8 Pool Billiards Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

When Robert Byrne wrote this book, he drew directly from decades of tournament experience and a passion for teaching pool at every level. The book breaks down 350 specific shots, from fundamental bank shots to sophisticated jump techniques, offering detailed diagrams and explanations that sharpen your tactical thinking. You'll gain precise insights into shot selection, cue ball control, and defensive play, making it relevant whether you’re just starting or competing seriously. The chapter on diamond systems, for example, provides a clear framework to improve your positional play. If you're serious about elevating your pool skills through methodical study, this book delivers a rich toolkit, though casual players may find the depth more than they need.

When Phil Capelle, a seasoned pool expert and tournament champion, wrote this book, he aimed to demystify the complexities of pool for players at all levels. You’ll find detailed guidance on everything from stance and stroke mechanics to advanced techniques like cue ball control and position play, including his 22 Principles of Position Play. The book also dives deep into strategic aspects of popular games such as 8-ball and 9-ball, backed by over 170 illustrations that clarify offensive and defensive tactics. Whether you’re practicing safeties, learning kick shots, or developing your mental game, this book offers a structured approach that helps improve your skills systematically.

This tailored book dives deep into mastering pool billiards by aligning expert knowledge with your unique background and goals. It explores essential techniques, shot precision, cue ball control, and strategic thinking, all tailored to your current skill level and learning objectives. By focusing on your interests, it reveals the nuances of stance, stroke mechanics, and safety play, offering a clear path to improving your game beyond generic advice. Through a personalized lens, the book examines both foundational skills and advanced tactics, helping you build confidence and consistency on the table. It encourages thoughtful practice and mental acuity, making your journey from amateur to confident player both engaging and effective.

Gerry Kanov and Shari Stauch bring decades of pro experience to this updated guide that dives deep into pool strategy and shot-making across 9-ball, 8-ball, straight pool, and one-pocket. You’ll get detailed instruction on aiming, cue ball control, power breaks, and advanced shot setups, backed by over 200 full-color diagrams that clarify complex plays. The book doesn’t just focus on technique—it also teaches how to read the table and maintain focus under pressure, skills essential for elevating your competitive game. If you’re serious about improving beyond casual play, this book offers targeted insights that help you think several moves ahead and sharpen your overall approach.

What started as a revival of a fallen champion's career becomes an insightful look into the evolving world of pool. Walter Tevis, drawing from his deep understanding of competitive dynamics, explores the shift from straight pool to nine-ball through the eyes of "Fast" Eddie Felson. You gain a nuanced view of adapting skills to new challenges and the mental game behind competition. If you're intrigued by how players navigate changing landscapes in pool or appreciate character-driven sports narratives, this book offers perspectives beyond just technique.

When Robert Byrne merged his national-class pool and billiards expertise with his civil engineering background, he crafted a guide rich in both technical insight and visual clarity. This book breaks down the essentials and nuances of cue sports, offering you over 350 detailed black-and-white illustrations that demystify shot techniques, table layouts, and game strategies. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an advanced player refining your skills, Byrne’s explanations in chapters on shot mechanics and safety play provide concrete knowledge you can test at the table. The book’s depth suits anyone serious about mastering pool or billiards, though casual hobbyists might find its thoroughness more than they need.

This tailored book explores a focused 30-day plan designed to elevate your cue ball handling skills in pool billiards. It guides you through carefully selected drills that emphasize shot accuracy, cue control, and position play, all matched to your current experience and goals. By concentrating on the nuances of cue ball movement, spin, and speed, it reveals how subtle adjustments can transform your game. The personalized content ensures the learning path aligns with your interests and skill level, helping you build consistent, precise shot-making abilities through deliberate practice. This approach bridges expert billiards knowledge with your unique needs, making every practice session effective and engaging.

What happens when a seasoned pool historian meets one of the most charismatic players in billiards history? Mark C. O'Brien brings "St. Louie Louie" Roberts to life through vivid storytelling drawn from decades of connection within the pool community. You'll explore gripping tales of legendary shots, high-stakes gambling, and the unique culture of pool rooms from the 1970s onward. This book offers a rare glimpse into the life of a player once hailed as the greatest shot maker, blending humor and poignancy across its chapters. If you're fascinated by pool's rich heritage or the personalities behind the game, this book delivers a nuanced portrait that goes beyond technique to capture the spirit of the sport.

What happens when scientific rigor meets the nuanced world of pocket billiards? Jack H. Koehler, with a solid background in scientific research and decades of passion for pool, breaks down the game's mechanics with precise technical analysis. You'll find detailed explorations of concepts like various types of english—inside, outside, draw, follow—and how collisions affect cue ball behavior, all explained without myths or guesswork. The book offers you practical experimentation, such as trying eight different banking systems to find what suits your play style best. Whether you're a casual player looking for solid fundamentals or an enthusiast hungry for deep understanding, this book equips you with a methodical approach to mastering pocket billiards.

Jack H. Koehler's decades of scientific observation and hands-on experimentation inform this deep dive into pool. The book methodically breaks down fundamental skills like aiming and stroke mechanics, progressing to complex concepts such as advanced shot-making and game strategy. With 277 illustrations and 33 photographs, it equips you to both casually enjoy the game and rigorously study it over time. Whether you're an occasional player wanting solid basics or a dedicated student aiming to refine intricate techniques, this work offers a structured, logical approach rooted in science to elevate your pocket billiards skills.