Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Fantastic book
  • My second copy
  • 350 moves Every Player Should Know
  • The title speaks for itself
  • Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots
Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know
Robert Byrne
Manufacturer: Harvest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:
  1. Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards
  2. The 99 Critical Shots in Pool: Everything You Need to Know to Learn and Master the Game (Other) The 99 Critical Shots in Pool: Everything You Need to Know to Learn and Master the Game (Other)
  3. Byrne's Advanced Technique in Pool and Billiards Byrne's Advanced Technique in Pool and Billiards
  4. Pleasures of Small Motions: Mastering the Mental Game of Pocket Billiards Pleasures of Small Motions: Mastering the Mental Game of Pocket Billiards
  5. Byrne's Treasury of Trick Shots in Pool and Billiards Byrne's Treasury of Trick Shots in Pool and Billiards

ASIN: 0156027216

Book Description

Bestselling author, Hall-of-Famer, and master-teacher Robert Byrne is back with his most impressive effort yet: an exhaustive compendium of more than 350 pool shots that will take its place among the game's classic instructional books. Ranging from tickys to double-kisses and from jump shots to diamond systems, Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots takes players on an accelerated trip from pool kindergarten to graduate school. Most of Byrne's expertly diagrammed shots are not widely known and many are described here for the first time-in many cases, these are the secrets of a lifetime. Players of every skill level, including the most advanced, will find their game greatly strengthened by the clever moves Byrne has assembled.
For twenty-five years, Byrne's New Standard Book has been
"the definitive work on pool and billiards" (National Billiard Review). This new shot-by-shot reference will enable players to reach an even higher level. They'll have to read it before their opponents do.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fantastic book.......2007-05-18

I have read through my copy of this book 3 times so far and I'm sure I'll read through it many more times in the years to come. Something in this book is bound to improve your game or at least your knowledge of what is possible. He exposes a good number of shots and concepts that are really not very difficult to grasp and execute *if* you know about them. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to move beyond the intermediate skill level of playing pool.

4 out of 5 stars My second copy.......2007-01-28

This is my second copy of this book. I gave it as a birthday present. It was well received.

Unlike "Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards," which is 50% devoted to 3-cushion billiards, this book is devoted entirely to pool. It's about how to put the ball in the pocket, which ball to shoot, and don't forget not to leave your opponent a shot.

Byrne is good at this and explains the difference between what it appears is happening and what the balls are really doing. It is an enjoyable read and a book anyone who enjoys shooting pool should have.

5 out of 5 stars 350 moves Every Player Should Know.......2007-01-19

This book is great. My boyfriend loves it and is trying to learn all the shots.

5 out of 5 stars The title speaks for itself.......2007-01-11

This is something not only to read again and again, but also to take to the tables and practice some to the set-ups with which you may have previously had trouble. The answers are there.

3 out of 5 stars Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots.......2007-01-09

Fun to try the stuff in this book. It really helped my game to make some of the shots by practicing them out of the book and then seeing them in a regular game.
Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • look at the cover
  • Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards
  • Instant Improvement
  • new standard
  • All I Needed
Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards
Robert Byrne
Manufacturer: Harvest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know
  2. The 99 Critical Shots in Pool: Everything You Need to Know to Learn and Master the Game (Other) The 99 Critical Shots in Pool: Everything You Need to Know to Learn and Master the Game (Other)
  3. Byrne's Advanced Technique in Pool and Billiards Byrne's Advanced Technique in Pool and Billiards
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  5. Play Your Best Pool Play Your Best Pool

ASIN: 0156005549

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 Silverman

Book Description

Now updated throughout and expanded with new material on strategy in eight- and nine-ball, trick shots, and billiard memorabilia, this comprehensive guide to cue games remains “the definitive work on pool and billiards” (National Billiard News). Index; diagrams and photographs.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars look at the cover.......2007-02-23

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?

