last year. It is an excellent reference for everyone from the beginner to those who would like to learn and refine more complex shots. It explains the physics of pool, and best of all, there are links to a web site where you can see every shot demonstrated. That was invaluable to me, as I can see exactly where the cue is positioned on the ball, how the stroke is delivered, and the end result in cue ball position. I highly recommend this book, and bought it this year for my brother-in-law, so he can be better competition for me (smile).

I'm glad I found this book!
Win at Pocket BilliardsRack Up a VictoryRunning the Table: The Legend of Kid Delicious, the Last Great American Pool Hustler

I'm returning to pool playing and found this book helpful. It's a lot more informative then the books from the 80'. I learn something on every page. Even stuff that I already thought I knew about pool after reading 99 Critical Shots.
I would recommend "rack up a victory" for kicking and banking and "Running the Tables" about Kid Delicious's life as a Hustler.
I'm looking forward to purchasing "Win at Pocket Billiards" for more information on Kicking and Banking.

A Little Misleading!
I was surprised at the rather low price being asked for this book, but after receiving it, it became perfectly clear that I had been mislead into believing that all instruction was included with the book, including a CD.
If you don't have a High Band Width computer hook-up, your really going to be surprised that the only way to get what you thought you had paid for is to send an addition $18 to $24 to get the CD or DVD.
The book was fairly well written, but the CD/DVD business left a bad taste in my mouth.

THe best
THis is very good. Dr Dave complements the reading with videos posted in a web site, you can also write to him, and he will answer within hours. great book great help. Perhaps not the best for banking methods, but good. ... Read more

Amazon.com
In the world of cue sticks and side pockets, this is the gospel, the 1998 revised, standard version of the 1978 bible. A champion player, indefatigable writer, and inexhaustible promoter of his sport, Byrne racks his book into two halves, the first a primer on pool, the second on three-cushion billiards. Beginning with the fundamentals, he goes on to run the table with lots of readable advice and detailed diagrams for how to play individual shots, including trick shots, strategies for eight- and nine-ball, and rules for the major pool games. Then it's on to billiards, where he banks from the fundamentals to the art of shot making and tactics for play at every level, touching on every conceivable cushion along the way. --Jeff SilvermanBook Description

Customer Reviews (20)

great book
Bought this book used from amazon. It is an exceelent and easy read that will improve your game immediately. I am still plowing through it but already I see improvement. Some of the photos could be a little sharper but none are so bad that you can't determine what it depicts. Highly recommend it.

For 30 years it's been the best pool manual
When this book came out 30 years ago it raised the bar for pool and three cushion billiards instruction manuals.Earlier books, such as Ray Martin' 99 Critical Shots, were badly flawed by the gross inaccuracies of their diagrams. Byrne introduced large and accurate scale diagrams, even including parabolic paths for cue balls struck with draw or follow.The last half of the book covers the elegant game of 3-cushion, which is now enjoying a renaissance.It contains by far the best, and nearly the only, explanation of "the diamond system" for calculating multiple rail bank shots.Even a rudimentary familiarity with it should help virtually any pool player.The entire book is leavened with Byrne's characteristic dry wit.I've been recommending this book to students for decades.

look at the cover
Hey, it may be a good book, I don't own it. But looking at the cover page, should not the 8 ball be in place of the 10?

Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards
The Chilton Book of pool, Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards is a must have for anyone who plays pool.

Instant Improvement
I read the book page by page and practiced with it.My game is 300% better.This book is for every tipe of player. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Byrne is excellent ... buy all his titles.
All of his works are excellent if you play pool for pleasure or have a very competitive approach.I was "fair" at playing pool -- primarily 8 Ball.Now, I'm known as "The King" because of applying the information in his books.

from a real player
If you wanna be a real player read byrne's books and gamble that's it

Should be Advanced 3-Cushion Billiards
This book contains very little information that will be of use to an 8 or 9-ball player and close to half of the book is spent discussing specific 3-Cushion shots.I bought this book for the defense section hoping to learn some more about that but again it related to 3-Cushion rather than anything for 8 or 9-ball.Since I don't know the first thing about 3-Cushion billiards, I can't say whether or not the information about that is good or not.

