Rating: 
Summary: Good, but here's something Better...
Review: I got this book as a rookie. I started practicing about 5 days a week and thought I should get a book. This was a good book for practicing a few shots. And the things that the author explained were true, but if you really want to improve your game, you should seriously consider "Byrne's New Standard Book of POOL and BILLIARDS". Now that's a book that deserves the title of "everything you need to know to learn and master the game"! A guy at the local pool hall recommended it to me. I ended up buying both books. I don't even use the 99 Critical Shots book anymore. I mean, it's still a good book, and if I had a table in the basement and just wanted to practice a few shots on some Saturday afternoon, I would totally refer to this book. Otherwise, Byrne's book has been my guide and has helped improve my game far more than these 99 Critical Shots.
Rating:
Summary: Better books out there.
Review: I got this book as an intermediate player and it really has not helped my game. I think there are better books out there, so shop around.
Rating:
Summary: Better books out there.
Review: I got this book as an intermediate player and it really has not helped my game. I think there are better books out there, so shop around.
Rating: 
Summary: Play Position
Review: I have always been pretty good at making difficult cut shots, but always remained average overall. I knew position play was the answer to improve, but where the cue ball would wind up after a shot was a complete mystery. Not after reading this wonderful guide. Where position was a mystery, this book has the answers. Now, instead of having to make difficult shots, I simply leave myself easy shots. Also, the book examines interplay among balls which has given me a foundation upon which I will continually grow.
Rating:
Summary: A clear guide to improving your game
Review: I just started playing pool and this book has been very helpful. The points the author makes are clear and useful. By studying this book pool becomes a much more familiar game because you recognize the shots in your games from shots in the book. Also, I've found that except for really advanced players, most other players don't know about a vast majority of the shots detailed in the bookI don't understand the reviewer who commented that the book contradicts physics. While the ball behavior may not be obvious to a pool novice, every shot I have tried from the book "works". The bottom line is that I bought the book, studied it and improved my game. What more do you want from a pool book?
Rating: 
Summary: Definitely improved my game
Review: I just started with the game and was looking for a book that can be used as reference. I didn't even realize that there are a lot of books on the game. 99 Critical Shots definitely gave me the confidence to make those shots. It really makes my day when I see a situation that is discussed in the book and have a go at it. I usually go over the book from time to time and check what I missed or what I did wrong and look forward to correcting the shot the next time around. Can't explain the feeling when you see the cue ball going to where you planned it to be. Thanks Ray......
Rating:
Summary: This book is a billiards bible!!!!
Review: I never played pool before, until about 7 years ago, when I met my husband, who had been playing all his life. Out of self defense, I began to learn the game by watching the "bar room masters". After reading Ray's book, I can proudly say that the student has surpassed the teacher! I beat my hubby 5 out of 7 games the other night at the pool hall, then ran the bar table for almost 5 hours. Ray teaches pool as a strategic thinking man's game, then tests what you've learned at the end of the book.
Rating:
Summary: If you only ever buy one book about billiards... this is it.
Review: I normally would not take the time to add to the other reviews, but I felt that I owed it to Ray Martin. If you are not on the pro tour, I can almost guarantee that there is something for you in this book. Perhaps it is a new shot, or an easier, better way to run a rack or two, it can be found in this book. Ray "Cool Cat" Martin covers everything from the basic mechanics to many, many shots that come up in everyday games. He also sheds light on some of the almost "impossible" shots (that you too, will soon be making on a regular basis). This game has helped me tremendously! If you want a book that is quick to the point, with detailed descriptions and drawings that will not only reinstate the basic fundamentals as well as add a few new shots to your arsenal, then this book is for you.
Rating:
Summary: This book will help you get your game back on track.
Review: I would consider myself an intermediate level 9-ball player that consistently has 3 to 4 ball runs with the occasional run-out from the break. I attribute that to this book. Excellent explanations of english and position play that can be used in all games of billiards-- 7-ball, 8-ball, 9-ball, and straight pool including snooker and carom billiards. Anytime I feel myself falling into a slump, I crack this book and review the shot fundamentals-- stance, pace, grip, english, and position play. It helps me get back on track to a consistent game. The shots described in this book do come up every time in at least one form or another. It's a great book for any level billiard enthusiast and for any billiard game. I do agree with one reviewer; however, when he stated that the last 20 or so shots deal with the 'straight pool' game. Nevertheless, there is a good deal of information that will help you improve your game or get it back on track to run-out or crack the rack. :-)
Rating:
Summary: Important Contribution
Review: If you are already an experienced player, yet you don't have the benefit of working with a veteran player to learn all the "inside" tricks, this book will help you on your quest. Pocket billiards in general consists of only a few standard shots, but in serious play you need to be able to pull tricks out of your hat to win. This book will teach you both the common shots and the more esoteric combo, carom, kiss, hook, ghost, and masse shots. Work on your stroke, your patterns, your mental toughness, and Ray Martin's compendium of 99 Critical Shots and you'll be a winner!
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