5 out of 5 stars Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards.......2006-11-03

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

5 out of 5 stars Instant Improvement.......2006-03-14

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

5 out of 5 stars new standard.......2006-03-06

This book taught me to play pool and now I'm using it to learn to play 3-cushion byrne is the best author on cuesports ever

5 out of 5 stars All I Needed.......2004-12-29

I have only been playing for about six months, so I am not too good. If you are like me, and you want to improve your game, buy this book. It is fun to read and extremely helpful. I probably won't be able to master every technique in the book in ten years, but the two or three things I have learned have taken my game to a whole new level. I love it. It is all I need.
Byrne's Advanced Technique in Pool and Billiards
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • from a real player
  • Should be Advanced 3-Cushion Billiards
  • Good companion to his Standard
  • advanced techniques?
  • A must read for all cuesports enthusiasts.
Byrne's Advanced Technique in Pool and Billiards
Robert Byrne
Manufacturer: Harvest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know
  2. Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards
  3. The 99 Critical Shots in Pool: Everything You Need to Know to Learn and Master the Game (Other) The 99 Critical Shots in Pool: Everything You Need to Know to Learn and Master the Game (Other)
  4. Byrne's Treasury of Trick Shots in Pool and Billiards Byrne's Treasury of Trick Shots in Pool and Billiards
  5. Pleasures of Small Motions: Mastering the Mental Game of Pocket Billiards Pleasures of Small Motions: Mastering the Mental Game of Pocket Billiards

ASIN: 0156149710

Book Description

The complement to Byrne’s Standard Book of Pool and Billiards, this volume contains clear explanations and helpful diagrams for experienced players who wish to perfect their game. Illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars from a real player .......2006-03-06

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

3 out of 5 stars Should be Advanced 3-Cushion Billiards.......2002-08-12

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.

4 out of 5 stars Good companion to his Standard.......2002-04-26

...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.

3 out of 5 stars advanced techniques?.......2001-02-25

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.

4 out of 5 stars A must read for all cuesports enthusiasts........1999-10-17

This book by Robert Byrne is an unusual compilation of player profiles, peculiar shots and various other interesting articles covering the gamut of cuesports.

It's greatest feature is the discusion of various aspects of physics like collisions, transfer of side, the masse', diamond systems and much more.

It succesfully debunks many myths found in pool halls and in the myriad of physics illiterate instructional books written by(or ghost written for) star players.

The author is an experienced writer and nationally competitive 3 cusion billiards player.
The 99 Critical Shots in Pool: Everything You Need to Know to Learn and Master the Game (Other)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • author knowledgeable
  • CANNOT BEAT THIS BOOK
  • Some good stuff in here
  • One of the must useful books of its kind
  • I still remember those shots after all these years.........
The 99 Critical Shots in Pool: Everything You Need to Know to Learn and Master the Game (Other)
Ray Martin , Inc. IMGS , and Estate of Rosser Reeves
Manufacturer: Random House Puzzles & Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know
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  3. Byrne's Advanced Technique in Pool and Billiards Byrne's Advanced Technique in Pool and Billiards
  4. Play Your Best Pool Play Your Best Pool
  5. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pool and Billiards, 2nd Edition (The Complete Idiot's Guide) The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pool and Billiards, 2nd Edition (The Complete Idiot's Guide)

ASIN: 0812922417
Release Date: 1993-10-05

Book Description

Thirtieth anniversary edition out in 2007!

World Champion Pool Player Ray "Cool Cat" Martin shares his secrets for playing winner's pool in this classic book, now with a new introduction by the author. Written with co-author Rosser Reeves three decades ago, The 99 Critical Shots in Pool remains one of the most authoritative guides to the game ever written. Over 200 illustrations show the proper form, technique, and approach to shots such as:

• The Center Ball Cheat-the-Pocket
• The Hook Shot
• The Seven Ball Stop Shot
• The Jump Shot
• The Frozen Kiss Shot
• The Nudge Shot
• The Side Pocket By-Pass Shot

Ray Martin, a Billiards Congress of America Hall of Fame inductee, is one of only seven players in the twentieth century to win three or more world 14.1 titles. He co-wrote this book with Rosser Reeves in 1976.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars author knowledgeable.......2007-09-09

has every critical shot in pool. i started at shot number 1 and practiced each shot then started over. i ran the table twice the first week..

5 out of 5 stars CANNOT BEAT THIS BOOK.......2007-05-11

Years ago when my kids were young, I got them a low priced pool table. We wore it out. Now that they are gone from the nest we decided to buy a good table and start playing again. The first book I bought was 99 critical shots in pool. It is one of the best books I have ever bought. To me it is like having an instructer right by your side. So to learn again or for the first time beginner, Get This Book and practice, practice, practice. Then later you will ask your-self, How in the world did I ever get along with-out it.

