Pool and Billiards For Dummies »

Nicholas Leider is Managing Editor of Billiards Digest magazine, for which he continues to write extensively on billiards play and game strategy.

Practical, step-by-step tips for players of all levels

From snooker to carom to good, old-fashioned 8- or 9-ball, Pool & Billiards For Dummies reveals the tips, tricks, and rules of play, covering the variety of the ever-popular games that make up pool and billiards. This hands-on guide discusses everything from the rules and strategies of the games to how to set up your very own poolroom.

• Gearing up — find, buy, and maintain the cue that's best for you and accessorize your game with chalk, racks, lights, and triangles
• Get schooled on the fundamentals of pool — find out how to build a solid stance; get a feel for aiming; and create a dependable, consistent stroke
• Control the cue ball — discover how to control the movement of the cue ball to make stop shots and incorporate topspin, backspin, and sidespin
• Take your best shot — follow instructions on tackling common shots, eyeing combinations, and playing offensively and defensively
• Oh, the games you'll play — get the rules and strategies for playing 8-ball, 9-ball, multiplayer games, and professionals' games

Open the book and find:

• The differences between pool and billiards
• Game-winning strategies no matter what version of the game is played
• Helpful diagrams and photos
• Drills for all skills
• Games to measure your progress
• The etiquette of pool
• Coverage of the Ghost Ball System
• The secrets of creating a powerful break shot
• Tips on finding the right cue for you

Learn to:

• Play by the rules and develop game-winning strategies for the most popular games
• Hold the stick correctly and hit the cue ball properly
• Play like a champion regardless of your experience
• Perform trick shots to amaze your friends

Introduction.

Part I: Fundamentals of Pool.

Chapter 1: Arriving at the Pool Party.

Chapter 2: Getting Down: Building a Solid Stance.

Chapter 3: Handling the Cue.

Chapter 4: On Target: The Science and Feel of Aiming.

Chapter 5: Hit It: Creating a Solid Stroke.

Chapter 6: Playing Nice: The Etiquette of the Game.

Part II: Controlling the Cue Ball.

Chapter 7: Getting Control and Stopping the Cue Ball.

Chapter 8: Aim High: Incorporating Follow.

Chapter 9: Using Draw: Putting Backspin on the Cue Ball.

Chapter 10: The English Effect: Using Sidespin on the Cue Ball.

Part III: Taking Your Shots.

Chapter 11: Opening Shots: The Rack and the Break.

Chapter 12: Thinking Ahead: Position and Pattern Play.

Chapter 13: Shot-making: Tackling the Most Frequent Situations.

Chapter 14: Eying Combinations: Making Shots with Multiple Balls.

Chapter 15: Billiards and Caroms: Finding New Ways to Pocket Balls.

Chapter 16: Banks and Kicks: Making the Most of the Rails.

Chapter 17: Thinking Defensively: Playing Safe.

Part IV: The Games You’ll Play.

Chapter 18: The Magic of 8-Ball.

Chapter 19: 9-Ball: The Hustler’s Game.

Chapter 20: Pool’s Many Other Games.

Part V: Gearing Up.

Chapter 21: Equipment Check: Looking for Quality Tools.

Chapter 22: Pool Is Mental: Winning the Head Games.

Chapter 23: Drilling It Home: Practice Techniques.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 24: Mastering Ten Trick Shots.

Chapter 25: Overcoming Ten or So Common Problems.

Index.