Basic pool: the ultimate beginner's guide

Introduction

Chapter 1. Getting Started

The Basis

2. Chapter 2 Equipment Makes a Difference

Table in the Back?-How to Select a Table in a Commercial Poolroom

What to Look for in a Pool Cue

Chalk

Keep It Clean

Must You Accessorize?

Caring for Your Cue

3. Chapter 3 That Critical 20 Percent-The Mechanics of Playing Pool

Stance and Torso Position

Hand Position

The Rear Hand

The Bridge Hand

The Stroke-What Will Separate You for Life from Every Other Pool Player (Whether You Like It or Not)

4. Chapter 4 Aiming Kept Simple-How to Make Your Shots

The Point of Aim, the Point of Contact, and the Difference Between the Two

Finding the Point of Aim Using the Arrow System

Fine-Tuning Your Aiming-When and How to Make Adjustments

Combination Shots

Chapter 5. Three Keys to Cue Ball Control: The Stop Shot, the Follow Shot, and the Draw Shot

Your Reference Point: The Short Stop Shot

The Follow Shot

The Draw Shot

The Long Stop Shot

Chapter 6. Moving the Cue Ball Successfully

The Tangent Line and the Natural Path of the Cue Ball

Speed Control

Controlling Your Destiny-How to Alter the Natural Path of the Cue Ball

Chapter 7. English as a Second Language-Understanding and Applying Side-Spin

Understanding English

Applying English

Chapter 8. When Worlds Collide (And When You Should Make Sure They Don't)

Adjusting the Speed of the Cue Ball

When to Separate Clusters of Balls

When to Bump (Run the Cue Ball Into) Other Balls

Choosing Not to Run Into Object Balls

Chapter 9. The Other 80 Percent-Thinking Your Way Through a Pool Game

Relaxed Concertration

Trust Yourself

Chapter 10. Straight Pool, Eight-Ball, and Nine-Ball-The Rules of the Games and Beyond

Straight Pool

Nine-Ball

Eight-Ball

Chapter 11. Practice Makes Better (If Not Perfect)

Meaningful Practice

Drills, Exercises, and Competing

Chapter 12. Beyond this Book

Instruction

Videotapes

Magazines

Glossary

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Index