The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pool and Billiards, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

by Ewa Mataya Laurance (Author), Thomas C. Shaw (Author)
Key Phrases: pinpoint position play, billiard knowledge, third consecutive foul, Straight Pool, Pocket Dictionary, Ewa's Billiard Bits (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product 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

About the Author
Ewa Mataya Laurance is a world-class pro. Nominated for inclusion in the prestigious Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame, she has won numerous tournaments from London to Las Vegas, as well as in her native Sweden. She travels over 300 days a year attending tournaments and private events.

Thomas C. Shaw is managing editor of Pool and Billiards Magazine, and author of The Proprietors Manual: How to Open and Operate a Successful Billiard Room.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Alpha; 2 edition (November 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592572871
• ISBN-13: 978-1592572878
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #57,585 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #5 in	Books > Sports > Individual Sports > Billiards & Pool
  #20 in	Books > Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Reference
  #35 in	Books > Sports > Miscellaneous > Reference

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book on Pool available, February 20, 2005

By	FOX (USA) - See all my reviews

Don't let this series of "Idiot Guides" turn you off to this great book. They are all written by different authors, and this author wrote a really good book, unlike some of the other idiot guides.

I have just about every book on Pool and Billiards there is, and this by far is the best.

For beginners, and people just getting into Pool that want a book, THIS is the one to get. It has information on EVERYTHING from what type of pool cue to get, to trick shots, and some real good advice.

The ONLY thing I found odd, is when the author tells you to always put the chalk back on the table sideways instead of straight up. Just cross out that part, and the rest of the book is great.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Readable, Informative, A Great Start, March 10, 2006

By	L. Wick - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm new to the game so I can't critically review every bit of advice in this boook. However, I have a STACK of new books on pool and this is the only one that one can actually read from cover to cover. All of Ms. Laurence's advice has been sound so far, and my game is moving along. Moving along very nicely, in fact, after some fumbling before I got this book. Perfect for beginners. She gets into some pretty advanced theory and practice, not just newbiw stuff -- but if she ever writes a book with "Advanced" in the title, I fully intend to buy it ASAP. I do wish there was a way to take a book to the pool hall without looking like a fool: this would be the one.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for a beginner, November 5, 2006

By	Bob Costa "John Galt" (FL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am just learning about pool, and I found this book to be just what I needed. She clearly exlains each issue, mostly in a very good order for learning them. My friends can't believe how quickly I have improved. Now I have to decide if I want to share the book with them or just start beating them.