Good companion to his Standard
...I don't claim any good talent in pool, but i do enjoy reading up on all the strategies and thought processes, and attempting to apply them when I play.Byrne's Advanced Technique isn't so much for advanced players only, but covers some specific topics that aer very interesting as well, such as the half-ball hit, the masse shot, the physics of the heavy tavern cueball, and so on.The section on Three-Cushion billiards is somewhat redundant, though, if you have his Standard.but it has some other topics, including more shots from master play, to keep one engrossed.He also writes some stories on several of the games greats, including three-cushion legends like Ceulemans and Blohmdal.Overall, a very good buy if you want to know as much about the game as you can.

advanced techniques?
If you've already read Byrne's standard book, don't waste your money on this book, unless you're really in to 3cushion billiards.There is very little new info in this book.Borrow it from a friend, or check it out in the library if you can.Some stuff is useful, but you'll be disappointed if you've already read Byrne's. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (26)

a bit much
This had some great reviews.. but it was beyond agonizing to get through.
I thought the first few pages I read on this site was a wordy intro that would clear up soon after-- it's the same all the way through.
I found myself desperately looking for a point, which led me to do something I've never found to actually work before- and am suggesting: Read this book backwards.

NOT ANYWHERE NEAR 5 STARS
It has been several months since I read Fancher's mental meanderings. Personally, I was very upset about the author's comments about expectations for improvement or performance beyond your previous experiences and I'm certain that aspect left a bad taste in my mouth for the rest of his material. It goes against the grain of every other self improvement book I have ever read and it truthfully goes against logic.

Personally, I feel one actually learns not just from your own physical motions and awareness but also from watching others play - your body and mind learn things of which you may not even be aware. It is possible to improve beyond your previous experience. (Otherwise you would start at one level and never move beyond that beginner's level - and we know that is not true).

Anything that has been developed in this world, including self improvement, has been envisioned,dreamed,formulated BEFORE IT HAPPENED. And so it is with learning from other players. "I've seen him do it. I know it is possible. I should be able to do it also." And so we begin practicing something new.

There is much other content about self awareness that I found realistic and factual. Any pool player has had times of poor performance and as Fancher says it's time to become self-aware and return to the basic principles.

Perhaps, I'm just not as cerebral and self-aware as Fancher but I didn't feel this was a fantastic read and the small things I have added to may abilities/awareness were small potatoes compared to the negative aspect of never having expectations for improvement.

I'm still improving.

Must Read for anything "Competitive" .. especially pool.
I enjoy pool ... but found the insights in this book apply to anything at all I do where "winning" is important.So much of what we do, if we want to bring our "A Game" to the table, is controlled by our state of mind.This is the book to read to give yourself an edge you simply can't find anywhere else to keep yourself in the game, enjoy the game at all levels, and take yourself to the next (and next and next) level.Jim Stevens http://savingfuelnow.com

Brain Buster
For those who consider themselves to be analytical, this book will teach you why your pool shot missed.These tips can also be applied to other areas of life.

As reading Pleasures of Small Motions
I think ofall the times why I missed, this book tells the tail.
For any of you whom thinks themselves as analytical, you must read -- there is so much other than aim and shoot, it's not even funny.


... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Offical Rules
My boyfriend wanted a book on the rules of different pool games because him and his buddies had many different rules to play various games.So I bought him this and they got to see who was right and who was wrong. It was the perfect gift for pool players.Very GOOD!

I really wish more people would read this.
Every bar, tavern, club and hall with a pool table (in the US) should have a copy of this on-hand.The horrendous inconsistence and outright ridiculousness of most local and house "rules", not to mention individual "rules", has made a sorry mess of recreational American pocket billiards.I can only hope that the REAL games of 8-ball, 9-ball, etc., become better known to amateur players over time, and that the bogus, corrupt, yokel variants of these games finally die off some day.

EXCELLENT
WOW! I WISH I HAD THIS BOOK ON THANKSGIVING - IT SURE WOULD HAVE SAVED SOME TIME AND EVERYONE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN A CHANCE TO PLAY.YOU KNOW, THERE'S ALWAYS THAT ONE PERSON THAT SAYS, "YOU CAN'T DO THAT' OR 'POOL HASN'T BEEN PLAYED LIKE THAT IN YEARS", AND THEN -- WELL, I DON'T HAVE TO TELL YOU

Billiards: the official rules and records bk.--bca
What's the point in selling an outdated copy? I'm looking for the latest version 2000 or 2001. So many rules have changed since 1998 that the copy your selling is almost useless to those of us that are billiard buffs and take the game seriously.

I have more fun now!
I have learned to play more than just straight 8-ball.This book has the rules for tons of other fun and easy games, including pictures. ... Read more

Book Description
When it comes to billiards, we control the table.

