Customer Reviews

Win at Pocket Billiards

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although this book's title doesn't really indicate it's true contents, it is certainly a clear and concise guide to "the diamond system" and 1, 2, and 3 rail kicks for the advanced pool player.

Contrary to a few other reviews I have read about this book on this site, I feel the shot descriptions and illustrations are very easy to follow and understand. One reviewer complained about the lack of explanation of concepts like running/reverse english, and that is true. The author tells you right up front that you need to already be familiar with the concept of english, as well as terms like long rail, short rail, and extended diamond, but he also explains them in the included glossary for you. The quote by one reviewer that "This book tells you nothing you cannot find out from another good player at a hall" is just an outrageous claim, unless the pros regularly hang out at your local pool hall.

If you are looking for a book about pocketing balls, improving your stroke, or how to execute a good draw shot, this is not the book for you. However, if you are an advanced player looking to de-mystify "the diamond system" and 1, 2, and 3 rail kicks, as well as banks, this IS the book for you. It is also very short and to the point, which is a plus in my book. There are many books on pool which cost three times as much as this, but don't divulge these seldom discussed advanced techniques.

This book is just awesome, and has made an incredible improvement in my game. I used to dread Bank shots, and now I rather bank the ball. Thanks you - This is a must read if you want to master the art of banking and kicking balls.

The systems work if you practice a lot (no ones stroke is exactly the same as someone elses) and learn to adjust for each table. The author means precisely what he says, you have to pay attention to every detail in the explanations. The outline of the 3 rail diamond system is as good as any.

I really liked the early part of the book, but inconsistancies occur in the methology as you progress into real game situations where you would seek position off the object ball. Although it's not great, it is still worth the cost to open your mind to new possibilities.

I am a league player rated a 5. I can make shots and banks. I am not the best player and I'm not the worst player. I was looking for a book that gave a solid kicking system.

This book tells you nothing you cannot find out from another good player at a hall. The fomula given is usable. Unfortunately, it is not explained too well. The examples on the 3 and 4 rail kicks lack in quantity. The illustrations lack variations in shots and explanations on how to make a reasonable adjustment. A beginning pool player is not going to follow it. The other information in this book can be found in other books which are better written. 99 Critical Shots of Pool contains all this information and more.

This is not for the beginner. If you don't know english or have a good stroke, you will not benefit from this. This book assumes you already have the basics behind you.

I don't recommend this book.

Buy a tip pick instead. Or some chalk. Or a soda.

Desmond Allen is a certified instructor with the Billiard Congress of America. In Win At Pocket Billiards, he draws upon his considerable expertise to provide the reader with a concise, profusely illustrated and instructive guide to all aspects of the game including how to pocket and kick balls, including one-, two-, and three-rail kick shots. Totally "user friendly", Win At Pocket Billiards is essential reading for the novice, and has a great deal to commend it to the attention of even the more experienced players.

I thought i finally found a book that explained the diamond system and was getting it but then to book moved on to areas that i could not find explained earlier than i got lost. examples shown did not always show all the needed information to fully understand and decipher. after reading the other reviews i must be a ree, everyone seems to love it. i am at about a 25 ball run on regrular basis.