Rating: 
Summary: Finally, a book about pool that covers it all!
Review: Don't be fooled by the title, though. This book is for everyone. Even advanced players will learn something from this former world champion's new book!Expanding on her first book, "The Ewa Mataya Pool Guide," the author goes into great detail to explain everything from how to chalk up to advanced trick shots. This is the book that I wished for when I first started playing pool. Not all great players can teach, but this author definitely can. The book assumes you know nothing about pool but somehow manages not to talk down to you even if you have advanced knowledge on the subject. The book progresses in a logical order, but is designed so that you can use it as a reference book as well, looking up just what you want to know. More advanced players will undoubtedly find something helpful even in the pages covering the fundamentals. The sections on advanced play are written such that even a beginner can understand the theory, even if they won't be able to put it into practice right away. Throughout, the author peppers the pages with anecdotes (both personal and historical), mistakes to avoid, and unusual billiards facts. I can honestly say that this is the only instructional book about anything that I've ever read that's kept me up with "just one more page" for 50 or 60 pages. If you're a beginner and you can only get one pool/billiards book, this is the one to get! I know that I'll be referring to my copy many, many times in the years to come.
Rating:
Summary: This is the best book ever for a beginner!!
Review: Five years ago I was that beginner. I studied this book as though I were taking a college course. Two years ago I bought my own pool table. Sorry Ewa, not a Brunswick. Now that I'm ready for them, I have just ordered 3 books by Robert Byrne's. I also have a pool mentor/friend who teaches me and loans me pool videos.
Rating: 
Summary: Extremely well-detailed summary of the game of pool.
Review: I am a beginner,and I found this book very helpful. It is so detailed with history, tips, selection techniques that you don't touch a cue until chapter 10. My only suggestion would be more illustrations, especially in the aiming chapter. Lots of information, and a great value.
Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: I have been playing pool for sometime, and I can hold my own to most people. This book is a lot of fun to read, and offers you clear, useful and very practical advice about every aspect of the game and the sport. The book covers everything from how to play, to how to select the equipment, jokes and even the history of billidards. Its extremly easy and fun to read, and once you pick it up, you can't put it down. Had I known half of the stuff the book covers, I would have save a lot of time "discovering" the right technics, and wasted no money in the wrong equipment. Even if you are an intermediate player, this book will be helpfull (it definitely has helped me to play better). Its a must to anyone who are interested in pool and/or wants to play better.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding, from Soup to Nuts
Review: I have loved the game of billiards for some time, but only recently decided to get serious about improving my game. I have read other books including "The 99 Critical Shots in Pool" by Ray Martin. This is simply the best book that I have read on the subject. The book's scope is ambitious. The authors give essential information on all the equipment you need, everything from choosing a cue to play with when you go to play at your local pool hall to setting up a billiard room at home. The critical aspects of pool etiquette are also covered. The book gives detailed instructions on how to develop the fundamentals of the game, from the rules (which are explained clearly) to how to hold the cue, stand at the table, and so forth. Furthermore, for an experienced player who may have a handle on the fundamentals, the book explains the principles of position play, English, and even explains several trick shots, not to mention important tips on how to spot a hustle. The book is exceptionally well-written and I can't recommend it highly enough for anyone interested in billiards. For the beginner, it provides easy-to-follow instructions on the fundamentals of the game. For the accomplished player, it can help you get to the next level.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding, from Soup to Nuts
Review: I have loved the game of billiards for some time, but only recently decided to get serious about improving my game. I have read other books including "The 99 Critical Shots in Pool" by Ray Martin. This is simply the best book that I have read on the subject. The book's scope is ambitious. The authors give essential information on all the equipment you need, everything from choosing a cue to play with when you go to play at your local pool hall to setting up a billiard room at home. The critical aspects of pool etiquette are also covered. The book gives detailed instructions on how to develop the fundamentals of the game, from the rules (which are explained clearly) to how to hold the cue, stand at the table, and so forth. Furthermore, for an experienced player who may have a handle on the fundamentals, the book explains the principles of position play, English, and even explains several trick shots, not to mention important tips on how to spot a hustle. The book is exceptionally well-written and I can't recommend it highly enough for anyone interested in billiards. For the beginner, it provides easy-to-follow instructions on the fundamentals of the game. For the accomplished player, it can help you get to the next level.
Rating:
Summary: Teaches Well
Review: I like the drills in this book. Pool skill is a matter of practice, practice, practice and this book delivers in spades.
Rating:
Summary: Teaches Well
Review: I like the drills in this book. Pool skill is a matter of practice, practice, practice and this book delivers in spades.
Rating:
Summary: a G reat book for everyone
Review: I READ THIS BOOK BY EWA MATAYA LAURANCE & i THINK EVERYONE THAT NEEDS TO FIND A PART OF THERE GAME THAT IS MISSING OR JUST WANT A GREAT READ THIS IS IT . sHE EXPLAINES THINGS WELL & SIMPLE . Ifeel that even the more advanced player can get something out of this book . I lirned about the different amounts of english you can use for different results on pg. 210.
Rating:
Summary: Best So Far
Review: I've read quite a few books on pool and billiards, and this one is the best so far. I find myself returning to it for reference quite often, even though I've read several books since this one. It does get a little wordy in places but it's an easy read and full of interesting facts. Although geared toward beginner to intermediate, I believe this book would be helpful and entertaining for anyone interested in pool or billiards...at any skill level. (I've been playing over 30 years.)
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