Billiard games are some of the most popular pastimes in America, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Pool and Billiards is the most comprehensive, easy-to-use guide to the subject on the market today. This updated edition includes:

• New sections on eight-ball and nine-ball—two of the most popular games
• An all-new section of show-stopping trick shots anyone can do
• Dozens of new photos and a completely updated resource section
• Updated Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame
• A new overview on the multi-million-dollar market for TV tournaments
... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Side Talks
Good book, but it comes with a lot of side talks, more than the real information that you will learn. Some my prefer this way, but not me. I always prefer to get direct info.

GREAT BILLIARD BOOK FOR EVEN SMART PEOPLE
The book is great as written by a great billiard player, star personality, talented announcer, trick shot expert, and overall billiard guru. I learned many things from the encyclopedia of billiard expertise. FOLKS, THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR ANY LEVEL POOL PLAYER; DUMMIE OR NOT.

During a recent WPBA tournament in Oklahoma City, this reviewer was promised by the book's author to autograph the 2 new copies I had just purchased. One of these books was for a sick child in the hospital as Ewa is his favorite player but we were unable to connect. I will try again in Oregon in 2 weeks as this Dummie wants an autograph!!!!

wordy book on billiards
I just wanted a basic book on billiards and billard etiquette.This book is too big and wordy.I guess it is a good book if you are considering purchasing a billiard table, as it goes into great detail about what to look for, etc.I wanted just a basic book.

Good
Its good when your starting in to the pool. if not you may find only a 1/3 of the book use full.

great addition to any library of a pool player
I found this book very well written with good detail and explainations. When words were difficult, excellent pictures helped make things clear. I played pool for years but was unable to play for a long time. I bought the book as a refresher and was very impressed. It has helped me a lot to get back on track with my game. Any serious pool player who wants help with their game can benefit from this book. New players as well as old. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

When even drinking to oblivion is not enough.
I omit the plot and the characters, and most of all the significance.All that is in the outline in any case, or in the other reviews.

I will only say this.I had moments, in reading this book, when I put it aside, for a minute or two, and immersed myself in the waves of utter poignant joy that swept over me, overcome by communion with civilisation.

The style is complex, the setting ambiguous, and yet resolution is found.To what, you may ask.Ah, to this question:how do we live in this world, and yet remain fully human.

Living in a country insufficiently chastised, dry as H20, consuming bottle after bottle, Faehmel the protagonist, his entire family, and his one friend in the course of a day find their peace with the world.Light, white light at last; profoundly moving.

I apologise for the simplism of the above. Boell's book does not deserve it.And yet.And yet.And yet.

Pervasively amazing
Billiards at Half-Past Nine is an encompassing view of post-war Germany, both in the First World War and the Second. It chronicles the lives of the Faehmel family, and is quite challenging with its multitude of internal monologues. It only occurs in the span of one day, but this single day is enough.

We start with Robert Faehmel, a prosperous second-generation architect. We can already see in the beginning that he is not unlike a machine: his life is set like a clock. Every single day he works for only an hour, but there is little disparity, little uniqueness in his schedule. One could easily dismiss him as one who has an obsessive-compulsive disorder, but later on, one sees that this is only Robert's facade: he is trying to forgo of his guilt-laden and tragic past by offering himself no time to think about it.

This guilt-laden and tragic past comes from Nazism and Nazi Germany. Euphemized by Boll as 'the host of the Beast,' this is what mars the lives of the Faehmel family. The young ones who do not take this are battered and tortured, while those who do take it become strangers to even their own family. Robert did not take it, and he was whipped in the back with barbed wire, bloodied, and was to be executed if not for the help of friends. His brother took it, and such was the powerful psychological re-education of the Nazis that his brother was the one who told on his family - his brother was the one who wanted their family imprisoned. He became 'the husk of a child,' from the words of Robert's father, Heinrich.

The different lives of the Faehmel family are delved into with this book, and each one ofthem carries emotional and psychological scars from the past war. Some scars belong to Robert, who could never accept his country turning his back on him, some on his relatives, some on his friends, and in the end Boll reveals that no one got out of the wars unscathed. Not Germany. Especially not Germany.

