99 Critical Shots In Pool tops for 30 years

Johnnyt

Johnnyt

Burn all jump cues
Silver Member
I know Ray Martin doesn't need a plug for his book, but I feel I need to say something after picking up my third copy in thirty years. In my book it has to be in the top 5 instructional pool books ever written. I also like Robert Byrne's New Standard of Pool and Billiards, but not as much.

After reading Martin's new edition I re learned things that I had forgoten or thought I was doing right. In IMO Critical Shots in Pool is the one book a beginer to an advanced player should have on their shelf. Thanks Ray. Johnnyt
 
That was the first pool book I read. That was around 15 years ago. Since then I have read a lot. I just recently received a new copy as a gift and had a blast going through the shots again. IMO it is one of the best.
 
I've been playing for 3 years and wasn't expecting to learn new stuff until I got deep into the book. Well, I learned something new and went "wow, how did I miss that" and "that makes so much sense!" on Shot 15.

I have a lot to learn and can't wait to read the next 80 shots....
 
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i was never interested in this book because of the title for some reason, but my local pool hall has it and now i want to check it out
 
the 99 crical shots is the only book that helped me.having said that i saw a freddie the beard banking video that was very good and i want his book
 
Johnnyt said:
I know Ray Martin doesn't need a plug for his book, but I feel I need to say something after picking up my third copy in thirty years. In my book it has to be in the top 5 instructional pool books ever written. I also like Robert Byrne's New Standard of Pool and Billiards, but not as much.

After reading Martin's new edition I re learned things that I had forgoten or thought I was doing right. In IMO Critical Shots in Pool is the one book a beginer to an advanced player should have on their shelf. Thanks Ray. Johnnyt
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Johnnyt, I have to disagree with you on one thing, I think it is the best book ever written for a beginner, and a great book for practice drills for any player. The Robert Burns books leave to many things out and a beginner especially will not understand why thing do not work like in the book.

I have a 1st Edition of the book in my Library that is signed by Ray Martin, and that is one I would never loan to anyone.

Great thread, Thanks!:)
 
Johnnyt said:
I know Ray Martin doesn't need a plug for his book, but I feel I need to say something after picking up my third copy in thirty years. In my book it has to be in the top 5 instructional pool books ever written. I also like Robert Byrne's New Standard of Pool and Billiards, but not as much.

After reading Martin's new edition I re learned things that I had forgoten or thought I was doing right. In IMO Critical Shots in Pool is the one book a beginer to an advanced player should have on their shelf. Thanks Ray. Johnnyt
Click to expand...
I totally agree. I started on this site a year ago,maybe more and someone told me about this book. I am a good player??(from what I heard). I bought the book and took it to the poolhall doing every drill starting from page 8(the bridge) to go back to the fundamentals and you're right,you forget alot. My favorite drills are the throw shots;frozen,single or banked balls. I still use the bank shot formula on page 68 to teach newer players the angle,hit right,works everytime. Great book.:thumbup:
 
Johnnyt said:
I know Ray Martin doesn't need a plug for his book, but I feel I need to say something after picking up my third copy in thirty years. In my book it has to be in the top 5 instructional pool books ever written. I also like Robert Byrne's New Standard of Pool and Billiards, but not as much.

After reading Martin's new edition I re learned things that I had forgoten or thought I was doing right. In IMO Critical Shots in Pool is the one book a beginer to an advanced player should have on their shelf. Thanks Ray. Johnnyt
Click to expand...

Amen Johnny
 
99 Critical Shots has sold more in our billiard parlor than any other book by far. I would say it approaches 40% of people who buy instruction books buy this one, and everyone that has commented on it has loved it. Great instruction for the beginner to intermediate player (which is 95% of most pool rooms) I just wish it came in a spiral ring binding so people could lay it on the rail while doing the shots. Great book though.
 
"99 Critical Shots in pool" is by far the best pool book I have of my pool books. I have used it in the past page by page, and I'm going to use it again. If you have to buy one pool book IMO this would be it.

Jim "preacherman"
www.christianpoolplayers.com
 
I recently sold nearly my entire collection of billiard books (over 70
books) and this is what I kept:

The 99 Critical Shots in Pool
Winning One-Pocket
Shots, Moves, & Strategies
Pleasures of Small Motions
Banking with the Beard.
 
asiasdad said:
I recently sold nearly my entire collection of billiard books (over 70
books) and this is what I kept:

The 99 Critical Shots in Pool
Winning One-Pocket
Shots, Moves, & Strategies
Pleasures of Small Motions
Banking with the Beard.
Click to expand...

I too have a very limited permanent pool book collection... These 3 books will never leave my possession:

The 99 Critical Shots in Pool
Banking with the Beard
Pleasures of Small Motions

I have read a lot of pool literature. These three books are the best, and I keep going back to them time and time again.
 
justpool said:
Wish i could find a hard cover 1st edition & printing signed by ray & rooser!!
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Google it and/or find a used book seller who will keep your request on file and notify you when they find it. There are many of them.

Then when you get the first edition send it to Ray for him to sign... but you will want to send him a check! It's the right thing to do. He deserves it.

He posts here but I can't rememer his name. I bought two hard copies, first editions and sent them to him and he didn't require any $$ but it's the right thing to do. Put the book in a box that is ready to ship back to you and then put that box in the box to ship to him. Make it easy for him and make it lucrative for him... he's doing you a service and it's an honor to have anything to do with a great player like him.
 
Funny, I played a friend last night and he asked if I read the book. Nope, but I've heard a lot about it. He is going to loan me his copy. Can't wait!
 
Ray Martin's book is one of the first I ever bought. However, I've never gone back to it as I personally believe that Byrne's books are better, as are Cappelle's.
 
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