Why Pool Hustlers Win

Wonder if you were hustled or sharked? This book explains how pool hustlers use various tricks (sharks) to bend and break the concepts of sportsmanship. Their tricks are exposed in detail – including specific instructions on how to respond. Some of these sharking tricks are amateur hour only – commonly seen among bar-bangers and teenage shooters. The sophisticated and slick tricks are also described. These are all meant to be mental distractions designed to help you lose games and money. To play competitive table billiards, you need more than good pocketing and positioning skills. It takes a keen awareness of your opponent and his actions. If he is a hustler, this book gives you the tools to recognize and stop anything he does.

In the tradition of Pulitzer Prize nominated, Positively Fifth Street, here is a riveting account of a high stakes shoot-out between pool's two most famous personalities. It was Valentine's Day, 1978, and Howard Cosell was hosting the long-awaited show-down between the best-ever tournament player, Willie Mosconi, and the game's most famous hustler, Minnesota Fats. This was The Great Pool Shoot-Out, one of the most highly rated televised sporting events of the year, exceeding even World Series games and basketball championships. R.A. Dyer, author of the best-selling Hustler Days, which recounts the rise of pool during the 1960s, writes of the acrid, but mutually beneficial rivalry between Fats and Mosconi, and how the televised shoot-outs came to embody that rivalry, which was nothing less than a bitter rift within the soul of American pocket billiards. Fats and Mosconi were born the same year, but were vastly different characters: one stood for artistry, the other for show business; one brought dignity to pool, the other made it fun. They are without a doubt the two most important players ever to hold a cue. This is the ultimate tale of American sportsmanship. R.A. Dyer is a columnist for Billiards Digest, and lives in Austin, Texas.

ADVANCED LEVEL PLAYERS: This book provides an objective evaluation system for pool and billiards players. Test groups include progressively difficult shots. The testing process determines your current skills. A log allows you to compare previous efforts against current abilities. Scoring system can be for: Skills Measurement - The test groups identify current playing skills with actual results. The testing process uses multiple attempts that remove the luck factor and reveal reality. Self-Knowledge - Because the test groups strip away fuzzy personal assumptions, the player can make more intelligent table decisions. Personal Training Program - Test groups with low scores identify what areas must be improved. A personalized skill development program can be developed, based on results. Competitive Skills Comparison - players compare their individual skills. Competitions can occur in person or (with referees), internationally. This can be done within in a casual competition or formal tournament environment. ++++++++++++++ Included are Referee instructions for challenges between buddies. Competitions can be done against others anywhere on the planet. Select the Test Group for the players and compare scores. Enjoy the challenges as you improve your skills!!

Do you seriously want to lose less and win more often? If so, then you need to understand the importance of practice. Time must be spent (daily or weekly) to learn how to force the balls to obey your intentions. Even 15-20 minutes a week of focused learning will improve your playing skills. This book is your shortcut opportunity to advance your skills and win more games. These exercises and drills are designed to improve all of your skills – physical and mental. Your practice sessions will be much more interesting and challenging. There are hundreds of exercises and drills. Every playing skill is included -- cue ball control (reverse spin, top spin), pocketing skills (straight and many different angles), and more – lots more. +++++++++ These drills and exercises are based on the concept of progressive advancement. Start with an easy setup. When you comfortable, increase the difficulty factor. Use these problems in two ways. At home, review an exercise. Consider how you must play the shot. Then, imagine the ball positions on the table in your head. Carefully and thoughtfully play the shot. Consider variations on the problem. Can you do this at different speeds? What are the consequences? Make notes as you think about different ideas - assumptions, possibilities, and variations. Then, at the practice table, select the problem you want to fix. Put down the paper reinforcement rings. Set up the ball configuration. Practice the configuration until it is easy, then try the exercise with left and right side spin on the ball – and at different speeds. Observe the results, and make adjustments. ++++++++++++ How to become the intelligent shooter!! You must decide to become a competitive player. Integrate a simple dedication to intentionally improve your skills. Start with 15 minute sessions, no more than 2 or 3 per day. Keep to a regular weekly schedule. Concentrate on one single improvement at each session. You will quickly observe improved table skills – and enjoy the experience of winning more games.

There are two classes of pool players in the world. The serious shooter is dedicated to finding ways to gain better control how the cue ball rolls around the table. Most players enjoy pool because, well – it’s fun! This book is written for you guys. This is an introduction to the idea that defensive shooting is just as important as offensive shooting. Here is something to remember: there are no rules that require you to play stupid shots. When you have a table layout with a shot that is too tough, you really do not have to figure out some crazy way that the object ball MIGHT (maybe) get to a designated pocket. How about this as a simple solution? DON’T try to make the shot. Instead, shoot something that prevents your opponent from winning the game. If you do this, your opponent has a difficult situation. You can let him invent silly reasons to miss. You come back to the table with a good chance to win (or get closer to a win). Let him play all offense all the time. You play a few safeties and let him give you the opportunity to win. When this book falls into your hands, there is stuff you can use immediately. Besides the tips, there are techniques, exercises, and a few tricks that help you win more games. Yes, you can even use these to beat better shooters. Consider this book to be the digest version of the Safety Toolbox. A couple of hours of study, combined with some practice table time, and you are suddenly a tougher shooter. Let your opponents use the bar-banger style of calling fantastic hero shots, such as, “5 ball, four rails, off the 7 and into the side pocket.” This book will add some competitive maturity to your playing style. I don’t need to wish you good luck. This book and some of your time is all you need to begin winning more games. And here’s a useful benefit from the book – you don’t have to outshoot your opponent. Simply prevent him from winning.

Become the Dangerous Player! Learn Strategies and Tactics to become the Smarter, Tougher Competitor! Inside this book is everything you need to: • Play a smarter game • Think “Above the Table” • Beat better players • Control your opponent • Manage the table Among the many features of this book are: • Descriptions of all the safety tools • Exercises to master cue ball speed & spin • Strategies to hinder your opponent • Tricks and traps to win more games. • Tactical responses to table circumstances • How to make table problems work for you • Ways to get out of safety traps • Psychological warfare tools • 8 Ball & 9 ball tactical maneuvers

To become the Intelligent player, you must understand how the battles of the Green Game are played out. This book defines the underlying strategic and tactical skills necessary to compete effectively. This book proves that mental skills are more important that physical skills. You will learn a philosophy of pool that will be useful throughout your entire pool playing lifetime.

Welcome to the Fascinating World of Pool & Pocket Billiards! This is your best resource to learn about the sport of pocket billiards! Inside this book are the answers to hundreds of common questions about the Green Game: • FAQs about the Green Game • FAQs about gambling • FAQs about playing situations • FAQs about practicing • FAQs about playing equipment • FAQs about teaching & learning • Rules for 25 different pool games • Glossary of hundreds of pool terms