3 out of 5 stars Some good stuff in here.......2007-02-02

I have read a few books on billiards and "The 99 Critical Shots in Pool" has added to some of the knowledge I have accumulated from other readings. I personally liked Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards & The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards by David G. Alciatore, PhD ("Dr. Dave") better. I think these other two books are better written and more informative. I certainly wouldn't say this is a bad book, but not as interesting and informative as some others out there.

5 out of 5 stars One of the must useful books of its kind.......2006-06-12

There are several pool books out there. Some attempt to explain pool deductively: they explain general rules about how balls go and expect you to be able to apply them in any given situation. Other books approach the problem inductively: they show you the most important/useful shots and tell you how to approach them.

Both types of books are useful. 99 Critical Shots in Pool is an inductive type book. [I recommend "Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards for those looking for a deductive book.]

The thing that I find most useful about this book is what it does NOT include. There are books out there showing the "250 most important shots," without making it clear which are more important than others. The shots picked for this book are selected because they represent the most important pool knowledge.

I also like the illustration and diagram methodology chosen. Some book publishers save money by using less quality diagrams. "99 Critical Shots" does not do this.

One note: the bridge the author suggests in this book is a good one, but it is not the type of bridge that is most often suggested. If it works for you, great; if the bridge you use is one you are comfortable with, I wouldn't make the switch over.

To give an idea of how much I liked this book -- One time when I moved I sent this book back home [figuring I wasn't going to be playing pool for a while], and now I am strongly considering simply buying another copy for reference.

5 out of 5 stars I still remember those shots after all these years................2006-04-01

It was the year 1997 that I bought this book in Manila. Since then I'm constantly reading this book while I was playing back home in the Philippines. This book helps me a lot on improving my shot making techniques. I still remember how I made those shots on every game I played with my friends and with other money players I ecountered on every busy billiards halls.

I'm now in Sydney Australia and it's been more than 3 years that I don't actively play my favorite sport of all. Occasionally, I played light games on Sydney pubs and I can still see those shots that I learned from this book.

I miss those pool halls in Manila and also this one together with other books which I left on my parents' place and I hope my Dad is not reading "my precious" book... ;)
The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A Little Misleading!
  • THe best
  • Excellent Book On Playing Pool
  • Best all-around pool book available !!!
  • Great book, but you can get it for free
The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards
David G. Alciatore , and PhD, David Alciatore
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know
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  4. The 99 Critical Shots in Pool: Everything You Need to Know to Learn and Master the Game (Other) The 99 Critical Shots in Pool: Everything You Need to Know to Learn and Master the Game (Other)
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ASIN: 1402714289

Book Description

Master one of the world’s most popular games with the help of a mechanical engineering professor who has a passion for pool. More than 80 principles of the game, presented with 250-plus precisely scaled illustrations and photographs, offer players of all levels a thorough overview of the fundamentals of 8-ball and 9-ball, including grip and stance, basic shots, position play and strategy, bank and kick shots, and advanced techniques such as carom and jump shots. Organized for quick study, this must-have guide features extensive cross-references and is supplemented with video clips, interesting mathematical formulas, and other resources also available at www.engr.colostate.edu/pool.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A Little Misleading!.......2007-06-27

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.

5 out of 5 stars THe best.......2007-03-03

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.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Book On Playing Pool.......2006-08-27

This book is very detailed. If you want to study the game it is great. If you do not like reading text books, this is not for you. Dave gives a lot of details, some of which help you understand the game, but you do not need to play the game. If you really want to understand the game and want to seriously improve your game and become a high level player buy it, but study it. I am an engineer so I like the analytical approach to pool this book has. Many of the principles are at the web site mentioned in the book where you can watch the videos. There are also proofs if that is your cup of tea and like geometry. If you just want the basics, do not buy this book.
If you want to excel, buy it.

5 out of 5 stars Best all-around pool book available !!!.......2006-08-15

If you plan to buy only one pool book, this is the one you should buy. It covers all of the important principles and has lots of great examples. And the online video demos are great. They help the book come to life. The book is also easy to read; although, it ain't a novel. The book is also a great reference. It's very easy find the info you need.

I highly recommend this book. I think it is the best available!