Not one of Boll's best efforts, but still worth reading.
Heinrich Boll, Billiards at Half Past Nine (Signet, 1962)

Heinrich Boll was a brilliant mystery writer. Moreover, he was capable of writing mysteries unlike anything seen before, mysteries that turned the genre on its head. He was also capable of expanding the mystery genre so that it not only bordered on, but crossed over into, literary fiction. Unfortunately, at one point Boll allowed the mystery to slide into the background and started to concentrate on the literary side of things. This leads to the inevitable question for the reader: what does a mystery novel look like when the mystery is absent, or at least so far in the background as to be unnoticeable for most of the
novel?

Billiards at Half Past Nine is your answer. While there are elements of mystery within the novel, the focus is less on what's going on around the characters than the characters themselves. This is not, in itself, a bad thing; the characters upon whom the focus rests, all of whom are members of the Faehmel dynasty of architects, are interesting enough, and it would take conscious effort to make the first half of twentieth-century German history boring in any way. We are shown that period of time through the eyes of various members of the Faehmel family in a series of recollections leading up to Heinrich Faehmel's eightieth birthday party in 1958. And were that the basis of the novel, it would have been a good, solid piece of literature; ultimately forgettable, but good.

Boll felt the need to add something else to it, and it is there that the mystery comes into play. In the opening scenes, Heinrich's son Robert, the present scion of the Faehmel dynasty, tells his maid that, while he is playing Billiards at a local hotel, he is only to be disturbed by certain people. Most of them are family, or other members of his business; there is one name, though, that stands out, because no one knows who this Schrella character is, or why Robert Faehmel considers him on a plane of import with the others. This part of the book is where it is lacking; one gets the feeling that Boll felt it necessary to impart complications into a novel that doesn't require them.

While it's a worthwhile read within the context of Boll's complete works, it's not a place for a novice to begn an exploration of one of Germany's finest novelists. The Lost Honor of Katherina Blum and The Train Was on Time are much better jumping-off points. ** 1/2

Gripping panorama of German life
This work, in my opinion Boll's greatest, takes place duirng a single day in the life of Robert Faemel. He is an architect and ex-soldier who since WWII has turned inward, relying on routine to get him through the days. As the story unfolds, the reaader learns of the difficult and tragic events in his life that have led Robert to seek escape from the world, and ultimately gives hope that even these darknesses can be overcome.

Through his memories and those of his family, the book paints a remarkable panoramic picture of German life from ~1920 through 1960. The book really presents 3 generations of a German family and their experiences through this harrowing period. It shows both the dark side of postwar Germany, where many ex-Nazis had risen to positions of power and influence, as well as the lonely lights of human goodness and decency that remained throughout the dark period of the Nazis rise to power and the second world war.

As always, Boll's character's are expertly drawn and powerfully human. The storytelling can be difficult, requiring attention to keep up with the flashbacks and change in narrators. But it is absolutely worth the effort, as reading it will be a powerful experience that will stay with you.

The precise symbolisim of breakfast.
Heinrich Boll describes Robert Faehmel as a man who is percieved by his peers as armour-like and unflinching. Slowly, you get to watch the man disintigrate and further on -- rebuild. At half past nine everday,mid-morning, our hero "locks" himself into a room and begins theendless tirade of billiards with the bell-boy of a local hotel. Does hedescribe the game at all that he has? Only the conversation. Does thecharacter brag about his skill on the felt?Only to tell you that he doesit everyday at Half-past Nine. I truly felt that I was reading the journalof someone who was coming to copes with a serious case of P.T.S.D. (PostTraumatic Stress Disorder), and you can't but help but be unnervedsometimes by the descriptions, illucidating how badly Boll was running whenhe wrote this. It's a very un-german approach to writing and it's mostlikely the reason why he was given the Nobel Prize.

Some of this workmakes me feel like it's the unknown life of the ficticous Kaiser Souze.Some of this work seems a little bit on the cusp of 'needs editing'. It's adark read, but one worth pondering. ... Read more

Book Description
This concise, fullu-illustrated handbbok reveals the one, two and three-rail kick shots you need to knowif you hope to compete with the best pool players. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great book for advanced players
Although this book's title doesn't really indicate it's true contents, it is certainly a clear and concise guide to "the diamond system" and 1, 2, and 3 rail kicks for the advanced pool player.

Contrary to a few other reviews I have read about this book on this site, I feel the shot descriptions and illustrations are very easy to follow and understand.One reviewer complained about the lack of explanation of concepts like running/reverse english, and that is true.The author tells you right up front that you need to already be familiar with the concept of english, as well as terms like long rail, short rail, and extended diamond, but he also explains them in the included glossary for you.The quote by one reviewer that "This book tells you nothing you cannot find out from another good player at a hall" is just an outrageous claim, unless the pros regularly hang out at your local pool hall.

