Basic Pool: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

by Arthur "Babe" Cranfield, Laurence S. Moy

Overview

Learn tips and tactics from the very best, in this newly revised and expanded edition.

In the game of pool, few names hold more weight than Arthur “Babe” Cranfield. Ranked among the best billiard players in world history, Cranfield is indisputably one of the greats of the game. In this newly revised and updated edition of Basic Pool, you can learn proven tips and tactics to help you improve your game. From basics like choosing a table and selecting a cue to advanced techniques like manipulating the ball using English, draw, and follow, Basic Pool has all you need to elevate your play and increase the enjoyment you take from it. Other topics include:

• The mechanics of pool
• Cue ball control
• Standard rules of the most popular variations
• Effective practice techniques
• And many more!

Whether you are pool novice or have been playing for years, Basic Pool is sure to provide you with the knowledge that you need to take your pool skills to the next level.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781510712300
Publisher:	Skyhorse Publishing
Publication date:	11/01/2016
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Arthur “Babe” Cranfield was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame in 1997 and was the only player in the history of the sport to win the National Junior, National Amateur, and World Professional pocket billiard titles. He lived in Syracuse, New York, prior to his passing in 2004.

Laurence S. Moy is a partner in a law firm, a former college pool champion, and an accomplished pool player. He lives in New York City.

Table of Contents

Introduction xi

Chapter 1 Getting Started 1

The Basis 3

2 Chapter 2 Equipment Makes a Difference 9

"Table in the Back?"-How to Select a Table in a Commercial Poolroom 9

What to Look for in a Pool Cue 10

Chalk 18

Keep It Clean 19

Must You Accessorize? 19

Caring for Your Cue 20

3 Chapter 3 That Critical 20 Percent-The Mechanics of Playing Pool 23

Stance and Torso Position 24

Hand Position 28

The Rear Hand 30

The Bridge Hand 32

The Stroke-What Will Separate You for Life from Every Other Pool Player (Whether You Like It or Not) 40

4 Chapter 4 Aiming Kept Simple-How to Make Your Shots 49

The Point of Aim, the Point of Contact, and the Difference Between the Two 50

Finding the Point of Aim Using the Arrow System 53

Fine-Tuning Your Aiming-When and How to Make Adjustments 59

Combination Shots 61

Chapter 5 Three Keys to Cue Ball Control: The Stop Shot, the Follow Shot, and the Draw Shot 65

Your Reference Point: The Short Stop Shot 66

The Follow Shot 69

The Draw Shot 72

The Long Stop Shot 73

Chapter 6 Moving the Cue Ball Successfully 75

The Tangent Line and the Natural Path of the Cue Ball 76

Speed Control 82

Controlling Your Destiny-How to Alter the Natural Path of the Cue Ball 84

Chapter 7 "English" as a Second Language-Understanding and Applying Side-Spin 97

Understanding English 98

Applying English 100

Chapter 8 When Worlds Collide (And When You Should Make Sure They Don't) 113

Adjusting the Speed of the Cue Ball 114

When to Separate Clusters of Balls 116

When to "Bump" (Run the Cue Ball Into) Other Balls 119

Choosing Not to Run Into Object Balls 120

Chapter 9 The Other 80 Percent-Thinking Your Way Through a Pool Game 125

Relaxed Concertration 126

Trust Yourself 127

Chapter 10 Straight Pool, Eight-Ball, and Nine-Ball-The Rules of the Games and Beyond 129

Straight Pool 130

Nine-Ball 153

Eight-Ball 169

Chapter 11 Practice Makes Better (If Not Perfect) 179

Meaningful Practice 179

Drills, Exercises, and Competing 181

Chapter 12 Beyond this Book 191

Instruction 191

Videotapes 192

Magazines 193

Glossary 195

Acknowledgments 199

About the Authors 201

Index 205