4 out of 5 stars Great book, but you can get it for free.......2006-06-28

Many of the information found in this book you can find it in the author's website (enlarge the cover to see the address). For that matter I believe that there's no much reason to buy this book if you can get the info for free. I have to agree that the content is valuable and critical for a player who wants to improve his or her game, but I don't see much difference between the book and the website (probably when the book came out the info was not availabe online, but still for a person today is easier and cheaper to access the website instead). Like I said, the content is pretty good and it definitely has helped me to understand many things about pool. Great info, for sure, just take my advice about the website though. The book is good for quick reference anytime you want.
The Science of Pocket Billiards
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Full of Details
  • Very comprehensive but technical
  • My opinion
  • Real Magic
  • Great Gift for a Pool-Loving Loved one
The Science of Pocket Billiards
Jack H. Koehler
Manufacturer: Sportology Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know
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ASIN: 0962289027

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.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Full of Details.......2007-04-10

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

4 out of 5 stars Very comprehensive but technical.......2007-01-09

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.

5 out of 5 stars My opinion.......2006-10-17

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.

5 out of 5 stars Real Magic.......2006-08-31

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

5 out of 5 stars Great Gift for a Pool-Loving Loved one.......2006-08-27

I bought this for my fiance's birthday- it was one of the highest priority items on his wishlist. It is a big book- about the size of the average college textbook- and he read it straight from front to cover in the matter of a few weeks. He believes that it has really taught him a lot and that he has been playing better (and he was already very good) since he'd started reading it. In summary, this is a fantastic gift for the avid pool player in your life, as long as they are the type willing to sit down and do some reading.
Sweet
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • required reading for pool players...
  • Playing Pool in New York
  • Sweet - A Pool Player
  • Like Michael Lewis for pool!
  • Full pockets
Sweet
Heather Byer
Manufacturer: Riverhead Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 159448936X
Release Date: 2007-03-01

Book Description

When Heather Byer moved to New York from the Midwest in the early 1990s, she was like thousands of newcomers before her: wholesome, overeducated, ready to jump head-first into the ruthless, exciting world of literature or film. She eventually built a successful career as a movie executive, only to realize that something was missing from her life. She was stuck -- stuck in a lifestyle of fancy lunches and high-powered temper tantrums, of working too hard for too little personal fulfillment.

But instead of turning to therapy or yoga to relieve her angst, Heather found herself drawn to the dark and seductive world of pool.

In Sweet, Byer recounts her first fumbling attempts to learn a game that beckoned to her for years. She describes the hypnotic pull that surrounds the sport of pool: the netherworld of bars that serve as dens for substance abuse; the troubled players who lose themselves in the game; the constant quest for the win. As her game improves, she finds her persona changing, becoming less verbal and analytical and more intuitive and physical as she meets a series of people who leave lasting impressions -- a lanky, country-boy pool instructor; a good-hearted lawyer with a drinking problem; a strange South American bank-shot specialist; a hot-tempered woman with a nose-ring and an endless supply of sex appeal; mentors and hustlers; friends and lovers. As she moves through this beguiling, sometimes treacherous subculture, Byer vividly describes her progress and mishaps on the tables. Ultimately, the humiliating losses and exhilarating wins -- both in the pool bars and her personal life -- alter how she thinks of the game and herself.

Sweet is both an unexpected memoir and a fascinating glimpse into a world few people know and even fewer understand.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars required reading for pool players..........2007-08-01

...or for anyone looking for a story about transformation.

Anyone who plays pool, however casually, will appreciate Byer's descriptions of nail-biting games. And anyone who has tried to learn something new as an adult will appreciate her frustrations as her game alternately improves and falls into slumps. I'm not sure what felt most familiar to me--her descriptions of New York City, her passionate love for the game, or Byer herself, a smart strong woman who is used to being good at things and who finds herself struggling madly to grasp this complicated and under-appreciated game. Her depictions of the world of league pool are so vivid, those who play will nod with recognition, and those who don't will feel as if they do. Most important, we get to watch her grow and change both as a player and as a person. If pool is your game you must read this book. Even if it's not, this is a beautifully-told story of a woman learning to hold her own in a world largely dominated by men. I couldn't put it down.

5 out of 5 stars Playing Pool in New York.......2007-04-12

An out-of-town girl learns to play pool in this fun memoir. New Yorkers will also love the flavor of their city throughout the book.