If you are looking for a book about pocketing balls, improving your stroke, or how to execute a good draw shot, this is not the book for you.However, if you are an advanced player looking to de-mystify "the diamond system" and 1, 2, and 3 rail kicks, as well as banks, this IS the book for you.It is also very short and to the point, which is a plus in my book.There are many books on pool which cost three times as much as this, but don't divulge these seldom discussed advanced techniques.

Inconsistant
I really liked the early part of the book, but inconsistancies occur in the methology as you progress into real game situations where you would seek position off the object ball. Although it's not great, it is still worth the cost to open your mind to new possibilities.

I am being generous with this 2.
I am a league player rated a 5.I can make shots and banks.I am not the best player and I'm not the worst player.I was looking for a book that gave a solid kicking system.

This book tells you nothing you cannot find out from another good player at a hall.The fomula given is usable.Unfortunately, it is not explained too well.The examples on the 3 and 4 rail kicks lack in quantity.The illustrations lack variations in shots and explanations on how to make a reasonable adjustment.A beginning pool player is not going to follow it.The other information in this book can be found in other books which are better written.99 Critical Shots of Pool contains all this information and more.

This is not for the beginner.If you don't know english or have a good stroke, you will not benefit from this.This book assumes you already have the basics behind you.

I don't recommend this book.

Buy a tip pick instead.Or some chalk.Or a soda.

good at first but i got lost
I thought i finally found a book that explained the diamond system and was getting it but then to book moved on to areas that i could not find explained earlier than i got lost.examples shown did not always show all the needed information to fully understand anddecipher.after reading the other reviews i must be a ree, everyone seems to love it.i am at about a 25 ball run on regrular basis.

Has made incredible difference in my game !!
This book is just awesome, and has made an incredible improvement in my game. I used to dread Bank shots, and now I rather bank the ball. Thanks you - This is a must read if you want to master the art of banking and kicking balls. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Perfect Gift for My Husband
As soon as my husband started flipping through this book, he was so excited. I surprised him with it on Valentine's Day, and within a couple of minutes, he was checking out trick shots that had always eluded him, shots that he always wanted to learn, some he had never seen before, and some that he was doing incorrectly. It has great diagrams and excellent explanations. We whole-heartedly recommend this book!

A great addition to you pool library
Highly entertaining, and informative to boot, even for regular, non-trick play.Anyone who already has Byrnes Standard Book of Pool and Byrne's Advanced should also get this, and his Wonderful World of Pool & Billards book, as all four volumes regularly refer to (useful) information in eachother.While this is MOSTLY a fun book about cute tricks shots (and possibly profitable ones, if you can master them and find suckers for bar bets), your casual, league and even tournament play can learn a few good pointers from the materials herein.

Super-Excellent, Awesome Book for Trick Shots!
This book covers the classics, such as the football shot, butterfly shot, machine gun shot, just showin' off, etc, plus variations, (i.e. masse machine gun shot) lesser known shots, and shots by the author. Some require almost no skill at all, while making others could keep pros happy all day.
Every shot has information about its history, how to do it, and sometimes even suggestions on what to say before you attempt it, plus a clear yet detailed digram of the setup and shot.
Almost any book will tell you how to do a few, common trick shots, but this one has them all.

Byrne's Delivers
Once again Byrne delivers concise info in an easy understandable manner. I currently own several of his books and videos; all of which are helpful. Some of his info may be found in earlier writings, but that's the case with many tomes in this area. It's no surprise he was inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame for his wonderful contributions to this sport via his writings/videos.

Good Luck...
The book is interesting, but I tried a number of the supposedly "easy" trick shots.. They're not easy and I'm a fairly decent shot (play in leagues etc..).I'm sure with consistent practice, you couldactually make 1 or 2 of these shots, but even then they would be "lowpercentage" shots.The placement of the balls must be perfect and notext can tell where to place these balls with the kind of precision you'llneed to make these shots.Just don't expect to buy this book and be makingtrick shots the next day.. - You'll be disappointed.Even so, it's funjust to see these shots diagramed and the historical facts/anecdotes areinteresting. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The best book to learn by
Willie Mosconi, of course, was the greatest pool player of all time.He won 15 world titles in 17 years, hold the high-run record, and when 7 years old almost defeated the then legendary Ralph Greenleaf.But could Willieteach all that knowledge and experience to mere mortals like us?

