Rating: 
Summary: Finally a book that goes well beyond the basics.
Review: Kanov and Stauch finally wrote the book that has been so long overdue. Before "Precision Pool" all instructional billiard books were the same old saw of 'stand like this, grip like this, stroke like this'. This book addresses the previously ignored and terribly important issues that beginners eventually run into and the intermediate to advanced players face every day. These are the topics of pattern play, safety play, strategies and tactics and, perhaps most importantly, Mind-Body Toughness. Pool is an extreme mental challenge, and these authors are the first to address this issue in a manner that all players can quickly absorb and utilize. This is not just another pool book, this is must-have reading for players of all levels. A diamond in a sea of rhinestones.
Rating:
Summary: Finally a book that goes well beyond the basics.
Review: Kanov and Stauch finally wrote the book that has been so long overdue. Before "Precision Pool" all instructional billiard books were the same old saw of 'stand like this, grip like this, stroke like this'. This book addresses the previously ignored and terribly important issues that beginners eventually run into and the intermediate to advanced players face every day. These are the topics of pattern play, safety play, strategies and tactics and, perhaps most importantly, Mind-Body Toughness. Pool is an extreme mental challenge, and these authors are the first to address this issue in a manner that all players can quickly absorb and utilize. This is not just another pool book, this is must-have reading for players of all levels. A diamond in a sea of rhinestones.
Rating:
Summary: Move over, Striking Viking!
Review: OK, so I may not be competition for the Striking Viking or the Black Widow, but I love this book and its approach to teaching those of us who aspire to such lofty heights. Precision Pool has covered all the bases for me, from fundamentals to more advanced pattern plays. It has guided me, chapter by chapter, to a higher skill level and given me better understanding of other components which can affect the game, such as mental concentration, vision, and confidence. There are great diagrams in Precision Pool that explain English; Follow; Draw; and several aiming techniques (this is for those of us who have to SEE it to understand it). Oh, and you'll really enjoy Chapter Ten which offers you several practice games that are much more fun than ordinary practice shots and drills. I had about 5 or 6 books on pool in my library. Quite honestly this was the last one I bought. After Precision Pool I didn't need anymore. It's fun, it's informative, and it's well-written. Keep it close to your pool table and just see how much you consistently refer to it.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Illustrated and Most Comprehensive Book on Pool
Review: Precision Pool is the reference for students and instructors alike. It covers all aspects of the game from the basics to advanced play. Advanced players can benefit from a review of the fundamentals of bridges and stroke as well as the "reasons behind certain spohisticated shots and position play" from time to time. Advanced and Intermediate players will find sound instruction on patterns, position play, banks, stategy and, most importantly, the mental aspects of competition play. Beginning players will find this a resource for several years as they build a competitive game. One of the strengths of this book is that it "reveals" many of the mystreies of the game as to why certain shots roll long, or short, as they play out. Precision Pool give details about banking and cushion first shots that few people truly understand. Best of all the diagrams and descriptions make it possible for any player to understand these subtle, but all important, aspects of object ball and cue ball travel. It would be fair to say that I learned more from this book than any other I have used in over fourty year's of pool and 3 cushion play. I use this book frequently in conjunction with teaching students at all levels of ability. Precision Pool is the only instruction book we carry at Palace Billiards. I recommend it with confidence to our customers. It will be "the best twenty dollars they will ever spend on their game."
Rating:
Summary: The Best Illustrated and Most Comprehensive Book on Pool
Review: Precision Pool is the reference for students and instructors alike. It covers all aspects of the game from the basics to advanced play. Advanced players can benefit from a review of the fundamentals of bridges and stroke as well as the "reasons behind certain spohisticated shots and position play" from time to time. Advanced and Intermediate players will find sound instruction on patterns, position play, banks, stategy and, most importantly, the mental aspects of competition play. Beginning players will find this a resource for several years as they build a competitive game. One of the strengths of this book is that it "reveals" many of the mystreies of the game as to why certain shots roll long, or short, as they play out. Precision Pool give details about banking and cushion first shots that few people truly understand. Best of all the diagrams and descriptions make it possible for any player to understand these subtle, but all important, aspects of object ball and cue ball travel. It would be fair to say that I learned more from this book than any other I have used in over fourty year's of pool and 3 cushion play. I use this book frequently in conjunction with teaching students at all levels of ability. Precision Pool is the only instruction book we carry at Palace Billiards. I recommend it with confidence to our customers. It will be "the best twenty dollars they will ever spend on their game."
Rating:
Summary: INSPIRATIONAL!!
Review: This book has sparked the passion I thought had faded long ago! Beyond the mechanics, the authors spell out the simple truths and provide valuable insights to this most intriguing game. The writing is clear and peppered with humor, and the diagrams are the best I've seen. This book has gems buried in each chapter, but what I liked best were the different games described at the end of each lesson, that make your practice time more interesting as well as beneficial. Specifically, the Seven-Day Pool and Billiard Practice Routine, gives you a great all around work out. Who would have thought of cool-down exercises that enhance your mental game!! If you want to get excited about your game again, if you've forgotten just how much fun it can be, or if you're just getting started, and want to do things the right way, this is the book for you.
Rating:
Summary: Very instructive
Review: This book is very instructive. It explains very well how to do the shots. I would recommend this book to any beginner, and although I play for 10 years, I found it very interesting. It explains very carefully and detailed (with pictures) how to do every kind of shot, plus tactics and other tips...
Rating:
Summary: Includes Information I Haven't Seen Anywhere Else
Review: This book isn't for rank beginners. There are plenty of books that cover that field. This one is aimed at those that have a working knowledge of pool and can make a couple of balls in a row, all the way up to runout players looking for an edge. Every point is profusely illustrated, making even advanced techniques clear and simple. Kanov and Stauch include a unique "Troubleshooting" guide that you can refer to when your game suddenly heads south and you don't know why. It's part of a chapter on mind-body toughness, which offers a solid approach to kicking your game off a plateau and pushing it to a higher level. A full page on the right way to rack for various games offers a quick reference, while the chapter it's in offers details and insights into how to rack and break in everything from Straight Pool to One Pocket. Methods of practice is another strong point. They're scattered throughout, appropriate to the topic at hand, and really focus in on the particular skill needing development. The insights and research on aiming alone are worth the price of the book. Kanov and Stauch also provide methods to improveyour eyesight and therefore, your aiming ability. Precision Pool is an excellent book for anyone who wants to improve their game. Highly Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent instruction for the intermediate/advanced player
Review: This book offers many important and fundamental aspects of intermediate pool mechanics and strategy. As a player of six years, I can honestly say that this book offers a lot of important information that is left out of most other books. In my opinion, this book and the Monk's "point the way" (along with tons of experience, of course) are all that is necessary to become a complete pool player both mentally and physically. Of course, there is always that wonderful world of one pocket but that's another tale for another day.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent instruction for the intermediate/advanced player
Review: This book offers many important and fundatmental aspects of intermediate pool mechanics and strategy. As a player of six years, I can honestly say that this book offers a lot of important information that is left out of most other books. In my opinion, this book and the Monk's "point the way" (along with tons of experience, of course) are all that is necessary to become a complete pool player both mentally and physically. Of course, there is always that wonderful world of one pocket but that's another tale for another day.
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