Pool and Billiards For Dummies

I've been playing pool for a while, but am entirely self-taught. I thought I was decent until recently getting hustled by a guy with a toothy smile who smoked Winstons (yes, Winstons) the whole time we played. I know - if you don't know who the sucker is in a pool hall, it's probably you. Needless to say, I went home and ate an entire Jack's Pizza feeling sorry for myself.My friends say I'm a (slightly) competitive person, so it's no surprise that to avoid that embarrassment again, I decided see what books were out there for learning about pool from some experts. I picked up this book since it was brand new (maybe it would have some new strategies that haven't been written about before?) and on sale (always looking for a deal).Turns out to have been a great decision. First, it is structured very logically and easy to follow. Second, there is a lot of insight about the game (strategies, techniques, etc.) that the author makes super clear and easy to digest. And most importantly, you can immediately take these ideas to the table and see improvement. My friend has a table, and he and I have spent some time playing and practicing some of the techniques. He is a very good player, and was surprised to find that there were things in the book that even he could learn from - so I think this book has something for all levels of players.This book has really piqued my interest in the game, and the things I've learned from it have inspired me to become more than just a casual player. And hopefully I can avoid losing my shirt to Dr. Teeth again...

My dad bought a pool table and really didn’t know much about playing. I purchased this book for his birthday and he finds it vary helpful. Basic rules and then some.

Offer lots of good information, especially to beginner. At least, it provides a good starting point. However, sometime, it can be confusing since the author forgets to explain the terms he uses.

The book is very well organized and easy to read. Very useful for the beginner

So much to learn. Excellent resource.

I picked up pool when I retired and have been playing for about two years. In an effort to improve, I have purchased several books that were recommended by more experienced pool players. In each of them, I reached a level of frustration quickly because they were written by professionals who had long ago forgotten how difficult it is to build billiard skills.Finally, I ordered Nicholas Leider's book and have not regretted it. Even with two years experience, I ended up reading the entire book, instead of skipping earlier chapters. I have read the book, practiced what it teaches and am applying what I've learned when playing. Within a month, I could see a difference in my play because I've begun to have a chance against players I formerly used to loose to.I recommend this book to anyone who is a beginner or for someone, like myself, who has some experience but has difficulty in putting it all together. This book is direct, to the point but easy to understand and follow. I only wish I had purchased this book two years ago.

I have read about half of this book so far. It has helped me play a little better. I would recommend this for billiards players just starting out. The experienced player is may not get as much out of it.

Not everyone grew up in a pool hall or played billards; however never receiving insturction except for the people in pool halls; i found this book very informative. Giving you the basics from stance to sinking the eight ball all in easy to read format. This book is a great way to start children in the art of billards and as always with Dummies books give you all the basic informaiton needed to go further in the subject with a good basic foundation.

Ainda não li...So vi superficialmente!!!

Very useful book, covers all the basics, plus how side and screw affect the line of any and all shots. Would highly recommend for a beginner and those who want to improve their match play.

I had hoped for a fuller explanation of the rules of snooker, in simple terms, as part of the book. The treatment is quite brief and limited. Otherwise an initial perusal makes me think it will be helpful in playing the various games of snooker, pool and billiards. Time will tell.

Very nice book, good content and illustrations. I t would be great a version in spanish.Good for beginners and intermediate.

A bunch of people at my workplace play pool every Friday night, and I decided I wanted to get in on the fun. I hadn't played pool since I was a kid visiting my grandparents, and they had a pool table in the basement.So my "technique" was really rough and my knowledge was limited. This book certainly helped me out a bit and it stops me from looking totally clueless at pool night. I think even a seasoned pool player could learn at least one or two things from this.I love the For Dummies books because you can just skim through or skip sections and read exactly what you want to know. They're definitely reader friendly because of this.