5 out of 5 stars Sweet - A Pool Player.......2007-04-10

This book is informative, interesting and easy to read without becoming boring. I liked the way the author described her experiences and how she related those experiences to the theme of the book. I highly recommend this book to everybody.

5 out of 5 stars Like Michael Lewis for pool!.......2007-04-06

Propulsive, addictive, such a deeply satisfying read. Makes low-stakes pool a metaphor for breaking through all kinds of barriers. One of the best memoirs.

5 out of 5 stars Full pockets.......2007-03-19

This is a delightful book, one that took me by surprise as memoir qualifies as my least favorite genre. But I started reading it, largely because I am a New Yorker (by adoption if not birth) and I like pool - not enough to brave the New York chapter of the American Poolplayers Association, but enough for misty-eyed memories of summers at my grandfather's table in Austin, Texas. That the author, Heather Byer, is far more certain in her literary voice than she is in her 8-ball skills makes her a terrific companion on every page, especially in her deft portraits of the Manhattan pool-bar world.
Play Your Best Pool
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Very good!
  • wealth of resource
  • Awesome indepth book
  • Play Your Best Pool
  • Good fundimentals
Play Your Best Pool
Philip B. Capelle
Manufacturer: Billiards Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0964920409

Book Description

Phil Capelle's Play Your Best Pool is by far the most comprehensive book ever published on playing pool. The book's 442 pages reveal hundreds of secrets and strategies that can help improve your game regardless of whether you are new to the game or are on the verge of going pro.

A complete course on the fundamentals includes over 40 photos that demonstrate the correct stance, bridge, grip and stroke. A series of checklists shows you how to practice and evaluate your game. The next two chapters cover everything you need to know about aiming and shotmaking. Ninety diagrams demonstrate gamewinning shots including banks, cuts, combinations, billiards and caroms.

The pros make pool look so easy because they've mastered the art of position play. Play Your Best Pool shows you how to use english and then provides you with over 130 diagrams on all facets of position play so you can also learn expert cue ball control. Phil Capelle's 21 Principles of Position Play alone are worth far more than the price of the book. Speed control, natural position, how to plan for three balls at a time and down the line position are just a few of the principles covered in this section.

Your success at 8-ball and 9-ball, America's two most popular pool games, largely depends on how much you know about the strategy of each game. In two big chapters you'll learn all about offensive and defensive strategies that can help you gain control of the table and keep your opponent in his chair. You'll find solid advice on kick shots, safeties, pattern play, break shots and much more. These two chapters alone contain over 170 illustrations.

Developing a topflight pool game requires that you spend many hours at the practice table. Play Your Best Pool provides you with over 20 diagrams of practice drills and many other useful suggestions for making your practice sessions as fun and productive as possible.

To round out your complete course in pool you'll find chapters on the mental game, competition and how to improve that will tell you how to think like a winner and compete successfully in tournaments, leagues and money games.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Very good!.......2007-05-16

I've read a number of books on the game of pool. I was very impressed with the authors grasp of the game as well as his very apparent love of the game. He has obviously studied the art form intensely for many years. I felt that his realistic, open minded approach and access to many of the current greats of the game make his advice quite invaluable to the commited student of the game. Buy this book if you're serious about improving.

5 out of 5 stars wealth of resource.......2007-05-07

Phil Chapelle's book "Play Your Best Pool" is a wealth of resources. It is quite thorough and would be good for someone seriously interested in pool. It's got a 60+ page section on 8-ball, an equally thorough section on 9 ball, and more on the fundamentals, shotmaking, position play,how to improve, practice techniques, and equipment. My games have significantly improved by reading and using Chapelle's book. Highly recommended. So much information that a novice might be overwhelmed, and it might not be so useful if you don't have a home table to go through it all (I wish I did)...but still, an indispensable book.

5 out of 5 stars Awesome indepth book.......2007-03-04

I got this book when i first became serious about playing pool, while reading it my game just kept going up and up and up, now i break and run several times a night. before it would be make a ball or 2 and that was it for my runs. it is a great book.

5 out of 5 stars Play Your Best Pool.......2007-01-22

I have read eight books on pool. This is by far the best of the eight. The book is cramed with pool information. A no nonsense approach to playing the game. If you want to learn more about playing pool, this is the read.