Theanswer is "Yes."He explains with clear pictires all thefundamentals about stance, grip, and aim.He also gives good advice aboutspeed of stroke and english.He provides initial strategic advice on howto play position and shot selection.He also has a nice selection ofmakeable trick shots at the end. My only criticism is the discussion ofbank shots, which can only be described as flat out wrong.I know that heknew how to shoot them, but the description and diagram he uses are not howits done.For that, I am ashamed to say, I had to consult"Minnesota" nee "New York" Fats's book.

Other,more advanced books (such as those by Robert Byrne) have built on the solidinformation Willie provides.But I know of no other book I would recommendso highly as this one for the beginning player. ... Read more

Book Description

You're no idiot, of course.You know that "English" isn't just the name of a language, it's also the type of spin you use to control the cue ball in pool.But when it comes to racking them up, making a break shot, and sinking balls in the corner pocket, you feel like "English" is your second language. Don't hang up your cue stick yet!In her comprehensive book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pool & Billiards, Ewa Mataya Laurance--one of the world,s most accomplished and mesmerizing players--gives you:

Customer Reviews (20)

Not just for beginners!
I've read several reviews here stating that this book is only good for beginners. I've been playing for years, and I don't think I know all there is to know on the subject.
I finally bought a table, and after dropping a considerable chunck of change on that I became interested in learning more about the game as having a table gives one a good oportunity to improve.
I found this book and at first glance I thought that it would probably just serve those just beginning, wrong.There is a lot of useful info in these pages. Everything from making all kinds of shots, several differnent ways to shoot a bank shot, caring for your home table, cue, among other things.
These "Idiot's Guide" books cover a great deal of subject matter without a lot of stuff just to fill up pages.
Some authors on billiards will mention a technique, only to say that they think it's not a very good way to do it, but then only give you their recommendation, which may not work for you.This book lays several techniques out there and lets you decide.I saw the ones I've used over the years, but some that I didn't know about.Doesn't mean that what I was doing was wrong, there are just other ways to do the same thing.
Example; I had always played banks by feel, and after a lot of years made them most of the time.This book shows a few ways to aim at the pocket which I didn't know about. I still play by feel, but it's interesting to know what others are may be thinking when they do it.

This is the best book ever for a beginner!!
Five years ago I was that beginner.I studied this book as though I were taking a college course.Two years ago I bought my own pool table.Sorry Ewa, not a Brunswick.Now that I'm ready for them, I have just ordered 3 books by Robert Byrne's.I also have a pool mentor/friend who teaches me and loans me pool videos.

April 4, 2007 - Our "Olhausen" pool table was the only piece of furniture that survived Hurricane Katrina.We didn't even have to recover it.

Best So Far
I've read quite a few books on pool and billiards, and this one is the best so far.I find myself returning to it for reference quite often, even though I've read several books since this one.

It does get a little wordy in places but it's an easy read and full of interesting facts.Although geared toward beginner to intermediate, I believe this book would be helpful and entertaining for anyone interested in pool or billiards...at any skill level.(I've been playing over 30 years.)

A Wonderful Book
This book covers everything from history to buying a table, from the kick shot to the masse shot. It includes lists of players and their awards, resources, trick shots, and lots of other useful stuff, plus funny or amazing stories. I must have read it 10 times, and I'm still not tired of it.

a G reat book for everyone
I READ THIS BOOK BY EWA MATAYA LAURANCE & i THINK EVERYONE THAT NEEDS TO FIND A PART OF THERE GAME THAT IS MISSING OR JUST WANT A GREAT READ THIS IS IT . sHE EXPLAINES THINGS WELL & SIMPLE . Ifeel that even the more advanced player can get something out of this book . I lirned about the different amounts of english you can use for different results on pg. 210. ... Read more

