The Black Widow's Guide to Killer Pool: Become the Player to Beat [Paperback]

Jeanette Lee (Author), Adam Gershenson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 6, 2000

Pool-playing legend Jeanette Lee--"the Black Widow," who wears only black during tournaments and devours her opponents--explains every aspect of playing to win, from holding the cue to performing combination, kiss, and trick shots. Lee shows wannabe winners of every level how to compete intelligently, lose gracefully, win frequently, stay focused, and achieve goals in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This hip, engaging guide to the game is designed to turn you into the player to beat--in basements, bar leagues, local tournaments, and beyond.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Jeanette Lee, a.k.a. the Black Widow, is one of the hottest players on the women's professional pool tour. While some critics maintain she's a star only because she's beautiful, with her long, black hair and tight-fitting, fashionable clothes, Lee has the skills to live up to her fierce persona. In The Black Widow's Guide to Killer Pool, Lee shares how she became the player to beat and helps readers improve their game. Part one explains the fundamentals of pool--from how to grip the cue and develop a smooth, level stroke to how to select a cue and a table. She also offers up practice drills for accuracy and control, games (straight pool, eight ball, and nine ball--"by far the sexiest game"), and even a few trick shots to practice. Mastering these skills should let you beat the boss, your uncle Fred, and even the guy down at the corner bar. The next part focuses on the mental aspects of competition--key for a game that is, in Lee's estimation, "90 percent mental, 10 percent on the table." In it she discusses how to get into the zone and how to develop a winning attitude. She also addresses practical matters, such as how to find tournaments, and describes her match day preparations.

Without a lot of practice, you'll not likely be following Lee onto a professional tour. But with Lee's help you will be able to gain confidence and play to win. Remember, "Every shot, whether you make it or miss it, is a step toward something better." This book is an excellent first step. --M. Stein

Review

"Jeanette Lee is a natural, like Wayne Gretzky, Babe Ruth, or Michael Jordan. You may not become a world champion pool player, but this book will help you be the best player you can be."
--David Brenner, comedian/actor/owner of Amsterdam Billiard Clubs of NYC


From the Trade Paperback edition. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press; 1 edition (June 6, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609805061
• ISBN-13: 978-0609805060
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #317,741 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #56 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Billiards & Pool

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rack'm Up!, August 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Black Widow's Guide to Killer Pool: Become the Player to Beat (Paperback)

This book is a trifecta. First, it is an excellent primer on the strategy, tactics and mechanics for novice pool players. The text explanations are re-enforced with excellent graphics.

Second, the book explores the life story and psychological make-up of a champion athlete/competitor; insightful and inspiring.

Finally, the book is well-written. The style is chatty and informal. Its an easy and pleasurable read.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for PROS to be, June 11, 2001

By 

Rick Jennings (Lebanon, Tennessee USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Black Widow's Guide to Killer Pool: Become the Player to Beat (Paperback)

Great book. No nonsense real view at the pro tour from a top world class player; one whom has not lost sight of the road traveled. She is unafraid to say how unpolished she was as an upcoming beginner and tips on being a real sportsperson. All done with impeccable witt, charm and profound insight. My perspective and game have both reached a new level; In one week of reading this book I was so inspired to get off my butt, join a BCA league, start doing drills everyday, and decided not to waste time playing around. I now make my time at the table count. In three weeks my fellow players have gone from "He's so lucky" to "His game has really improved." Jeanette Lee is an inspiration as a player and a person. Thanks to a wonderful lady and I hope that the universe finds a way to repay/reward her for her many contributions. Regards RJ ps just to let you know I own over 20 various books and 20 top vides on this subject. Many have helped at different stages of development; however, this is a very well written well rounded and humorus tome.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and captivating, June 17, 2000

By 

Stephen Ross (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Black Widow's Guide to Killer Pool: Become the Player to Beat (Paperback)

I got this book because I love to watch Jeanette Lee play the sport-- she is an exciting player to follow. The book captures her intense, competitive nature at the same time that she generously teaches the game of pool--skills, philosophy, approach, etc. The writing is smart and engaging. A nice break from the medical stuff I usually read.