5 out of 5 stars Good fundimentals.......2007-01-13

I was pretty good at pool many years ago and finally have the ability to play again. I don't play at all well now. This book has helped me discover where my game is off. I needed to break down the basics and fix some problems areas. The info. in this book has helped me direct my children's pool game as well. It's easy reading and always there when I find the time to focus on the great game of pool.
Pleasures of Small Motions: Mastering the Mental Game of Pocket Billiards
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Brain Buster
  • As reading Pleasures of Small Motions
  • Fantastic
  • Great Book
  • A Pool Players Pocket Guide...
Pleasures of Small Motions: Mastering the Mental Game of Pocket Billiards
Ph.D., Bob Fancher , and Robert T Fancher
Manufacturer: The Lyons Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ReferenceReference | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Billiards & PoolBilliards & Pool | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
Bodybuilding & Weight TrainingBodybuilding & Weight Training | Training | Sports | Subjects | Books
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  5. Play Your Best Pool Play Your Best Pool

ASIN: 1585745391

Book Description

A psychotherapist and pool columnist breaks new ground by applying good science to the mental game of billiards and gives invaluable insight on competitive play.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Brain Buster.......2007-04-10

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.

5 out of 5 stars As reading Pleasures of Small Motions.......2007-01-12

I think of all 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.


5 out of 5 stars Fantastic.......2007-01-09

Not only is this book great for pool, but the knowledge you can aquire is easily applicable to other activities and aspects of life. It can take a while to read since it is pretty mind bending to absorb it all, but well worth it.

5 out of 5 stars Great Book.......2006-07-10

Each chapter offered great advice on the mental game of pool. Immediately after reading the book, I could tell that my game had picked up a notch. (And exactly one month after reading the book, my 8-ball skill level in my pool league was also raised a notch.)

I learned to stop putting pressure on myself to play my "best game" in high-pressure situations (think about it: if your "best" game happened all the time, it would be your "normal" game) and instead concentrate on playing MY game, the one that I am accustomed to playing most of the time.

I also learned to stop concentrating on making the ball - something that I already know how to do - and to start concentrating on the mechanics of my stroke, something that frequently causes me to MISS the ball!

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve his or her game, regardless of skill level. This book will teach you to think realistically about your game and to put your existing talents to better use.

5 out of 5 stars A Pool Players Pocket Guide..........2006-05-27

This small, but powerful book is essential for the player who wants to raise their game and move on to the next level. I try and play pool everyday. I can make shots, no problem. Once you conquer the fundamentals and basics it's time to move on and extend your skills: your mental skills.

Your mentality is the other essential half to playing pool. "Pleasures of Small Motions" completes this element. This book deconstructs the psychological components in different situations (fun vs competition play). Once I read this book I noticed a major difference in my game; I was more confident, and in effect, I made balls cleaner and `set up' was a breeze. "Pleasures of Small Motions" helps you harness your emotions, and if needed, teaches you to unleash them (physically or not).

All in all, this book is perfect for your collection, or perhaps the beginning of one.
Mike Massey's World of Trick Shots
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Mike Massey's world of trick shots
  • Very Cool!
Mike Massey's World of Trick Shots
Mike Massey , and Phil Capelle
Manufacturer: Billiards Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
PuzzlesPuzzles | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Billiards & PoolBilliards & Pool | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Entertainment BooksLook Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0964920468

Book Description

Mike Massey's World of Trick Shots will teach you how to execute the shots like the master. Included are Hustler's Specials, Crowd Pleasers, Jump Shots, Masses, Prop Shots, and much more. All shots are diagrammed perfectly to scale. On every shot you will be shown how to set up the balls, where to strike the cue ball, the correct speed and elevation, and how to correct for the most common errors. The shots are rated for difficulty of set up and execution. This allows you to pick those that are suited to your level of skill. There is a chapter on how to give your own show, which includes lines that will amuse and entertain your fans. A 30-page biography of Mike's world travels will take you on several globe trotting adventures with the master.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Mike Massey's world of trick shots.......2007-01-19

I bought this book for my boyfriend for Christmas. He loves it and uses it everyday when he gets a chance to learn all the tricks. It was one of his greatest present. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn trick shots.

4 out of 5 stars Very Cool!.......2007-01-11

Mike Massey is awsome. My boyfriend and I enjoy learning trick shots and who better to learn from than Mike Massey! Ladies...if you want to spend time with your guy and he likes pool...this is the book for you! Or if you want to show off at a pool hall or in front of your man this book will help!

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