Product Description
Mathematical billiards describe the motion of a mass point in a domain with elastic reflections off the boundary or, equivalently, the behavior of rays of light in a domain with ideally reflecting boundary. From the point of view of differential geometry, the billiard flow is the geodesic flow on a manifold with boundary. This book is devoted to billiards in their relation with differential geometry, classical mechanics, and geometrical optics.Topics covered include variational principles of billiard motion, symplectic geometry of rays of light and integral geometry, existence and nonexistence of caustics, optical properties of conics and quadrics and completely integrable billiards, periodic billiard trajectories, polygonal billiards, mechanisms of chaos in billiard dynamics, and the lesser-known subject of dual (or outer) billiards.The book is based on an advanced undergraduate topics course. Minimum prerequisites are the standard material covered in the first two years of college mathematics (the entire calculus sequence, linear algebra). However, readers should show some mathematical maturity and rely on their mathematical common sense.A unique feature of the book is the coverage of many diverse topics related to billiards, for example, evolutes and involutes of plane curves, the four-vertex theorem, a mathematical theory of rainbows, distribution of first digits in various sequences, Morse theory, the Poincaré recurrence theorem, Hilbert's fourth problem, Poncelet porism, and many others. There are approximately 100 illustrations.The book is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers interested in ergodic theory and geometry.This volume has been copublished with the Mathematics Advanced Study Semesters program at Penn State. ... Read more

Book Description
Simply Pool teaches the basics of pocket billiards for the beginner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent for the beginning player
Billiards Digest reviewed this in August 1998 issue.This was theirheader: "A decent, clear stab at basic instruction from an average Joe." ... Read more

Book Description
A complete training manual for the competitive pool player, The Pro Book covers the three major areas of training: the physical, mental, and emotional.It stands on the shoulders of the greatest coaches, sport psychologists, and nutritionists working today, not just in pool, but in golf, tennis, martial arts, and others.The Pro Book addresses pre-match planning, post-match evaluation, managing momentum, diet and nutrition, and mental training.It includes processes for refining the shot selection and pre-shot routines, scouting the personal peak performance state, and much more.The Pro Book also contains an advanced reference training system, specifically designed for mastering all aspects of on-the-table execution, including position shots, safeties, kicks, kick safeties, banks, an drills.The Pro Book is used by a long list of professional players and is already back to print for the third time.It is also recognized by players of other sports, such as golf and tennis, as a valuable training resource. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

For serious competitors with a desire to improve their game...
This book (as well as The Advanced Pro Book, by B. Henning) is well worth every penney! I'm sure you have heard that about many instructional books and tapes in the past, but as a competitive pool player for over 20 years I am always looking for new knowledge to improve my game...I can definately say that this book delivers!!
My personal collection of instructional books and tapes is quite large, but none of them has addressed the "core information" that every advanced pool player needs to know to be able to compete competitively on an advanced level "with consistency"...this book gives you that like no other!
It offers "specific and detailed" insight on every aspect of the game. The Pro Book contains information that will open up new doors you never knew existed, and can take you to new heights in your game. Bob Henning supplied much information I needed to take my game to new levels, and stay there!No matter what level you currently play at, if you areserious about improving your game The Pro Book is a MUST!
Just like B. Henning states on the cover of the book... "After 30 days with the Pro Book you will see noticeable improvement in your game!".

Excellent!!!
Wow, this book totally changed the way I approach playing pool.The reference training described in this book is good, but what really makes it stand out is the coverage of the mental aspects of the game.Things like the pre-shot routine and post game analysis can have a dramatic effect on how you progress as a billiards player.I was also impressed with the clear and concise writing style, which made this book extremely easy to read & understand.I would recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their pool & billiards playing ability.

One thing to note, this book assumes you have a basic understanding of pool & billiards, and doesn't really cover the "just learning" type of topics.If that is what you are looking for, I would recommend 'The Science of Pocket Billiards' or 'The Illustrated Principles of Pool & Billiards' instead. ... Read more

Book Description
From altar boy to fifty years of hustling pool under the radar. Almost anyone can make money-shooting poolI'll show you how you can do it too. Most big-time pool hustlers were famous. Everyone recognized them. I went the other way. Maybe ten people in the last fifty years knew how good I really could shoot pool. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Wish it was a full length book
If you like stories about a hard scrabble existance and being able to survive by your wits and your guile, then you'll love this story.Whether you love the great sport of pool or not, you can't help be mesmerized by this account of a young man who, after doing whatever it takes to survive and overcome, including lots of hustles, ends up revamping his whole life-style with a career change that is 180 degrees if there ever was one. This is the type of story that facinates me. It's fast paced and grips you. My only complaint is that it's not a full length book.

HUSTLING UNDER THE RADAR
Very interesting read. Kind of makes you want to jump in your car with acue stick and see how good you are. I learned a few things about the game too. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The best of its kind
I've read many other books on how to play snooker, yet none of them surpasses the quality of this one. Clive Everton is acclaimed to be the best journalist of the sport, and he undoubtedly lives up to his reputation. This book covers every aspect of the game, starting from its history, the equipments, the very basics, tips and practice routines, and even hints for match plays. The book is filled with helpful diagrams and numerous pictures of the world's top players. If you're searching for snooker books, this is the only one you'll ever need.

