Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know

by Robert Byrne

A comprehensive shot-by-shot instructional guide from billiards expert Robert Byrne.
Ranging from tickys and double-kisses to jump shots and diamond systems, Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots takes players on an accelerated trip from pool kindergarten to graduate school. Players of every skill level will find ways to improve their game and get ahead of their opponents with 350 of Byrne's clever and intricately diagrammed moves — many of which are outlined here for the first time by one of the game's most masterful players and teachers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Reference, Games

384 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2003

About the author

Robert Byrne is the author of seven novels, five collections of humorous quotations, seven books on billiards, two anthologies, and an expose of frauds in the literary world. One of his novels, Thrill, was made into NBC’s Monday Night Movie, which aired for the first time on May 20, 1996. Four of his novels were selections of Reader’s Digest Condensed Books and published in many languages. His style is widely praised for its clarity and wit. Byrne’s Standard Book of Pool and Billiards, published in 1978 and expanded in 1998, has sold over 500,000 copies. -byrne.org

Reviews

[Timothy Machula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most comprehensive and well-organized book of shots in existence. Discussion of strategy, the nuances of "throw", and the vast array of shots available in a game make this a valuable resource for any serious pool player

[William Schram · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Complete Book of Pool Shots will take you from beginner to professional levels of play in Billiards. While the book isn't really for me, I still think you can get value from reading it.

I scoured the games and hobbies section of my local library and took out this book on a whim. I played Billiards before, but I am terrible at the game. I get the gist of the game, but I can't aim my shots accurately. I don't have a Pool Table either, so I can't practice.

The book organizes the shots by difficulty in particular categories. As the book mentions, there are 350 of them to peruse.

[Bradford D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is most assuredly not a book for beginners or occasional players. It is designed for the advanced shot-maker who desires to elevate his game to a professional level. Byrne concentrates on tools to use to win games and frustrate your opponent. He ends with a look at pool’s cultural influences.