Basic Pool: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

by Arthur "Babe" Cranfield

As Arthur “Babe” Cranfield states in his introduction, “Anyone can learn to play pool well. . . . Pool is beautiful and democratic that way. Anyone can apply his or her strengths to the game and excel since the game requires so many different types of skills. There is room in billiards and pool for those blessed with excellent hand-eye coordination, those with very little coordination but strong intellect, those who are systematic but not creative, and those who are creative but not systematic.”

Whatever your style, skills, and strengths, Babe has something to teach you. From basics like choosing a table and selecting a cue to advanced techniques like manipulating the ball using English, draw, and follow, Basic Pool has all you need to improve your game and increase the enjoyment you take from it. Other topics include:

• The mechanics of pool
• Perfecting your aim using babe’s famous “arrow” system
• Cue ball control
• Maintaining proper concentration
• Standard rules of the most popular games
• Effective practice techniques
• And many more!

Babe takes the mystery out of playing well, providing encouraging and easy-to-follow instructions for every aspect of the game.

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2010

Reviews

[Sam D’Antonio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Woe unto ye who dare playeth me in poole now

[Elwin Kline · Rating 2 out of 5]

A worthwhile Basic Pool book. - 2.5 star rating, with a round down to a 2 is fair.

This covers the basics from table sizes, etiquette, cue stick facts, and opens with a nicely done pool love story coming from the heart by the author.

When it comes to pool coaches, whether their delivery method is text or video based content... one thing that repulses me is one-size-fits all mentalities. I hard disagree that there is a single best body position/hand bridge and really cringe when I read or watch this online. People are tall, short, fat, have injuries such as bad shoulders or spine/lower body ailments that change everything from knee bend, feet placement, and even torso rotation.

My shoulder is so shot that the only surgical option is to rip it out entirely and get a metal+plastic implant. Additionally, I have a L5-S1 disc herniation, I am also 275 lbs. and 6'3" with shoes on. I say again, how are you going to tell me to stand and place my hand ... versus a 150 lbs. injury free female that's 5 foot something?

When it comes to playing pool and positioning (hand or body), I believe 100% that it comes down to the player. Are they comfortable, confident, and can they sustain consistency.

Readers, don't hard lock yourself in to trying to perform a rigid position that makes you feel uncomfortable/unnatural. My Dad used to play with his fist on the table and let me tell ya, he was a hustler in his youth and dominated on the pool table in $20 a ball games in local pool halls. I say again, with his fist on the table. As a kid, I remember watching his opponents get extremely mad and say that his hand bridge was unfair.

I'll never forget watching my Dad betting a $1,000 on a shot. His opponent cowered and did accept. He put his fist on the table and nailed it with ease. Miss ya Dad. He passed in 2021.

Bottom Line Up Front:

- No matter how many books you read or videos you watch, nothing replaces time on the table.

- Practice, practice, practice.

- Play games solo by yourself. If you miss a shot during practice play, redo that missed shot 3+ times until you understand the all the various outcomes of top spin, bottom spin, quick taps versus follow-through strokes, left/right English, speed/power of your stroke, and everything else in between.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book for bginners and for those, like me, whose fundamentals can use some help. Clearly written, and inspiring.