Áîëüøå êíèã ïðî ñíóêåð - áîëüøèõ è ìàëåíüêèõ!
À âñå-òàêè ÷èòàòü íàòîÿùóþ êíèãó ïðèÿòíåé ÷åì ñ ìîíèòîðà:)

a nice guide
the book is very helpful for both beginners and experienced players. I recommend it for anyone interested in snooker and I can say that beginners will make a great use of the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A rather tepid book
All I can say is don't spend your hard-earned money on this silly book.

I think the authors must have geared this book towards masculine women as it definitely has a feminist-oh-yeah-womyn-can-do-it-better slant.

A complete waste.

Not even for the recreational player
If you have even a basic knowledge of playing pool, I'd look elsewhere for a book. I just bought a table a year ago and am looking for a book to help me understand how to use the diamonds, bank shots, etc. This book doesn't help much with that. The easy stuff is well written but I pretty much knew all that already. The more advanced techniques are not well written and the author did not use many diagrams to explain the point better. I'm just a recreational player looking to get better and I don't find this book of much use.

Not the most useful pool book
With a plethora of quality pool publications that appeared in the last ten or so years, I find this effort rather unoriginal and uninspiring.

It has that "something borrowed, something plagiarized..." feel to it.

Caveat Emptor!

An amateurish effort
There is a definite lack of original material in this book. As I have almost all the pool books published in the last 20 years this new entry seems to offer slim pickings for any enthusiasts out there.

But hopefully this is the authors' debut effort and the next edition will be far more complete. Also the graphics and diagrams can use a great amount of sprucing up.

Great Book
The book is wonderful.It is not supposed to be some big fancy pool book.It is simple, clear, and most importantly, I am now playing pool with confidence. Many thanks to the authors! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

The BEST book in Pool & Billiards!
I just learned about this NEW publication, which is a revision of the one I read "Byrne's Standard Book of Pool and Billiards", Copyright © 1987, 1978 by the same author Robert Byrne. I have read just about every book on this subject, and there is no better book than this one! In fact, I recommend all of Robert Byrne's Pool & Billiards books and videos. He is an accomplished player, teacher and author.

I have no doubts that this book will meet and exceeds everyone's expectations on the subject!

The BEST book inPool & Billiards!
I have read just about every book on this subject, there is no better book than this one!In fact, I recommend all of Robert Byrne's Pool & Billiards books and videos.He is an accomplished player, teacher andauthor.

This book will meet and exceeds everyones expectations on thesubject!

Excellent information on pool and billiards.
Outstanding information on basic and advanced technique.It tells you about draw and follow shots, and also english.It also gives you information on straight pool, eight-ball, and many other pool games.This is in my opinion, the only book on pool and billiards you will ever need. Robert Byrne has really outdone himself by creating this masterpiece. This book should be on the shelves of every pool and billiards player. This is by far the best book on pool and billiards ever written.

Went from running 1 rack of 10 to 5 of 10!
I had been playing pool for approximately 10 years before i read this book, 3 of the 10 years were in "a" leagues and competitive nine and eight ball tournaments.before i read this book, i was able to run one rack out of every ten, after reading this book my game improved 500 percent.i was able to consistently run 5 racks out of every 10.the book has very explicit instructions and absolutely superb illustrations and examples of several methods of setting up shots.i expecially liked the procedure for running a table, it has some very good advice and if anyone follows it and can shoot just a little bit they will be able to run racks.i can't say enough about the benefits this book has had for my game.in my opinion robert byrnes, is the best teacher of the game of pool bar none!i read this book in about eight hours.it's a page turner if you want to improve your game or even are thinking about learning how to play the game, this is the book for ! you.

If you only buy one Billiards book in your life, this is it.
I've played pool most of my adult(and teenage) life.I've spent time on several tours and am always looking to learn something new.Byrne covers an amazing array of pool and billiard situations and does an outstanding job of diagraming and explaining the physics involved(Robert would insist that I give credit to Bob Jewett for this).If you think there's nothing in this book that's new to you you're most likely mistaken.Byrne's other books are outstanding as well.By the way, Bob...you've got the eight and one going to 7, bet high.:-) ... Read more